Video & Transcript : 'Washington State Energy Code' :
Page 414 of 500
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- > continued as we will recall Decar state continued as we will recall Decar state championship<00:08:
- </c> win the Class 3A boys soccer state win the Class 3A boys soccer state championship.<00:09:12.800
- </c> previously led the 2002 state previously led the 2002 state championship<00:10:18.800><c> win</c
- We have some messages ahead of the State of the State tomorrow.
- Senate Bill 32, Chair, Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, State Athletic Commission, Blood
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- But I think that's why you see so much energy because it's sort of this pent-up energy of like, we need
- The committee stated they believed that this can help jurisdictions throughout the state.
- codes.
- The bill streamlines the permitting process for energy-code-compliant windows for residential window
- And the state used to have a fund.
Committee:
Senate Housing
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> committee with comments Hawaii state committee with comments Hawaii state energy<00:32:43.159><c
- </c> black on behalf of the Hawaii state black on behalf of the Hawaii state energy<00:32:48.960><c>
- Hawaii State Energy Office, with comments. Good morning, Chair, Vice Chair, Representatives.
- c> comments</c> Hawaii state energy office with comments Hawaii state energy office with comments good
- energy office we of the Hawaii state energy office we stand<00:39:16.880><c> on</c><00:39:17.079><c>
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on March 18, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures related to state funds, public lands, wastewater, port infrastructure, and other land and water issues. Early in the hearing, SB 1395, relating to state funds and climate mitigation financing, drew support from the Governor’s office, the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team, the State Energy Office, and others, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii urged the committee not to revert to the original version because of concerns about a special fund and compliance with state statutes. After discussion, the chair said the bill would be deferred because of budget uncertainty and the need to preserve reserves, and members agreed to that recommendation.
The committee then took up SB 1393, SB 1669, SB 102, SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946, among others. SB 1393 and SB 1669 received support or comments from agencies including the Attorney General’s office, the State Energy Office, and other departments; SB 1669 was sent on with amendments and to Finance for further review. SB 102, concerning a third-party review process, prompted questions about who would select consultants and whether the bill would affect staffing and permitting costs; it was advanced with amendments, with one member noting reservations about the shift to private third-party review. SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946 also moved forward, generally with amendments or as amended, and several members noted reservations tied to budget impacts or statutory language.
The committee also heard testimony on HB 1393, which involved public lands and school facilities, where the Department of Education sought a change to the deletion language and the School Facilities Authority said it stood on its written comments. For SB 146, relating to the Ali Canal, the University of Hawaiʻi and DLNR supported the measure, and a member asked about the estimated annual cost, which was described as $125,000 per year. On SB 946, members discussed whether removing the term “person” could narrow the law too much; after that discussion, the committee agreed to restore the term and proceed with an HD1. The meeting ended with the committee recessing after completing its agenda and adopting the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The resolution urges the State Department and the United States to ensure that Mexico complies with its
- So it's pretty, this resolution just basically urges the State Department and the United States to ensure
- that Mexico, basically urges the State Department and the United States to ensure that Mexico complies
- As you know, the Texas Water Code says any water in a Texas watercourse is property of the state, including
- States.
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met without a quorum at first, then later established quorum and proceeded with testimony and votes. Senate Bill 1248, by Chair Perry, was explained as a narrow Open Records Act exception to protect harvest report location data collected through Texas Parks and Wildlife’s digital tagging system. Support testimony came from Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, who said the bill would protect private land and sensitive biological information while preserving useful wildlife data. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending until later in the meeting.
The committee then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which urges the State Department and the International Boundary and Water Commission to press Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty and deliver its share of Rio Grande water. Senator Hinojosa, farmers, municipal officials, and other witnesses described severe water shortages in South Texas, low reservoir levels, crop losses, the closure of the Valley sugar industry, and the need for alternative supplies such as desalination, reuse, and drainage-runoff projects. Members also discussed treaty enforcement, regional drought, and the role of cartels and Mexican water storage, while emphasizing that Texas must also invest in its own water infrastructure.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 740, which the committee substitute amended to require the Public Utility Commission to adopt a standardized application form for system improvement charges and complete related rulemaking by September 1, 2026, applying only to applications filed on or after that date. Members discussed concerns about water wholesalers using the process to delay cases and drive up costs, and the need for more transparency and PUC resources. The committee voted to adopt the substitute and report SB 740 favorably. After returning to the earlier items, the committee voted SB 1248 out favorably and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar, and voted SCR 13 out favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Judiciary Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- While the state enforces laws to ensure the creation of new affordable housing, the state should also
- California Lawyers Association, from the State Bar.
