Video & Transcript : 'Washington State Energy Code' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026

Elections and Constitutional Amendments

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please come forward and state your name and affiliation, if any.
  • We were a state partner in engaging hard-to-reach Black residents.
  • Since that time, seven states have enacted state VRAs, and just last week, an eighth went to the governor's
  • Seventy-eight percent of voters across the country support a state VRA in their own state, and two-thirds
  • California is again the most diverse state.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Here in the Golden State, we will continue to protect our democracy.
  • We were a state partner in engaging hard-to-reach Black residents.
  • Since that time, seven states have enacted state VRAs, and just last week, an eighth went to the governor's
  • Seventy-eight percent of voters across the country support a state VRA in their own state, and two-thirds
  • California is again the most diverse state.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg would expand electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot-processing sites, restrict law enforcement activity near voting locations except for crimes against persons or property, expand ballot drop box and vote center access, and extend the vote-by-mail receipt deadline. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and interference; county election officials opposed it as operationally burdensome and difficult to enforce. The committee discussed amendments narrowing some provisions, and the bill was ultimately advanced on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Choi voting no. The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would codify and expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance for certain jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voter access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city representative raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. Senator Choi questioned the bill’s concepts, but the measure was moved to Judiciary and later recorded as passing 4-1. SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and streamline campaign-ad disclosure language, allow abbreviations, and increase the number of top funders listed on political mailers from three to five. Outdoor advertising and good-government groups supported the bill as improving readability while preserving transparency. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee also considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for initiative titles and summaries from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while labor groups opposed the change as unnecessary and less accountable. Both measures were advanced to Appropriations after divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand election language-access requirements beyond current federal thresholds and add a petition process for undercounted language communities. It drew broad support from civil rights and advocacy organizations, with county election officials seeking amendments over implementation details; the bill passed 5-0 after the committee completed roll calls on the absent members.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on State and Local Government - 05/01/25

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • She's a former state senator.
  • </c> buildings built to the residential code buildings built to the residential code and<00:26:12.000
  • </c> employers and the promagation of of code employers and the promagation of of code regulation<00:
  • That's just in our building code.
  • </c><00:47:14.960><c> And</c> that are happening in our state. And that are happening in our state.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • As in the state of North Dakota.
  • You know, we're a state school or state college of science, right? So...
  • Or state college of science, right?
  • Dual credit does transfer well within state. It also transfers decently outside of state.
  • That's the state grant.
Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The state charter exists.
  • Fair lending is already within the scope of current examinations from the state.
  • Justin Garrett, the California State Association of Counties, in support.
  • or then sending a code.
  • But the financial sector is part of the United States' critical infrastructure.
Summary: The committee heard AB 801, which would require the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct fair lending examinations of lenders on a regular schedule. The author and supporters, including the Greenlining Institute and several housing and consumer groups, argued the bill was needed because federal fair lending enforcement has weakened and California borrowers of color continue to face lending disparities. Banking and credit union representatives opposed the bill as duplicative and costly, though they acknowledged the author’s amendments and continued negotiations. The bill was approved on a vote and re-referred to Judiciary, with some members voting no or not voting at first and later the measure passing on a fuller roll call. The committee then heard AB 871, which would strengthen elder fraud protections by requiring financial institutions to report suspected financial abuse to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and notify customers of the report. The author and county and adult protective services supporters said the bill would improve pattern detection and help stop or reverse scams more quickly. Bankers opposed the customer-notification requirement, warning it could alarm seniors and that the reporting process would add operational burden, but the author and supporters said victim information is important for investigations. The bill passed with committee support and was re-referred to Judiciary. AB 1842 and AB 1847, both related to mortgage forbearance after major disasters and the Eaton and Palisades fires, were also heard. AB 1842 would create a statewide framework for forbearance after federally declared major disasters, and AB 1847 would extend relief for wildfire survivors; both bills were amended to narrow triggers, clarify repayment and documentation issues, and remove some reporting requirements. Supporters included local officials, consumer groups, and housing advocates, while mortgage and banking groups remained in opposition on some implementation points but said they were working toward compromise. Both bills were approved and re-referred to Judiciary. Finally, AB 2116, dealing with merchant cash advances and small business financing transparency, was heard with broad support from small business and consumer advocates and partial support from some industry representatives after amendments; opponents still raised concerns about disclosure authority and unconscionability standards. The bill was also approved and sent to Judiciary. The committee additionally adopted a consent calendar of unrelated bills.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 22nd, 2026

