Video & Transcript : 'endowment gifts' :
Page 52 of 214
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's no cost associated with it, and it will really help us as we try to expand ECAP for the Balmer gift
- It would also help us as we look at expanding the Balmer gift in a really high-need area of Pierce County
- I think right now with the Balmer gift, we all know that we have to really dig deep and start working
- It was a commitment before the Balmer gift, and now it's an even stronger commitment that we know there's
- seeing as barriers to meeting the goal of reaching all eligible children for ECAP through the Balmer Gift
Summary:
The Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on several child care and disability-related bills. House Bill 2317 would exempt certain ECAP and Head Start programs from DCYF licensing when they operate part-day or school-day in public school buildings or on public school property. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill would remove duplicative licensing barriers and help expand preschool seats, especially as Washington prepares to add more ECAP slots. Testifiers from Head Start, school-linked providers, and the Washington Federation of Independent Schools supported the bill, describing licensing delays, added costs, and lost classroom time; no one testified in opposition.
The committee also heard House Bill 2099, which would expand ECAP access for military families with incomes up to Working Connections Child Care limits and adjust prioritization for families with deployed or single custodial military parents. The prime sponsor and multiple supporters, including retired military leaders, Head Start/ECAP advocates, ESD staff, and a military-community partnership, said military families face frequent moves, deployment-related strain, and child care shortages that affect readiness and family stability. Testifiers said the bill would help families access care without changing the program’s low-income focus or adding state cost.
House Bill 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and family members when a residential habilitation center is found out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to provide follow-up notices on correction and enforcement actions. The sponsor said the bill responds to limited communication around recent noncompliance issues at Rainier School and would improve transparency; DSHS had requested a narrow amendment about how notice is provided to residents. Disability rights advocates strongly supported the bill, saying families need timely information to protect loved ones and make informed decisions.
Finally, House Bill 2318 would let ECAP and Head Start children count toward the 5% subsidy participation threshold needed for Early Achievers quality improvement awards. Supporters said the current rule can discourage providers from enrolling ECAP children because it risks losing an award, even though ECAP already requires Early Achievers participation. The sponsor and testifiers described the bill as a small fix to reduce a funding disincentive for providers serving high-need children. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing the hearings on all four bills.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- will consist of appropriations made by the Legislature, revenues charged by the foundation, grants, gifts
- will consist of appropriations made by the Legislature, revenues charged by the foundation, grants, gifts
- foundation found uh charged by the foundation sarges<00:25:34.440><c> grants</c><00:25:34.919><c> gifts
- </c><00:25:35.559><c> and</c><00:25:35.799><c> interest</c><00:25:36.200><c> on</c> sarges grants gifts
- and interest on sarges grants gifts and interest on monies<00:25:36.760><c> deposited</c><00:25:37.320
Committee:
House Culture & Arts
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 547 HD1, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and support spay/neuter services, funded in part through a tax return check-off and other sources. The Department of Taxation said it could implement the check-off; the Attorney General and Budget and Finance raised drafting and placement concerns about which department should house the fund; and the Hawaii Humane Society strongly supported the bill, emphasizing statewide need and the importance of distributing funds to areas of greatest need, including neighbor islands. The Tax Foundation opposed the measure on special-fund grounds, arguing there was no sufficient nexus between the bill’s purpose and the proposed revenue source. The committee later recommended HB 547 HD1 with technical amendments and sent it to Finance, with members voting aye and no objections noted.
The committee also heard HB 925 HD1, relating to arts funding, which would impose a 1% fee on ticket sales from concerts at state venues and direct the proceeds to a dedicated arts fund. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the measure, while the Attorney General suggested defining “concerts” for clarity and Budget and Finance was available with comments. In discussion, the committee chair asked about how other states fund arts programs, and Director Ewald said many states use dedicated funding sources such as concert fees, bond funding, cultural trusts, and hotel lodging taxes. The committee recommended HB 925 HD1 with amendments, including a preamble, a new Performing Arts special fund, a definition of “concerts,” and a defective date, and the recommendation was adopted.
Finally, the committee considered HB 1378, also related to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Based on the Attorney General’s testimony, the committee proposed deleting a section of the bill, creating a Performing Arts special fund, specifying revenue sources such as legislative appropriations, foundation charges, grants, gifts, and interest, and using the fund for coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. The amendments also added a definition of Performing Arts, granting standards, and a defective date, while blanking out the appropriation amount for the committee report. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation on HB 1378 with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/19/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the trust placed in us to build a better Minnesota, one where all can thrive and fully use the gifts
- 01:13.439><c> the</c> where all can thrive and fully use the where all can thrive and fully use the gifts
- <00:01:14.000><c> you</c><00:01:14.159><c> have</c><00:01:14.320><c> given</c> gifts you have given gifts
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Gift them with a spirit of knowledge. Grace them with your presence.
- 07.640><c> insight</c> with the spirit of counsel and insight with the spirit of counsel and insight gift
- 09.439><c> a</c><00:01:09.600><c> spirit</c><00:01:09.840><c> of</c><00:01:10.040><c> knowledge</c> gift
- them with a spirit of knowledge gift them with a spirit of knowledge Grace<00:01:11.520><c> them</c>
AK
Alaska 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jul 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alaska House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's like saying, I want the gift you're giving me for my birthday. Thank you.
