Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign contributions'

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TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Elections Aug 25th, 2025

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Without an excused absence from quorum breaking purposes, from accepting contributions larger than the
  • Oh, it just states I'm just trying to get there's no, so page one says there's no contribution.
  • You can't, uh, make a contribution or make an, uh, reimbursement of expenditure on behalf of a quorum
  • Page 2, states that, um, a quorum breaker cannot accept contributions.
  • Well, I mean, when you're making contributions, I would encourage.
Bills: HB18
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, February 16, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • In these cases, it was usually used in combination with other drugs, and the contribution of kratom in
  • <00:14:48.079> drugs<00:14:48.560> and<00:14:48.800> the<00:14:49.279> contribution
  • <00:14:49.839> ofratom other drugs and the contribution ofratom other drugs and the contribution
Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Committee, February 16, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • are<01:08:25.839> taking that foreign governments are taking that foreign governments are
  • extr territorial application of foreign extr territorial application of foreign censorship<01:09
  • innovation and ensuring that foreign innovation and ensuring that foreign threats<01:09:47.520><
  • <01:10:23.040> state,<01:10:23.280> international foreign state, international foreign
  • enforce or enforce the foreign enforce or enforce the foreign censorship<01:10:34.640> law
Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • knowledge of the virtual immunity that manufacturers have with regard to vaccine-related injuries has contributed
  • knowledge of the virtual immunity that manufacturers have with regard to vaccine-related injuries has contributed
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • absent from the state, with or without an excuse, for quorum-breaking purposes from accepting contributions
  • And yet, if a contribution is sent to them by mail a day before they are absent, it's okay, according
  • Anything unless we figure out some way to actually put some pain into being able to stop the contributions
  • They should not at the same time be allowed to collect political contributions and use those dollars
  • No contributions or expenditures beyond the amount of a single day's legislative per diem.
Bills: HB18
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Elections Aug 25th, 2025

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just to be clear, this bill is about limiting the acceptance of campaign contributions and the expenditures
  • Supreme Court has made it clear that political contributions and expenditures are protected political
  • There's no— So page one says there's no contribution; you can't make a contribution or make an… ...reimbursement
  • Page two states that a quorum breaker cannot accept contributions.
  • Well, I mean, when you're making contributions, I would encourage.
Bills: HB18
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Science & Technology

Science & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's the way I would do it if I were a foreign adversary.
  • And the thing I like is, you know, it'll allow some of these disabled people to actually contribute to
Summary: The House Committee on Science and Technology convened for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills focused on technology policy, infrastructure security, and a new study committee on assistive technology. Testimony was generally supportive of the bills’ goals, though several members raised concerns about implementation, costs, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission on the infrastructure bill. HB 2121 would prevent manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, such as using third-party parts or firmware changes, and would allow owners or the Attorney General to sue for damages. After discussion about consumer ownership, security, and possible manufacturing impacts, the committee adopted the Fink amendment narrowing the bill to consumer products and gave HB 2121 a do pass recommendation by a 7-1 vote with one present. HB 2134 would restrict Chinese-produced equipment from critical infrastructure and limit contracts with Chinese companies; the sponsor and supporters framed it as a national security measure, while opponents focused on cost, implementation, and utility coordination. The committee heard testimony from the Arizona Corporation Commission, which said the bill would require new staff and resources, and from outside witnesses who said the bill was prospective and aligned with federal restrictions. HB 2134 passed 5-4. HB 2451 would adjust Arizona Space Commission board terms, extend the strategic plan deadline, and add astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s duties. Supporters described the commission as a bipartisan effort to grow Arizona’s space industry, and the bill passed 8-0. HB 2700 would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and technology-first approaches for people with disabilities. The sponsor and a constituent advocate described how assistive technology can improve independence and service delivery, and members expressed support for the concept. After adopting the Connolly amendment, the committee approved HB 2700 as amended by an 8-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 29th, 2025

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • It'll provide reference to the use of a disclaimer that no funds are being solicited from a foreign national
  • and fees charged by trade associations. ...membership organizations as long as the entity isn't a foreign
  • So, this would prohibit foreign nationals from participating in our elections here in the state of Alabama
  • Um, and it would also close a loophole... ...in that foreign nationals can't participate in down ballot
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, Texas only prohibits foreign nationals from contributing directly or indirectly to candidates
  • First, states must ban both direct and indirect foreign contributions. to these campaigns.
  • Third, a ban must apply to foreign nationals.
  • Foreign meddling is toxic no matter whether it originates from the Chinese government or from a foreign
  • Prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to ballot measures and constitutional amendments ensures
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - House Ways & Means