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Two state studies, seven years apart.
  • Like a captive insurance program through the state.
  • producer rather than somebody who's operating in the state?
  • to state, as Craig had mentioned earlier.
  • We have dozens that have adopted the new specialized energy code, thereby requiring that all new homes
Bills: S3091 , H5477
Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on two late-file matters, centered on S. 3091, a bill to create relief for homeowners affected by the crumbling concrete/pyrrhotite crisis. Senator Peter Durant presented the bill as a way to establish a crumbling concrete assistance fund, administered by CEDAC, to help replace failing foundations and reimburse homeowners who already paid out of pocket. He said the proposal follows recommendations from a state commission and would be funded by a $6 fee on homeowner/condo insurance policies and a $6-per-cubic-yard surcharge on concrete, with the goal of spreading costs broadly rather than placing them on homeowners alone. Several affected homeowners testified about severe financial and emotional harm, including expensive foundation replacements, lost equity, inability to sell or refinance, and long delays in getting help. Homeowners Karen Riani, Michelle Iglesi, Karen Bellotti, and Russell Dupierre described living with homes that became unsellable or unaffordable to repair, and urged the committee to move the bill forward. Committee members asked about inspection practices, whether pyrrhotite can be detected during home sales, whether the bill would ban pyrrhotite, and how much funding the program would need. Witnesses said the problem is broader than originally understood, affecting at least 52 municipalities, and that the only fix is full foundation replacement. They also said the bill includes training and education for inspectors, but does not ban pyrrhotite outright because the issue is now being addressed through quarry testing and material controls. Representatives of the concrete industry, including Craig Dauphinay, Karen Marshall, and Guy Glottis, said they support homeowner relief and the creation of a fund, but strongly opposed the concrete surcharge. They argued the industry has already taken significant steps, including supporting state testing and regulation of aggregate sources, and said the surcharge would unfairly assign blame, raise costs for residential, municipal, and infrastructure projects, and create cross-border competitiveness issues with neighboring states. They favored a Connecticut-style model funded primarily through insurance assessments, noting that Connecticut’s program has been successful and that Massachusetts could adopt a similar approach. No vote was taken at the hearing.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

