Video & Transcript : 'direct care' :
Page 397 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- hearts, our minds, and our consciousness to what you would have us understand and guide us in the direction
- they go, whether they keep direction they go, whether they keep fluoride<00:27:03.360><c> in</c><00:
- Um, you know, inschool dental care.
- </c><00:57:47.200><c> and</c> the lack of quality home care and the lack of quality home care and perhaps
- Um, I would I where they can't get care.
Keywords:
Discussion of SB 126 (2025 RS) 00:05:13
Discussion of HB 16 (2025 RS) 00:15:40
Kentucky Department of Parks – Overview 01:05:06, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met jointly for State Government, State and Local Government, and Elections and Constitutional Amendments, approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, and then took up discussion of Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power. Senator Chris McDaniel said the measure was prompted by concerns over pardons issued in 2019 and would bar pardons for 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the swearing-in of a new governor, leaving the power otherwise intact. Members who spoke generally supported the proposal as a way to increase accountability, and McDaniel said he intended to place it on the 2026 ballot. No vote was taken on the bill during the discussion.
The committee then moved to House Bill 16 on water fluoridation. Representative Hart and Senator Greg Elkins said the bill would remove Kentucky’s fluoridation mandate and give local water districts the choice to add fluoride or not. They emphasized that the revised draft also adds immunity language to protect districts from civil litigation regardless of their decision. Dr. Jack Call, a Louisville dentist, presented against fluoridation, arguing that the main dental benefit is topical rather than from drinking water and citing studies and reports he said linked fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children and other health concerns. Cindy Batson, a nurse and parent, also supported the bill and said she had testified on the issue for years.
During questions, Senator Rollins raised concerns about fluoride being an industrial byproduct and described fluoridation as forced medication. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s local-control and immunity provisions, with sponsors saying they were not trying to relitigate the broader science but wanted to remove the mandate. The transcript ends while questions and testimony on HB 16 were still underway, and no final committee action is shown.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation Committee Jun 23rd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- And this includes both recommendations directed at the state, as well as recommendations directed at
- perceived internally as such a high... ...clear direction.
- WSDOT's current focus is on fulfilling legislative direction.
- Its current focus is on fulfilling legislative direction.
- WSDOT's current focus is on fulfilling legislative direction.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 24th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, if you’ll direct your attention to the back of the gallery, the back of the floor, today I’m
- very best of the nursing profession through her leadership, experience, and dedication to patient care
- Title 19 and pay back to the Health Care Authority to cover the Medicaid expenses that we have.
- President, you started to talk a little bit about our uncompensated care.
- mental health care in that same time period.
Bills:
SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284, SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778, SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155, SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618, SB2106, SB1471, SB2139, SB2154, SB1619, SCR15, HB2786, HB2787, SB1525, SB2011, SB2159
Keywords:
cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the nurse of the day, Michelle Bradshaw, along with several gallery guests and pages. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 15, recognizing February 24 as World Spay Day to highlight pet overpopulation and the importance of spay and neuter programs; the resolution was adopted without debate.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 2786, a supplemental appropriation of $19,660,770 for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to close out FY25 and cover statutory and contractual obligations, including Medicaid/Title 19-related payments. Senator Kurt raised repeated concerns that the supplemental did not restore funding for substance use providers, uncompensated care, or crisis services that had been cut or left unpaid, while Senator Rosino argued the bill only covered amounts the state was legally required to pay and reflected the department’s verified needs. The Joint Committee report was adopted, and HB 2786 passed 38-10 and was then passed as an emergency measure.
The Senate also passed House Bill 2787, a supplemental for the State Department of Health tied to legacy contracts associated with “Choosing Childbirth,” despite criticism from Senator Kurt that the money could have gone to direct mental health services. The chamber then advanced and passed Senate Bill 1525, raising the threshold for the Tourism and Recreation Department to contract with private entities for a tourism conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and Senate Bill 2011, adding contracted employees of county detention facilities to a protected class list. Senate Bill 2159, designating wheat as the official state crop, also passed. The Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- subsidies, child care providers providing the care for children, as well as, I mean, we were talking
- for foster care initiatives.
- So just different other services for foster care initiatives and things of that nature.
- We're going in the right direction, I think nationally as well.
- If you have more questions, just direct them to the senator. I am.
