Video & Transcript : 'public accountability' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 13th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seattle and Senator Alvarado's son and Jane Ma, a student from some of public schools, Atlas from Fife
- He previously served a one-year term on the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight
- Bannister, is confirmed as a member of the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight
- to the livable, walkable communities in that streetscape that we're looking for in this bill, the public
- If they haven't met those goals, then they should be held accountable.
Bills:
SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB5520 , SB6016 , SB5890 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB5609 , SB5827 , SB5862 , SB5880 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5971 , SB5975 , SB5981 , SB5988 , SB6097 , SJM8016 , SB5496 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB6194 , SB5909 , SB5868 , SB6026 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB5923 , SB6045 , SB6106 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5968 , SB5489 , SB5762 , SB5832 , SB5847 , SB5963 , SB5969 , SB6027 , SB6032 , SB6049 , SB6066 , SB6079 , SB6082 , SB6113 , SB6114 , SB6160 , SB6162 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6289 , SB6309 , SB6319 , SB6347 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SB5911 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB6346 , SB6262 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB6244 , SB5961
Keywords:
criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development
Summary:
The Senate opened with the usual ceremonial items, approved the previous day’s journal, received House messages, and introduced several bills. It also adopted Senate Resolution 868 honoring April as National Donate Life Month. Senators Gaynor and Dozier spoke in support, sharing personal stories about organ donation and transplant recipients, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber also recognized guests in the gallery connected to those stories.
The Senate then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments, including Colin L. Bannister to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board, Amina Hussein to the Washington State University Board of Regents, and Ramatou-Libah to the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees. Each confirmation passed with broad support after brief remarks from Senator Schoesler, and several senators were excused from voting. The Senate also acknowledged MLA Jody Tour of British Columbia and a personal privilege recognition for Senator Leis receiving Finland’s Order of the Lion.
On legislation, the Senate passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6026, dealing with residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones, after adopting and rejecting several amendments that narrowed or clarified exemptions and local-control provisions. Senators argued both for housing supply and for preserving local planning flexibility. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 6106 on layoff notifications and worker information protections, Senate Bill 5890 on speeding and reckless driving standards, Senate Bill 5536 on equitable distribution of real property in divorce, and Substitute Senate Bill 6097 allowing federally recognized tribes to participate in the Conservation Futures Program. Senate Bill 5988, authorizing fee authority for Department of Health accreditation services for opioid treatment programs, passed after a close vote with one nay. The meeting ended with the Senate standing at ease for caucus and lunch.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> I will close public testimony committee. I will close public testimony committee.
- as the 100% and a liquidity account as the 2% instead of it being one account.
- </c> close public testimony. close public testimony.
- I think he actually handles that publication. publication. publication.
- Any other public >> Thank you, Senator. Any other public testimony?
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to close public comment and we're going to move on House Bill 16.
- We're going to close public comment. Public comment is closed.
- We're going to close public >> That's it.
- We're going to close public comment.<00:43:44.400><c> Uh</c><00:43:45.760><c> public</c><00:43:46.079
- Uh public comment is closed. comment. Uh public comment is closed.
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- And with that, we'll conclude our public testimony and public hearing on House Bill 2458, and open our
- Is that a private school or is that a public?
- Public institutions of higher education.
- So we'll move straight into public testimony.
- safety into account?
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Keywords:
ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, we'll suspend the public hearing on HB 2517 and open the public hearing on HB 2313.
- With that, we'll suspend the public hearing on HB 2517 and open the public hearing on HB 2313.
- Okay, with that, we can close the public hearing on House Bill 2313 and open the public hearing on House
- With that, we will close the public hearing on HB 2290 and open the public hearing on our final bill
- works budget that can be done by public employees.
Committee:
House Local Government
Keywords:
grocery stores, public ownership, food accessibility, community services, economic development, tax increment financing, local government, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, municipal permitting, transit projects
TX
Bills:
SB 30 , SB 517 , SB 1313 , SB 1314 , SB 1316 , SB 1541 , SB 1698 , SB 1845 , SB 1860 , SB 2420 , SB 2429
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, vaping regulation, manufacturer compliance, directory listing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This would enable independent verification of taxes, fostering greater public trust in the system. ..
- It places an undue burden on property owners, limits public oversight, and hinders transparency.
- Here on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, you're for the bill, correct, sir? Yes, sir.
- I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- You're testifying on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Bills:
HB485 , HB1367 , HB1370 , HB1827 , HB1879 , HB2032 , HB2133 , HB2357 , HB3581 , HB3830 , HB4060 , HB4085 , HB4270 , HB4979 , HB5217 , HB5268 , HB5478 , HJR96 , HJR97 , HJR119 , HJR195 , HJR209 , SB4 , SB23 , SJR2 , SJR85 , SB 4 , SB 23 , SJR 2
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Keywords:
healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- That when they retire, money goes into the Plan B account.
