Video & Transcript : 'nominal transactions' :
Page 47 of 288
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- An act to amend the education law relating to the deadlines for filing nominating communications for
- simply aligns the small-city school district rules with other districts with respect to school board nominating
- simply aligns the small-city school district rules with other districts with respect to school board nominating
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met on April 21 and considered several education-related bills, mostly extensions or technical changes. S-57 (BOCES services to out-of-state school districts), S-150B (small-city school board nominating communication deadlines), S-8904A (BOCES lease terms for properties), S-9148 (exempting certain preschool special services providers from separate Commissioner approval), and S-9611 (extending provisions on certified school psychologists and preschool special education services) were all moved to the floor with little or no opposition.
The committee also took up S-2498, which would reduce the required number of lockdown drills in schools from 12 to 10 and adjust the timing of drills. Senator Tedisco spoke strongly against the bill, arguing that repetition is necessary to prepare students and staff for emergencies and that reducing drills would move in the wrong direction on school safety. Chair Mayer responded that the bill still requires a significant number of drills and is intended to reduce trauma, especially for young children. The bill advanced, with Senators Stec and Tedisco opposed and Senator Weber recorded without recommendation.
Most other bills were described as aligning existing rules, easing administrative burdens, or extending current law. The committee concluded by noting the meeting was productive and adjourned after moving all listed bills forward.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (1-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a nomination from a House member for the position of House co-chair?
- Is there a nomination from a House member for the position of House co-chair?
- Representative Hart is nominated. Is there a second from a House member?
- I'd like to nominate Senator Douglas. Senator Meredith nominated Senator Douglas.
- Douglas Senator Meredith nominated Douglas Senator Meredith nominated Senator Senator Senator Douglas
Summary:
The committee first reorganized by electing Representative Hart as House co-chair and Senator Douglas as Senate co-chair by acclamation, then approved the December 10 minutes. It then took up deferred and routine contract items, beginning with a Council on Postsecondary Education item that was withdrawn after staff explained the contract had been canceled and should not have come before the committee because the granting authority, not CPE, was issuing it.
The committee next reviewed a Department for Local Government contract tied to an Eastern Kentucky flood recovery housing project in Jackson. Members questioned the high per-unit cost and whether renovation was more expensive than new construction. Staff explained the cost included acquisition of an existing downtown building and needed water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, and said developable land was limited in the area. With no motion to object, the contract was allowed to move forward.
The committee then considered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet professional services contracts for highway design work. Members asked about the size of the contracts and how much of the available funding is typically used; staff said the contracts are two-year agreements, that the prior cycle reached close to $2 million per contract, and that this year’s limits were reduced because less money is available in the Highway Plan. The committee also approved a PSC amendment contract for the Bridging Kentucky program after staff explained the $150 hourly loaded rate was within the normal range for consultants. Both Transportation Cabinet items were approved without objection.
Finally, the committee heard a Kentucky Communications Network Authority contract for an $85,000 study of the dark fiber market. Members asked what dark fiber is, why the study was needed, whether there was coordination with the Office of Broadband Development, and whether existing service meant there was already a market. KCNA said dark fiber is unused fiber that local providers can light to deliver service, that the study was needed because the contractor said no market existed while ISPs said demand exists, and that the report would help both KCNA oversight and broadband development planning. The contract was reviewed without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Human Services - 03/26/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> interest when these private transactions interest when these private transactions occur.
- </c><00:47:04.560><c> And</c><00:47:04.800><c> and</c> transactions from taking place.
- And and transactions from taking place.
- </c> approving um these these transactions? approving um these these transactions?
- Um, there's 2,500 people nominally involved in this in a very nice, attractive setting.
Committees:
Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there further nominations?
- there being no further nominations there being no further nominations<00:05:00.800><c> the</c><00:05
- the nominations the clerk appoints the following<00:05:02.320><c> tellers</c><00:05:03.320><c> the</
- I'm grateful for this nomination.
