Video & Transcript Research : 'wolf translocation'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, December 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Staff Sergeant Wolf Staff Sergeant Wolf remains<03:09:16.960>
in <03:09:17.200>recovery - Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf, just endure.
- These Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf.
- I know myself and my wife and my Wolf.
- God bless the Wolf family. God family. God bless the Wolf family.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Wolf? There's Mr. Wolf. All right, Mr. Wolf, welcome to House Appropriations Committee.
- <00:52:51.040>
Wolf. >> There's Mr. Wolf. >> There's Mr. Wolf. - Wolf, welcome to House >> All right, Mr.
- <00:58:53.760>
Wolf Chairman. I'm glad that uh Mr. Wolf Chairman. I'm glad that uh Mr. - Wolf could<00:58:54.400>
join <00:58:54.640>us.
Keywords:
K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House repasses conference committee agreement on HF2446 5/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- increase compensation, a badly needed part for those producers up in northern Minnesota for elk and wolf
- <00:02:29.440>
We <00:02:29.840>uh for elk and wolf compensation. - We uh for elk and wolf compensation.
- /c><00:14:00.160>
know <00:14:00.320>funds <00:14:00.560>the <00:14:00.720>wolf - the bill that you know funds the wolf the bill that you know funds the wolf and<00:14:01.120>
Summary:
The House took up the conference committee report on House File 2446, the agriculture budget bill for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Anderson explained that the conference agreement kept the core House and Senate priorities while accepting some Senate policy provisions and fee increases, including grain license fees and food handling fees. He said the overall target was reduced, but major programs were preserved, including funding for the Board of Animal Health, egg emergency and inspection programs, elk and wolf compensation, milk processing capacity, farm safety and innovation, a new bioefficiency program to reduce fertilizer use in limited areas, and increased meat inspection funding.
Representative Hansen and several other members urged adoption, describing the bill as a bipartisan “hybrid” that reflects changing agriculture and includes both traditional farm support and newer priorities. Supporters highlighted food assistance and worker protections, including funding to offset federal cuts to local food purchasing and milk distribution programs, farm-to-school and early care programs, avian flu testing, urban agriculture, and a study to expand Olmsted County’s soil health and nitrate reduction work. Some members noted concerns about fees, while others emphasized support for all types of agriculture, cottage food bakers, and the role of farm workers.
After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report and advanced the bill. Following further discussion, the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 4 nays, and its title was agreed to.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you very much for any questions for Miss Wolf.
- Thank you very much for any questions for Miss Wolf.
- Thank you very much for any questions for Miss Wolf.
- Thank you very much for any questions for Miss Wolf.
- Thank you very much for any questions for Miss Wolf.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, May 15, 2026 - PM
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh Deputy<00:10:52.320>
Director <00:10:52.720>Wolfe, Deputy Director Wolfe, Deputy Director - Um, to Deputy Director<00:19:19.120>
Wolfe, Director Wolfe, Director Wolfe, you<00:19:20.360>< - Directing Director Wolfe. Wolfe. Wolfe.
- Wolfe is still in the question of Mr.
- Wolfe, if he is still in the room.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/24/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think some of the things that I'm proud to work on was the wolf and elk depredation accounts.
- <00:26:31.600>
and <00:26:31.919>uh proud to work on was the the wolf and uh proud - to work on was the the wolf and uh elk<00:26:32.320>
depradation <00:26:32.960>accounts. - and elk depredation. know, the costs related to wolf and elk know, the costs related to wolf and elk
- damages caused by increased wolf damages caused by increased wolf depradation<00:29:55.279>
and
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's my understanding that the only species of wild wolf in Arizona is the Mexican wolf, which is listed
- So to the extent that defining predatory animal to include the Mexican wolf in our Title 17, that could
- Chairman and members, House Bill 2159 also relates to the Mexican wolf, this time requiring that the
Summary:
The Rules Committee considered several bills and resolutions for whether they were constitutional and in proper form. House Bill 2076, concerning school safety and concealed firearms carried by school employees, drew a constitutional concern because its civil-liability immunity language would also cover private school employees and potentially violate the anti-abrogation clause; staff recommended limiting that immunity to public school employees. House Bill 2136, creating crimes for civil terrorism and subversion, raised due process vagueness concerns because “subvert” was undefined, and members also discussed possible First Amendment overbreadth. House Bills 2158 and 2159, both involving Mexican wolves, were flagged for federal preemption under the Endangered Species Act because the bills would authorize conduct conflicting with federal protections; sponsors were said to be considering amendments. House Bill 2497, on hunting and wildlife regulation, raised legislative entrenchment concerns because it would restrict future legislatures, with members also discussing but not resolving a possible dormant Voter Protection Act theory. House Bill 2755, allowing renewal of certain state trust land mineral leases without auction, was flagged for a possible conflict with the constitutional 20-year lease limit, and House Bill 4030 and HCR 2052, dealing with a tax and fee moratorium/referral, prompted debate over Article 9, Section 19 and whether the moratorium could reach constitutionally excluded taxes.
