Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 496 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- more of a high level, probably something you'd like to get into and your point for bringing the legislation
- So, again, I can't stress enough the importance of this legislation, and I love to see it head to the
- I really, overall, like the intent behind this legislation, Representative.
- Is there any... how does this legislation impact those that are not able to get in and record?
- I'm also concerned that if this legislation remains on the books for 50 or so years before we look at
Committee:
House Local Government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Session preview with House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) Feb 6th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Some DFL members are working on legislation to push back against some of the federal immigration enforcement
- And I've heard some DFLers say that they'd be open to legislation to help root out some fraud and state
- <00:01:59.119><c> are</c><00:01:59.360><c> working</c><00:01:59.520><c> on</c><00:01:59.759><c> legislation
- </c> DFL members are working on legislation DFL members are working on legislation to<00:02:00.399><c
- </c> say that they'd be open to legislation say that they'd be open to legislation to<00:03:54.239><c
Summary:
House DFL leader Stevenson said the tied House will require cooperation, noting the caucus has tried to model bipartisan work through co-chairs and that he has a good working relationship with Speaker Damuth. He highlighted the three new DFL special-election winners—Xp Lee, Shelley Buck, and Meg Luger-Nikolai—as bringing health, tribal leadership, nonprofit, labor, and education experience to the chamber.
On policy, Stevenson said DFLers want to push back against certain federal immigration enforcement tactics, including masked officers and warrantless entries, and tied the issue to the murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. He also said the caucus will pursue gun restrictions such as bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers, and ghost guns, while acknowledging that Republican leadership would need to allow a floor vote for any bill to advance. He added that DFLers are open to and will lead on fraud prevention, especially in programs serving vulnerable Minnesotans, and said those who steal public funds should face prison.
Looking ahead to the second year of the biennium, Stevenson said he hopes for a large bonding bill focused on statewide infrastructure needs, but warned he will not support using bonding as leverage for unrelated policy concessions. He also said affordability will be a major focus, especially food, energy, housing, and health care costs, and argued Minnesota should try to counter rising premiums and hold insurers and pharmaceutical companies accountable.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please stand for the prayer by Donna Kafer, our legislative chaplain.
- Legislative District 22.
- President Pro Tem, I rise for a point of personal privilege to read a legislative proclamation.
- SCR 1024, legislative district re-residency. Government. SCR 1012.
- Legislative district re-residency. Government. SCR 1025, legislative sessions opening date.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and recorded attendance. Members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, and several guest groups were recognized in the gallery, including Greater Phoenix school district leaders, GCU Government and History Club students, Arizona Food Bank Network representatives, and local and tribal officials visiting for appropriations and transportation-related discussions.
The chamber also adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senators and guests offered remarks about the Holocaust, rising antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance, followed by a moment of silence. Later, the Senate received and unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva, with members of the Grijalva family present on the floor and several senators sharing personal tributes.
The Senate then processed a long list of governor’s nominations, first readings, and second-reading bill referrals, including measures on natural resources, education, health, public safety, elections, taxation, utilities, and appropriations. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week. The body recessed briefly, returned to consider SCR 1036 on Attorney General public statements, and then received committee announcements before adjourning until the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In closing, sir, I would like to thank Senator Hall for filing this important piece of legislation that
- The NRA is here today to voice its strong support for Senate Bill 1065, a critical piece of legislation
- In our estimation, Senate Bill 1065 is a vital piece of legislation that would strengthen and uphold
- Senate Bill 1065 is a vital piece of legislation that would strengthen and uphold the Second Amendment
- I want to thank Senator Hall for filing this important legislation.
Bills:
SB1065 , SB2117 , SB2217 , SB2363 , SB2533 , SB2742 , SB2743 , SB2881 , SB2964 , SB3013 , SB3014
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1065, which would require government property contracts to prohibit contractors from barring licensed handgun holders from carrying firearms on leased or owned public property, with civil penalties and attorney general enforcement for violations. Senator Hall and invited witnesses from the Texas State Rifle Association, NRA, and Texas Gun Rights argued the bill would close a loophole exposed by the State Fair of Texas gun ban and protect law-abiding Texans’ self-defense rights. Opponents, including Moms Demand Action/Everytown, said the bill would undermine event organizers’ ability to set site-specific safety rules and could increase liability and insurance costs. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending.