- We give a grant to this person and a grant to that person, and that is a gift.
- But this is not a gift. This is a commercial negotiation.
- This is in no way a gift to anyone.
- It is not a gift. We shouldn't be thinking of it that way.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Unfortunately, Sear sent me a gift of Kona coffee by mail last week, and here I am today making a decision
- So my personal convictions prevent me from accepting such gifts, and the good news is after I contacted
- Unfortunately, Sear sent me a gift of Kona coffee by mail last week, and here I am today making a decision
- So my personal convictions prevent me from accepting such gifts, and the good news is after I contacted
- So my personal convictions prevent me from accepting such gifts, and the good news is after I contacted
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 093 Apr 17th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We clean our homes, we buy new clothes, we exchange gifts, we set a haft sin, which is a table with symbolic
- :35:15.360><c> clothes,</c><00:35:15.880><c> we</c><00:35:15.960><c> exchange</c><00:35:16.520><c> gifts
- ,</c> we buy new clothes, we exchange gifts, we buy new clothes, we exchange gifts, we<00:35:17.440><
- workers, are not technically constituents, but they do fall under the constituents, all created equal, endowed
Summary:
The House convened with 58 members present and seven excused, establishing a quorum, and approved the April 15, 2026 journal as corrected. The chamber then moved through announcements recognizing visiting railroad workers, LIUNA Local 720, Colorado West Christian Schools, Religious Freedom Day, and several school and community groups, along with birthday acknowledgments and committee schedule notices. The House also adopted a motion to remove House Bill 1245 from special orders and returned it to the general orders second reading calendar, and set House Bills 1290, 1312, and 1321 as special orders.
The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 18, recognizing Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Supporters described Nowruz as a holiday of renewal and resilience and tied the resolution to solidarity with Iranian communities. Representative Zokaie also spoke at length about the personal impact of war on Iranian families and urged a vote. The resolution passed 59-2 with four excused.
The chamber then considered several bills in committee report. House Bill 1290, concerning assault and clarifying sentencing, was amended in Judiciary to remove the medical professional provision and passed after testimony emphasizing strangulation as a serious warning sign in domestic violence cases; it then passed the House. House Bill 1312, dealing with peace officer participation, POST Board composition, academy training, and related grants, was amended for clarity and passed the Judiciary report and then the bill. House Bill 1321, modifying the School Security Disbursement Program, had the Education Committee report defeated, but amendments were adopted to broaden eligible service providers and adjust funding language; the bill then passed as amended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- There's the gift fund. A couple of agencies use this.
- the fund statement right now because the Volkswagen settlement a few years ago is run through the gift
- There's the gift fund. A couple of agencies use this.
- fund as well ago is run through the gift fund as well um<00:34:18.000><c> so</c><00:34:18.440><c> in
- fund I it was just run through the gift fund I I<00:37:25.760><c> don't</c><00:37:25.960><c> remember
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Gifted students deserve equitable treatment of their learning differences as others do.
- He was gifted.
- That's students who have a learning disability and are also considered highly gifted.
- disability and are also considered highly gifted.
- that gifted, talented students present in the education system.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees.
Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists.
Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Business, Trade & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That clarifies the rounding of the change and also corrects the requirement for gift cards so you don't
- have pennies on your gift cards.
- So you don't have pennies on your gift cards. Any further discussion questions?
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Oct 2nd, 2025
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- bill, on page one, paragraph A here, it says the The fund consists of distributions, appropriations, gifts
- What type of gifts?
- I get the grant part and the distribution, the appropriations, but... what type of gifts and donations
- **Madam Chair** and **Senator**, I have yet to receive any of these gifts.
- Can you ask that question if there's any historical data on gifts? It sounds like she's got it.
Committee:
Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Once again, thank you for sending your son to die for our sins and for the gift of eternal life.
- enforcement agency in the event of death in the line of duty must be used within one year, and that how the gift
- 55.680><c> the</c> used within one year and that uh how the used within one year and that uh how the gift
- 10:56.959><c> reported</c><00:10:57.440><c> to</c><00:10:58.160><c> the</c><00:10:58.720><c> um</c> gift
- was used be reported to the um gift was used be reported to the um department<00:10:59.360><c> of</c
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- It's uh not to be treated as a<00:08:12.800><c> gift</c><00:08:13.759><c> and</c><00:08:14.720><c> it
- and it had to be made within 9 a gift and it had to be made within 9 months<00:08:16.800><c> after</
- And this comes into play with the gift tax back in, oh, a while ago the upper limit on 1976 the limit
- </c> this comes into play with with the gift this comes into play with with the gift tax<00:09:14.880
- </c><00:16:58.720><c> over</c> world with the exclusion of gifts over world with the exclusion of gifts
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- a criminal act to possess an ounce of marijuana. ...on your own would remain not a criminal act to gift
- I don't know the gift thing, but it doesn't change the criminalization, so it remains decriminalized
- you going to have a line outside the medical marijuana dispensary of folks looking for this to be gifted
- a criminal act to possess an ounce of marijuana. ...on your own would remain not a criminal act to gift
- I don't know the gift thing, but it doesn't change the criminalization, so it remains decriminalized
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10, House Bill 5002, titled “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. Chairs Brendan Crighton and Kate Hogan outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the committee is gathering testimony for a report to the legislature. The hearing was organized into expert, proponent, opponent, and public testimony, with written testimony accepted through March 27.
