Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
Page 489 of 500
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 25 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> through request. through request.
- Um this comes at the request of Senator Hill, this comes at the request of Janette and Judge Touchstone
- Um this comes at the request of Senator Hill, this comes at the request of Janette and Judge Touchstone
- </c> >> So, at the appropriate time, Mr. >> So, at the appropriate time, Mr.
- And at the appropriate time, Mr.
Committee:
Joint Judiciary, Division B
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- > support</c><00:21:14.240><c> for</c> respectfully request your support for respectfully request your
- I know phase of their request today.
- . legislation. legislation.
- </c><00:34:33.040><c> for</c> legislators, we respectfully ask for legislators, we respectfully ask for
- Uh well request that we have today.
Bills:
HF568 , HF433 , HF1689 , HF3135 , HF3137 , HF3145 , HF2887 , HF2819 , HF2802 , HF2664 , HF2267 , HF799 , HF800 , HF3049 , HF296 , HF580 , HF1438 , HF1237
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They can request reconsideration, and after that, the decision is final.
- And so I decided to take this forward as I became a legislator. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- It is not spelled out in the legislation itself. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- And so that's what brings me to my first issue: when we're looking at this as legislators, as appropriators
- Appreciate that request. And to the Vice Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 97, which would appropriate funding to the Department of Health for updated shaken baby syndrome, now called abusive head trauma, prevention training and educational materials, including baby models used in demonstrations. Testimony from the sponsor and the New Mexico Injury and Violence Prevention Coalition supported the bill and emphasized that the materials had not been updated since 2016. Members noted the budget already included about $167,000 for this purpose, and the bill was tabled without opposition.
The committee then heard House Bill 280, creating a Youth Internship Pilot Project to support paid internships for youth as a workforce development tool. Supporters from New Mexico Voices for Children said the bill would provide mentorship and relevant work-based learning, while members questioned what occupations would qualify, whether the program would focus on trades and high-demand jobs, and how schools, employers, and Workforce Solutions would participate. The bill was tabled, with Representatives Duncan and Pettigrew recorded in opposition.
The main item of the meeting was House Bill 151, as substituted by the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. The bill would create a compensation fund and commission for survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving public entities, while also allowing a three-year lookback window for claims and preserving private civil claims for private entities. The sponsor explained that the substitute removed a forward-looking statute-of-limitations change, set a $700,000 cap tied to the Tort Claims Act, used an administrative eligibility process with a "more likely than not" standard, and included reporting, confidentiality, and referral provisions. Supporters described the measure as a survivor-centered way to provide compensation while limiting state exposure, but members raised concerns about attorney fees, fund solvency, private versus public liability, rural impacts, and whether the state should pay for claims involving public institutions. After public testimony in support, the committee adopted the substitute but then voted on the bill itself and ended in an 8-8 tie, so the measure remained in committee and was not advanced.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 001 Jan 15th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I request the report be read. report. I request the report be read.
- Committee on Appropriations Winter.
- </c> We cannot legislate morality.
- </c><01:47:12.800><c> body</c> or not having the legislative body or not having the legislative body
- </c> Citizens to observe legislative proceedings.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Johnson: I appreciate the bill and the legislation. I also want to...
- My name is Samantha Furness, and I'm a legislative associate with Texas Right to Life.
- These services are only offered at the request of the client.
- My name is Ashley Leonard, and I serve as the legislative director for Texas Right to Life.
- Thank you, and request your favorable consideration. Thank you, Representative Jones.
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to thank the author of this legislation.
- And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
- And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
- And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
- We also, as legislators, recognize that alcohol is a terrible disease.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call.
AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote.
AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote.
The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- So this critical work aligns with the legislation that was enacted to improve safety, both the safety
- We're in favor of an eventual legislative change that would gradually step down the GSEP cap to 0% in
- Are there additional regulatory or legislative reforms you'd like implemented?
- I think legislation is different. With the next administration, that regulation could change.