The committee next took up Senate Bill 2742, which would create civil penalties for independent school districts and officials who use public resources for electioneering, waive immunity defenses, and expand attorney general enforcement. Senator Hagan-Bood said current law bans the conduct but lacks meaningful penalties, making injunctions the only remedy. No public testimony was heard, and the bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2743, also by Senator Hagan-Bood, which would allow a court to disqualify local prosecutors who refuse to prosecute election offenses and appoint the attorney general to handle the case, with a committee substitute adjusting the removal process through an adjacent-county judge. Opponents from the Texas Civil Rights Project argued the bill would undermine prosecutorial discretion and was vague and open to abuse, while a Harris County election official described past instances where alleged voter fraud cases were not pursued. After testimony, public comment was closed and SB 2743 was left pending.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- But this is the same piece of legislation that this committee passed last year. That's it, Mr.
- And most importantly, we need legislators to work with those of us who are directly impacted.
- We educate consumers and support responsible legislation, and ...
- We support responsible legislation and regulation.
- So, I mean essentially, and this is why the judges support legislation.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- talk about historical collections and tax levies, and then we'll talk through some of the recent legislation
- There's been some legislative actions along the way that have helped the decrease in school millages.
- Over the last 10, 15, 20 years, there's been legislation in the property tax space to help Legislation
- This is not an exhaustive list, but this is just legislation that jumped out at me that helped folks
- I know for me, you know for a fact that I'm hoping that during this legislative session we're able to
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a staff presentation on Florida property taxes. Staff Director Azar Khan gave an overview of the property tax system, including constitutional limits, January 1 assessment rules, homestead and non-homestead residential property, commercial and agricultural classifications, tangible personal property, and centrally assessed property. The presentation highlighted major exemptions and assessment caps, such as the homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, the 10% cap for non-homestead property, and favorable treatment for agricultural/classified use land. It also reviewed long-term growth in just value and taxable value statewide, along with declining millage rates over time as taxable values have risen.
Members then discussed the possibility of eliminating property taxes and the fiscal consequences of doing so. Senator Jones asked about the impact on local governments and referenced estimates that replacing property tax revenue could require roughly $43 billion; staff responded that current levied amounts are in the ballpark of more than $30 billion for non-school levies and more than $20 billion for school levies, but that the exact impact would depend on county and district budgets and collections. Senators Bernard, Passidomo, Gates, and others emphasized the need for more data on alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax increases or other combinations, and for input from counties and cities before considering broad tax changes.
Chair Avila explained the presentation was intended to give members a foundation before property tax proposals are heard in committee, noting that several bills had already been filed involving homestead and tangible personal property. No bills were voted on, and no formal action was taken beyond the informational presentation. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- We will benefit from the legislation when California needs it the most.
- We have come to agreement on the fundamental principles that the DROP program created by this legislation
- The legislation itself says that, notwithstanding subdivision A, nothing in this chapter shall prevent
- We have come to agreement on the fundamental principles that the DROP program created by this legislation
- The legislation itself says that, notwithstanding subdivision A, nothing in this chapter shall prevent
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 18th, 2026
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Joint Committee on Housing's 12th hearing this legislative session, and we look forward to
- In addition, LIS, Legislative Information Services, and the Housing Committee staff are on hand should
- In addition, LIS, legislative information services, be taken out of turn.
- In addition, LIS, legislative information services and the Housing Committee staff are on hand, should
- If I might add, this legislation is needed to help preserve middle-class affordable housing.
Bills:
H5314
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Housing
Keywords:
condominium conversion, co-owned property, tenants in common, two-unit building, duplex, partition action, Land Court, chapter 183A, chapter 241, master deed, shared ownership, housing, property law, real estate, easements, common areas, common expenses, condominium ownership, small multifamily housing, 1212
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight REVISED: SB2045 - Added Apr 13th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Education Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, so there's actually some other legislation that deals... ...but not the professors themselves.
- Yeah, so there's actually some other legislation that deals with some of that specifically.
- particular legislation it is not done by the free speech committee.
- I don't think that would apply under this legislation. Thank you.
- For follow-up, is there a cap... ...apply under this legislation. Thank you.
Bills:
SB710 , SB843 , SB1317 , SB1338 , SB1410 , SB1477 , SB1489 , SB1593 , SB1614 , SB1630 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1670 , SB1726 , SB1734 , SB1725 , SB1735 , SB1894 , SB1975 , SB346 , SB2045
Committee:
House Education Oversight
Keywords:
teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently in this legislation, it would be 50,000 people and less would nominate one person.