Summary:
The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions heard Senate Substitute No. 3 to Senate Bill 888, a broad criminal justice measure sponsored by Sen. Nick Schroer. The bill would change juvenile procedures, including fingerprinting certain offenders under 18, sealing those records for law enforcement and prosecutors, closing juvenile proceedings to the public in some cases, allowing shackling in limited circumstances, and revising the juvenile detention assessment form. It also revises sentencing rules for certain felonies by increasing minimum time-served thresholds, limiting or eliminating conditional release for some offenses, changing how jail-time credit is calculated and challenged, and adding or reclassifying several offenses as dangerous felonies, including some sex offenses, trafficking-related crimes, and endangering the welfare of a child. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve consistency, public safety, and transparency for victims and offenders, while clarifying that it did not change the elements of endangering the welfare of a child or create a vaccination-based offense.
Testimony was mixed. The Missouri Prosecutors Association and Missouri Sheriffs’ United supported the bill, emphasizing clearer sentencing information for victims and stronger consequences for violent and repeat offenders. The Missouri Department of Corrections also supported the sentencing portion, saying the bill’s parole-percentage changes were conviction-based and that the department’s main goal was transparency at sentencing. Opponents, including the Missouri Justice Coalition, the Public Defender System, and several juvenile justice advocates, argued that the juvenile provisions would push more children into adult court, undermine Missouri’s nationally recognized juvenile model, and increase racial disparities and recidivism. They also criticized the mandatory minimums and longer sentences as costly and punitive, warning of higher prison populations and possible new prison construction. Several witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s treatment of vaccination status in the child endangerment section.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses extensively about whether the bill changed commitments versus convictions, the fiscal note, prison capacity, juvenile detention bed space, and whether the measure would apply retroactively. The sponsor and DOC said the sentencing changes were forward-looking and that the bill was meant to provide more certainty at sentencing, though some details were left to experts and later cleanup. The committee recessed during testimony to return after session, then reconvened in executive session. Representative Davis offered an amendment clarifying that vaccination status alone cannot prove endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, and the committee discussed the amendment before continuing consideration of the bill.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- These policies should be taken seriously and with care.
- As a parent, educator, and health care worker, I oppose this bill.
- As a parent, educator, and health care worker, I oppose this bill.
- I know here in the state of Florida we really care about parental rights.
- Representative, yeah, I'm just going to direct this to you.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments.
Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures.
In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This study was initiated at... your request after the passage of House Memorial 43, which directed LESC
- We have to be careful with summative data.
- A measure of intelligence, and we have to be careful with top-down communication.
- So will you take care of that and get a group of people to submit it?
- We have to direct this report, John. All right, thank you, Mr. Chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas A&M has its own health care benefit where other universities have the ERS, so we change that language
- We have worked over the interim to take care of their concerns, so I think this bill is cleaned up and
- Members in every direction today. Okay, the chair will ask the clerk to call the roll.
- At this time, members, Senator Hagenbuch, we have a couple of housecleaning efforts to take care of.
- Waiting periods for pre-existing conditions to no more than six months, ensuring timely access to care
Bills:
SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59
Keywords:
accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a large agenda and repeatedly recessed for floor activity and other committee conflicts. The committee heard and left pending several higher education bills, including SB 2361 to transfer University of Houston-Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System and rename it Texas A&M University Victoria; testimony from university officials, local leaders, and industry representatives strongly supported the move as a way to better align degree programs with regional workforce needs in engineering, agriculture, and STEM. SB 530, which would align Texas accreditation statutes with federal rules allowing institutions to choose among nationally recognized accreditors, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. SB 1085, allowing Sul Ross satellite campuses to offer lower-division coursework toward bachelor’s degrees, was laid out and left pending as well.
The committee also took up a series of education policy bills. SB 1241 would expand the standardized tests Texas public universities may accept for admission beyond the SAT and ACT, with supporters from the Classic Learning Test, homeschool advocates, and student-choice groups arguing it would increase access and competition; it was left pending. SB 769 would require a TEA/Higher Education Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education, and testimony from The Arc of Texas and others emphasized the need for better data and accessibility; the bill was left pending. SB 2231 would designate the second week of October as Free College Application Week, and SB 1878 would modernize terminology and support workforce-oriented programs at the Josie School; both were laid out and left pending.