Each of those individual measures was ultimately recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-2 vote, with one member absent on each roll call. The committee also noted that House Bill 2956 was held. At the end of the meeting, the committee took a mass motion covering many additional bills, memorials, and resolutions; the Rules Attorney stated they had been reviewed and were constitutional and in proper form, and the committee approved the mass motion by a 7-0 vote with one absent.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair calls Donald Wolf. Mr.
- Wolf, please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bills for the record.
- Wolf, just a few questions to kind of clarify some of your testimony.
- Wolf, I think that's a fair point.
- Wolf. You're welcome. Members, any further questions? Representative Davila.
Bills:
HB 767, HB 1242, HB 1373, HB 1404, HB 1708, HB 1936, HB 2041, HB 2198, HB 2270, HB 2315, HB 2415, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2457, HB 2522, HB 2523, HB 2686, HB 2763, HB 2775, HB 2944, HB 3034, HB 1683, HB 1695
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/18/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Our problem the last couple of years is we have too many elk claims and too many wolf claims.
- We're also close to, you know, possibly delisting the gray wolf.
- We're also close to, you know, possibly delisting the gray wolf.
- So, then we could as many wolf claims.
- A lot of that, you know, wolf claims.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to welcome Chris Wolfe, Karras Wolf, and Shane, her friend.
- Chris Wolfe, Karras Wolf, and Shane, her friend.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 30 members present, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary excusals. The chamber received gubernatorial appointments to multiple boards and commissions, then recessed and later took up resolutions and legislation. It adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, a tribute memorializing former Senator and Representative Robert Geake, after remarks honoring his long legislative career and public service; the resolution was adopted and all members and the Lieutenant Governor were added as co-sponsors.
The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which approved an extension of a state of emergency related to gasoline prices through Labor Day. Senator Camilleri argued the extension would help lower fuel costs for residents, while Senator McBroom later criticized the resolution as political theater and urged action on substantive energy legislation, including a pending Upper Peninsula-related bill. The resolution passed by roll call, 36-1.
In floor action, the Senate introduced and referred several bills, including measures on the Income Tax Act, Michigan Trust Fund Act, road classification, the Food Law, Motor Fuels Quality Act, and automated decision tools in employment. The chamber then passed three bills on third reading: Senate Bill 480 on child care organization licensing and regulation, Senate Bill 517 amending the Revised School Code, and Senate Bill 278 amending the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. The Senate adjourned after statements and a final motion to adjourn until June 25 at 10 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Wolf, I want to remind you and other testifiers today that in this room you kind of have to lean into
- Wolf, go ahead and introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony. Well, thank you, Mr.
- Wolf, for your testimony today.
- He asked whether Miss Wolf wanted to comment.
- Miss Wolf, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Keywords:
telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, there is no organized support or opposition, but I'm respect to my good friend, President Wolf,
- Neil Wolf, President of New Mexico Highlands University.
- Thank you, President Wolf.
- I have Caroline Montoya, President Wolf, and Regent Sanchez.
- President Wolf, thank you, Mr. Chair. I stand in strong support of Ms. Grace.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the Legislature and the administration to reestablish and augment the Wildlife Coexistence and the Wolf
- We are a nonprofit and conservation organization as well as a wolf-dog sanctuary.
- and Dangerous Habitat League, Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife, In Defense of Animals, California Wolf
- the $48 million budget request for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, more specifically for the Wolf
- We are also here to support the Wolf Program at $30 million per Senator Blake's budget request, which
Summary:
The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request.
Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals.
Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression.
The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- First panel, David Basinger, Rex Issam. and Leroy Wolfe. 1024 Thank you.
- Wolfe, we have you registered as Leroy Wolfe, testify neutrally on behalf of the association of the Texas
- Roy Wolfe from Three Rivers.
Keywords:
food production, property owners' association, home gardening, cottage food, urban agriculture, livestock, community standards, renewable energy, ethanol, biodiesel, incentives, agriculture, grants, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Defining “gross annual retail energy sales.” 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to say my name is Sarah Wolf, and I'm with Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.