The first witness, Jessica Trow of MassBudget, testified in opposition to repeal and focused on cannabis-related revenue and social equity. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion statewide since adult-use sales began, with revenue flowing through the Marijuana Regulation Fund, the state sales tax, and local taxes and fees. She emphasized that funds support public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity work, the Cannabis Social Equity Fund, and municipal budgets, and argued that legalization has created pathways for communities harmed by prohibition. The petition’s spokesperson, Wendy Wakeman, argued in favor of repeal, saying legalization has worsened public health, safety, and quality of life, citing higher potency, addiction, youth use, impaired driving, workplace positives, and black-market concerns. Committee members questioned her about the data sources, the will of the voters, the role of paid signature gatherers, and the petition’s funding, including out-of-state and dark-money concerns.
Opponents of the initiative then testified that repeal would harm a regulated industry that has created jobs, tax revenue, and social equity opportunities. Caroline Pino of STEM, Kristen Rogers of Levia, Judith Ledbetter of Project De-Stigmatized Healthcare, and Armani White of Firehouse Dispensary/EON described their businesses, community investments, and personal reliance on cannabis, and warned that repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity programs. In public testimony, Lucas Thayer of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and Jeff Rawson, a chemist and consumer protection advocate, also opposed the measure, arguing that regulated cannabis is safer than unregulated products and that repeal would damage investments and public safety. The hearing ended after the public testimony, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Page 10 says that they can receive gifts.
- It was prohibited from receiving gifts.
- Page 10 says that they can receive gifts.
- It was prohibited from receiving gifts.
- It was prohibited from receiving gifts.
Committee:
House Economic Development
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Keill, why are loans and federal gifts included on page two, line 30, where it says loans
- , federal gifts?
- I can understand the rest, but what... gifts, I can understand the rest, but what are those loans and
- what federal gifts?
- Yeah, I understand that, but loans—that's what I guess that loans and the federal gifts is what I don't
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 19, 2026 - 03:15 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently our ethics laws require public employees to disclose certain gifts unless they come from a
- Lopez: They celebrate holidays together, attend graduations, weddings, and they exchange gifts just like
- This recommendation comes directly from the Florida Commission on Ethics which concluded that gifts and
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Now it was gifted, but in New Mexico, that is special education.
- President, we're not doing anything to change gifted.
- So we've really had to create our own IEPs with gifted. Mr.
- President, we're not doing anything to change gifted.
- So we've really had to create our own IEPs with gifted.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region.
The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success.
Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 5, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Even as you have loved us with all our strengths and shortfalls, gifts and gaffes, differences and divisions
- Amen. strengths and shortfalls, gifts and strengths and shortfalls, gifts and gaffs,<00:06:46.240><c>
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 48 - Morning Session Apr 28th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My parents gave me gifts, so I can only pay forward, which leads me back to Linda.
- She always taught our children that their responsibility was to use their gifts and talents in service
- So regarding the gifts my parents handed to me, that isn't so unusual, is it?
- It governs our retail outlets like our lodges, our gift shops, and golf courses.
- It governs our retail outlets like our lodges, our gift shops, and golf courses.
Bills:
SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094
Keywords:
memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI
Summary:
The House convened, called the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Nurse of the Day and several student and athletic groups, including Career Tech students, charter school students, Meridian Tech students, and Carl Albert championship teams. A lengthy personal privilege/farewell-style speech was delivered by Representative Lepak, reflecting on his service, family, staff, and legislative colleagues, and offering general advice about public service and the legislative process.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 1369, creating a 988 revolving fund to support Oklahoma’s mental health lifeline, passed 85-7. SB 1441, clarifying penalties for drones contacting critical infrastructure, passed 80-2. SB 137, adding DUI/GBI to electronic monitoring ineligibility and clarifying Department of Corrections language, passed 72-18 after questions about retroactivity and administrative authority. SB 843, raising the minimum ADA threshold from 400 to 550 for school districts to hire relatives of board members, passed 77-4, and its emergency clause also received the required two-thirds vote.
The most extensive debate centered on SB 483, which would have authorized county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program for people seeking to move to supportive housing or services. Members raised concerns about homelessness policy, county capacity, public-private partnerships, safeguards, and possible misuse or “bussing” of people between communities. The bill ultimately failed 35-52, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. Later, SB 1433, requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and note they lack the force of law, passed unanimously; SB 1257, updating THC-related language in controlled substances law, passed 68-13; and SB 1365, updating promotional fund language for state retail outlets, lodges, gift shops, and golf courses, failed 43-42, with notice of reconsideration also given. The House then moved to recess until 1:15 p.m.