- </c><02:20:25.399><c> I'm</c> grateful for this nomination I'm grateful for this nomination I'm grateful
Keywords:
SCR3, resolution, state law, legislative approval, concurrent resolution, honoring, lying in state, Capitol, James Earl Carter, United States President, electoral votes, 2025 election, presidential election, Congress, inauguration, committee, ceremonies, joint committee, ceremony, authorization
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/09/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Licensed Beverage Association, which is a retail liquor trade group, very much in support of the nomination
- . ...very much in support of the nomination.
- Please move the nomination.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And lastly, it modernizes the tax structure so that these products can be taxed at a very nominal rate
- And when I say nominal, that fee is found on page 20 of the bill.
- And lastly, it modernizes the tax structure so that these products can be taxed at a very nominal rate
- And when I say nominal, that that fee is found on page 20 of the bill.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But before that, I mean, you can go back to Bobby Kennedy, who was running for the Democratic nomination
- Bobby Kennedy, who was running for, you know, for the, was a Democratic nominee or running for the nomination
- Senate Bill 620 requires that, to qualify for nomination or election to federal, state, county, or district
- Additionally, the bill requires the same disclosure of dual citizenship for candidates seeking nomination
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Harrell, which would update ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” includes foster parents and foster children, received supportive testimony from the Commission on Ethics and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414 by Senator Bracy Davis, allowing campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, was presented as a way to reduce barriers to public service but was temporarily postponed after the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance.
Senate Bill 500 by Senator Avila would require FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices from nomination through assumption of office; members questioned the scope, definitions of major and minor parties, and whether taxpayers should bear the cost, and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Senate Bill 620 by Senator Mayfield would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship; testimony opposed the bill as stigmatizing dual citizens, but it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 92 by Chair Gaetz, which creates whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge and face retaliation, with support from the Commission on Ethics. In addition, the committee unanimously approved a block of gubernatorial appointments and then passed Senate Bill 564 by Senator Yarborough, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; members discussed whether the bill would create new volunteer opportunities and whether the term “community service hours” needed clarification. The meeting ended with adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- File Governor's Message Nos. 669 to 683 transmit nominations to various boards and commissions.
- message numbers 669 to<00:02:25.080><c> 683</c><00:02:26.000><c> transmit</c><00:02:26.480><c> nominations
- </c><00:02:27.000><c> to</c><00:02:27.280><c> various</c> to 683 transmit nominations to various to 683
- transmit nominations to various boards<00:02:27.959><c> and</c><00:02:28.560><c> commissions</c><00:
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 6th, 2026
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She's been nominated to attend Tech Trek at New Mexico Tech and is representing her school in math and
- But I nominate in my place, Representative Henry. Members take note.
- No more than one party may be in the majority on those nominating committees, and it still provides for
- And then it says that the voters would need to create the nominating commission in law.
- A list is provided to the governor from these nominating commissions, and then he or she—I think I'm
Bills:
HB111 , HJR1 , HB61 , HB8 , HB30 , HB43 , HB156 , HJM2 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB70 , SB3 , HJM3
Summary:
The House convened for a special American Indian Day celebration, with prayers, flag citations, a Navajo national anthem, and many members introducing tribal leaders, students, veterans, and community guests. Speakers emphasized Native sovereignty, government-to-government relations, cultural preservation, education, and the importance of representation in state government. The Speaker announced plans for a future tribal summit to discuss funding, capital, and policy priorities with tribes and nations.
After the celebration, the House received executive messages, including gubernatorial authorization for new bills and notice that House Bill 9 had been signed into law. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including House Bills 128, 285, 20, 52, 57, 58, 206, 109, 38, 66, 178, 198, 202, 224, 257, 103, and 247, with several health-related bills advanced via committee substitutes and referred onward. The House also adopted House Memorial 32 and enrolled House Bill 50 with a certificate of correction.
On the floor, House Joint Resolution 1, as amended, passed 67-0. The resolution would create nominating committees for certain constitutionally named institutions, require no single party majority on those committees, and shift the student regent appointment to an elected student government body; members discussed the one-year party-registration requirement and the timing of implementing legislation. House Bill 8, which creates and funds the Major Capital Projects Fund for higher education projects, was then debated at length over its graduation-rate criteria and waiver provisions, and an amendment was offered to require Higher Education Department waiver findings to be reported to and approved by the State Board of Finance for added oversight.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, EIG-HOU Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. this nomination, and I really look this nomination, and I really look forward<00:08:21.200
- I'm very proud to support her nomination. So, thank you, Chair. Further discussion?
