Video & Transcript : 'Fair Campaign Practices Act' :

Page 47 of 500
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Ethics Board Jun 9th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Transcript Highlights:
  • a violation of the Ethics Act for Ms.
  • Fair enough. I'll withdraw the question. Outside the scope of cross-examination. Fair enough.
  • to, you know, a campaign event.
  • Generally, campaign stuff is absolutely, that's a violation if you intermingle campaign stuff.
  • I ordered it from my campaign treasurer, who mailed it.
Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Hearing Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state is launching massive media campaigns to drive people to 988.
  • program campaigns.
  • One will focus on adults and older adult suicide program campaigns.
  • So it's not enough, but I think there are some promising practices emerging.
  • So it's not enough, but I think there's some promising practices emerging.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Aug 21st, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • A bully — and yes, our president acts as one — uses power to intimidate, to harm, The president acts
  • So we really honor fairness because the country that we left has no fair election whatsoever.
  • That's why when I was chair of the Elections Committee, I authored an update to the Fair Maps Act that
  • And you talk about a fair election.
  • Don't act brand new.
Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and brief recess, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor debate centered on redistricting measures, especially ACA 8, along with SB 280, AB 604, and related motions. A point of order challenging the constitutionality of the redistricting items was raised by Assembly Member DeMaio, but the chair ruled it not well taken; an appeal was taken and the chair was sustained, 58-18. The body also approved a motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 (57-20), rejected a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary (19-58), and defeated a motion to take up AJR 21 without regard to file (19-58). Earlier, the consent calendar was taken up and SB 482 was removed at the author’s request; ACR 105 was listed on the consent calendar and the roll was opened, though the transcript then moved into further procedural business. The main substantive debate focused on ACA 8, described by supporters as an “Election Rigging Response Act” that would temporarily use voter-approved congressional district boundaries and send the question to the voters, while opponents argued it would undermine California’s independent redistricting system and violate the state constitution. Supporters, including Assembly Members Berman, Lowenthal, Boerner, Carrillo, Mark González, Bonta, Gibson, Elhawary, Gabriel, Salachi, Ransom, Ávila Farías, and others, framed the measure as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in Texas and other states, warning that Donald Trump and Republican-led states were trying to rig the 2026 election and threaten democracy, health care, immigrant communities, and other rights. Several supporters emphasized that ACA 8 would still leave the final decision to California voters and argued the state needed to act to preserve fair representation and counter national power grabs. Opponents, including Assembly Members Wallace, Ta, Gallagher, DeMaio, Dixon, Patterson, and Davies, argued that ACA 8 would abandon the voter-created independent citizens’ redistricting commission, erode trust, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a “power grab.” They stressed that Californians had already approved independent redistricting, that the Legislature lacked authority to redraw maps, and that the proposal was rushed with limited public input. Several opponents also criticized the cost of a special election and argued the state should focus on other priorities. The debate was marked by repeated admonitions from the chair to avoid impugning motives and to keep remarks decorous, but no final vote on ACA 8 itself appears in the transcript excerpt.
NM
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 14th, 2026 at 02:14 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'm excited to come before you next year on the success of this marketing campaign.
  • We got a hundred thousand dollars just for this marketing campaign.
  • the Medicaid Provider and Managed Care Act.
  • Reporting Act, government contractors, lobbyists, lobbyists, employers.
  • act, the lobbyist disclosure laws, the financial disclosure laws.
Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Aug 21st, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we really honor fairness because the country that we left has no fair election whatsoever.
  • Today's vote is an act of patriotism.
  • That's why when I was chair of the Elections Committee, I authored an update to the Fair Maps Act that
  • Newsom, when your campaign for president ends, kindly transfer your campaign treasury over to the state
  • Don't act brand new.
Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, recess, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor session centered on redistricting measures. Members debated a point of order raised by Assembly Member DeMaio challenging the constitutionality of SB 280, ACA 8, and AB 604; the Speaker ruled the point not well taken, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on appeal. The body also took up consent-calendar and procedural motions, including suspending rules to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 and to bring the measure up without reference to file. Several motions to re-refer or suspend rules on related measures failed, while the motion to adopt the late amendments on ACA 8 carried. The main substantive item was ACA 8, the Assembly Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting, presented by Assembly Member Berman as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, especially Texas. Supporters argued the measure was a temporary, voter-driven response to protect democracy, counter partisan gerrymandering, and address broader threats tied to the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and health care cuts. Opponents argued ACA 8 would undermine California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, violate the state Constitution, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a power grab. Members on both sides framed the issue as a defense of democracy, but disagreed sharply over whether the Legislature should act or leave redistricting to voters and the existing commission. No final vote on ACA 8 is shown in the transcript excerpt, but the Assembly did vote on several procedural matters: the appeal of the Speaker’s ruling was sustained 58-18; the motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 passed 58-19; a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary failed 19-58; and a motion to take up A.J.R. 21 without reference to file failed 19-58. The session remained focused on ACA 8 and related redistricting questions, with extensive floor speeches from both supporters and opponents.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jul 9th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Colin Miller, Reclaim Our Power Utility Justice Campaign, in support, and also with the proxy me-too
  • I think it's fair. And I think it's what the public wants.
  • Madam Chair, members, John White with the Clean Power Campaign in support of the bill.
  • I am here to present SB 647, the Home Energy Savings Expansion Act.
  • Oh, that's a fair point. I bought a pair of them. Yeah, they were supposed to be comfortable.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • autonomous practice by a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
  • Lombardo and others, House Bill 649, a bill to be entitled an act relating to autonomous practice by
  • when people act willfully.
  • The effective date to be delivered in compliance with the Act.
  • , higher wages, term limits, and tax fairness.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Walton County Deputy Will May, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for April 3, 2025 was adopted, and CS/HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, with several companion Senate bills substituted and passed: SB 36 (Florida statutes adoption act), SB 42 (general reviser’s bill), SB 40 (deleting inoperative statutory provisions), and SB 38 (renaming references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations). All of those passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The House also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to electronically send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection order documents. Members discussed whether judges needed to direct transmission and whether there were fail-safes if clerks did not comply. HB 615, on electronic delivery of notices between landlords and tenants, was amended to strengthen tenant protections and passed 108-0. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements, and HB 1145 on workforce education also passed, with HB 1145 receiving 100 yeas and 4 nays. HB 649, removing the paper supervised protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists, passed 77-30 after structured debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill adds a $1 million bond requirement after 25% of required signatures are collected, requires petition handlers to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, imposes background checks and training for paid circulators, shortens petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increases penalties, adds signature revocation notices, and creates additional criminal penalties and enforcement provisions. Supporters argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make citizen-led amendments much harder to qualify. Numerous amendments were offered, including proposals to remove sensitive personal information from petition forms, soften deadlines and penalties, change validation thresholds, and alter the estimating conference process; most failed, though one amendment clarifying who pays for background checks was adopted. The transcript ends during continued debate on an amendment to strike most of the bill and prohibit public funds from being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's not fair. It is not fair for us. What's going to happen to my children? fear.
  • And, you know, it's not fair.
  • This joint committee must act.
  • Now it's time for the state to act.
  • Now it's time for the state to act.
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/9/26