- We<00:07:17.840>
also <00:07:18.000>have <00:07:18.400>Sarah <00:07:18.800>Wolf - um on hand if We also have Sarah Wolf um on hand if you<00:07:20.880>
want <00:07:20.960>to - <00:07:56.479>
name <00:07:56.560>is <00:07:56.720>Sarah <00:07:57.039>Wolf - and I'm with say my name is Sarah Wolf and I'm with Minnesota<00:07:58.560>
Interfaith <00:07:
Summary:
House File 3296, as amended, was heard in committee and laid over. The bill would extend an existing exemption in Minnesota’s energy conservation/efficiency program calculations so that certain data centers, like crypto-based data mining operations, would not be counted in a utility’s gross annual retail sales if the new load increases the utility’s base load by 40% or more. Representative Gilman and testifier David Meyer of Glenco Light and Power argued the change is needed because large data loads can make the 1.5% annual savings target effectively unattainable for smaller municipal utilities, and they said the added revenue from the facility has helped lower rates for other customers.
Ken Sulum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association supported the bill, describing it as narrowly drafted to address mid-sized data centers that do not fit other relief provisions but still create local utility problems. Sarah Wolf of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light opposed the exemption, arguing that energy efficiency remains important amid rising demand and grid stress from data centers, and that large users should continue contributing to efficiency efforts rather than being exempted.
Members raised questions about whether the facility had a long-term contract, whether the customer was helping lower rates, and how much savings were being passed on to ratepayers. Meyer said the customer had a three-year agreement extended another three years, the infrastructure costs were borne by the customer, and the facility’s revenue has allowed Glenco to reduce rates by about half a cent per kilowatt hour through a $40,000 monthly buy-down of its power cost adjustment. Some members expressed concern that data centers should continue to improve efficiency over time, while others noted the bill’s focus on smaller utilities facing disproportionate impacts.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Caitlin Wolf, Uniform Law Commission, on Zoom. Good afternoon, Chairman and committee.
- My name is Caitlin Wolf.
- >
Commission, <00:10:12.920>on Caitlin Wolf, Uniform Law Commission, on Caitlin Wolf, Uniform - My name is<00:10:17.600>
Caitlin <00:10:18.040>Wolf. - I'm testifying in is Caitlin Wolf.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments.
HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states.
HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Wolf was a U.S.
- Wolf 1979 decision, the court held that civil courts may decide church property disputes using neutral
- want to note that in 1979, Jones uh just want to note that in 1979, Jones versus<00:25:52.640>
Wolf - ><00:26:02.840>
the <00:26:02.960>Jones <00:26:03.360>versus <00:26:04.000>Wolf - <00:26:04.440>
1979 You see, in the Jones versus Wolf 1979 You see, in the Jones versus Wolf
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Pastor Delman Coates, and received several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, student visitors, homeschool advocates, community leaders, and the Braver Angels group. The chamber also journalized remarks welcoming Dr. Coates and recognized a prayer breakfast, with members offering brief thanks and acknowledgments before moving to legislative business.
The Senate handled several messages and nominations, including withdrawal of an appointment, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board nominations, and Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners nominations, all referred to Executive Nominations. The chamber also received House Bill 156 and an Executive Nominations Committee report recommending confirmation of a slate of appointments, which was special ordered for later consideration. A motion to return Senate Bill 463 to second reader and special order it for Tuesday was adopted without objection, and Senate Bill 473 was also special ordered for Tuesday.
On third reading, the Senate passed a large number of bills, including measures on ignition interlock participation, school construction, port hearing notice, veteran status notation for educators, correctional officer scholarships, benefits exploitation, veterans trust fund applications, presidential electors, advance enrollment for children of active service members, retired law enforcement handgun permits, high-risk pregnancy discharge communication, charitable organization audit thresholds, child care criminal history checks, water pollution discharge permits, blockchain task force creation, franchise registration reform, licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, Medicaid collaborative care cost-sharing, gift card fraud, school for the deaf board membership, vehicle dealer hearings, massage therapy advertising, protective body armor reporting, lithium-ion battery safety, pharmacy prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, human relevant research fund contributions, state and higher education email requirements, and auto insurance producer commissions. Most passed unanimously or by wide margins; Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 585 passed with 30 and 32 votes in favor, respectively.
Senate Bill 140, concerning benefits exploitation, drew extended debate over constitutionality and pending litigation, with one senator citing an Attorney General opinion and another citing a Supreme Court case on neutral principles in church property disputes; the bill ultimately passed with 40 votes. Members later changed several votes on the floor, including on Senate Bills 172, 376, 428, and 48. The session ended while the clerk was beginning to read Senate Bill 629, with the remaining calendar not completed in the transcript.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Savannah Wolf: "My name is Savannah Wolf, and my father is in the Army." Speaker: "Anyone else?