- I think legislation is different.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on two related issues: gas utilities’ climate compliance plans filed with the Department of Public Utilities and the recent DPU orders reforming the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts must reduce gas use, shrink the gas distribution footprint, and move customers to alternatives such as heat pumps, network geothermal, and non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand said the new GSEP orders lower the annual revenue cap from 3.0% to 2.5%, phase it down toward 1.5%, eliminate carrying charges, require more rigorous risk prioritization, and push utilities to consider advanced leak technology, relining, repairs, and NPAs. He also described the climate compliance plans as the start of a longer process covering decommissioning, stranded costs, line extension allowances, integrated energy planning, and targeted electrification demonstrations.
Senators pressed the DPU and utility witnesses on the lack of specificity in the climate compliance plans, especially the absence of numeric goals for gas usage reduction, customer conversions, and near-term deployment of NPAs. Utility representatives from Eversource and National Grid said their plans include NPA frameworks, integrated energy planning, targeted electrification pilots, network geothermal, and workforce transition efforts, but argued that implementation takes time, requires customer participation, and depends on coordination with electric utilities and communities. They said some NPA and electrification projects are being evaluated now, while larger-scale deployment is expected later in the decade. Senators also raised concerns about line extension allowances, with utilities explaining that new customers may be charged based on whether existing ratepayers would otherwise be harmed, while National Grid said it has begun increasing customer contributions to send stronger price signals.
Attorney General Mary Gardner supported the DPU’s GSEP reforms and said the office favors eventually stepping the GSEP cap down to zero by 2030, with repair and replacement costs recovered in base rate cases instead. She argued that the utilities’ plans still rely too heavily on business-as-usual approaches, do not adequately quantify scope 3 emissions, and leave unresolved questions about the obligation to serve and the future of line extension allowances. Advocacy witnesses from the Conservation Law Foundation and Acadia Center were more critical, saying the plans lack the detailed modeling, targets, and transparency needed to show how the utilities will help meet the Commonwealth’s heating and cooling sublimits and broader climate goals. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questioning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Caitlin O'Neill at the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- each and every request, or does the department find itself having to say no to some requests because
- there has been a request for a surge operation.
- By securing the requested resources, By securing the requested resources, which are outlined in the Governor's
- The first is really about the request itself.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety heard several items focused on youth safety and law enforcement resources. The committee first took up tribal youth diversion programs, with the Legislative Analyst’s Office describing the Tribal Youth Diversion Grant Program and its two cohorts of grantees funded through the Board of State and Community Corrections. Tribal representatives from the Yurok Tribe and San Pasqual Band of Indians testified that diversion, tribal courts, school partnerships, mentoring, and culturally grounded services helped reduce truancy and justice-system involvement, but that short-term funding interruptions and limited capacity prevented them from serving all youth in need. Committee members discussed the importance of early intervention, tribal-state court collaboration, and possible misidentification of Native youth in the justice system.
The committee then heard the California Highway Patrol’s overview of surge operations supporting local crime suppression, including organized retail theft. CHP reported that its surge teams have been used in response to mutual aid requests and cited arrests, stolen vehicle recoveries, and firearm seizures in Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino. Members asked about demand for these operations and whether CHP could meet requests without affecting other duties; CHP said requests have increased and are accepted when resources allow. The committee also heard CHP’s request for a $5 million General Fund augmentation and 12 positions for its Computer Crimes Investigation Unit to make child sexual abuse material and human trafficking investigations a higher priority. CHP cited rising cybertip volumes, a case involving AI-generated CSAM, and the need for more investigators and forensic capacity.
A larger portion of the hearing focused on the Internet Crimes Against Children task forces and a separate $5 million ongoing General Fund proposal for Cal OES to continue the program. Task force commanders from Sacramento, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and Fresno described rapidly growing cybertip volumes, heavy caseloads, forensic backlogs, and the need for training and equipment for affiliate agencies statewide. They emphasized that the ICAC model relies on local partnerships, deconfliction, and subject-matter expertise to identify victims, execute warrants, and rescue children, and they gave examples of cases that led to arrests and child rescues. Members generally supported the work but raised questions about overlap between CHP and ICAC efforts, the need for broader statewide collaboration, and whether more resources should be directed to task forces and victim services. A public commenter also urged expansion of homeless youth exploitation services and the California Youth Crisis Line.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment(2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> members to be focused on the legislation members to be focused on the legislation that's<00:00:59.440
- </c> Economic opportun unities legislators Economic opportun unities legislators must<00:04:32.039><c
- There are many other dangerous provisions in this legislation.