- This was the number that was put into the legislation, and then LSO kind of messed around with it, and
- And I'm here today to oppose this legislation. And I just want to relate my own experience.
- You know, and the other thing I'm wondering, I'm reading this, and I'm thinking with other legislation
- I know speaking... ...for District 11 in Caldwell, where we do have a very large legislative district
Committee:
House Local Government
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think Senator Harris was involved in that legislation creating that program.
- And I think Senator Harris was involved in that legislation creating that program.
- This legislation will do two things.
- He's aware of this legislation.
- I also met with Representative Don Hall, who agreed to sponsor the legislation.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The committee first heard a resolution supporting the Idaho Caregiving Alliance’s work on a statewide strategic plan for kinship care and caregiving resources. The sponsor described kinship care as placement with relatives, tribe members, stepparents, or fictive kin, emphasized the benefits to children and the state, and cited data on grandfamilies and children raised by kin. In response to questions, the sponsor said the effort was based on existing grant funding and was not seeking new public money. The committee then voted to send the resolution to print.
Members next considered several RSs. RS 33536 would set dispensing fees and reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies and strengthen transparency rules for pharmacy benefit managers; it was sent to print after the sponsor said the Insurance Director had been consulted. RS 33535 would move the presidential primary to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May, and RS 33511 would codify Public Utilities Commission rules on large-load customers such as data centers to prevent infrastructure costs from being broadly socialized; both were introduced. RS 33589 would extend temporary rules until pending rules become final on July 1, and RS 33586 would exempt churches from certain ballot-initiative reporting requirements if spending stayed under 10% of prior-year receipts; both were also introduced.
The committee also heard RS 33599, a concurrent resolution urging support for wildlife crossings to improve public safety and protect migration corridors, and it was sent to print. Finally, House Bill 652, which would declare an official state sport, was presented by a fourth-grade homeschool student who advocated for hunting based on Idaho history, conservation, and outdoor traditions. Committee members praised her presentation and her family, and the bill was advanced with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is very simple. It amends Idaho Code 50... This legislation is very simple.
- This legislation improves access to natural health care for all Idahoans who choose to seek it.
- This legislation does not grant any new privileges and restricts the scope of naturopathic doctors to
- Thank you for consideration of this legislation, and I'll stand for questions. Okay, thank you.
- So the department does know about this legislation.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 01/28/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill is passed. and in the same manner as a chapter of the legislation 25. Call the roll.
- There is nothing in the legislation that suggests that any of the appointees, to the CAC, full time or
- There is nothing in the legislation that, suggests that any of the appointees, to the CAC full time or
- So I vote in the affirmative in this legislation. Thank you. Mr. President.
- And I'm grateful that we are passing this amended legislation today to try to really just improve the
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, adopted the resolution calendar, and heard an introduction welcoming the parents of Detective Wenjun Lu, with remarks honoring their family’s sacrifice and service. The chamber then proceeded through a lengthy reading of the calendar and passed a series of bills, most by wide margins, covering topics including social services, labor, insurance, mental hygiene, county law, education, financial services, criminal procedure, executive law, general business law, tax law, and powers and trusts law. Several measures were passed unanimously or with only one or a few dissenting votes, while others drew larger partisan splits.
The main floor debate centered on Calendar 44, Assembly Bill 9516, a Correction Law bill expanding the membership of the State Commission of Correction from three to five and adding qualifications for certain appointees, including a former inmate and a health care, legal, or policy professional. Senator Murray argued the bill should require victims’ rights experience and said the criminal justice system should not ignore crime victims; Senator Salazar responded that the commission’s oversight role is focused on correctional facilities and that the bill does not exclude anyone with victims’ experience. Senators Rivera and Martins also explained their votes, with Rivera supporting the bill as part of a more rehabilitative approach and Martins opposing it, citing high recidivism and public safety concerns.
After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the remaining calendar items and adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 11 a.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- , Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved the House Journal of the 12th Legislative
- the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, an act relating to child custody, providing legislative
- deepest hope that we can use this moment as a reminder of how our words and our actions and our legislation
- House Bill 489 will hold its place on the third reading calendar for one legislative day.
- The remaining bill will hold its place on the third reading calendar for one legislative day.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Democratic Representatives Press Conference Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Daria Faravar, a state representative from the 46 legislative district, and I live about a half a
- I want to affirm the leadership and the vision the legislators have put forward.
- So we've got a full and robust legislative agenda here in the House and the Senate focused on how we
- Otherwise, we're going to give you 35 minutes back in a legislative life, friends.