- California Lawyers Association from the State Bar.
- One of my closest friends, a Washington State judge, had a criminal defendant come to his door and throw
- One of my closest friends, Washington State judge, a criminal defendant, came to his door and threw acid
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee and announced a large agenda, including a consent calendar and several bills pulled for separate hearing. Early in the hearing, the committee heard AB 1876, which would codify federal nondiscrimination protections in state health care law. The author and supporters said it would protect access to coverage and services for all protected classes, including transgender people, while opponents argued it would force coverage of disputed gender-affirming treatments and impose penalties on providers and insurers. No vote was taken during the informational-style presentation, and the author requested an aye vote when a quorum was present.
The committee then heard AB 1650 on requiring rental vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly marked, with supporters describing it as a transparency and public-trust measure in response to immigration enforcement activity and opponents later withdrawing opposition after discussions with the author. AB 635, dealing with the Mobile Home Residency Law Protection Program, would extend and revise a resident-funded legal assistance program for mobile home owners; supporters said it improves access to justice and enforcement, and there was no opposition. AB 1697 would extend the date for enforceability of certain employment contract provisions under AB 692 and add an urgency clause; the NFL supported it, SIFMA was support-if-amended, and the chair noted sympathy for some workers while expressing concern about high-paid executives.
The committee also heard AB 2784, the annual State Bar fee bill, which held fees flat while making governance and reporting changes; it drew support from the State Bar and no opposition. AB 2782, the Assembly Judiciary Committee civil omnibus bill, made minor clarifying code changes and also drew no opposition. Other measures heard included AB 2662 on monitoring and reporting federal immigration enforcement impacts, AB 2235 on allowing judges to use alternate mailing addresses for safety, AB 1544 on courthouse access and transparency, AB 2624 expanding Safe at Home protections to immigrant service providers, AB 1857 to block grocery restrictive covenants that prevent new grocery stores in underserved areas, AB 1892 clarifying HOA duties and election notice rules, AB 634 banning products containing tianeptine, AB 1684 limiting HOA restrictions on home cooling systems, AB 1752 increasing appraisal reimbursement in eminent domain cases, AB 1660 improving compliance by financial institutions with public guardian requests, AB 782 narrowing a prior housing redevelopment law for certain charter cities, and AB 2195 limiting occupational license suspensions for low-income parents owing child support. Across these bills, testimony was largely supportive, with several measures drawing “support if amended” or no opposition after negotiations; the transcript does not reflect final votes on the bills discussed here.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So just for clarification, we're talking about Florida State Election Law Center.
- During my time in state government, I don't... ...provide lifelong economic stability.
- Their energy is contagious.
- Their energy is contagious.
- Valencia receives less than $4,000 in state funding per full-time student.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- However, our state data systems are still developing.
- Is anything like that going on in our state?
- Why are the other states able to attract them away from home?
- for state Accreditation has been around for about 20 years.
- And I am really proud to have attended school in this state.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/20/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of where we get energy for the state and of where we get energy for the state and not<04:16:30.800
- Um it energy um supply in the state.
- </c> clean energy generation in the state. clean energy generation in the state.
- </c><05:22:41.040><c> by</c> state right whereas renewable energy by state right whereas renewable energy
- dollars leaving this amount of energy dollars leaving this state. state. state.
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/22/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- It's been pent-up energy.
- And it's something that impacts the entire state.
- Energy demand is obviously a question. Water stewardship in Arizona is a big deal.
- You know, if my state wins, I feel like I win, and I don't like to lose.
- And their idea was that states shouldn't be allowed to make any rules about AI.
Committee:
House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 14th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Of the state of Minnesota, AIGO moves that the rule therein be suspended and an urgent.
- State your point of order. Mr. Speaker, I meant to say point of parliamentary inquiry.
- because these workers Are in every corner of our state.
- We should be clear that it shouldn't matter what zip code you're in.
- To even follow state law, if you look at the state agencies who have failed to act on some of the standards
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force (10-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> states. Next slide, please. states. Next slide, please.
- </c> do note that the state has a fair plan. do note that the state has a fair plan.
- and state legislators.
- </c> years in state government with the state years in state government with the state conservation<00
- </c> dollars across the state. dollars across the state.
