Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 480 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The last thing this does is add an express section in the public records request statute for legislative
- So right now, typically, we just can ask for Records request statute for legislative requests for information
- for information or we use the public records request law, but it adds a specific provision for legislative
- Just so we have a specific section of code to cite to say if it's coming from a legislator, legislative
- So this would take another step to put them on notice that this is a legislative request.
Committee:
House State Affairs
Summary:
The committee first heard RS 32967 from Representative Manwaring, a proposal aimed at protecting state and public employees who communicate with the legislature. He said the bill would broaden existing whistleblower protections to cover good-faith communications with legislators, prohibit gag policies or retaliation for such communications, and create a specific statutory basis for legislative records requests. In response to a question, he gave examples involving budget-related conversations with employees and redacted information he had encountered. The committee moved to introduce RS 32967, and the motion carried.
The committee then considered RS 33032 from Representative Church, which had been revised after earlier discussion. Church thanked members for support and explained that changes removed language referring to "crimes against the state" and replaced a 2025-only focus with language covering the past, present, and future, while still addressing events involving Charlie Kirk and Representative Hortman. Members asked for clarification on the revisions, and the committee voted to introduce RS 33032 and send it directly to the Second Reading Calendar.
Before adjourning, the chair noted that only one RS remained for the next day and encouraged members to submit any remaining items quickly. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank the committee for hearing this legislation this morning.
- House Bill 574 is child protection legislation.
- House Bill 574 is child protection legislation.
- Section six will name this legislation the Baby Maya Law.
- So I'd like to briefly just focus on the fiscal impact of this legislation.
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479
00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479
00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574
00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475
00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291
01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291
01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle has been the 121st legislator for the past 10 years. She has gone to D.C.
- So I want to thank you for bringing forward this piece of legislation.
- So I want to thank you for bringing forward this piece of legislation.
- And I think many legislators have started to try to do work on this.
- To address this problem, legislation passed in 2010 requiring some history.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors.
The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations.
Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call.
The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle has been the 121st legislator for the past 10 years. She has gone to D.C.
- So I want to thank you for bringing forward this piece of legislation.”
- And I think many legislators have started to try to do work on this.
- And I think many legislators have started to try to do work on this.
- To address this problem, legislation passed in 2010 requiring some...
Committee:
House Health
MA
Transcript Highlights:
- Today or after today's commission hearing at any length via email to my legislative director, Matt Murphy
- And part of the legislation that we passed last year that created this commission makes it clear that
- I'd also like to say that DESE has been glad to be part of the Special Legislative Commission on the
- Good afternoon, members of the Special Legislative Commission and distinguished guests.
- I want to urge this legislative commission to start the work of developing the future of PRHC.
Summary:
The special legislative commission on the future of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children held a hybrid public hearing focused on the hospital’s future, admissions, staffing, infrastructure, and whether the facility should be preserved, expanded, or reimagined. Opening remarks from legislators, commissioners, parents, and union representatives emphasized that Pappas provides a unique combination of medical, rehabilitative, educational, and residential services for children with complex needs, and several speakers argued that the hospital is effectively being depopulated through reduced admissions and ongoing discharges despite public assurances that it remains open. Multiple speakers urged the commission to extend its authorization and continue its work before any closure or major change can occur.
Testimony from labor leaders, including AFSCME, SEIU Local 509, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, described a “silent closure” in practice, with staff reporting confusion about the hospital’s status, declining census numbers, blocked admissions, and uncertainty about the workforce’s future. They called for immediate action to stop admission denials and unnecessary discharges, and some proposed short-term solutions such as temporary modular structures to address infrastructure barriers and allow admissions to resume. Parents and former patients testified that Pappas provided life-changing independence, specialized therapy, and campus-based supports that they said could not be replicated elsewhere, and they criticized alternative placements as inadequate.
Commissioner Robert Goldstein of the Department of Public Health said the administration supports keeping Pappas open and funded while the commission works, but he argued that admissions must comply with hospital-level-of-care rules and that the campus’s deteriorating infrastructure limits the kinds of children who can safely be served there. He said the department is continuing admissions for appropriate patients, working to expand outreach and services, and exploring long-term options, including broader statewide models of care. Commissioners pressed him on whether discharge status or lack of a clear discharge plan had been used as a barrier to admission, and requested de-identified data on patients recommended for admission but denied. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Three - Tuesday, May 5th
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You would think that he's almost a legislator. He loves what he's doing.
- This is not good legislation. And I appreciate the sentiment.
- Is that a possibility with this legislation? I think that's a possibility.
- I'm all for that, and I think we should look at legislation to do that.
- And so I'm all for legislation that protects our health care workers.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, unanimous consent, we go to our business introduction of legislation.
- So how many New Mexicans will this piece of legislation positively impact? Mr.
- President, from AARP New Mexico, in full support of this broadband legislation.
- President, from ARP, New Mexico, in full support of this broadband legislation.
