Video & Transcript : 'Ala Wai Harbor' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Jun 16th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, there's many different ways.
- I'm a little way of emphasis to two being. ...are expected.
- I'm just trying to figure out a way to keep it alive and to keep it moving.
- So is there a way of finding out... For the Legislature to support.
- So is there a way of finding out what that number would be?
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Jun 16th, 2026
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, there's many different ways.
- But many of you know, Amanda Cecil is a staffer with the Ways and Means Committee.
- I'm just trying to figure out a way to keep it alive and to keep it moving.
- So I was hoping we could just get something in the way of proposed legislation around that.
- That's way too long of a title. I will be told that, but does that sound right? Okay.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The executive committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote, then received an actuarial update from Sarah Baker of the State Actuary’s Office. Baker explained the office’s annual work, including the DRS pension actuarial evaluation, support for state financial reporting, cash flow analysis, a six-year pension contribution outlook, interim support for GIT and WAL CARES, and an upcoming actuarial evaluation of the volunteer firefighters pension plan. She also responded to questions about bills allowing members to transfer into PERS, noting that such transfers have historically increased PERS costs and that any added cost would be borne by PERS members and employers depending on bill structure and affected demographics.
Kate Adams of the Attorney General’s office reported no new developments in the cases the committee is monitoring. She said the Dawson case is still in its early stages, with a judge assigned and a discovery plan due at the end of July. The committee asked for continued updates on that litigation.
The committee then discussed interim work planning, focusing first on animal control officers’ eligibility for PERS and asking staff to continue researching definitions, comparable treatment in nearby states, and the cost and service-credit implications for affected employees. Members also discussed Plan 3 issues, including comparisons of Plan 2 and Plan 3 membership and data, and possible future briefing topics. The largest discussion centered on Plan 1 COLAs: members and retiree representatives debated whether to pursue a permanent COLA or an ad hoc COLA, and whether budget language should require future budget writers to consider a COLA. Retiree groups said they preferred a permanent COLA but were open to further discussion; staff was asked to continue work on possible language and policy options.
The committee reviewed correspondence on four topics: Plan 1 COLA requests, a request to study LEOFF 2-style medical reimbursements for Washington State Patrol survivors, and a request to allow certain members to change survivor option elections after the federal Social Security Fairness Act. The committee agreed to bring the State Patrol medical reimbursement issue and the Social Security Fairness Act issue back for July, with staff to gather more information and provide an informational briefing. The July agenda was approved and includes the OSA annual update, the LEOFF 2 Board annual update, a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item, and the two survivor-related topics.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- But just tell us the gist of what we're doing, and then we'll do the amendment and get on your way.
- So I have a PBM 938, and it's a different way of looking at how we regulate PBMs between administration
- So we are, we opened in September of 2005, if anyone has a calendar, September 3rd, by the way.
- But I've read the bill, and it does address these problems in a practical way.
- No way I would have gotten that. All right. Starting the day off good. Thank you so much.
Committee:
Senate Insurance
Summary:
The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 13, 2026, adopted the May 6 minutes, and then took up several bills dealing with pharmacy benefit managers, prescription access, behavioral health coverage, and Citizens Property Insurance. HB 938, as amended, was the main PBM reform measure. After the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill, members heard extensive testimony in support from Mark Bloom, Justin Joseph of Capital Rx, and Kathy Ue of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, all emphasizing transparency, pass-through pricing, reverse auctions, and patient access. Supporters described savings from reverse auctions and administrative models, while the cancer center testified that PBM-owned specialty pharmacy requirements can delay cancer medications and create financial hardship. The committee reported HB 938 favorably with amendments.
The committee also heard HB 1154, which prohibits prior authorization for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians, with a $250 cap discussed as a safeguard against higher-cost generics. The bill was supported by representatives from Ochsner Health and the Louisiana State Medical Society and was reported favorably. HB 909, which requires commercial coverage for behavioral health crisis services, was amended to clarify the insurers covered and then reported favorably with support from the Office of Behavioral Health and several outside groups. Testimony on HB 909 focused on reducing emergency room and law enforcement burdens and expanding crisis response capacity across the state.
HB 1187, dealing with excess emergency assessment funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was explained by the Insurance Commissioner as a way to transfer remaining Katrina-era assessment funds to the Fortified Roof Program. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, SB 511 and SB 512 were deferred and converted into a study resolution approach because there was not yet consensus on the underlying issue. The meeting then adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a very fancy way of saying that the system, the funding formula, actually...
- Just like that, or whatever way you think is appropriate.
- Districts and charter schools use that money in the way they see fit to do that.
- I hope everybody else feels that way too. that way too; you might get tired of hearing my voice.
- They're not coordinated in any specific or structured way.
Committee:
House House Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- If members of the committee can start to make their way to Room 2,200, we're going to try to establish
- And that way we can create better management of these types of situations. Thank you, Mr.