Summary:
The interim task force on disaster prevention and resiliency met for its fourth meeting and focused heavily on insurance markets, affordability, and mitigation. Cochairs noted they are working toward recommendations for a later fall meeting. The main presentation came from David Snyder of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, who said the insurance industry sees itself as part of the problem and part of the solution because it ultimately pays for losses created by natural conditions, development choices, and construction practices.
Snyder described rising losses from natural catastrophes, inflation-driven increases in rebuilding and repair costs, more development in disaster-prone areas, wildfire exposure, severe convective storms, hail, and roof damage. He argued that Kentucky should avoid the mistakes he attributed to California, where regulatory responses contributed to a strained insurance market and greater reliance on the FAIR Plan. He said Kentucky’s private market appears to be functioning better, with relatively few FAIR Plan policies, and urged lawmakers to preserve that market through risk-based rates and policies that do not worsen availability.
He recommended a broad mitigation strategy involving stronger building codes, land-use decisions, stormwater infrastructure, public access to risk data, and incentives for resilient construction. He highlighted programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, fortified-home standards, wildfire-prepared community practices, and examples from Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida showing that mitigation can produce quick returns and insurance discounts. He also suggested catastrophe savings accounts, flexible coverage options, and a whole-of-government approach that includes the insurance department, building-code agencies, first responders, FEMA, NFIP, and NOAA.
In questions, a legislator asked about the prognosis if carriers continue exiting markets and if nothing is done to address affordability and accessibility. Snyder said he could not predict market exits but stressed that regulators should monitor the market closely, use available data, and focus on loss prevention and mitigation. He said insurers want to do business in Kentucky and that the long-term solution is coordinated action among public and private stakeholders to reduce risk and keep coverage available.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- of the United States, to the President of the United States, to the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Amending Chapter 30, Title 67, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Section 67-308A, Idaho Code, to establish
- Amending Chapter 16, Title 39, Idaho Code by the addition of a new Section 39-1608, Idaho Code, to establish
- So again, it's just putting it into code.
- It's just putting it into code for 10 years.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a notice naming Grayson Stone as a qualified substitute for District 25CA for Representative Donald Hall. It also received an enrolled House Concurrent Resolution 22 from the Senate. Committee reports referred several printed measures, including House Joint Memorial 10 and House Bills 518 and 519, and the House introduced and referred House Bills 520 through 531, covering topics such as administrative procedure, criminal history records, unmanned aircraft near correctional facilities, Capitol Mall property and access rules, child custody, execution procedures, cottage food operations, the Yellow Dot medical information program, directed blood product transfusions, anti-cancer medications, and epinephrine delivery systems.
On third reading, House Resolution 20 passed by voice vote after brief remarks emphasizing civility, reducing political violence, and supporting public servants. House Bill 489 was held on the calendar for one legislative day. House Bill 491, which would expand Good Samaritan protections to encourage layperson intervention in suicide crises, passed 67-0 with three absent and excused; supporters cited the need for bystander intervention and examples of lives saved. House Bill 492, which adds a juvenile justice administrator position to a council to better represent those working directly with youth in detention and probation settings, also passed 67-0 and was transmitted to the Senate. The remaining bill on the calendar was held one legislative day.
During announcements, members welcomed University of Idaho students, FFA visitors, and other guests, noted a firefighters’ Medal of Honor application event in the rotunda, and mentioned Idaho Potato Commission potatoes available in the rotunda. Committee meeting notices were announced for several standing committees later in the week. The House then adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (05/15/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Energy Energy uh<00:04:21.480><c> 25-220.
- </c> the state. the state.
- Most<01:13:09.320><c> states</c><01:13:09.840><c> require</c> Most states require Most states require
- </c> harm to the state of New Hampshire. harm to the state of New Hampshire.
- The rule state what the rule is stating.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then moved through several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules. Rule 25-220 from the Department of Energy was postponed until June so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Rule 25-240, involving Medicaid income verification and deductible provisions for medically needy applicants, was adopted after staff noted the cited sections had expired but the agency said it had continued operating under federal law and the state plan; the agency also said it had begun rulemaking on the cited provision. Rules 25-265 and 2633 were also adopted, with staff explaining that although parts of the rules had expired, the agency had continued implementing the policies through the Medicaid state plan, billing manuals, and related rules.