- I'm very proud to support her nomination. So, thank you, Chair.
- I'm very proud to support her nomination. So, thank you, Chair. Further discussion?
- I'm very proud to support her nomination. So, thank you, Chair. Thank you.
Summary:
The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused.
The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So the second question is if a legislative employee files for or accepts a nomination to a prohibited
- So the second question is if a legislative employee files for or accepts the nomination to a federal,
- So, upon accepting the nomination or filing for the is a legislative employee should be required to use
- Yes, the current policy states that if you are going to run for an office, upon accepting the nomination
- looking at your Email where your email kind of poses the question of if they file for or accept nomination
Committee:
House Legislative Council
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Martin Makary, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services. Mar 6th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I proudly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same, and with that I recognize Senator
- Chair, and good morning, Doctor, and congratulations to you and your family on your nomination.
- I was incredibly happy with this nomination. I know you're going to do a great job.
- Congratulations on your nomination. Thank you.
- I mean, you've been nominated for this position because you're incredibly accomplished.
Keywords:
nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Business on the President's desk: communications from the Governor's executive nominations.
- Business on the President's desk: communications from the Governor, executive nominations.
- The nominations will be read by board and name only. Transportation Board: Alexis A. Hormaccio.
- Bill 1133: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 3, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to nominating
- 311, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to nominating proceedings.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and routine journal and calendar actions, including a gubernatorial nomination referral and bill references. Members also introduced guests in the gallery before the chamber resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider several election, health care, and child welfare measures.
In Committee of the Whole, senators considered SB 1038 on cast voter records and public records, SB 1133 on nominating procedures and candidate financial disclosures, SB 1247 on assisted living centers, and SCR 1001, a constitutional election-requirements referral. Each measure was amended and given a do-pass recommendation. SB 1133 received a floor amendment exempting certain statewide and legislative candidates in an emergency-related provision, SB 1247 was amended to allow a person not receiving care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center, and SCR 1001 was amended to make major election changes, including proof-of-identity requirements, changes to early ballot and drop-off rules, and language affecting mail voting and election administration. Debate on SCR 1001 was extensive, with supporters saying it would improve election security and speed results, and opponents warning it would reduce access, create confusion, and disproportionately burden voters, especially those who vote by mail or in rural and communities of color.
On third reading, SB 1038 passed 17-12, SB 1133 passed 23-6 with the emergency clause, SB 1247 passed 28-1 with the emergency clause, and SCR 1001 passed 17-12-1. The Senate also passed SB 1172 and SB 1175 by 28-1 votes. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the measures were properly assigned, committee meeting announcements were made, a moment of silence was held for Jesse Jackson, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Business on the President's desk: communications from the Governor's executive nominations.
- Business on the President's desk: communications from the Governor, executive nominations.
- The nominations will be read by board and name only. Transportation Board: Alexis A. Hormaccio.
- Bill 1133, an act amending Title 16, Chapter 3, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to nominating
- Senate Bill 1133: An act amending Section 6-3-11, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to nominating procedures
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/29/26 - Finance Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But the problem is that we have unsustainable increases in nominal prices over the past five years.
- But the problem is that we have unsustainable increases in nominal prices over the past five years.
- Then that will take a long time until nominal wages begin to catch up with inflated costs.
- But the problem is that we have unsustainable increases in nominal prices over the past five years.
- Then that will take a long time until nominal wages begin to catch up with inflated costs.
Summary:
The Finance Advisory Committee met for its January session to review Arizona revenue and economic conditions ahead of the budget process. JLBC staff presented the January baseline, noting projected positive cash balances through FY 2029 and about $577 million to $578 million in discretionary capacity, but also highlighting major unfunded items not included in the baseline, including federal tax conformity costs, ongoing one-time spending for state employee health insurance and school facility repairs, and administrative costs tied to H.R. 1. Staff also reviewed revenue trends by category, saying FY26 general fund revenues were running above forecast overall, with strength in retail, restaurants and bars, and individual income tax payments, while contracting and utility-related collections were weaker or flat. They also compared JLBC and executive revenue assumptions and discussed the executive’s proposed revenue changes, including border reimbursement assumptions, sports betting tax changes, data center-related tax and fee proposals, and other non-general fund measures.
