Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hart, who usually takes care of rules, but he is in another meeting taking care of some legislation
• Chairman, members of the committee, for the record my name is Ellery Tucker Williams, the Legislative
• Ethical hunters are fair, and we want the animals to have a fair chance.
• It's an opportunity that comes with work and ethics and trust that we can rightfully go out there.
• I think that has to be a real consideration in what we do every day in our rulemaking and legislation

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard three Idaho Department of Fish and Game rule dockets brought through the governor’s zero-based regulation process. The first docket, 13-01-04-24-01, covered licensing and tag rules, including the new nonresident draw framework for deer and elk, added definitions, a change to the landowner appreciation program acreage threshold, consolidation of licensing and refund provisions, and updates to special tag programs. Members asked about the 79-acre figure for landowner permission hunts, and staff explained it was derived from dividing the 640-acre standard. The committee voted to approve this docket. The second docket, 13-01-17-24-01, repealed the bait rule chapter because its content was moved into the big game taking rules. The third and most heavily debated docket, 13-01-08-24-01, revised rules on taking big game animals, including smart optics, electronic tagging, archery and muzzleloader equipment, motorized hunting restrictions, herd-health kill authorizations, bait rules, and a permanent grizzly-bear bait reporting rule. A large portion of testimony focused on the Hunting and Advanced Technology working group process and whether restrictions on thermals, night vision, transmitting trail cameras, drones, and aircraft were needed to preserve fair chase and hunting opportunity. Supporters argued the rules would protect hunting tradition and prevent future reductions in seasons and tags, while opponents said the rules would unfairly limit tools, especially for predator control and wolf management. Committee discussion centered on whether the proposed technology restrictions conflicted with Idaho constitutional and statutory protections and whether they would hinder wolf control. One motion to adopt the docket except for section 410 subsections 4(g) and the entirety of 4(h) failed on a 4-5 vote. After further parliamentary discussion, the committee voted to hold docket 13-01-08-24-01 subject to the call of the chair, leaving final action unresolved at the close of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ethics Commission.
• This one relates to Government Services, Office of the Legislative Analyst.
• </c> bill given the for the legislative bill given the for the legislative purposes<00:26:35.120><c>
• <00:43:12.359><c> session</c> legislative session legislative session that<00:43:14.680><c> that</c><
• This one is the Office of the Legislative Analyst.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was asked to file this legislation by a constituent who is a music therapist.
• I was asked to file this legislation by a constituent who is a music therapist.
• Ultimately, I left that profession and eventually became a legislator.
• These disciplines follow different training paths, ethics, and outcomes.
• Who benefits from this legislation?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day. A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure. The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I said, I serve all or parts of five counties, so as a rural legislator, Senator Murdoch, you can
• We do need ethics training in the legislature.' And I love it.
• We do need ethics training in the legislature.' And I love it.
• We do need ethics training in the legislature.' And I love it.
• We do need ethics training in the legislature. And I love it.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Summary: The Senate first came to order after repeated quorum calls, then devoted a long portion of the meeting to farewell remarks for Senator Darcy Jech. Jech reflected on his 12 years in the chamber, his rural district, campaign experiences, major events during his tenure, and the importance of relationships, compromise, and service. Numerous senators followed with personal tributes, praising his steadiness, humility, faith, work on devotions and the Rural Caucus, and his reputation as a thoughtful, respectful colleague and family man. After the farewell segment, the Senate moved to executive nominations. The chamber unanimously confirmed Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Clayton Bullard as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health, and Clayton Bullard as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The Senate then approved a slate of Tier 2 nominations, including appointments to the Home Inspector Examiners Committee, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology board, the State Fire Marshal Commission, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, the Forensic Review Board, the Oklahoma State Credit Union, the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee, and the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. No debate or opposition was recorded on the nominations, and the votes were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor. After announcements, the Senate agreed to recess and then adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:30.360><c> going</c> Uh, there's a piece of legislation going Uh, there's a piece of legislation
• Uh this legislation this measure.
• </c> Hawaii State Ethics Commission, Mr. Hawaii State Ethics Commission, Mr. Harris.
• :54.960><c> Oregon</c> Nevertheless, the legislation in Oregon Nevertheless, the legislation in Oregon
• :07.960><c> the</c> Oregon's legislation is currently the Oregon's legislation is currently the subject