The most extended discussion centered on rule 25-304 from the Bureau of Aging and Adult Services, which covers case management services for the CFI program. Staff and the agency explained that the amended conditional approval request clarified how case management agencies indicate staffing capacity, how telehealth decisions are evaluated, and that the department—not the case management agencies—sets the timeline for accepting or denying cases. The agency said the rule is intended to ensure participants are not pushed into telehealth when they do not want it or cannot use it, while leaving technical and clinical telehealth decisions to the provider.
A case management provider testified in opposition to parts of the rule, arguing that the committee should not require agencies to admit unverified patients, that reimbursement-rate issues belong in legislation, that the quality-management section duplicates existing licensure oversight, and that the telehealth language improperly gives case managers authority over how other licensed providers deliver services. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language was simply allowing case managers to determine whether telehealth fits a person’s care plan, and agency representatives responded that this was the intent. No final vote on rule 25-304 is shown in the transcript excerpt.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- The state auditor did an audit.
- The state auditor did a fantastic job. We concur.
- Moving on to page 7, the State Residential Facility.
- Currently the state has only 180 of those beds.
- immigration policies that state leadership wants.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
American Revolution 250 Commission Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- House of Representatives and from the United States Senate.
- Each tribe is a sovereign nation and the United States.
- So I can assure you that no other state in the United States has a calendar this ambitious.
- , D.C., in July for two weeks is something called the Great American State Fair.
- Every state has an opportunity to display.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-AM 2
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our energy infrastructure.
- We have a government takeover of our energy system.
- Surviving families out of the state in record numbers.
- The state have to always get involved in these issues.
- public schools in the state.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5.
The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote.
The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm State Senator Jason Lewis, the Senate Chair of the committee.
- Deshawn Washington.
- Deshawn Washington. As a teacher, I begin my testimony in support of H711 and S327 with this truth.
- Deshawn Washington continued his testimony in support of H711 and S327.
- Many states require training for teachers of advanced students.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held its 13th hearing, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Gordon, and heard testimony on a large slate of bills covering personnel and miscellaneous education issues. The first major topic was House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 327, the “So All Students Thrive” proposal, which would change reduction-in-force rules so districts could consider teacher effectiveness, student impact, staffing needs, and diversity-related factors alongside seniority. Supporters from Educators for Excellence, including teachers and a former school committee chair, argued that current seniority-based layoff rules can push out effective early-career educators and harm efforts to build a more diverse workforce. Committee members raised questions about tenure, union involvement, and how the bill would interact with the Educator Diversity Act and local contract negotiations; members generally said they shared the goal of diversifying the educator workforce and encouraged continued collaboration and feedback.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bill 658, which would require educator training on gifted and advanced learners. Parents, teachers, researchers, and advocates said Massachusetts lacks required preservice or professional development on gifted education, leaving many advanced students unchallenged and underserved. Witnesses described students who are bored, under-identified, or even discouraged in school, and argued that training would help teachers recognize and support gifted students, including students of color, multilingual learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Testimony also supported related prior bills on advanced learners and emphasized that the state should act on a 2019 DESE report recommending such training.
The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 736 and Senate Bill 435, which would establish de-escalation training for school transportation. The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council said the measure would improve safety for students and bus operators, fill a gap in current school bus driver certification requirements, and better support students with disabilities. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4720, concerning the Athol-Royalston Regional School District’s state bailout-related reserve requirements; the superintendent said the district has long maintained fiscal stability but is still forced to leave over half a million dollars unspent each year, limiting resources for a high-poverty student population. After testimony concluded, the chairs read the full list of bills on the agenda, thanked the committee and staff, and the hearing was adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And then in Washington state, they held that individual legislators are agencies subject to the public
- And then in Washington State, they held that individual legislators are agencies.
- And then in Washington state, they held that individual legislators are agencies subject to the public
- Again, the Washington State Legislature was involved in additional litigation.
- And so the case that I mentioned in Washington State—that was the Court of Appeals there in Washington—and
Summary:
The hearing opened with committee chairs explaining the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions’ role under Article 48 and outlining the process for initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, an act to improve access to public records. The first panel consisted of subject-matter experts. William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures gave an overview of public records laws across states, noting that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions for legislatures vary widely. He discussed common legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on specific constitutional and statutory language. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Massachusetts public records trends, saying state agency requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with 2025 setting a record for appeals. She said the initiative would extend the public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s Office and add exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource concerns from the growing volume of requests and appeals.