A major topic was income tax conformity with recent federal tax law changes. Staff explained that current Department of Revenue forms assume “straight conformity,” but the governor’s proposal and vetoed SB 1106 do not fully match those forms, creating possible amendment and timing issues for taxpayers and the department if the legislature adopts a different policy. Members also discussed the difficulty of forecasting revenues amid volatile monthly collections and uncertainty over how much of the current revenue strength will persist in the second half of the fiscal year.
Danny Court of Elliott Pollack gave a broader national and state economic outlook, arguing that the U.S. has avoided recession despite several warning indicators, largely because of AI and data center investment, while employment growth has softened and inflation remains above the Fed’s target. He said Arizona remains relatively resilient, with strong population and job pipelines, but faces housing affordability constraints, slowing employment growth, and a more concentrated population forecast in the Phoenix area. Panelists generally agreed that Arizona remains in better shape than many states, though they cautioned that job growth is slowing, population estimates may be revised, and budget and revenue forecasts should be treated carefully given uncertainty in the data. No votes or formal actions were taken.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education, and other pending calendar business. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout the nomination process, Ms.
- McMahon's nomination. I urge colleagues to vote yes.
- The nominations agreed to and will be favorably reported to the Senate and the Help Committee stands
Keywords:
Department of Education, Ms. McMahon, educational reform, public testimony, federal responsibilities, local governance
Summary:
The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a proposal, House Joint Resolution 1, to create nominating commissions for each of our universities
- And this is really an improvement on that by creating a nominating commission.
- This will be a bipartisan nominating commission to actually interview a wider pool of people and hopefully
- And this is really an improvement on that by creating a nominating commission.
- This will be a bipartisan nominating commission to actually interview a wider pool of people and hopefully
Committee:
Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 238, which would rename the governor’s residence advisory commission as a governor’s residence management committee and clarify its duties, membership, and authority over furnishings, maintenance, inventories, and hospitality functions at the governor’s residence. Senator Worth and Secretary Designate Anna Silva said the change was needed to remove ambiguity during the transition to a new administration and to improve transparency around the residence, the General Services Department fund, and the separate Mansion Foundation fundraising role. Several senators questioned whether the bill concentrated too much authority in the governor and whether it could enable a large renovation project without sufficient legislative oversight; supporters said major renovations would still require legislative appropriations. The committee ultimately advanced the Senate Rules Committee substitute for SB 238 on a 5-2 vote.
The committee then approved House Joint Resolution 1, which would create bipartisan nominating commissions to vet and recommend university and special school regents to the governor, rather than leaving appointments entirely to the governor’s discretion. Senator Steinborn said the resolution would improve qualifications and reduce conflicts of interest, including by changing the student regent selection process. After brief discussion about party-affiliation restrictions, the resolution received a due pass with no objection.
Two memorials followed. Senate Memorial 21, presented by Senator Stephanics for Senator Bergman, calls for a Department of Health study of overdose prevention tools, including overdose prevention centers and other harm-reduction strategies, in response to New Mexico’s high and rising overdose death rates. Supporters cited rural access challenges and the need to explore all available tools; one senator asked for more accurate county and demographic data in the memorial’s background. The committee gave SM 21 a due pass. Senate Memorial 22, presented by Senator Charlie and the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, asks the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a working group to map how domestic-violence funding flows through CYFD and related agencies, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and provider input. Witnesses said funding streams are fragmented and sometimes unclear, and senators discussed whether the work should remain within CYFD or be overseen elsewhere. The committee also gave SM 22 a due pass. The chair then announced that the committee would hear SB 264 and SB 261 at its next meeting and recessed.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, Madam Clerk, on page one, Governor's Message Numbers 713 to 717 transmit nominations to various
- Governor's Message Number 718 withdraws a nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Hurricane
- Governor's message number 718 withdraws Governor's message number 718 withdraws a<00:06:48.800><c> nomination
- <c> the</c><00:06:49.520><c> board</c><00:06:49.720><c> of</c><00:06:49.840><c> directors</c> a nomination
- to the board of directors a nomination to the board of directors of<00:06:50.400><c> the</c><00:06:50.560
Summary:
The Senate convened, called the roll, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then made several introductions recognizing visitors in the gallery, including staff and guests connected to tourism, a group from the Luso-American Development Foundation from Portugal, and students and administrators from Kahakai Elementary School. Senator Kim also introduced four University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business Travel Industry Management students and their academic advisor and professor. Senator DeCoite spoke about Tourism Day at the Capitol, thanking HTA, HBCB, CNH, and Kilohana for their participation and youth-focused tourism programs, and later introduced the FLAD visitors from Lisbon, Portugal.