House in Session Feb 25th, 2026

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • that a state agency cannot condition settlement with the state when funds are offered to the state,
  • State the point.
  • The student ID issued by a state university that's getting state money. The math.
  • Representative Rayner: The student ID issued by a state university that's getting state money.
  • other states have not done it.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including tributes to former members and law enforcement. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the day’s special-order calendar. Early bills passed unanimously, including CS/HB 401 on FDLE security details for major party nominees for governor and lieutenant governor, CS/HB 1063 on gubernatorial transition procedures, HB 593 on governmental agencies and personnel, CS/CS/HB 655 on confidential attorney-client meetings for local governments in pending litigation, and HB 6011 on ethics gift/honoraria reporting procedures. Each of these measures was explained by sponsors as transparency, security, or administrative process legislation, and each passed 115-116 to 0. The chamber then took up CS/HB 125, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. The bill drew extensive and sharply divided debate over whether a state remembrance was appropriate for Kirk, with opponents arguing he was a polarizing political figure and that the House should focus on affordability and other constituent concerns, while supporters framed the bill as a defense of free speech and opposition to political violence. A proposed amendment to replace the designation with a George Floyd remembrance was ruled not germane. After structured debate, the bill passed 82-31. Members also considered transportation designation measures. SB 628, substituted for CS/HB 885, included multiple road and bridge namings and an amendment designating a 124-mile stretch of State Road 80 as the President Donald J. Trump Highway; the amendment and bill passed 82-26. CS/HB 33 similarly designated portions of roads as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and President Donald J. Trump Boulevard, prompting another lengthy debate over the appropriateness of honoring political figures and the use of public roadways for such designations; it passed 82-30. The House then began debate on CS/HB 35, “Isaiah’s law,” which would add driving without a valid license to the habitual traffic offender list after repeated offenses, with sponsors citing a fatal hit-and-run and opponents questioning prosecutorial discretion and the bill’s practical effects.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 18th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Alabama code section 17-16-2 outlines how state conducts 17-16-2 outlines how state conducts 17-16-2
  • and a state like Alabama where the state and a state like Alabama where the state and a state like Alabama
  • So, this is defined in our state code. It It's Tell defined in our state code.
  • It It's Tell defined in our state code. It It's Tell me what the state code say.
  • Who's the me what the state code say. Who's the me what the state code say.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the LFC analyst for the State Fair.
  • We're talking about the State Fair Commission; it's Agency Code 460.
  • It's the revenue that the State Fair generates through the state. The Fair then spends.
  • We are officially the safest State Fair in the United States, and out of 11 days and almost 518,000 people
  • I always enjoy the State Fair.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • State your full name. Sure.
  • </c><00:19:03.400><c> is</c> we can do throughout the state is we can do throughout the state is standardize
  • State your full name and begin your testimony. Mr.
  • </c><00:42:45.280><c> our</c> the Minnesota criminal code our the Minnesota criminal code our membership
  • Chair. severity crime in the state of Minnesota severity crime in the state of Minnesota but<00:48:07.520
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 14th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a state-local partnership.
  • It's a state-local partnership.
  • It is designed just like every other state in the nation that has a state police or state patrol.
  • As lawmakers travel throughout the state, you've seen every corner of our beautiful state.
  • packages to other state agencies.
Bills: S0048
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness. In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Education Feb 13th, 2026

House Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this year alone, we have 325 residents in placements across the state.
  • This is work across eight different institutions across the state.
  • This is work across eight different institutions across the state.
  • I'm the special education ombud for the state of New Mexico.
  • You know, just don't have a whole lot of energy behind it anymore.
Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306
Summary: The Senate Education Committee began with announcements about likely upcoming meetings and a reminder that public testimony could be limited if bills drew large crowds. Members also introduced student shadows and briefly recognized them. The committee then took up House Bill 30, which would revise the Teacher Residency Act to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention by tying resident stipends more closely to minimum level-one teacher salaries, increasing support for residents who already hold bachelor’s degrees, and giving residents more flexibility to complete their service in any public school rather than only the sponsoring district. The sponsor and supporters from educator preparation programs, unions, and advocacy groups said the bill would make residency programs more sustainable, help rural districts, and improve teacher preparation. The bill received support from the Public Education Department and several education organizations, and the committee voted due pass. The committee next heard House Bill 120, as amended, which would clarify and limit the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor explained that the bill came from a task force and is intended to clarify existing law rather than create a new mandate, with clearer definitions, stronger documentation, family notification, and limits on dangerous practices such as prone, mechanical, or chemical restraint. Supporters included PED, the special education ombuds office, disability rights advocates, teachers’ unions, parents, and civil rights groups, who emphasized student safety, trauma prevention, and better training for staff. One opposition witness from the school superintendents’ association argued the bill could add burdens and that more time was needed to implement current law. Committee members raised concerns about protecting teachers and aides during violent incidents; sponsors responded that the bill is meant to give staff clearer guidance and emergency-response tools, not replace disciplinary procedures. The committee voted due pass. House Joint Resolution 1, a constitutional amendment to create nominating commissions for university regents, was then presented. The sponsor said the goal is to reduce purely political appointments by having nonpartisan commissions recommend regent candidates, while also changing how student regents are selected so students have a direct voice rather than the university president choosing the student regent. AFT New Mexico supported the measure, citing concerns about donor or insider appointments and backing student representation. Committee members questioned how many commissions would be created, who would appoint their members, and how many names would be sent to the governor; the sponsor said those details would be set later in enabling legislation. The committee approved the resolution on a due pass vote, sending it onward in the process. The committee also quickly passed Senate Bill 306, which would align state higher education accreditation language with federal terminology by removing the distinction between regionally and non-regionally accredited institutions and changing reporting and fee requirements for smaller private institutions. Finally, Senate Bill 210, an appropriation for athletic and related facilities at New Mexico Highlands University, drew the most debate. Supporters said the university’s athletic facilities are outdated and inadequate, especially for women’s soccer and track, and that the project would help student-athletes and Title IX compliance. Committee members questioned the $80 million request, noting that only $3 million was currently in the budget for the three Division II schools and expressing concern about priorities amid other education funding needs. The sponsor and university president said the project could be phased and that private fundraising is also being pursued. Despite reservations and some no votes, the committee ultimately voted due pass. The chair closed by reminding members to plan on meeting Monday at 9 a.m. and said the committee was adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 11th, 2025

