Video & Transcript Research : 'smart contract'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- And that we are working to leverage technology in a smart way so that we can drive efficiencies.
- Three words describe her, in my opinion: smart, strategic, and steady.
- She's smart because she understands the ins and outs of ADHS.
- So, and it's all the... ...more concerning to me because they're contracted to administer health insurance
- So that's all of the employees of the state of Arizona; they're contracted to provide health insurance
Summary:
The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote.
Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations.
Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Gaming, May 14, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on Gaming
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:30:06.920>
employment, Well, a 1099 is for contract employment, Well, a 1099 is for contract - On page two, line 10, where it says may contract with a person, if they were going to contract with um
- two, line 10, where it says may contract two, line 10, where it says may contract with<01:23:06.120
- <01:28:42.040>
with the commission could contract with the commission could contract with - gaming commission that they may contract gaming commission that they may contract using<01:44:35.960
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/17/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- their faces or anything, which is smart their faces or anything, which is smart to<00:16:29.360>
- Um she doesn't she was not very smart.
- But in fact, she is as smart as anybody in this room and probably smarter than some of us.
- we're not as smart as her. we're not as smart as her.
- and but they had they had the contract and but they had they had the contract out out out >>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- old ones wear out uh or new contracts old ones wear out uh or new contracts are<01:00:54.079>
- I'm obviously not that smart.
- smart either, but uh I'll give it a go. smart either, but uh I'll give it a go.
- significant than in the current contract significant than in the current contract to<01:40:46.000
- So aggressive contracts that Shop gets.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And so when we're negotiating contracts, we're seeing some significant increases in our contracts than
- And so when we're negotiating contracts, we're seeing some significant increases in our contracts than
- And so when we're negotiating contracts, we're seeing some significant increases in our contracts than
- And so when we're negotiating contracts, we're seeing some significant increases in our contracts than
- Is in alignment with locally negotiated contracts for duty outside of the staff's contracted time.
Summary:
The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates.
Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends.
Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing- Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- The squatters are very smart; they know how to turn on the water, so they kept turning on the water.
- Some have fiscal-only contracts; they just do the books, the financial statement.
- Some have fiscal-only contracts; they just do the books, the financial statement.
- Some have fiscal-only contracts; they just do the books, the financial statement.
- Some have fiscal-only contracts; they just do the books, the financial statement.
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees.
The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns.
HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Subdivision 7 describes the contract requirements with PACE organizations. alerted you to uh H file 1937
- 00:05:33.039>
the program subdivision 7 describes the program subdivision 7 describes the contract - Next we have public testimony, starting with Ellen Smart. Welcome to the committee.
- My name is Ellen Smart, and I'm a staff attorney with Legal Aid of the Minnesota Disability Law Center
- It's a smart, compassionate investment in families and communities.
Keywords:
PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/24/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We have lots of contracted government officials.
- We have lots of contracted government officials.
- We have lots of contracted officials.
- Uh I am concerned they contract one.
- Smart<01:14:32.040>
investments <01:14:32.680>in <01:14:32.800>effective Smart investments
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:13:35.400>
Um still smart. Um still smart. - contract for other reasons. contract for other reasons.
- of the same contract. of the same contract.
- contract argument. contract argument.
- to your primary secondary contract to your primary contract. contract. contract.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions. Members marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, promoted Cinco de Mayo and a related potluck, welcomed DeMolay International guests, and recognized correctional officers and employees during Corrections Officers and Employees Week. Several committees also announced upcoming meetings and bill hearings, including Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, Capital Development, and Appropriations.
Committee reports were read, including favorable recommendations on several bills and a postponement indefinitely of House Joint Resolution 1029. The Majority Leader then moved a slate of bills to special orders, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber then proceeded to floor consideration of Senate Bill 134, concerning payment card network fees.
Senate Bill 134 drew debate over whether merchants should continue paying swipe fees on the tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters said the bill would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and restaurants, with estimated savings of $8,000 to $10,000 per business and about $217 million statewide. Opponents argued the bill shifted costs to banks and could have unintended consequences, suggesting the state should instead directly pay or reimburse the fees. After debate, the House passed Senate Bill 134 by voice vote.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:46:19.760>
with operators and those who contract with operators and those who contract - . referred to as smart recovery.