- So as this legislation is proposed, So as this legislation is proposed, there is no minimum requirement
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Weber Pierson and the Legislative Black Caucus are working closely this year on separate legislation
- This is our highest priority piece of legislation. Thank you. Mr.
- We're just asking for common-sense gun legislation here.
- And so I commend the author for doing just that with this legislation and many other pieces of legislation
- All of these fees, as I just mentioned, would be outlawed by this legislation.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes.
Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call.
AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call.
The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House state government committee hears Gov. Walz's anti-fraud package 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- This provision also addresses an audit finding from 2019 in which the legislative auditor recommended
- </c><00:20:50.320><c> session</c> proposals for this legislative session proposals for this legislative
- He said he is on his 15th year on the Legislative Audit Commission and has seen a lot of audits.
- What do you think prompted the governor to make this a priority, this legislation?
- </c> you always make me a better legisl you always make me a better legisl legislator<00:52:57.119><c
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Adriana Gomez, legislative advocate with the CSU Chancellor's Office.
- I would like to see legislation or at least a commitment by members to focus on that, and that's legislative
- And so I think with this legislation and with your support, we can make this a reality.
- That is why this piece of legislation is critical for our most underserved students.
- Hart, for bringing this important legislation forward. We know we believe in good government.
Summary:
The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee.
The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations.
AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- To all of you, our state legislators, come together. Get this done.
- </c><00:48:51.160><c> process,</c> the dessert of the legislative process, the dessert of the legislative
- I'm the legislative director to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49.
- I'm legislative director for LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota.
- </c><01:07:36.960><c> this</c> We are here uh with legislation this We are here uh with legislation this
Committee:
Senate Capital Investment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation serves as a safeguard against the expected cuts.
- This legislation serves as a safeguard against the expected cuts.
- Um, it just seems rather strange to be passing legislation based on a hypothetical.
- Um, it just seems rather strange to be passing legislation based on a hypothetical.
- It just seems rather strange to be passing legislation based on a hypothetical.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- or financial impact of proposed legislation.
- John Posey with the Legislative Budget Board again.
- John Posey with the Legislative Budget Board again.
- I am KJ Curtis with the Legislative Budget Board. Thank you.
- Charlie Smith, Legislative Budget Board.
Bills:
SB 1
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken.
The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information.
The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- And three, to draft or modify legislation as necessary to effectuate the goals of finding and funding
- For legislation pertaining to substance abuse prevention and treatment.
- And maybe this is to legislators or to you, Dr. Weinstock.
- Is it too late for Missourians to... legislators or to you, Dr. Weinstock.
- In fact, the legislature for years denied legislation that would implement sports betting...
Summary:
The task force meeting opened with a brief organizational update, including new leadership, roll call, and an explanation of the task force’s statutory duties: to study current and future drug and substance use in Missouri, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and report recommendations on prevention and treatment. The chair outlined the summer hearing plan, which would feature field experts, with future sessions expected to cover alternative therapies such as psilocybin and ibogaine and testimony from the Department of Mental Health. Members were encouraged to think about legislative ideas and policy recommendations for the upcoming session.
The first major testimony came from Dr. Rachel Winograd, who described Missouri’s overdose crisis as evolving into a “fourth wave” marked by fentanyl mixed with animal tranquilizers such as xylazine and medetomidine, along with methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, but emphasized that the crisis remains severe. Her main recommendations were to focus on demand reduction rather than repeated supply crackdowns, expand evidence-based treatment—especially methadone and buprenorphine—broaden naloxone access, and improve practical supports like housing, transportation, and case management. She also said peer services are valuable but should not be used as a substitute for clinical care, and noted that Missouri Medicaid generally covers evidence-based treatment but reimbursement for peer recovery services remains a gap.
Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director at the Department of Health and Senior Services, reinforced the call for integrating substance use disorder care into whole-person health care. She highlighted the state naloxone standing order, which supports more than 11,000 Medicaid naloxone prescriptions annually, and urged five best practices: integrating SUD treatment into primary care, maternal health, general medical training, EMS initiation of buprenorphine after overdose, and expanded methadone access. She also argued for team-based reimbursement, stronger parity enforcement between behavioral health/SUD and physical health, and caution in regulating emerging substances so policy does not outrun the science.
Dr. Doug Burgess of University Health in Kansas City echoed the integration theme, arguing that Missouri’s system is too fragmented and that patients are often stabilized and then left to coordinate their own next steps. He compared ideal SUD care to the coordinated response used for heart attacks, with seamless transitions from emergency care to inpatient treatment, rehab, and outpatient follow-up. He said treatment courts can be effective when they are well coordinated and informed by addiction science, and he stressed the importance of discharge planning, peer recovery coaches, information-sharing, and maintaining Medicaid coverage during justice involvement. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Apr 21st, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- How do you see that this particular legislation affecting those individuals?
