Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign influence'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • This measure is aimed at preventing foreign influence on academic programs, research, and institutional
  • Don't, then the foreign law, I'm not sure, but then the foreign law said that what they do have to report
  • all foreign donations.
  • My research has uncovered foreign influence in Texas higher education, exposing a need for transparency
  • This also allows influence to operate in the shadows.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • addictive and dangerous products, the state has an important role to play in combating. adding their influence
  • I think you're right, it could influence their formation of policy and their requirements. requirements
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/11/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • General's Office to pursue consumer fraud violations involving technology produced by a foreign adversary
  • General's Office to pursue consumer fraud violations involving technology produced by a foreign adversary
  • The bill appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to the Foreign Adversary Fraud Fund in fiscal
  • and requires that any money exceeding $10 million in the fund be transferred to the newly created Foreign
  • But the action she has taken is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of dealing with America's foreign
Bills: SB1097, SB1308
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on March 11, 2026, and considered two bills. The first, SB 1097, was described as the annual name claimants’ bill, appropriating $370,211.08 from the General Fund and $33,021.08 from other specified funds to pay claims against state agencies in fiscal year 2026. There was no public testimony, no questions from members, and the committee voted 14-0 to give the bill a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1308, which would create a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office and Fund in the Attorney General’s Office to pursue consumer fraud involving technology produced by foreign adversaries. The bill also appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 and establishes a mechanism to transfer excess fund balances to a new Foreign Adversary Technology Rip and Replace Fund administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Kelly Curry testified in support on behalf of State Armor, arguing the bill addresses both consumer fraud and national security risks tied to connected technologies and foreign-made surveillance equipment. Members asked about similar cases and settlements in other states, and Curry cited recent filings in Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as a Missouri case that reportedly settled in the tens of millions. During the vote, some members explained support while expressing general caution about creating new funds or appropriations outside the budget process. The committee approved SB 1308 on a 10-4-2 vote and sent it forward with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Ethics and Campaign Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 363 essentially takes the FCPA and mirrors it with the current FEC laws to ... ...to prohibit foreign
Bills: HB310, HB363
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 20th, 2025

State Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met and heard several bills related to legislative process and court jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1386, by Senator Huffman, would change compelled legislative testimony from blanket transactional immunity to testimonial immunity, allowing compelled statements or documents to be used against a witness in criminal prosecution only if not derived from the compelled testimony, while preserving protection against perjury and false statements and retaining the right to counsel. No public witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1470, by Chairman Hughes, which would require DPS to share existing data on cross-state driver’s license cancellations with the Secretary of State for voter-roll maintenance. Hughes said the bill does not create new data collection and is intended to improve list maintenance. A DPS resource witness was present, there was no substantive opposition, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1210, also by Hughes, would address conflicts between the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals on constitutional questions by making the Supreme Court the final arbiter in limited circumstances. Chris Hilton supported the bill, but Allen Place, Jack Rohde, and Philip Furlow opposed it, arguing it was unconstitutional, unnecessary, and could create practical problems in criminal post-conviction litigation. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 311, which would conform the Government Code to the Texas Constitution by clarifying the Supreme Court’s original writ authority against lower courts and officials other than the governor. Justice Evan Young and Chris Hilton supported the bill as a clarification of existing authority, while no one testified against it; the bill was left pending. The committee then recessed to allow the chamber to rearrange for the Senate session.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • The next item is an act relating to boating under the influence, Representative Fleming.
  • The next item is an act relating to boating under the influence, Representative Fleming.
  • What is in your packet is a proposed language to look at boating under the influence.
  • Um, I'm here today to influence. Uh when um when Heather influence.