Ways & Means

Summary: The committee began with member, staff, and page introductions, then heard reminders about public testimony limits. It first considered House Bill 2016, which would eliminate late-filing penalties when a tax return shows zero tax due. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent unnecessary fines on small businesses and individuals with no liability, while staff noted any fiscal impact would likely be minimal. The bill passed on an 8-1 vote, with one member opposing it on the grounds that current waiver procedures already exist and the change could weaken compliance incentives. The committee then took up House Bill 2104, which would bar county assessors from reclassifying agricultural property for four years after an owner prevails on appeal, unless there is a change in use, ownership, or parcel configuration. The sponsor and agricultural groups said the measure would reduce repetitive annual appeals and provide stability for ranchers and farmers, especially in urbanizing areas and in places affected by fallowing. County assessors opposed the bill, arguing that their offices are better qualified than the State Board of Equalization, that the bill could allow inaccurate classifications to persist, and that it relies too heavily on owners to report changes. After extensive testimony from the Maricopa County Assessor and the State Board of Equalization executive director, the committee approved the bill 5-4. Next, House Bill 2105 was heard. It would require advance notice of certain property inspections and provide inspection reports to property owners. The sponsor said the goal was to give owners a chance to be present for inspections and to receive the reasons for any denial of agricultural status. Assessors opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate and said they already communicate with owners through mail, door hangers, and other methods, but that a standardized report form does not currently exist. Supporters from the farm and ranch community said the bill would improve transparency and help avoid disputes. The committee passed the bill 5-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2289, which updates truth-in-taxation and election pamphlet language to reflect higher residential property values, including a new $400,000 example. The sponsor and the Arizona Tax Research Association said the changes would make taxpayer notices more accurate and noted the bill was similar to one that had previously advanced, but without a provision that contributed to a veto. No vote was taken on this bill in the portion provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Ways & Means

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • retroactivity provisions associated with Public Law 119-21, and it conforms in part what is considered to be foreign
  • program, so it's private money, your own money, families' money, grandparents, aunts, relatives contributing
  • program, so it's private money, your own money, families' monies, grandparents, aunts, relatives, contributing
  • , own money, families' monies, grandparents, aunts, relatives contributing to a 529 plan.
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure that would update Arizona statutes to conform to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would align state law with tax forms already issued by the Department of Revenue, provide certainty to filers, and deliver about $440 million in tax relief through provisions such as no tax on tips and overtime, a larger standard deduction, and a $6,000 senior deduction. Opponents argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue, disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers, and should be considered alongside a broader budget plan. After debate and an amendment addressing retroactivity and foreign dividends, the committee approved HB 2785 on a 5-4 vote. The committee then took up several Arizona State Retirement System and education savings bills. HB 2089 clarified the health insurance premium benefit subsidy for retirees and passed unanimously. HB 2090 changed the disability determination period for long-term disability benefits from 24 months within a five-year period to a straight 24-month period and passed 8-1. HB 2092 allowed employees over age 65 to waive ARS participation within 30 days of becoming eligible and also passed 8-1. HB 2477 conformed Arizona’s 529 education savings plan to federal law, including expanded uses and a permanent rollover to ABLE accounts and Roth IRAs; testimony supported the cleanup and simplification, but some members raised concerns about the Roth rollover and possible use of transferred ESA funds. HB 2477 passed 5-3 with one present vote, and the committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Mar 2nd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, the bill is drafted narrowly to address the activities of foreign agents and foreign-supported
  • However, the bill is drafted narrowly to address the activities of foreign agents and foreign-supported
  • Why are we changing surrogacy laws in a bill about foreign influence and foreign agents?
  • Does this only deal with citizens of countries of foreign concern, or is this any foreigner?
  • Individuals from foreign countries.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee met and considered a large agenda of bills, reporting several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and the estate of Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, which was approved for $3.8 million. The committee also passed a cybersecurity internships bill creating a Department of Commerce program with Cyber Florida, and SB 532, which lets clerks of court retain the full amount of certain excess revenue and clarifies foreclosure-sale procedures. Veterans housing measures, CS for CS for SB 1602 and SB 1604, were approved to create a pilot program and a related trust fund for vacancy relief and risk mitigation for veteran housing. The committee also favorably reported SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, with emotional testimony from a student and family describing the high cost and importance of activity-specific prosthetics. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 1012 after adopting an amendment that removed inmate emergency and specialty medical service compensation provisions while retaining changes to the contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust fund. Another bill, CS for CS for SB 1614, was narrowed by a delete-all amendment to focus on limiting the use of excess fees for new building construction by local governments. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate, with some support testimony submitted in writing or waived. The most extensive discussion centered on CS for CS for SB 17, a major Medicaid and public assistance overhaul. The bill would create a Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Oversight, allow the Legislature to retain its own actuary, tighten Medicaid program oversight, update encounter-data reporting, set performance standards for managed care plans, revise pharmacy benefit manager rules, and require DCF to implement SNAP fraud-reduction and payment-accuracy reforms, including photo IDs on EBT cards and updated work requirements. It also would direct agencies to seek federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and expanded behavioral health services. After lengthy questioning and testimony, the committee adopted amendments adding a transitional medical benefits glide path for people who gain employment and later lose Medicaid eligibility, and exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, reduce fraud, and save money, while opponents warned it would create administrative burdens, increase paperwork, and cause eligible people to lose coverage or food assistance. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended.