Video & Transcript Research : 'fiscal transparency'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The process will basically be totally transparent to them.
  • Would you agree that what we're doing is almost going to be totally transparent to the voter coming in
  • And they see that as the only way forward in terms of tracking information and transparency.
  • Elections are not just about procedures; they’re about trust, transparency, and ... the words contact
  • transparency, and the ability of each jurisdiction to serve their voters effectively.
Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 30 and then voted to report the substituted bill favorably to the full Senate; the roll call showed six ayes and one nay, with later unanimous-consent corrections noted for additional aye votes. The committee also reported Senate Bill 801 favorably to the full Senate by an eight-to-one vote. Both bills were left with no further action in the meeting after the votes. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2595 by Senator Middleton and Senate Bill 2876 by Chairman Hughes, both aimed at addressing masked harassment and riot-related conduct. Supporters said the bills would deter intimidation, protect public order, and respond to recent protests and anti-Semitic incidents, while opponents from civil rights, disability, and advocacy groups argued the measures were overly broad, could chill peaceful protest, and would burden people who wear masks for religious, medical, or disability-related reasons. Public testimony was taken on both bills, and both were left pending after testimony closed. Senate Bill 2753, by Senator Hall, proposed consolidating early voting and election day into a single continuous in-person voting period with common procedures and equipment, while preserving countywide voting and mail voting. The Secretary of State’s office said the bill could improve ballot secrecy and simplify administration, though witnesses raised concerns about ballot privacy, logistics, and access for disabled voters; some county election officials were neutral or supportive of the concept, while others opposed it as confusing or potentially burdensome. The bill was left pending after extensive testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2225 on allowing spirit-based ready-to-drink beverages to be sold in grocery and convenience stores, with supporters arguing the law should focus on alcohol content rather than the source of the alcohol and that the bill would modernize an outdated code. Later, Senate Bill 1540, which would add election officials and related workers to confidentiality protections, drew support from county election officials who described threats and harassment, though one witness suggested the bill’s language may need technical adjustment to better match its intent. Finally, Senate Bill 2382, concerning statewide voter registration systems and offline counties, drew opposition from county election administrators and vendors who warned about capacity, cybersecurity, and single-point-of-failure risks, while others suggested a phased approach or API-based integration; the transcript ends with testimony still open on that bill.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • basically look like they're coming from the Chinese embassy, but the state doesn't necessarily have transparency
  • So it is a much more transparent system, allowing for much more transparency regarding how the system
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard Senate Bill 3031, which would expand aggravated assault to cover certain road-rage shootings involving a person in or traveling to or from a motor vehicle, when a firearm is discharged and causes injury, property damage, or fear of serious bodily injury. Senator Schwertner laid out the bill for the author, described it as closing a gap in the law, and there was no public testimony; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2514, a measure by Chairman Hughes aimed at creating a DPS unit to identify, investigate, and monitor hostile foreign influence operations and to require ethics training for state employees. Supportive invited testimony from Dr. Jacqueline Deal, Ambassador Kelly Curry, and Michael Lucci emphasized threats from the Chinese Communist Party, transnational repression, cyber intrusion, and state-level influence efforts, and argued Texas should take a leading role. Public testimony included opposition from speakers who raised concerns about free speech, privacy, and potential overbreadth. The bill was left pending after testimony closed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 30 as pending business and discussed a committee substitute. Senator Schwertner explained that the substitute would limit admissible medical expense evidence to amounts paid or up to 300% of Medicare, clarify treatment of provider testimony and attorney-referred providers, remove a requirement that plaintiffs use available health insurance to mitigate damages, strike a unanimous-verdict requirement for non-economic damages, and delete a remittitur provision. Senators questioned the impact on sexual assault and child abuse survivors, the use of Medicare as a benchmark, and whether the bill would still allow fair compensation. After discussion, SB 30 was left pending and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and considered several pending measures. On Senate Bill 1868, Senator Perry explained a committee substitute that would keep kratom in its natural state legal while continuing to ban 7-OH and other synthetic derivatives, and would also add three synthetic opioids from another bill. The substitute was adopted, and SB 1868 was reported favorably to the full Senate and certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 39, Senator Birdwell’s proposed constitutional amendment related to veto overrides after a regular session, and reported it favorably to the full Senate; members noted a floor amendment would also be offered later. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1184, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller, and reported it favorably to the full Senate. After some procedural discussion and a revote to clarify members’ positions, SB 1184 was also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 1194 was likewise certified for the local and uncontested calendar without objection, though the transcript does not include its substantive discussion. Senate Bill 1577, relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities, was reported favorably to the full Senate and then certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, by Chairman Hughes, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-1 vote. The committee then recessed until called back by the chair.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • According to the LBB, this bill will not have a fiscal impact on this state.
  • It simply demands transparency in civil action.
  • So that just shows the lack of transparency that's in this area and the issue that it is raising.
  • It's about transparency, making sure the system is working well.
  • SB 1863 has a $4.2 million fiscal note, which could be used to better...
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending. Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this is the Judiciary Branch's fiscal and technical change ask committee bill.
  • digital accessibility requirements. $4 million in 26-27, and $800,000 in fiscal years 28-29.
  • We're also asking for $18.5 million in fiscal year 26-27 to raise the juror per diem.
  • And then the last item is for $14.8 million in fiscal year 2029.
  • Given that we're in a very tight fiscal situation, they also need ongoing funding.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/3/25 - Part 2