  • And just like we boating the influence.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 29 minutes, and then heard testimony on a bill relating to machine gun conversion devices, often described as Glock switches or auto sears. Representative Jason Nemis presented the bill with Louisville police Chief Paul Humphrey and Lt. Drew Fox, arguing the measure would mirror existing federal law, make possession of these devices unlawful under Kentucky law, and give state and local law enforcement authority to seize and prosecute them without relying solely on federal agencies. They said the devices are small aftermarket or 3D-printed parts that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons and emphasized that the bill would not affect lawful gun ownership. The presenters cited rising seizures and public-safety concerns, saying LMPD and Jefferson County seizures increased sharply from 2023 to 2024 and that the average age of possession had dropped. They argued the devices are used offensively, are inaccurate and dangerous, and have been linked to violent crime. Two Alabama legislators, Representatives Philip Ensler and Russell Bedsole, testified in support based on Alabama’s recent enactment of a similar law. They said local police and prosecutors there had been unable to act effectively because the devices were handled mainly by federal authorities, and they described bipartisan support, immediate enactment, and reported confiscations after passage. Members asked about the bill’s penalty level, the source and manufacture of the devices, the scope of the definition of “conversion device,” and whether the bill could create constitutional problems given ongoing federal litigation over machine gun restrictions. The sponsors said the penalty would be a Class C felony and that the bill was intended to cover only the device attached to the firearm, not tools like 3D printers. They acknowledged that if federal machine gun laws were ultimately struck down, the state law would also be unenforceable. Some members supported the bill as common-sense public safety legislation, while Representative Roberts opposed it on Second Amendment grounds, arguing Kentucky should focus on expanding gun rights rather than adding restrictions already covered by federal law.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Elections Apr 3rd, 2025

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • If the content was created or modified with intent to deceive, you have intent to influence the election
  • This bill criminalizes injuring a candidate and influencing the result of an election, even if... ...
  • Distribute it within 30 days of an election with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result
  • With intent to injure a candidate, influence the result of an election, like these are very high stakes
  • We're talking about trying to influence the result of an election, injure with intent, with deceit, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/16/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law

Federalism and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • a delegate to be faithless to,... ...who is hell-bent on trying to influence a delegate to be faithless
  • But what should concern all of us is how debates about foreign conflicts are increasingly being used
  • Chair—the bill would urge CAIR's designation as a foreign terrorist organization under INA 219.
  • terrorist organization has to be a foreign entity.
  • We couldn't ever be qualified as a foreign terrorist organization under federal law.
Summary: The committee approved the March 9, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2908, which would require any approved U.S. constitutional amendment to be ratified by bill and gubernatorial action, create oath and reporting requirements for convention delegates, and impose penalties for “faithless” delegates. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was a needed safeguard against a runaway Article 5 convention, while opponents said the proposed guardrails would be ineffective and could create a false sense of security. An amendment changing recall to disqualification was adopted, and HB 2908 as amended passed 4-3. The committee then considered HCR 2047, a memorial supporting the use of “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank” in official state communications. Supporters framed it as a matter of historical and biblical accuracy and solidarity with Israel, while opponents argued it injected the legislature into an international conflict and raised First Amendment and civil-rights concerns. The memorial passed 4-3. The committee also passed HCM 2006, urging Congress to reform the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Conservation Act in response to Mexican gray wolf impacts on ranchers, and HB 4042, which clarified the evidence needed to terminate a parent-child relationship by requiring a potential father to both file and serve a paternity action within 30 days. Later, HCM 2005 passed 4-3 after debate over restricting foreign ownership of real property by communist or authoritarian governments. The committee then took up HCM 2001 and HCM 2002, both focused on Muslim organizations: HCM 2001 urged the President and Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, and HCM 2002 urged a review of CAIR for possible terrorist designation. Witnesses and members opposing both measures argued that state lawmakers lacked authority or evidence for such designations and that the memorials would stigmatize Muslim communities and chill civic participation; supporters described them as appropriate statements of concern. Both memorials passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned after completing its calendar.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas should quickly. act to close his foreign influence loophole before Mr.
  • Vies or other foreign actors work to exonerate him. they're an influence in your state.
  • Foreign nationals have no business influencing these measures and these campaigns should not be allowed
  • I strongly encourage you to... pass SB 2035 and make Texas the next state to stop foreign influence in
  • wise to ensure the integrity of its elections and guard against the influence of foreign actors that
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Science & Technology

Science & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • equipment does not use or provide any service with any equipment that is manufactured or owned by a foreign
  • I think that this is a bill that will address real threats from our foreign...
  • I think that this is a bill that will address real threats from our foreign adversaries that I've seen
  • You may have seen in the news this week that the FCC announced its decision to ban foreign-made routers
  • I previously worked for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, right?