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• the principles reflected in the Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct, which, while not binding on legislators
• , is persuasive authority in matters of ethical judgment.
• , is persuasive authority in legislators, is persuasive authority in matters<00:02:07.040><c> of</c><
• 00:02:07.200><c> ethical</c><00:02:07.520><c> judgment.
• of ethical judgment. that code council's<00:02:09.200><c> recusal</c><00:02:09.679><c> whenever</c><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met to begin work on three impeachment petitions: one against Ballard County Jailer Eric Copus, one against family court judge Stephanie Pllo, and one against Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwin. Before moving into executive session, the chair announced that John Blandon would chair any discussion of the Goodwin petition and that the chair would recuse himself from that matter. The chair then read a formal recusal letter into the record, explaining that he was stepping aside from the Goodwin petition because he had received a lawful campaign contribution from the citizen who filed it. He said the recusal was intended to avoid any appearance of impropriety and to preserve public confidence in the impeachment process, while making clear he would continue to preside over the other impeachment matters. The committee then voted to go into executive session to discuss and adopt rules of procedure. The motion was made by Mr. Blandon, seconded by Mrs. Deckard, and approved after roll call. The committee announced it would retire to executive session in room 125.

Transcript Highlights:

• A GENERATIVE AI TOOLS CAN PERFORM SOME TASKS AT LESS EXPENSE AND WITH GREATER ETHICS THAN HUMAN WORKERS
• I HAVE PRESENTED QUITE A BIT AROUND DC AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND TO STATE LEGISLATORS ON THE TOPIC OF
• ETHICS IS ACTUALLY INTEGRATED INTO OUR STUDENTS OUTCOMES AND CURRICULUM.
• LET'S NOT TRY TO IMPOSE ANY BOUNDARIES BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE ETHICAL AND MORAL ASPECT.
• COULD YOU PLEASE ARTICULATE MORE ABOUT THE ETHICAL GUARDRAILS.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we went and we put legislation out there, requested legislation to amend that to...
• After state ethics, we're going to OCPF, so you are on deck, but we'll bring up ethics now.
• After state ethics, we're going to OCPF, so you are on deck, but we'll bring up ethics now.
• In a sense, every month is Ethics Awareness Month for the State Ethics Commission.
• the legislation passed.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> take Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics take Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics administrative<00
• to ethics Senate Bill 289 relating to to ethics Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics<00:12:24.720><c> administrative
• </c> committee for hearing this legislation committee for hearing this legislation and<01:23:29.520><
• </c><01:23:50.960><c> that</c> 10% of congressional legislation that 10% of congressional legislation
• </c> Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics administrative<01:30:40.880

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• After state ethics, we're going to OCPF, so you are on deck, but we'll bring up ethics now.
• After state ethics, we're going to OCPF, so you are on deck, but we'll bring up ethics now.
• I'm with the Ethics Commission. With me today... I'm David Wilson. I'm the Ethics Commission.
• In a sense, every month is Ethics Awareness Month for the State Ethics Commission.
• the legislation passed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership. Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind. The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an incredibly higher burden that we have to ethically do.
• That is an incredibly higher burden that we have to ethically do.
• That is an incredibly higher burden that we have to ethically do.
• And to be an ethical lawyer, to be a thorough lawyer, we have to do those things. Mr.
• I am the legislative liaison for the Florida Public Defender Association.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements. State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• During her ethics and elections confirmation hearing, Ms.
• Let's make this legislation a little bit better.'
• Comment on the legislation on the agenda.
• The opportunity to work on as a legislator.
• I was a freshman legislator, and I trusted.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
• During her Ethics and Elections confirmation hearing, Ms.
• Let's make this legislation a little bit better.'
• legislative session, what are you going to do with those St.
• I was a freshman legislator, and I trusted.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
• During her Ethics and Elections confirmation hearing, Ms.
• Let's make this legislation a little bit better.
• that I have had the opportunity to work on as a legislator...
• I was a freshman legislator, and I trusted.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your relentless work ethic and love of country are obvious, in short, for all three of you.
• I actually want to particularly thank you for introducing the legislation you just described, because
• So you'll consult with the career ethics lawyers at the department? Yes, that's correct.
• You are aware, of course, that the career ethics officials at the department have been fired, demoted
• I am too, but is there any way that a legislative body can pass legislation classifying people on the