- employees have received. 21% is the turnover rate that we're experiencing right now in our public.
- Public employees. 283 million is the cost of that turnover rate.
- The last I don't know the answer to the last cola that public employees have received.
- Just the accounting piece, we want to make sure these are all volunteer women that are trying to make
Bills:
SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716
Committee:
Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords:
retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The last—I don’t know the answer to the last COLA that public employees have received.
- Just the accounting piece.
- Just the accounting piece.
- So they couldn't get access to the records, or the accounting of them? They weren't given.
- We just want to make sure that we're tracking our money and we're accountable for the money.
Bills:
SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716
Committee:
Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords:
retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources considered a series of retirement, pension, and state employee bills. Senate Bill 1870 would let small municipalities in OPERS with populations of 2,000 or less opt out for new employees; members questioned the fiscal impact and the bill passed 8-0 after the chair struck the title to get a clearer actuarial analysis. Senate Bill 1722 passed 9-0 and would require OMES construction contract fees to be based only on construction costs, not interior design and furnishings, with members discussing how to define those terms and whether historical or specialized projects could still be accommodated. Senate Bill 1639 passed 9-0 after an amendment removed provisions affecting the Indian Education Act commission, leaving a bill to repeal several dormant boards and commissions. The committee also passed Senate Bills 715 and 716, which would increase municipal contributions to firefighter and police pensions, respectively; members raised concerns about city budgets, and the sponsor said he was open to phasing in the increases. Senate Bill 182 passed 5-2 to add certain DHS Inspector General officers and OJA residential care specialists to hazardous duty retirement, and Senate Bill 609 passed 7-0 to allow police recruits to buy up to five years of prior out-of-state service credit as a recruitment tool.
The committee then passed Senate Bill 169 5-2 to increase state employee longevity pay by 50%, with supporters citing high turnover and opponents warning about budget pressure and the need for broader raises. Senate Bill 134 passed 7-0 to shorten the waiting period for county employees to return to work from one year to six months. Senate Bill 432 passed 6-0 to raise volunteer firefighter pension benefits, and because it was double-assigned it would next go to Appropriations. Senate Bill 1407 passed 7-0 after an amendment requiring OMES to provide the Commission on the Status of Women an itemized accounting of funds; the bill generally clarifies staffing and financial reporting authority for the commission. Finally, Senate Bill 2039 passed 8-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill to military personnel who are also teachers and defining salary for buyback purposes; the sponsor said the measure would help service members return to teaching and buy back up to five years of credit. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1356 7-0, a broader OMES cleanup bill moving certain functions elsewhere, though members flagged concerns about relocating the state use program and the pay-for-success fund and suggested further study on those sections.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a public ownership.
- ,</c><00:43:03.200><c> ADA</c> upgrades to the public, ADA upgrades to the public, ADA accessibility,
- </c> HF2344 for the city of Trant for public HF2344 for the city of Trant for public infrastructure<01
- The total estimated could jeopardize public health. could jeopardize public health.
- </c> since 2009 and we do not have any public since 2009 and we do not have any public transit<01:37:
Bills:
HF604 , HF1972 , HF578 , HF1951 , HF629 , HF864 , HF874 , HF1155 , HF884 , HF2365 , HF643 , HF234 , HF2655 , HF2637 , HF2535 , HF2530 , HF2344 , HF584 , HF524
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
airport funding, bonds, transportation, capital investment, Karlstad, community center, Breckenridge, state bonds, economic development, HF578, Faribault, River Bend Nature Center, bonding bill, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR grant, nature center, visitor center, environmental education, multicultural center
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm looking right now in the public record who are out on PR bond. I got that.
- I became a notary public.
- House Bill 4281 aims to create a path for fraudsters to be held accountable.
- And there are all these suspicious donations that are going into his account.
- and the good account.
Bills:
HB5621 , HB4904 , HB5067 , HB5076 , HB5081 , HB5354 , HB4862 , HB3847 , HB4088 , HB4157 , HB2966 , HB2287 , HB4203 , HB4803 , HB4737 , HB5093 , HB783 , HB5411 , HB4281
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this bill relates to reporting of certain public school employees. ...is conducted to local
- and public institutions of higher education.
- Excused absences from public school for the purpose of attending a released time course.
- Members, this bill relates to expressive activities at public institutions of higher education.
- Members, this bill restricts remote work by employees of public institutions of higher education.
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
educator misconduct, reporting requirements, local law enforcement, public and private schools, penalties for non-compliance, expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, telework, public education, employee rights, emergency provisions, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, antisemitism, genocide education, public schools
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Apr 16th, 2025
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- If I recall, we had our public hearing last week. I don't know if everybody was here.