- </c><00:20:06.080><c> an</c> from requesting an from requesting an inspection<00:20:07.880><c> unless
- They just requested to weigh in, if that's okay.
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met for its first 2025 session meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. The committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 398, an act relating to occupational safety and health, before hearing testimony. Sponsor Representative Walker Thomas said the bill is intended to align Kentucky’s occupational safety and health rules more closely with federal standards, provide clearer reference points for employers, and improve consistency and compliance while maintaining worker safety. He also explained that the substitute added and clarified a de minimis citation provision and defined “qualified representative,” and he noted a typo in the substitute would be corrected on the floor.
Members asked whether the bill would change Kentucky’s OSHA structure or affect state offices, and Thomas said Kentucky remains a state-plan state with its own offices and enforcement staff, and that the bill would not eliminate those offices. He said the measure is meant to streamline rules and clarify that certain notices would carry no penalty when there is no substantial impact on safety or health. He also said employers must be given an opportunity to be present for inspections, typically with 45 minutes to an hour to arrange representation.
Opposition testimony came from Dustin Ryan Stadler of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO and Gerald Atkins of Working Strategies 2 on behalf of the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council. They argued the bill weakens worker protections, reduces accountability, limits who may request inspections, and could prevent family members from seeking inspections after a fatal workplace incident. Stadler described a fatal construction accident he witnessed in 2006 and said OSHA protections exist for a reason. Atkins cited workplace deaths and injuries, said the bill would go beyond prior 2021 changes, and warned that allowing Franklin Circuit Court to award uncapped costs and attorney fees against OSHA could chill enforcement. Several members then questioned whether federal standards are sufficient, with supporters saying the bill simply aligns Kentucky with federal rules and opponents arguing Kentucky should retain the ability to keep stronger protections for certain industries. No final vote on House Bill 398 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/16/25 - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> for state grant program appropriations. for state grant program appropriations.
- Um on the next row, uh appropriation.
- <00:24:37.200><c> on</c> appropriation on appropriation on R51.<00:24:39.440><c> Um</c><00:24:40.240>
- </c> uh that monitoring to an appropriate uh that monitoring to an appropriate level.<00:48:52.720><c
- That's my legislative name grants.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> No, right to a vote by Stephanie Johnson, our senior legislative analysts stepping in with her.
- Our legislative analyst. Can you please raise your hand?
- But similarly, there's trips or scheduling based on writer request usually about 24 hours in advance.
- There is increasing service quality because those trips are seemed a request.
- And I think Senator Davis has requested. We do that any concerns. All right. Let's make that.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation legislation SB247.<01:21:54.880><c> Um</c><01:21:55.360><c> and</c><01:21:55.600><c> so<
- </c> today um and support this legislation today um and support this legislation with<01:22:02.800><c
- </c> this legislation is trying to achieve. this legislation is trying to achieve.
- </c><01:43:17.920><c> Got</c> back into the legislation. Right. Got back into the legislation.
- </c> Any other comments, requests, anything? Any other comments, requests, anything?
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 51 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones of North Reading requests a quorum roll call. Chair, objection? Chair has none.
- And when a vote is taken, I request that it be taken by a call of the yeas and nays. Mr.
- And then... ...when it came to the CBD aspect of this legislation.
- Today we stand before a critical piece of legislation, H. 4187.
- Furthermore, this legislation commits us to robust data collection and analysis.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed students from the Frederick C. Murphy School in Weymouth, along with other guests introduced by members. The chamber then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals on alcohol labeling for beers consumed on premises, parity in funding for regional vocational and traditional public schools, and legal protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse.
The main floor business was House No. 4187, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, reported by Ways and Means as a substitute bill. Members speaking in support described it as a comprehensive overhaul of the Cannabis Control Commission and the state’s cannabis and hemp regulatory framework. The bill would reduce and restructure the CCC, expand options for cannabis businesses and social equity operators, raise license and ownership caps, remove the vertical integration requirement for medical marijuana, and create stronger rules for hemp and CBD products, including a ban on unregulated intoxicating hemp products and a new regulatory structure for allowable hemp beverages and CBD items.