- By way of example, I'll compare what we experienced in the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
- Sometimes that's the priority is get people the heck out of the way.
- I think that there are prudent ways to utilize one of these plans, and there are not.
Committee:
Senate Emergency Management
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- No way we could have it muted here. Oh, if you could have it muted here.
- It’s just a way we refer to them. And we try to keep those very distinct.
- You’re not tied to that employer in any other way, and the employer likes it that way because they can
- in no way can this be construed by offering portable benefits account funding.
- And it's really hard to be able to, you know, find a way through that.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the minutes from February 26, 2026 by voice vote. It then heard House Bill 738, which would allow an additional option for LLC organizers to list a commercial registered agent’s address instead of a residential/home address on the Secretary of State’s website, with the stated goal of improving privacy and safety for home-based businesses while preserving existing LLC formation options. Representative Dygert said the bill was developed with input from the Secretary of State’s office and that other states use similar approaches. After questions about the definition and use of commercial registered agents, the committee voted to send HB 738 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 645, a proposal to create voluntary portable benefits accounts for independent contractors and other 1099 workers. Majority Leader Den Hartog and a supporting witness described the bill as a way for contractors and hiring entities to contribute to worker-owned accounts that could be used for benefits such as health, disability, life, retirement, income replacement, and unemployment insurance, with administration by approved third-party providers under Department of Insurance oversight. Supporters argued the bill would expand flexibility and access to benefits without changing worker classification, and noted similar laws in other states. Opponents, including the Idaho AFL-CIO, warned the bill could worsen worker misclassification, blur the line between employees and contractors, and create concerns about immigration verification, workers’ compensation, and tax treatment.
Committee members raised repeated questions about whether the bill could affect the right-to-control test, workers’ compensation, federal classification rules, and whether the accounts might be used without health coverage. The sponsor and witness responded that the bill would not alter existing classification law, would not create an employer-employee relationship, and would remain subject to federal law. After closing debate, the committee approved HB 645 on a 5-4 roll call vote and sent it to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned after completing its agenda.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That's right, by the way.
- And by the way, your brother is going to like this particular resolution.
- But fishing just isn't a way of life for Port Aransas.
- 70. million trees, and Newton County is this tiny little speck way over next to Louisiana.
- similar to the way they do the in one location.
Bills:
HB1397 , HB1886 , HB3088 , HB4187 , HB4229 , HB4230 , HB5032 , HCR6 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR80 , HCR86 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR6
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Keywords:
Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- whatever you are bringing before the committee that you do it in a collaborative and consensus-building way
- I have the privilege of representing the 26th from Gig Harbor to Bremerton. Vice Chair Morgan.
- host today and the state representative from the 30th Legislative District, South King County, Federal Way
- Water reuse was also highlighted as a way to reduce pressure on freshwater resources, although legal
- So either way, Dwayne, Dwayne, we're going to be talking to you a lot this legislative session.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 2nd, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the only way we can. like this.
- Um, and so the way we kind of, it would be similar to the way that we did this for the cyber security
- Again this is this is this is a way where we in And again, humbly, but the way we did the training before
- And the way it would work is.
- What is the way to measure? the value.
Bills:
HB512 , HB2248 , HB2679 , HB2832 , HB3112 , HB3368 , HB3490 , HB3512 , HB3623 , HB3666 , HB3700 , HB3711 , HB3770 , HB3963
Committee:
House Delivery of Government Efficiency
Keywords:
grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- God Moved and protected us along every step of the way.
- And that's the way the bill came.
- There are two ways to look at it.
- But this is not the way to go about the issue.
- Yes, there's a better way to do it.
Bills:
HB2268 , HB3000 , HB3043 , HB3066 , HB3078 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3244 , HB3298 , HB3320 , HB3467 , HB3321 , HB3329 , HB3431 , HB3464 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3586 , HB3590 , HB3650 , HB3671 , HB3695 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3764 , HB3767 , HB3834 , HB3931 , HB3934 , HB3940 , HB3944 , HB3979 , HB3985 , HB4113 , HB4294 , HB4302 , HB4317 , HB4324 , HB4359 , HB4426 , HB4427 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB4434 , HJR1077 , SR42 , SR35 , HJR1023 , HB1225 , HB1374 , HB1381 , HB1590 , HB1675 , HB2153
Keywords:
HB2268, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, appropriation, General Revenue Fund, PACE, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, elderly care, aging Oklahomans, long-term care, Medicaid, health care funding, provider reimbursement, rate increase, low-income seniors, senior services, integrated care, emergency measure, cosmetology, barbering
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA Public Hearing 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a safe way to cross the street then?
- </c> Hilo not too bad you only get one way Hilo not too bad you only get one way you<00:24:56.600><c>
- with</c> lanes and the other way coming down with lanes and the other way coming down with another<00
- </c><00:54:24.559><c> they're</c> that are according to the way they're that are according to the way
- This goes on to Ways and Means and Judiciary for further consideration.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on.