- This set of amendments... ...about this legislation.
- Amendment 1 adds language relative to legislative findings and purpose.
- Are other states doing this type of legislation? Have they acted on this piece?
- Are other states doing this type of legislation? Have they acted on this piece?
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 267, which would change the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors by adjusting appointment qualifications, term limits, and nomination procedures. Vice Chair Thomas explained the bill was meant to address the lack of nominations from existing entities and to allow the governor more flexibility, especially in smaller districts. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported HB 267 favorably.
The committee then considered House Bill 478 on utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill, as amended, requires utilities to clearly label reimbursements on customer bills and sets a deadline for issuing refunds. After discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee changed the reimbursement timeline from 45 days to 90 days and clarified that the bill would not interfere with larger settlement or regulatory credits. HB 478 was then reported favorably as amended.
The longest discussion centered on House Bill 924, a consumer protection measure aimed at contractors who solicit residential property owners after declared disasters. The author said the bill was intended to curb predatory storm-chasing and fraudulent insurance-related practices, while still allowing emergency mitigation work. The committee adopted technical amendments and then a conceptual amendment shortening the catastrophe response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split: the Insurance Commissioner and some roofing industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to deter fraud, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses, limit legitimate door-to-door work, and not solve enforcement problems. The bill remained under consideration after extensive testimony and public comment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Steenhausen with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- Seventeen legislators from across L.A.
- Seventeen legislators from across L.A.
- Paul Steenhausen with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- So I think there's about seven different pieces of legislation.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars.
The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken.
Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts.
Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- this session electric with legislation this session electric co-ops<00:13:53.279><c> would</c><00:13
- The legislative findings from that law state that there is great uncertainty over the means and costs
- The legislative findings from that law state that there is great uncertainty over the means and costs
- </c> committee will be seeing legislation committee will be seeing legislation from<00:46:00.640><c>
- </c><00:46:52.800><c> and</c> for you to consider this legislation and for you to consider this legislation
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a fair question, and that's what we've been working to tackle here with this legislation.
- Another one of those pieces of legislation is unfortunate.
- Is there anyone else here in opposition to the legislation? SB 1288?
- And like a lot of the legislation we see, it's a balancing act.
- So that's how I see this legislation.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills. SB 911, by Senator Becker, would require notification and verification of defensible-space compliance when homes in high wildfire severity zones are transferred, using the preliminary change of ownership report; supporters said it would improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while county assessors opposed the use of the PCOR and urged a different recorded document. Members generally supported the bill but raised concerns about the 12-month compliance window and the need to keep working with assessors; the bill was held pending a quorum and later placed on call.
SB 1016, by Senator Blakespear, would create a pathway for a higher-level mental health evaluation when a Care Court petition is dismissed because the person is too ill to participate or otherwise needs more intensive care. Supporters, including psychiatrists, family members, and local officials, said Care Court is leaving many severely ill people untreated and that the bill would connect them to existing LPS processes. Opponents, including Disability Rights California, county behavioral health directors, counties, and other advocacy groups, argued it would expand involuntary detention, bypass existing pre-petition screening safeguards, and undermine Care Court’s voluntary nature. The bill passed the committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call.
SB 1112, by Senator Archuleta, would create a faster court process for victims of illegal or excessive “bandit towing” to recover their vehicles by posting a bond and obtaining a release certificate. Support came from Enterprise Mobility and the author, who said the bill targets bad actors and helps equalize leverage for vehicle owners; the California Auto Body Association sought an amendment to exclude auto repair shops. The committee passed the bill as amended to Appropriations and placed it on call. SB 1119, by Senator Padilla, would impose child-safety requirements on AI chatbots, including risk assessments, crisis-response protocols, parental controls, limits on time and data use, reporting, audits, and a private right of action. The bill was driven by testimony from the mother of a teenager who died by suicide after prolonged chatbot interactions; industry and business groups opposed or sought amendments, citing overlap with recent law, vague standards, and prescriptive design mandates. Members expressed strong support for the bill’s goals while urging tighter definitions, and the bill was moved on a roll call vote and placed on call.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislature previously passed legislation requiring a detailed study of property tax reform.
- passed legislation requiring a detailed study of property tax reform.
- We do legislation all the time. We do legislation all the time.
- Not because this is his policy, his legislation. Again, this was something he was given.
- And so, of course, most of these bills were not heard during this legislative session.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And we did speak with Legislative Council about this and there was consensus with Legislative Council
- And we did speak with<00:53:42.720><c> legislative</c><00:53:43.240><c> council</c><00:53:43.640><c>
- about</c><00:53:44.080><c> this</c><00:53:44.400><c> and</c> with legislative council about this and
- with legislative council about this and there<00:53:45.560><c> was</c><00:53:46.160><c> consensus</c>
- <00:53:46.800><c> with</c><00:53:47.160><c> legislative</c> there was consensus with legislative there