The committee reported several bills favorably after adopting committee substitutes. SB 605, concerning charter school expansion applications while under conservatorship or a management team, passed on a 9-0 vote. SB 1871, SB 1873, and SB 1874, all related to school discipline and teacher immunity/placement review provisions, were adopted and reported favorably, with members noting the need for further discussion on some language. SB 762, dealing with flag displays in public schools, passed on a 7-1 vote. SB 1962, relating to public school accountability and challenges to school system operations, passed 7-1 after a corrected vote. SB 1750, replacing a $60 million statewide charter facilities cap with an attendance-growth-based allotment, passed 7-1 with one member voting present not voting. SB 2252, supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy/numeracy, SB 2253, concerning educator preparation and certification, SB 2365, on student use of wireless devices during instructional time, and SB 1924, restoring local peace officer citation authority for school offenses and adding reporting and parent-notification requirements, were also reported favorably. The committee additionally heard SB 37 on higher education governance and compliance oversight, which passed 7-1 after a substitute that refined curriculum review, governing board authority, faculty senate rules, and a new compliance office within the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- rural hospitals closing and the growing infant mortality rate in our state that has led to the health care
- Bless and keep each member, hold them up and lead them in the right direction.
- </c> and lead them in the right direction. and lead them in the right direction.
- She is with Mission Primary Care Clinic in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and she is a family medicine doctor
- :21:56.200><c> attention</c><00:21:56.640><c> over</c> you could direct your attention over you could
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration with Subcommittee on Committees Following - 01/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- We have four items of administrative business to take care of today.
- Copayments will be reduced according to the cost level of the enrollee's primary care clinic. from ASME
- the cost level of the<00:03:18.480><c> enrolles</c><00:03:19.040><c> primary</c><00:03:19.440><c> care
- <00:18:30.480><c> to</c><00:18:30.640><c> me</c><00:18:30.799><c> or</c> specific changes you can direct
- to me or specific changes you can direct to me or Roberts.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed.
Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed.
The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved.
After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And in that plan, you all directed your LASC staff to ensure the SEG remains responsive to the evolving
- So in 2023, you passed House Memorial 51, which directed LASC staff to review the SEG.
- I think the policy direction was supported by the charter network to move in this direction.
- I got to be careful, Mr. Chair, of what I say because my wife works at LESC.
- So I think we're looking for both committees to give direction to staff on how to proceed on this.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This dual challenge requires us to strike a careful balance, maintaining high professional standards
- The clerk is directed motion is carried.
- ,</c> Almost 200 million for health care, Almost 200 million for health care, including<00:52:45.920>
- </c> from getting health care. from getting health care.
- . care. care.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- They provide quality health care and pension retirement.
- And you're talking about taking care of and maintaining these facilities.
- Because, you know, what they care about is what's this going to cost me?
- Because, you know, what they care about is what's this going to cost me?
- But ratepayers, all they care about is what's this costing me? And we are doing a horrible job.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- They provide quality health care and pension retirement.
- And you're talking about taking care of and maintaining these facilities.
- Because you know what they care about: what's this going to cost me?
- But ratepayers, all they care about is what's this costing me? And we are doing a horrible job.
- But ratepayers, all they care about is what's this costing me? And we are doing a horrible job.
Summary:
The Missouri House Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers, with the chair saying the goal was to hear different perspectives and better understand the issue before future legislation. No public testimony was taken, but three invited speakers presented: a labor representative, an Ameren Missouri executive, and a consumer advocate. The discussion focused on the economic benefits of data centers, including construction jobs, local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities, tax revenue for schools and local governments, and related spending by Missouri businesses. The labor witness described current Montgomery County projects, said hundreds of Missourians were already working there, and argued that closed-loop cooling and generator noise were manageable. Committee members also raised questions about water use, noise, cybersecurity, local hiring, and how much tax revenue a project could generate annually.
Ameren’s Rob Dixon said Senate Bill 4 and the PSC’s large-load tariff provide key protections for ratepayers by requiring large customers to pay their own interconnection costs, sign long-term contracts, post collateral, and pay for most of their requested load even if they use less. He said those rules help prevent costs from shifting to other customers and that large loads can put downward pressure on rates by contributing to fixed system costs. Dixon also said Ameren is planning for significant new generation, including gas, nuclear, hydro, coal, and renewables, and that data centers are subject to the same load-shedding and emergency restoration rules as other customers. He noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities.