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, Representative Greenman, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act does not apply to... if the
  • choice is does chapter 13 data practices and open meeting laws apply to a choice.
  • Testifier Mister Chair Representative Green Men, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act does not
  • So while the Data Practices Act doesn't apply, the HOA side, Chapter 515B does have requirements that
  • And that was language that was added at the request of the Campaign Finance Board.
Bills: HF2185 , HF1849 , HF3719 , HF3721 , HF3845 , HF3720
Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 76 Jul 30th, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Second reading of the bill, An Act Relative to Primary Care, Senate No. 3141.
  • An act amending Chapter 305 of the Acts of 2016 relative to the year-round market rate rental housing
  • An act amending Chapter 305 of the Acts of 2016 relative to the year-round market rate rental housing
  • Third reading of the bill, An Act Further Regulating Insurance Claims, Senate No. 785.
  • None of them will be instruments of this indiscriminate deportation campaign.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Realtors are bound by a code of ethics to be honest and fair in their practice and to strive to become
  • Okay, moving on to the next bill: An Act Providing Nature for All.
  • House Bill 901 and Senate Bill 597, An Act Providing Nature for All.
  • I'm here in strong support of an act providing nature for all because...
  • Wetlands act as natural sponges, filtering and absorbing pollutants.
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Government

Senate Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • So you're actually—it's a fair question.
  • And so that's the district model, as opposed to... to my campaign.
  • Yeah, well, fair enough.
  • It doesn't force law enforcement to act.
  • Chairman, Senator Kavanaugh, I think that's a fair point.
Committee: Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1036, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring five weekly work-search actions, weekly reporting, cross-checks against data sources for fraud or ineligibility, and employer reporting of refusals to return to work or accept suitable work. The sponsor argued the bill would reduce fraud and improve program integrity, while DES said it was neutral but warned of system-update costs, added workload, and more appeals; some members raised concerns about apprenticeship programs and administrative burden. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then recommended the bill do pass as amended on a 4-3 vote. Next, the committee considered SB 1054, a strike-everything amendment to make city and town emergency measures subject to referendum. Supporters, including Payson’s mayor, former mayor, and council members, said local governments had abused emergency clauses to push through tax increases and bond measures without voter input. The League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposed the measure, arguing it would undermine true emergency powers and slow city responses. The committee adopted the amendment and then recommended the bill do pass as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee then heard SCR 1022, which would increase the House from 60 to 90 members beginning in 2033, with a later amendment delaying implementation to 2043. Senator Mesnard said the change would improve representation by reducing the number of constituents per member and nesting three House districts within each Senate district; some members and a public witness supported the idea, while others questioned cost, feasibility, and the effect on legislative power. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the resolution do pass as amended on a 5-2 vote. Finally, the committee quickly passed SB 1271, barring municipalities from penalizing businesses based on the number of emergency calls or the value of stolen/damaged property, with exceptions for malicious or false calls, and SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive electronic format with fees limited to material costs. Both measures received unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief testimony, and the committee also began hearing SB 1439, a strike-everything amendment creating a Conservative Grassroots Network specialty plate, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.
WY
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session-Day 21, March 6, 2026-AM

Wyoming House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next enrolled act is Enrolled Act No. 64.
  • Next enrolled act is Enrolled Act No. 65.
  • Senate Enrolled Act No. 65, being original Senate File 121, an act relating to the Wyoming Pharmacy Act
  • Next enrolled act is Enrolled Act No. 66.
  • </c> Next rolled act 65. Next rolled act 65.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 4/2/25

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • You cannot, a foreign national cannot give directly to a campaign.
  • The elements in this bill are critical elements to fair and equal participation.
  • </c> this is such a a problematic practice this is such a a problematic practice for<01:10:15.480><c>
  • </c><01:21:30.120><c> or</c> getting in front of that practice or getting in front of that practice or
  • But more importantly, this is language that we asked the Campaign Finance Board to produce.
Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jul 9th, 2025

Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, it is a fair study.
  • I think it's fair, and I think it's what the public wants.
  • Madam Chair, members, John White with the Clean Power Campaign.
  • John White with the Clean Power Campaign in support of the bill.
  • I'm here to present SB 647, the Home Energy Savings Expansion Act.
Committee: House Utilities and Energy
Summary: The committee heard a series of energy and utility bills, with most measures moving forward on party-line or near-party-line votes after extensive testimony. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move ahead with safety rules for carbon dioxide pipelines and lift the current moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from industry and clean-energy advocates and no opposition testimony was offered at the hearing. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 332, which would require a study of whether California should continue using investor-owned utilities, tie executive compensation to affordability metrics, and improve transparency around utility disconnections. Supporters argued the bill would put ratepayers first and examine safer, more affordable utility models, while opponents, including the Chamber of Commerce and major utilities, warned it would send a destabilizing signal to investors and was not a neutral study. Members raised concerns about the bill’s tone and market impacts, but the author said the study was intended to be even-handed; the bill later advanced on a 10-5 vote. The committee also approved SB 57, which creates a tariff framework for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other customers and to address stranded grid costs. Supporters said the bill would protect ratepayers and encourage clean energy use, while utilities and large energy users argued existing CPUC processes already address many of the issues and warned against overly rigid rules. SB 256, dealing with wildfire mitigation, emergency response coordination, undergrounding, and removal of abandoned lines, drew strong support from an Altadena community witness affected by the Eaton Fire, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative mandates and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. SB 647, aimed at improving low-income energy program access and performance metrics, and SB 787, which would coordinate state clean-energy supply chain development for EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind, also advanced after supportive testimony from labor, environmental, and community groups. The committee later approved a consent calendar of additional bills and left several measures on call for absent members to add votes."}
CO
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 056 Mar 11th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:54:49.960><c> consultant</c> out that that a a campaign consultant out that that a a campaign
  • I think that's fair.
  • That's a fair thing. interest in mind." That's a fair thing.
  • deleted some of the unlawful practices deleted some of the unlawful practices concerning<02:43:18.120
  • </c> over with the other unlawful acts. over with the other unlawful acts.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • services, as well as H. 3126, an act establishing a tax for online advertising, and H. 324, an act establishing
  • Next, we'll hear testimony on S. 2029, an act relative to the fair taxation of alcoholic beverages.
  • Today, my colleague and I are here to advocate in strong support of S. 2029, An Act relative to the fair
  • As my colleague said, we are here to advocate in strong support of S. 2029, An Act relative to the fair
  • The fair alcohol tax is not just about revenue; it is about fairness, accountability, and shared responsibility
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 7031E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to taxation.
  • The budget process is actually worked out in the form of campaign donations.
  • A bill to be entitled an act implementing the 2026 through 2027 General Appropriations Act.
  • A bill to be entitled an act implementing the 2026 through 2027 General Appropriations Act.
  • and the legislation implementing the act for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/13/2026 - House Commerce