The clerk reported Governor’s Message Nos. 713 to 717 transmitting nominations to boards and commissions, and Governor’s Message No. 718 withdrawing a nomination to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. The Senate also received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 51 to 67 and Senate Resolutions 33 to 51 for referral to committee, which were ordered referred. The Chair announced that the deadline to file Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Resolutions with the Clerk’s Office was 4:30 p.m. that day.
At the close of business, Senator Wai moved that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 4:30 p.m. for receipt of resolutions and reconvene at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Senator Dort seconded the motion, and the Senate recessed without objection.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (01/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to place into nomination Representative Mark Pearson to be the chair in the coming term.
- Any other nominations? Then all in favor, opposed. Thank you.
- </c> with them on progress to to nominating with them on progress to to nominating another<01:22:45.440
- I do accept the nomination. Thank you. Wonderful. Any other nominations? Seeing none, all in favor?
- </c><01:31:43.760><c> thank</c> that I do accept the nomination thank that I do accept the nomination
Summary:
The committee first handled organizational business, electing Representative Mark Pearson as chair for the coming term, appointing Representative Lucy Weber as clerk, and approving the November 22 minutes with abstentions from members who were absent. Members also noted excused absences for Senator Avard and Representative Jessica Lontine. After the vote, the committee moved to the DHHS commissioners’ update.
DHHS associate commissioners Patricia Tilly and Chris Santinello described a process-improvement effort to improve transitions for youth moving from DCF care into adult developmental services and Medicaid. They said the old process was fragmented, dependent on personal relationships, and not sustainable, so staff from DCF, the Bureau of Family Assistance, Developmental Services, and public health used a Kaizen/Lean event to map the workflow, identify bottlenecks, clarify roles, and create a more consistent playbook. Members asked about IT support and whether the process would create new bureaucracy; DHHS said current systems are antiquated, especially DCF’s CWIS, but the goal is to streamline coordination, not add bureaucracy, and future systems like Granite Families may help with reminders and age-based ticklers. Several members praised the work, including a CASA volunteer who said the added attention has improved services for vulnerable youth.
The committee then received the annual healthcare-associated infections update from Ctin Hansen of the Division of Public Health Services. Hansen reported that New Hampshire’s HAI program, created by statute, tracks infections in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. For 2023, hospitals reported fewer infections than predicted nationally, with 135 infections statewide and 174 C. diff infections also below national rates; hospital influenza vaccination was 89.9%. Ambulatory surgery centers reported low infection counts and an 80.1% staff flu vaccination rate; dialysis centers reported fewer infections overall than the prior year but higher local access-site infections, with staff vaccination at 52.6%; and long-term care facilities reported a 50.1% flu vaccination rate, up from 37.8%. Hansen also said the program conducted over 100 investigations, handled 84 antibiotic-resistant organism reports, completed 20 infection-prevention assessments, and operated on a budget of about $348,000 plus grant funding, including an Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Grant that was later reduced.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- : But before that, I mean, you can go back to Bobby Kennedy, who was running for the Democratic nomination
- Senate Bill 620 requires that, to qualify for nomination or election to federal, state, county, or district
- Additionally, the bill requires the same disclosure of dual citizenship for candidates seeking nomination
- Additionally, the bill requires the same disclosure of dual citizenship for candidates seeking nomination
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably.
Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.