The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns.
On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:47:06.720><c> and</c> In addition, my colleagues on ways and In addition, my colleagues on ways
- By the way, I football and I got hurt.
- It's basically saying the wrong way.
- Given the way the uh budget is Yes.
- </c><01:46:36.719><c> a</c> Ona Judge Stains, who was by the way a Ona Judge Stains, who was by the way
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Webb IV from The Way Church here in the city of St. Paul. Pledge of Allegiance.
- So, I think there was a way we could have fixed this.
- :40.240><c> regulate</c><02:21:40.760><c> that</c> ways that we can regulate that ways that we can regulate
- Once very easy way to do that.
- I I to the Committee on Ways and Means.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And also, is there a different way that we can do to get nurses into our VA system without having to
- And also, is there a different way that we can do to get nurses into our VA system without having to
- All the You know, y'all didn't take care of them the way we thought you should have.
- Number 12, DHS, DCFS, with Harbor House, Incorporated, of Fort Smith.
- That way, we could do away with these 100 million amendments that these agencies bring to us and pick
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
Summary:
The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot.
The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees.
Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The way DHS does not look like MDE, and the way they function with money—DHS has a lot more pass-through
- The way DHS does not look like MDE, and the way they function with money—DHS has a lot more pass-through
- The way DHS does not look like MDE, and the way they function with money—DHS has a lot more pass-through
- The way DHS does not look like MDE, and the way they function with money—DHS has a lot more pass-through
- Have I been charged in any way? No.
Committee:
House Education Finance
Keywords:
Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You're not of our own doing, by the way, right?
- </c> instance in some of the harbors, right? instance in some of the harbors, right?
- </c> in multiple multiple ways. in multiple multiple ways.
- </c><01:18:00.120><c> for</c> burn down and now there's no way for burn down and now there's no way for
- <c> to</c><01:20:01.640><c> um</c> looking for ways to um looking for ways to um be<01:20:02.360><c>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately.
A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It was way before I got elected. We've had it for like 15, 16 years.
- And the last question I have: those Clean Harbors in my district take the waste that Caltrans produces
- So we're just keeping our eyes and ears open as to what's the way... implemented road user charge.
- It's actually widespread, and we are trying to find ways to better manage our right-of-way.
- “Generally speaking, we are looking at how we can integrate rail and transit in a more widespread way
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, a rule waiver, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved multiple appointments not required to appear, including members of the Board of Behavioral Science, the Contractors’ State License Board, and the Medical Board of California, with most votes either 3-2 or 5-0. It also approved a reference of bills to committees, a waiver of SR 55 to allow guests on the Senate floor for an adjourn-in-memory of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments, all by 5-0 votes.
The committee then heard testimony on the appointment of Dina El-Tawansy as Director of Caltrans. In her opening remarks, she emphasized her 28 years at the department, and said her priorities would be safety, equity, climate resilience, economic prosperity, workforce development, and a multimodal transportation system. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including impacts from federal and state disputes over immigrant truck drivers, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane, DBE certification changes, asphalt recycling and waste disposal, climate adaptation on coastal infrastructure, and the future of road funding as electric vehicles reduce gas tax revenue. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is pursuing project prioritization, climate vulnerability assessments, partnerships with local governments, DBE reevaluation guidance, recycling efforts, and research into road user charges.
Members also asked about toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments and litter on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego rail corridor and broader transit integration. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is moving toward more consistent statewide toll agreements, has signed or is negotiating delegated maintenance MOUs with local agencies to address encampments and litter, and is expanding rail and transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms backing the nomination. The committee voted 5-0 to move El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, and then adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And also, is there a different way that we can do to get nurses into our VA system without having to
- All these You know, y'all didn't take care of them the way we thought you should have.
- Number 12, DHS, DCFS, with Harbor House, Incorporated, of Fort Smith.
- That way, we could do away with these 100 million amendments that these agencies bring to us and pick
- The way these work, we have more than one agency that does provide supplemental staff to the facility
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/02/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- If you got up by the Two Harbors area and went inland quite a ways, you would find a tremendous amount
- I believe that this state is growing way more than 2.2 to 2.3 million cords. Way more.
- area and you went inland quite a Harbors area and you went inland quite a ways,<00:17:50.400><c> you
- more than 2.2 2.3 million growing way more than 2.2 2.3 million cords.<00:19:04.240><c> Way</c><00:19
- Way more. And we need markets cords. Way more.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> on the table. a benefit, by the way, on the table. a benefit, by the way, that<02:56:00.479><c>
- </c> costs in a whole bunch of other ways. costs in a whole bunch of other ways.
- And by the way, Madam same time.
- </c><03:09:08.160><c> by</c> troops in the most outrageous way by troops in the most outrageous way by
- Brida North Dakota step of the way.