John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri argued the PSC protections are still too weak and warned that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects are delayed, shrink, or fail. He urged stronger consumer protections, more upfront financial commitments from data centers, and greater transparency for ratepayers, while also suggesting community benefit agreements and cautioning against over-reliance on utility projections. Several members pushed back on his characterization of Senate Bill 4 and QIP/CWIP provisions, and the hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses and adjourned the committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- In health care, an app-based platform known as ShiftKey has been reportedly providing disparate wages
- This bill also directs the CPUC to establish a separate rate structure to prevent cost associated.
- SB 978 directs the CPUC to create a special rate structure for large-load data centers and hard-codes
- And so I just want to say that by requiring prevailing wages, this bill is a step in that direction to
- It does not mean that the employee is being taken care of or not taken care of.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a direct quote. The claim is not based in fact.
- One of the people investigating had direct involvement with that employee and knew the history of that
- One of the people investigating had direct involvement with that employee and knew the history of that
- It also directs the Office of Student Financial Assistance within WASAC to deposit all funds received
- By ensuring that youth who have experienced foster care and homelessness are automatically qualified
Summary:
The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee began with a work session on student complaints in higher education. Faculty, union, and research witnesses argued that current complaint systems are sometimes misused in bad faith, disproportionately affecting faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty, consuming institutional resources, and chilling academic freedom. They called for an initial screening process for bias or retaliation, routine data collection and equity review, and a faculty bill of rights. Committee members asked about FERPA, Title IX, and how complaint data could be tracked consistently across institutions.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6090 would create a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University to register and preserve heritage orchards and rare apple varieties; Senator Braun said it would honor Washington’s apple history and support research at low cost. SB 5931 would make technical changes to the Workforce Education Investment Oversight Board, including two-year co-chair terms, a later annual report date, and removal of a dashboard requirement; WASAC, labor, and Microsoft testified in support. SB 5963 would automatically qualify Passport to Careers students as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and align financial aid definitions; WASAC, College Success Foundation, students, and student advocates supported it as a way to reduce barriers for foster and homeless youth.
The committee also heard SB 5978, which would codify and expand the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program and require annual student notifications about admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and related opportunities. Supporters included the Council of Presidents, faculty, students, parents, and the Washington Roundtable, who said guaranteed admission and better outreach would reduce anxiety, improve transparency, and help more students enroll. Finally, SB 6082 would direct JLARC to audit fraud in state financial aid programs, including fictitious students and AI-enabled abuse; the sponsor cited recent fraud concerns, while community and technical college officials said colleges already have fraud controls in place, warned the audit was unfunded and potentially duplicative, and asked for more resources. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearings.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Even when standing meant he had critics from every direction, including from his own people.
- ,</c><00:08:36.959><c> including</c> critics from every direction, including critics from every direction
- because we didn't care, but because we<00:10:31.360><c> care</c><00:10:31.680><c> enough</c><00:10:32.160
- </c> we care enough to survive. we care enough to survive.
- Our people deserve care because restoration is a form of justice. Let's stop only admiring Dr.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight May 22nd, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, 22% were from direct um oil and gas revenues, severance, taxes and rents and royalties, 20% from
- That's when it surpasses our income taxes, our direct oil and gas revenues, and it keeps growing as a
- And then lastly, uh, the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund, the ECTF as we abbreviate it.
- So that's what I would say to them over time, it's moving in the right direction, um.
- The ERB and retiree Health Care Authority.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's mainly the upkeep in the care that they show for the neighborhood.
- It mainly is the upkeep in the care that they show for the neighborhood.
- And Senate Bill 1979 in the 2023 session directed A&M, directed the Research Center, to look at that,
- Venable's taken care of those. Thank you so much.
- We don't have a direct role in the broadband work itself. Thank you, Senator Eckhardt.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs.
Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers.
The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> It up in a light most favorable to, you know, to to being careful and concerned and having clarity
- The bill also directs FWC to create a 5 year safety inspection decal linked to vessel registration.
- Take good care of your flock, stand tall and don't be afraid to embrace your true colors.
- Also the scrub jay is and care species so through paying attention towards them, we can.
- Conservancy again Care.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the NMSBIC, we are not a direct lender.
- It's an old shopping center site that's vacant, as a health care facility.
- That's the best benefit you can give your employees: to have health care.
- And that would take care of baby Shimon? Until 20...
- I don't think that's going to take care of the problem.