Several amendments were offered and adopted by roll call, including changes narrowing the hemp beverage ban from 11 ounces to 7.5 ounces, requiring out-of-state testing labs to be certified in good standing with the commission, and other technical revisions. After debate, the House passed H. 4187 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 153-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed two sick leave bank bills, for Andrew Satara and Dana Johnson, and ordered House No. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Wenaka, to a third reading. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:24:54.960><c> a</c><00:24:55.279><c> clear</c> legislation uh that establishes a clear legislation
- </c> legislation is public safety. legislation is public safety.
- ><c> vehicles</c> The legislation also requires vehicles The legislation also requires vehicles to<00
- </c><00:41:06.240><c> and</c> the chief author of this legislation and the chief author of this legislation
- I would request a roll call as well. All right. Roll call has been requested. Mr.
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not just about the legal movement of live cattle through appropriate checkpoints and appropriate
- That's Legislative Appropriation Requests as a translation there.
- Chairman Larson had legislation in 2013 to allow co-location.
- As far as specific legislative matters, Mr.
- request.
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:07:44.639><c> The</c><00:07:44.880><c> legislation</c> created by legislation.
- The legislation created by legislation.
- </c> legislators Ma'am, your time is up. legislators Ma'am, your time is up.
- So, with appropriate legislative action, you could turn this from a budget problem into a budget solution
- So, with appropriate legislative action, you could turn this from a budget problem into a budget solution
Committee:
Senate Finance
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> look forward to seeing this legislation look forward to seeing this legislation passing<00:08:58.880
- This legislation worth celebrating.
- </c> >> I request the yays and nas. >> I request the yays and nas.
- I support this legislation.
- </c> legislative clarity to that vision. legislative clarity to that vision.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- My personal legislative aide is Julia Valdez.
- In particular, this bill, like other legislative structures.
- I would like to raise a question about the appropriation.
- We do have several concerns regarding the legislation.
- I am so impressed with this legislation.
Committee:
Senate Senate Conservation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board May 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, the issues before this Legislative Ethics Board, Now, the issues before this Legislative Ethics
- , Would hope that everything that all legislators do always in their legislative positions is for the
- Representative Simmons, like all legislators, is expected to use her legislative position to benefit
- I mean, you can have a bright-line that prohibits legislators from taking any legislative action that
- That's what legislators do. Legislators do as a matter of course.
Summary:
The Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings held oral argument before the Legislative Ethics Board in the matter of Tara Simmons, docket 401-645, on a respondent-filed motion for summary judgment. Judge T.J. Martin identified the issues as whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for the benefit of others and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her official duties, under RCW 42.52.070 and RCW 42.52.020, and, if violations were found, what penalties or sanctions would be appropriate. The judge clarified that board staff had not filed its own summary judgment motion, only a response to Simmons’ motion.
Attorney Doug McKinney argued that the complaint and board staff’s allegations were legally insufficient because they did not allege a personal benefit to Simmons, only benefits to her employer, EEC, or to others. He contended that the Ethics Act has historically required a benefit to the legislator herself, that employees do not automatically have a disqualifying interest in their employers, and that the board’s position would create a new bright-line rule and unfairly change the law as applied to Simmons. He also addressed allegations involving a contract provision, a campaign surplus donation to AEG, a subcontract dispute involving AEG and EEC, and text messages with Anthony Powers, arguing none showed a special privilege or conflict of interest for Simmons.
Assistant Attorney General Julia Eisenhower, for board staff, argued the motion should be denied because the record sufficiently alleged violations of both statutes. She said Simmons’ involvement in securing funding for EEC, her employment duties involving stakeholder and legislator connections, her donation of campaign surplus funds to AEG to help secure a job for someone she knew, her role in the AEG-EEC subcontract dispute, and her text messages referencing her official capacity all supported the allegations. A board member asked whether the allegations were sufficient to show a special benefit, and Eisenhower responded that the facts were enough at the summary judgment stage. After rebuttal by McKinney, the ALJ closed the hearing and the board went into deliberations; no ruling was announced during the transcript.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please stand for the prayer by Donna Kafer, our legislative chaplain, and remain standing for the Pledge
- of Allegiance of the Flag, which will be appropriately led by Senator Alston on a pretty big day for
- Colleagues, I request your patience. It is important. I request your patience.
- Legislative proclamation, recognizing Route 66.
- And feeling what's appropriate to them is not being, you know, they're not being treated...