- In a legislative life, friends, 35 minutes is like three days. So, great.
Summary:
The meeting was a legislative press event focused on food insecurity and a broader state strategy to improve food access in Washington. Food Lifeline CEO Stephen Davis described rising hunger across western Washington, citing roughly one in eight residents and one in six children as food insecure, and warned that federal SNAP cuts and higher costs could worsen the problem. He emphasized the need for coordinated state, local, nonprofit, and industry action to strengthen food security and support the charitable food system.
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Chair Rep. Lisa Reeves framed the issue as a state-level responsibility and highlighted a Food Fighters Caucus working on multiple bills. She pointed to proposals including a Washington version of a Farm Bill (HB 2616), a statewide food security strategy (HB 2238), a ban on force-feeding birds (HB 1735), support for local food infrastructure grants, farm-to-schools efforts, medically tailored meals (HB 2211), a farm-to-food-banks bill (HB 2463), food donation reporting, dynamic grocery pricing (HB 2481), and pesticide restrictions on PFAS (HB 2279). She also said the state was trying to offset federal policy changes that could reduce millions of meals and affect SNAP recipients.
Rep. Darya Farivar focused on grocery access as infrastructure and described the closure of the Fred Meyer in her district as an example of fragile food access. She outlined a bill package centered on HB 2294, HB 2297, and HB 2313: removing anti-competitive covenants that block grocery stores from reopening, giving local governments tools to support existing and new stores in underserved areas, and allowing municipal or partnered grocery options when private stores disappear. Grocery worker Dan House, of UFCW 3000, testified in support of HB 2313, saying store closures hurt seniors, families, workers, and neighborhood stability. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for continued support, collaboration, and public engagement on the bills and food security efforts.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to Legislative Council Rule 28, I have extended the deadline to open Senate folders until Tuesday
- Each folder must be open with enough specificity to allow Legislative Council to prepare a draft of the
- Pursuant to Legislative Council Rule 29, I have extended the Senate bill intro set deadline, preparation
- Legislative Council needs time to convert rough drafts into printed intro sets.
- So let's give a round of applause for what Legislative Council is doing right now anyway, because they
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then completed roll call, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guest groups to the gallery, including CSG West and NCSL visitors, Tucson Electric Power/UniSource Native BRG members, Pascua Yaqui constituents, Marcos de Niza High School students, and guests from Payson. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Senator Hatathlie read a proclamation honoring the life and service of Amaya Curley, a Navajo woman and Navy veteran, and the chamber recessed for presentation of an Arizona state flag flown in her memory, with her family present.
The President Pro Tem announced extended deadlines for opening Senate folders and for Senate bill intro set preparation, and the Senate received House messages regarding adjournment. The chamber voted to accede to the House request to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026. No substantive bill debate occurred; instead, the body moved a large number of measures to second reading, including election, education, health care, firearms, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and various memorial and appropriation bills.
Committee and caucus announcements were made for Thursday, January 15, including Rules Committee and both party caucuses. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to Legislative Council Rule 28, I have extended the deadline to open Senate folders until Tuesday
- Each folder must be open with enough specificity to allow Legislative Council to prepare a draft of the
- Pursuant to Legislative Council Rule 29, I have extended the Senate bill intro set deadline, preparation
- Legislative Council needs time to convert rough drafts into printed intro sets.
- So let's give a round of applause for what Legislative Council is doing right now anyway, because they
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We seek to protect the rights of all who participate in the legislative process so that we can have a
- we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
- The legislators in Minnesota were gunned down and I condemn that violence and all violence so let's come
- Thank you so much for bringing this bill forward and thank you to my fellow legislators.
- The existing crime was originally put in place by this legislative body in 1980 after the Republican
Committee:
House Elections
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jun 4th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- by the people and acts independently from the legislature and thus independently from the Joint Legislative
- request legislation to implement something like that.
- So my question for them is whether they have considered request legislation that would create some sort
- I don't recall reading anything about that when I reviewed the legislation.
- Yet been a discussion about joint legislation, but I think we're certainly open to, you know, figuring
Summary:
At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements.
The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature.
An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation addresses a very real and frustrating issue.
- I'd like to defer to him to speak directly to the necessity of this legislation and perhaps answer any
- This last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation. making it illegal to possess or distribute.
- Okay, so this last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation making it illegal to possess or distribute
- Our party's legislative priority is to remove these affirmative defenses, and I hope we would consider