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • with the case-closed data for the prior calendar year, since the grant contracts follow the state fiscal
  • <00:45:37.760> follow<00:45:38.160> the<00:45:38.480> state<00:45:38.800> fiscal
  • contracts follow the state fiscal year. contracts follow the state fiscal year.
  • importance of a smooth transition to the new State Board of Civil Legal Aid and promotes ongoing transparency
  • <00:48:01.200> Um It's continuing the board's practice of transparency and accountability,
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/3/25 - Part 1

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • analysis and also research and fiscal analysis and also the<00:47:10.559> house<00:47:10.800>
  • Members, this is the Judiciary Branch's fiscal and technical change ask bill, so I will just let the
  • He explained that the branch's budget request is $112 million, an increase of 12.1% over fiscal year
  • budgetary side 5.1 million in fiscal budgetary side 5.1 million in fiscal year<01:19:40.760>
  • also asking for 18.5 million in fiscal also asking for 18.5 million in fiscal year<01:20:19.280>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee substitute for SB 106 adds an additional layer of transparency. by requiring that insurers
  • and member input over the last two weeks, and I believe that this will continue the need for. transparency
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Mar 4th, 2026

Finance and Taxation Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • What is the fiscal note on this?" "1.5 million? If I'm not mistaken, Senator..."
  • Its cost is 1.9 million and thereafter for a full fiscal year is 2.6 million.
  • year is 2.6 thereafter for a full fiscal year is 2.6 million.<00:24:44.480> If<00:24:44.640><
  • I want to ask what is the fiscal note on this? >> Yes, sir.
  • I want to ask what is the fiscal note on this? >> Yes, sir.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Jan 30th, 2026 at 12:05 pm

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • year 27, increasing to $76 million by fiscal year 30.
  • It's in the Senate Fiscal Impact Report on page 8, and I don't know if people can pull that out, but
  • state is about as fiscally irresponsible as we could possibly...
  • Speaker and gentlelady, because I believe it would make it a little less fiscally irresponsible.
  • I always like having this debate with you, and I just want us to really be fiscally responsible, not
Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HB9, SB2, SB19
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 3rd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It allows them to streamline voting while maintaining judicial oversight and transparency for shareholders
  • To ensure transparency, this bill also requires a 48-hour public notice before any closure, which is
  • What we're doing here is not only creating transparency and allowing for, or imposing, a 48-hour window
  • What we're doing here is not only creating transparency and allowing for, or imposing a 48-hour window
  • And remember, it also is creating a framework so that we have better transparency.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with senators highlighting the university’s growth, medical school, research expansion, and role in serving South Texas. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 368 honoring outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, with numerous senators praising his long public career, leadership in higher education, and statewide impact. Senate Resolution 361 recognizing Texas HBCU Day and Senate Resolution 362 recognizing Denton County Days at the Capitol were also adopted, along with other routine recognitions and gubernatorial appointments being read into the record. The Senate then took up several bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to shorten vacancy posting requirements, allow bilingual certification candidates to retake only failed test sections, give teachers more flexibility with paid leave, clarify classroom removal procedures, and ensure parents are informed of appeal rights. The bill passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education, was also brought up and passed to engrossment after a contested suspension vote. The Senate next passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, which would require reporting of foreign funding at public universities, bar gifts from adversarial governments, and require training and reporting systems to prevent foreign influence and intellectual property theft in higher education. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the so-called “Dexit” bill, was debated at length for its corporate governance changes, including codifying the business judgment rule and altering internal corporate litigation and records rules; it passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed by a 30-1 vote. Senate Bill 857, allowing law enforcement discretion to tow vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed after discussion of towing abuses during flooding and disaster conditions. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536, requiring dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, passed with broad support, and Senate Bill 922, addressing delayed electronic disclosure of sensitive medical test results so physicians can discuss them first, was taken up and passed to engrossment as the chamber continued through its calendar.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Feb 20, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 19

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 14th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've had a lot of reading to do lately, so if you... appreciate your leniency and also what is the fiscal
  • I just said what the fiscal impact was.
  • I absolutely said $3.5 million to the police system and $5.8 million to the fire system is the fiscal
  • The legislature of the state of Oklahoma has a fiscal responsibility to look at condensation.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Aug 27th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To spend it, relating to public school accountability and transparency.
  • Secretary, read the caption: House Bill 8 relating to public school accountability and transparency.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also wanted to ask you about your fiscal note. I understand it's a negative fiscal note.
  • The committee's substitute aims to strengthen judicial accountability and transparency. transparency
  • I've tried to balance this very carefully with transparency and accountability to come up with a plan
  • It's important to have that kind of transparency, but ultimately I... come down as a no on this bill,
  • I stand ready to continue working... on important transparency in our court systems.