Bills: SB1046
Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would bar critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and cut off state, local, or federal infrastructure funding for violators. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill responds to real national-security risks from China, citing examples such as Huawei, Hikvision, and other foreign-linked technology concerns, and saying states can act where federal efforts are incomplete or slow. Members raised questions about cost, timing, and whether the bill duplicates federal action; Macklin said the bill targets public procurement and that state action remains appropriate. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation. The committee next received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role as an innovation hub. He described university work on automation, microgrids, critical mineral recovery, tailings remediation, workforce training, and heat-stress protection, and said Arizona can help de-risk new mining technologies through research partnerships, training networks, and policy support. Members asked about microgrids, federal and state law changes, tariffs, workforce decline, AI, and how the Legislature could help; Luxbacher emphasized the need for coordinated training pipelines, incubators for mining startups, and support for pilot projects and processing capacity. Jeremiah Pate, founder and CTO of Lunisand, then presented on subsurface imaging technology using georadiotomography. He said the system can image deep underground from airborne platforms, helping locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and hidden defense-related threats more quickly than traditional methods. Members asked about archaeological uses, mineral identification, water detection, whether similar companies exist, and defense applications. Pate said the technology is still developing but is unique in its field-practical airborne capability. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair and adjournment.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate legislative Session Mar 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is designed to make sure that when individuals lobby for a Foreign country, a foreign government,
  • a foreign political leader, or a company that is 51% or more owned by a foreign country or one of those
  • Do you believe that is enough to deter foreign influence? Thank you for the question.
  • So with this bill, would it apply to foreign governments?
  • So do you think that this bill fully addresses foreign influence in the state of Oklahoma, or is this
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • between our own security concerns here in Texas and the federal government's Federal Committee on Foreign
  • CFIUS reviews inbound foreign investments for national security issues, negotiates mitigation, and oversees
  • these security concerns by establishing a state-level process to identify and evaluate high-risk foreign
  • If CFIUS identifies potential risks, especially where a foreign government or a government-controlled
  • By establishing our own formal committee, the Texas Committee on Foreign Investment, we aim to better
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Grisham actually influenced some of the law. lawsuit filed by A.G.
  • 718 719 transactions, modeled in part on CFIUS, Senate Bill 2117. creates the Texas Committee on Foreign
  • If CFIUS identifies potential risks, especially where a foreign government or a government-controlled
  • By establishing our own formal committee, the Texas Committee on Foreign Investment, we... in the state
  • Affairs. investment of certain higher-risk foreign transactions.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Grisham, actually influenced some of the lawsuit filed by A.G. Paxton.
Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1065, which would require government property contracts to prohibit contractors from barring licensed handgun holders from carrying firearms on leased or owned public property, with civil penalties and attorney general enforcement for violations. Senator Hall and invited witnesses from the Texas State Rifle Association, NRA, and Texas Gun Rights argued the bill would close a loophole exposed by the State Fair of Texas gun ban and protect law-abiding Texans’ self-defense rights. Opponents, including Moms Demand Action/Everytown, said the bill would undermine event organizers’ ability to set site-specific safety rules and could increase liability and insurance costs. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending. The committee next took up Senate Bill 2742, which would create civil penalties for independent school districts and officials who use public resources for electioneering, waive immunity defenses, and expand attorney general enforcement. Senator Hagan-Bood said current law bans the conduct but lacks meaningful penalties, making injunctions the only remedy. No public testimony was heard, and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2743, also by Senator Hagan-Bood, which would allow a court to disqualify local prosecutors who refuse to prosecute election offenses and appoint the attorney general to handle the case, with a committee substitute adjusting the removal process through an adjacent-county judge. Opponents from the Texas Civil Rights Project argued the bill would undermine prosecutorial discretion and was vague and open to abuse, while a Harris County election official described past instances where alleged voter fraud cases were not pursued. After testimony, public comment was closed and SB 2743 was left pending.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Committee, February 16, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The key influence governmental action.
  • are<01:08:25.839> taking that foreign governments are taking that foreign governments are
  • extr territorial application of foreign extr territorial application of foreign censorship<01:09
  • innovation and ensuring that foreign innovation and ensuring that foreign threats<01:09:47.520><
  • If a foreign government comes to Wyoming and seeks to influence, uh, you know, constitutionally protected
Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091