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I mentioned earlier the state flood assessment in 2019.
  • Those are contained in Chapter 16 of the Texas Water Code.
  • Slide 10, the TWDB adopted Texas's very first state flood...
  • If you're interested, the state flood plan is online.
  • But I think the state could make the case that it is in the long-term interest of the state overall to
Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships. Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects. Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Conservation and Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:30 am

Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state of Missouri and the U.S.
  • We rank in the top four nationally, with over half of all visitors to the state visiting a state park
  • This with over half of all visitors to the state visiting a state park.
  • My first 10 years of my career, I worked for Missouri State Parks, and every year at Lake Ozark State
  • Second is state water quality violations. points. Second is state water quality violations.
Keywords: 959, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 3/27/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:01:38.000><c> of</c> state of state of Minnesota<00:01:40.159><c> now</c><00:01:40.520><c> thank<
  • </c><00:02:09.399><c> of</c> America flag of the United States of America flag of the United States of
  • of the State message.
  • of the State message.
  • The amendment is coded DEA 202.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Health Committee Meeting - 2025-04-07

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is that just revenue from the state of Minnesota, or how about if they have out-of-state stuff?
  • We want to give more time and energy. They just keep coming.
  • So I don't know of all the hospital systems and clinics in the state.
  • I am one of 11 regional navigators across our state.
  • state-only funds.
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 4th, 2026

Senate Budget and Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • of state tax refunds, unemployment insurance benefits, and state...
  • To provide recipients of State tax refunds, unemployment insurance benefits, and State employee compensation
  • It establishes that the superintendent of State Police holds the rank of colonel of the State Police
  • And importantly, no state has required by statute or regulation that licensed insurance producers state
  • We've been doing business in the state.
Keywords: 1146, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (06/15/2026)

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state then that amount for the state could be increased slightly.
  • </c> state could be increased slightly. state could be increased slightly.
  • </c> in other states are provided by state in other states are provided by state government. government
  • All of the operations are by in-state companies, but those in-state companies are owned by out-of-state
  • The state is giving it.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Feb 4th, 2025

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • But this shows a map of every legal gaming facility in the state that is either state licensed by the
  • Those are in illegal casinos all across the state.
  • Again, this is across the state.
  • They ship them in and out of the state legally.
  • We've talked about the state-licensed facility.
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Labor - 01/21/25

Labor

Transcript Highlights:
  • They consider waivers from some of the State Building Code for accessibility.
  • Building Code, which includes the building code itself, the mechanical code, the energy codes, accessibility
  • To answer your question, we review projects for compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code, which
  • includes the building code itself, the mechanical code, the energy codes, accessibility, and plumbing
  • </c><00:59:22.599><c> are</c> on code adoption uh before the codes are on code adoption uh before the
Committee: Senate Labor
Keywords: 1187, senate, all