- c> address Smart Recovery seeks to address Smart Recovery seeks to address addiction<04:26:48.880
- Uh, SMART itself is a nonprofit.
- Uh, SMART itself is a nonprofit.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase.
Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase.
Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Smart cards, you see them all around.
- Smart cards, you see them thefts, right? Smart cards, you see them all<00:30:51.919>
around. - You mentioned something about Smart 911. >> Okay.
- So Smart 911 is a voluntary system where you can include additional information into Smart 911, essentially
- Um I contracted with a population.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing.
For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities.
The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Sep 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- big chunk of this water feeds directly south of this aquifer into Lake Livingston, which is 70% contracted
- And that's why, basically, that's pretty close to how long it will take to get the study contracted out
- You may—I'm not smart enough to figure out—you were talking about the recharge and the permitting and
- I should say it was a smart purchase.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the Department of Education. district of innovation plan and receive full compensation in a formal contract
- bilingual education. are often hired as adjuncts or substitutes, receiving lower pay in no formal. contract
- It's a smart It's a smart strategic move in our state.
Bills:
HB 1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797
Keywords:
education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - Part 1 - 04/02/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- most importantly if we had a contract most importantly if we had a contract and<00:39:55.440>
- <00:40:29.599>
Deputy renewal of those contracts. Deputy renewal of those contracts. - <00:40:57.680>
that <00:40:57.920>was this is a contract that was this is a contract - It is economically smart.
- When we provide economically smart.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Pharmacy and that's why we contract Pharmacy and that's why we support<00:23:56.039>
this <00: - The concern is that, with the increase in the number of contract pharmacies, there is some concern on
- contract contract pharmacies<00:25:37.279>
there <00:25:37.520>is <00:25:38.200>um< - <00:25:44.960>
through that even if they are contracted through that even if they are contracted - The concern is that when it gets extended to all these contract pharmacies, there is some concern on
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions.
The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/12/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of those 1,200 acres were grown under contract with Cargill, which crushed the grain at their West
- Most of those 1,200 acres were grown under contract with Cargill, which crushed the grain at their West
- Most of those 1,200 acres were grown under contract with Cargill, which crushed the grain at their West
- Most of those 1,200 acres were grown under contract with Cargill, which crushed the grain at their West
- <00:21:19.960>
cereal <00:21:20.960>this existing climate smart cereal this existing
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And I want us to think systematically across the state about whether this is the smart way to fund public
- whether<00:04:31.000>
this <00:04:31.240>is <00:04:31.360>the <00:04:31.440>smart - /c><00:04:31.800>
way <00:04:32.400>to <00:04:32.560>fund whether this is the smart - In light of brevity, as everybody at the table here knows, the really smart people are staff people.
- Our contracts are volatile.
Keywords:
Crosby, local sales tax, bonding authority, community projects, voter approval, Owatonna, use tax, special law, community center, municipal finance, capital project, sales and use tax, local option tax, city tax, public facility, general election, bond referendum, debt limit, levy limit, Minnesota local government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- My organization spent nearly five years studying the effects of stay-or-pay contracts on workers
- :06.320>
demanded contracts employers have demanded contracts employers have demanded departing - Smart man. >> [laughter] Um, any other uh discussion, Senator Westrom? Mr.
- Smart man. >> [laughter] Um, any other uh discussion, Senator Westrom? Mr.
- Smart<01:16:28.480>
man. Smart man. Smart man.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, you guys are smart in the legislature, and all the bills have to be worked in verbatim, but
- This requires the Department of Human Services to establish contracts with a certain number and type
- This is for the Department of Human Services contracts with childcare providers.
- This is for the Department of Human Services contracts with childcare providers.
- <01:47:04.719>
for pilot program may provide contracts for pilot program may provide contracts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward.
The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes.
Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C County & Regional Government Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have contract deputies, and we have the largest contract deputy program in Harris County. with the
- Us accepting contracts.
- Though the way the contracts work now is the Harris County Budget Office... a value for the contract
- so we can get additional contracts.
- Because a law enforcement agency has entered into a contract, if they lose that contract, the county