- House Bill 484 by Representative Shaw addresses the public blockchain creation of inclusion of certain
- The public blockchain is a shared data store out there in the world.
- It's just pretty much a different way of publishing the transactions out to the public.
Committee:
House Ways and Means General Fund
Keywords:
firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and what files are not made public.
- harder for the public to stay informed.
- Senate 8, relating to public school accountability and transparency.
- accountability plans into an account in their unique indicators of student achievement.
- Senate Bill 8, relating to public school accountability and transparency. No passage.
Bills:
SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3 , SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3
Keywords:
education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct is the commission created to protect the public and
- promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, and competency.
- When a public official is sanctioned, it should not be shielded from the individual. Constituents.
- Again members, as I stated after input from the public during the testimony in State Affairs, the floor
- The state commission on judicial conduct increases public membership to seven, with no more than two
Bills:
SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569
Keywords:
judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They have CPAs, accountants, CEOs. and go on and on and on.
- Public schools. Thank you for asking. I think that private schools should adhere to it. Thank you.
- Committee substitute Senate Bill 762, relating to the display of flags in public schools.
- But we include both private and public. Question of the author of the amendment Mr. President.
- However, current financial academic accountability systems did not catch these violations.
Bills:
SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569
Keywords:
judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 23rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- It's been a negative effect on public health, public safety, and public comfort and convenience.
- I'm just looking at, again, the public filing.
- I'm just looking at, again, the public filing.
- I said that the effect on public health has been negative.
- Public health is not improved by reducing visibility or access.
Bills:
H5005
Keywords:
environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice, 1212, all
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 16th, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- The law specifies access to public sewer service and public water service, and I have some questions
- My understanding is that the ballot initiative language requires access to public water and public sewer
- My understanding is that the ballot initiative language requires access to public water and public sewer
- So if Boxford does not have public water and public sewer service, I don't think those would be qualifying
- This is for the general public.
Bills:
H5009
Keywords:
collective bargaining, worker rights, labor relations, public counsel services, state employees
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-03, House Bill 5000, which would allow single-family homes on smaller lots in areas with public water and sewer service. The hearing began with committee members outlining the Article 48 initiative process and then hearing from two subject-matter experts. Under Secretary Chris Clutchman of Housing and Livable Communities explained how the proposal would amend Chapter 40A, noted that Boston would be excluded, and said municipalities would still be able to adopt reasonable regulations on setbacks, bulk, height, and short-term rentals. He also flagged unresolved implementation questions, including how to treat wetlands, infrastructure capacity, and pre-existing nonconforming situations. Attorney Susan Murphy said the measure would significantly alter local zoning, could create conflicts with existing zoning districts and Section 3A/MBTA Communities rules, and raised concerns about infrastructure capacity and the lack of any home-size or affordability limits.
Supporters of the petition argued that Massachusetts faces a severe housing shortage and that large minimum lot sizes are a major barrier to building starter homes. Proponents said the measure would legalize single-family homes on lots as small as 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage where public sewer and water are available, and they cited polling showing public support for lot-size reform. They said the proposal could produce thousands of additional homes per year, help young families and seniors, and expand housing choices in high-cost suburbs. Committee members pressed the proponents on how the measure would interact with affordability, home size, frontage requirements, 40B compliance, and whether the bill would actually produce starter homes rather than larger expensive houses.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in opposition, urging the committee to take no action. MMA representatives argued that zoning is fundamentally a local decision and that the proposal would preempt municipal authority with a one-size-fits-all mandate. They also said the bill is impractical because public water and sewer service does not guarantee available capacity, citing examples of communities facing water and wastewater limits and costly infrastructure upgrades. MMA further argued the measure lacks affordability requirements and could be counterproductive, and pointed to existing and pending state tools such as Chapter 40Y, 40R-related proposals, and other housing funding or zoning reforms as better approaches. No vote was taken during the hearing.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Higher Education & Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- research institutions and one member representing the public.
- The public health need did not change. The administration changed.
- Progress from an idea to market depends on stable public investment.
- And yet, we know what stable public support can produce.
- I will now close the public hearing on Senate Bill 6321 and open executive session.
Bills:
SB6321 , SGA9245 , SGA9247 , SGA9250 , SGA9252 , SGA9253 , SGA9254 , SGA9259 , SGA9260 , SGA9261 , SGA9262
Keywords:
scientific research, innovation, economic growth, Washington Institute, public funding, 904, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 2/23/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- . accountability. accountability.
- </c> aren't they held accountable yet? aren't they held accountable yet?
- Accountability was carried out.
- Accountability is all we have.
- </c> accountable the people who are doing it. accountable the people who are doing it.
Bills:
HF3542