House Commerce Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • And our Too Young to Bet Arizona campaign is a public service campaign adopted from the National Council
  • These two campaigns are a direct response to what we are seeing on the ground.
  • practice?
  • And so, as you saw the campaigns where we're doing that, I know with the Too Young Tibet campaign, we've
  • Additionally, the authority... ...as monitoring and oversight practices.
Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference
Summary: The committee met as the House Commerce Committee of Reference to hear sunset reviews and a performance audit covering the Department of Gaming, the Racing Commission, the Boxing and MMA Commission, the Barbering and Cosmetology Board, and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority. The Auditor General reported that the Department of Gaming and the two commissions generally met some statutory duties, but identified major issues: the department had not consistently reviewed independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, had disclosure and conflict-of-interest compliance gaps, lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes, and was late distributing some compact trust fund payments to tribes. The Racing Commission needed better public records procedures, and the Boxing and MMA Commission had licensing and fee-setting issues. The department and commissions said they agreed with the findings and were implementing recommendations, with the department noting it had already begun look-back reviews, updated guidance, and additional staffing. Members also discussed consumer protection, illegal gambling, prediction markets, and whether out-of-state enforcement actions should affect Arizona licenses; the department said it would evaluate such matters case by case and generally wait for final adjudication or final regulatory action before acting. The committee then voted to recommend continuation of the Department of Gaming for two years until July 1, 2028, the Racing Commission for six years until July 1, 2032, and the Boxing and MMA Commission for six years until July 1, 2032. The Department of Gaming motion passed 7-4, the Racing Commission motion passed 10-1, and the Boxing and MMA Commission motion passed unanimously. The committee next heard the Barbering and Cosmetology Board audit. The Auditor General said the board timely processed many applications and complaints and had adopted curriculum rules, but it failed to enforce disciplinary guidelines consistently, sometimes issuing different sanctions for similar violations without documenting why it deviated from policy. The audit also found problems with reciprocity education requirements, application review quality control, inspections, open meeting and public records compliance, conflict-of-interest processes, fee-setting, and statutory clarity on scope of practice and training requirements. The board said it agreed with the findings, had already updated disciplinary parameters and documentation policies, and was working on the remaining recommendations and possible legislation. The committee then voted to continue the board for six years until July 1, 2032, and the motion passed unanimously. At the end of the meeting, the committee began hearing the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority performance audit, but the transcript provided cuts off before that presentation was completed or any action was taken.
HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • They act for amusement, they act for profit, they act for other reasons, but not specifically with an
  • They act for amusement, they act for profit, they act for other reasons, but not specifically with an
  • c> they</c><01:00:14.640><c> act</c><01:00:14.840><c> for</c> They act for amusement, they act for They
  • act for amusement, they act for profit,<01:00:15.400><c> they</c><01:00:15.480><c> act</c><01:00:15.640
  • </c> to campaign contributions. to campaign contributions.
Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.