- ><00:19:20.120>
name <00:19:20.280>is <00:19:20.440>Savannah <00:19:20.960>wolf - <00:19:21.480>
and <00:19:21.640>my you go my name is Savannah wolf and my you go my - name is Savannah wolf and my father<00:19:22.200>
is <00:19:22.360>in <00:19:22.480>
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its third meeting of the 2025 session. After opening formalities, the committee took up House Bill 369, sponsored by Representative Hart and presented with Sean Butler of the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association and Ashland Police Chief Todd Kelly. They explained the bill clarifies KRS 95.495 regarding vacation or annual leave for police chiefs and local agencies by providing guidance on how the 15 days of leave may be administered. Representative Blandon asked whether the issue was in statute or tied to the retirement system, and Representative Moore asked whether the bill could affect officers’ ability to take time off in emergencies; the sponsors said it would not and would instead allow local policy to address those situations.
The committee then voted on HB 369. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression, with all members voting yes. Representative Wesley requested permission to explain his vote after the roll call. Following the vote, the committee shifted to a Military Kids Day recognition segment, with members and guests introducing themselves and sharing their military service backgrounds and family connections to the armed forces.
The remainder of the meeting was largely ceremonial, featuring remarks from legislators, military families, and children describing their parents’ service in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, and related branches. The chair thanked the families for their sacrifices, noted activities planned for the day, and recognized the Adjutant General’s wife, Miss Lamberton. At the end of the meeting, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to toughen penalties for impersonating police 4/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He came to our houses, a literal wolf in sheep's clothing, betraying our trust and our sense of safety
- He came to our houses, a literal wolf in sheep's clothing, betraying our trust and our sense of safety
- He came to our houses, a literal wolf in sheep's clothing, betraying our trust and our sense of safety
- A literal wolf in sheep's clothing, betraying our trust and our sense of safety, shattering our peace
Summary:
The House took up House File 3404, a public safety bill to increase penalties for impersonating a peace officer. The author explained that the bill raises the base offense from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, creates tougher aggravated offenses for impersonation involving unauthorized access, misleading orders, or a vehicle resembling a squad car, adds a new aggravated offense for impersonation while armed with a firearm, and establishes sentencing consequences when a person commits another serious crime while impersonating an officer. The bill also includes a duty-to-identify requirement for Minnesota peace officers, with an exception for undercover work.
Several members spoke in support, tying the bill to the June 14, 2025 events and emphasizing the danger of using police impersonation to gain trust and access. Supporters said the measure is needed to protect the public, restore confidence in law enforcement, and deter pranks or deliberate deception that could lead to serious harm. Testimony from law enforcement groups and 19 suburban cities was cited as backing for the bill, and the author thanked stakeholders and staff for helping shape the final version.
After discussion, the author requested a moment of silence before the vote. The House then took a roll call vote and passed the bill 134-0, with its title agreed to.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Wolfe? Thank you.
- Okay, line or page 28, that is what Representative Wolfe was referring to.
- Representative Wolfe? I move the amendments on 2156. Moved by Wolff. Do we have a second? Second.
- Moved by Steiner, second by Wolfe. Discussion.
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 2156, a campaign finance and reporting bill tied to the Secretary of State’s new software system. Members and staff walked through the bill section by section, explaining that much of the text is existing law being reorganized into a new chapter, with technical updates to make reporting easier and more consistent in the new electronic “checkbook” format. The bill also adds or clarifies several categories and definitions, including political donations and volunteer appreciation, and changes the reporting threshold from $200 to $250 to align with a separate inflation-adjustment bill. Other discussed changes included using the deposit date as the contribution receipt date, removing contributor addresses from public disclosure, adding non-statewide political parties to disclosure requirements, and adding political committees to the foreign-national contribution prohibition.
The Secretary of State’s office testified that the new software is being developed with a vendor already used in other states, and that it will automatically track contributions, expenditures, balances, deadlines, and reminders, while preserving current public/nonpublic disclosure rules. Members asked about public access, enforcement, maintenance costs, training, and whether the system would allow both checkbook-style entry and aggregation; staff said both options would be available and that the system would flag discrepancies and carry amendments forward through later reports. The committee also discussed late-filing and amendment fees, keeping some existing deadlines such as the 48-hour supplemental statement, and making late fees more visible to the public.
The committee adopted the proposed amendments by voice vote and then passed the bill as amended on a 13-0 roll call vote. Members expressed appreciation for the work of the bill sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office, and the chair indicated the bill would likely go to caucus and then the floor before moving to conference with the Senate if needed.