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Ethics and Elections will now come to order.
• Good to be back in Ethics and Elections. This bill seeks to...
• Good to be back in Ethics and Elections.
• or filed legislation related to this question.
• or filed legislation related to this question.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1416, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new schedule takes effect. Senators discussed whether the bill would affect runoff elections, with the sponsor explaining that runoff timing would shift to the August primary/general election framework. The Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed, while members cited potential taxpayer savings and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 766, as amended by strike-all, which would require agents of certain “countries of concern” to register with the Division of Elections when engaging in political activity. The amendment narrowed the bill’s focus and aligned terminology with existing state law. After no opposition or debate on the amendment, the committee adopted it and then reported the bill favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. Questioning focused heavily on PSC transparency, the sufficiency of commission orders, Supreme Court criticism of PSC decisions, storm protection plans, utility rate cases, and how the commission evaluates evidence and consumer impacts. LaRosa said the commission had changed its procedures to produce more detailed orders and more robust discussion, and he described ongoing work on rate cases, public engagement, and emerging energy issues such as small modular reactors. Despite concerns raised, the nomination was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of additional appointments in tabs 4 through 27, also reporting them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted you, for the record, to repeat your description of the legislation as elegant.
• This will be enforced by the Texas Ethics Commission.
• Are there questions for the Ethics Commission as a resource?
• I've got one for the Ethics Commission. Next commission. The record shows you're J.R.
• We've had several bills concerning enforcement from the Ethics Commission.

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• This year we're doing legislators. Does this cover the legislators, too? It does not.
• </c><00:09:21.360><c> So,</c> the legislators, too? It does not. So, the legislators, too?
• </c> You're now state legislator. You're now state legislator.
• The public disclosure legislator must disclose to the ethics committee any representation of a person
• </c> pass that legislation. pass that legislation.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our colleague who serves Philadelphia, Representative Nielsen, has as his summer legislative intern Natalie
• House Bill 2037 is a straightforward ethics bill that closes a loophole in our existing law.
• This legislation does not prevent lawmakers from owning cryptocurrency or other digital assets.
• That's a conflict of interest, and it's a gap in our ethics law that should be closed.
• This is a narrow, technical update that brings our ethics code in line with modern financial instruments

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approvals, quorum call, and a series of guest recognitions, including students, interns, local officials, and advocates visiting the chamber. Members also announced caucus and committee meetings, and the House recessed before returning later in the day for floor action. After reconvening, the House adopted several committee reports and then considered a series of resolutions and bills. It adopted House Resolution 462, designating May 17, 2026, as World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, and House Resolution 553, designating May 19, 2026, as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day, both by 200-2 votes. The chamber also agreed to House Bill 733 on marriage ceremony law, House Bill 2529 on scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule 3 controlled substance, and Senate Bill 1294 on civil penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools. The House then debated House Bill 2359 on data center nondisclosure agreements and related amendments. One amendment requiring hyperscale data centers to pay their own energy and infrastructure costs failed on a 101-101 tie, while another amendment to make the bill effective immediately passed 201-1 and a third amendment to protect trade secrets failed 87-115. The bill itself was agreed to after amendment. The House also approved House Bill 2455 on collective bargaining rights for Pittsburgh school administrators, House Bill 2499 on State Workers Insurance Fund investment authority, Senate Bill 604 joining the Counseling Compact, and House Bill 1006 on penalties against abusive towing practices, with one agreed-to amendment added. Several measures then passed finally by recorded vote: House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors in emergency service organizations, House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency-related ethics restrictions for public officials, House Bill 2512 prohibiting ride-share pricing based on certain device conditions, House Bill 2644 authorizing capital bridge projects, and House Bill 2559 on Millersville University and other conveyances. House Bill 2559 drew floor criticism from Representative Conklin over the state land conveyance process, though it still passed 154-48. Before adjournment, the House recommitted several bills to Appropriations, removed additional Senate bills from the table calendar, and adjourned until June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:16.959><c> that</c> within the original legislation that within the original legislation that
• Um, sorry. department and there's other legislation department and there's other legislation about<00
• It is self-monitored through a code of ethics and a board of ethics, but they have some teeth behind
• </c> self-monitored through a code of ethics self-monitored through a code of ethics and<00:23:02.480
• of ethics, and a board of ethics, but<00:23:06.080><c> they</c><00:23:06.240><c> have</c><00:23:06.400

Keywords: 1189, house, all