Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 437'
Page 77 of 318
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/20/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- 2024 uh chapter 2024 uh chapter 48040<00:21:52.240>
was <00:21:52.679>created <00:21 - and that is section to this chapter and that is section eight<00:22:21.400>
of <00:22:21.559>< - The newly added section 3 also contains a second change to Chapter 13.46, subdivision 3, online 8.18.
- The newly added section 3 also contains a second change to Chapter 13.46, subdivision 3, online 8.18.
- The newly added section 3 also contains a second change to Chapter 13.46, subdivision 3, online 8.18.
Keywords:
nonopioid directive, opioid refusal, opioid-free care, pain management, health care directive, advance directive, patient autonomy, informed consent, substance use disorder, opioid epidemic, prescriber immunity, provider liability, emergency medical services, EMS, health record, Minnesota Department of Health, health care agent, medical power of attorney, Metropolitan Council, Minnesota government data practices
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 90 helps us to partner with the municipalities that you serve.
- The Chapter 90 supplemental bill provides $1.2 billion over four years.
- I close by highlighting some important aspects of the Chapter 90 bill.
- That's why it's so important for Chapter 98 to be flowing to them.
- The multi-year Chapter 90 money, well, the only problem with that is it's flat-funded.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization.
MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades.
Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- language is being added to the chapter language is being added to the chapter 356D<01:20:14.480>
- On page seven, used in the new chapter.
- it with this new chapter.
- <01:38:16.239>
Uh replace it with this new chapter. Uh replace it with this new chapter. - And then we'll make new chapter.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony.
The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- However, in our wisdom, we created Chapter 89. Chapter 89 was unique in the United...
- in our wisdom, we created Chapter 89. in our wisdom, we created Chapter 89.
- in<00:02:30.000>
the <00:02:30.120>United Chapter 89 was unique in the United Chapter - chapter.
- But<00:08:32.360>
under <00:08:32.599>chapter <00:08:33.080>89, But under chapter
Keywords:
teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii
Summary:
The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown.
A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services May 30th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- members of the committee, Leanne McAllister, M-C-A-L-L-I-S-S-E-R, Executive Director of the Nevada Chapter
- There are a few references in the securities chapter and in the banks and financial institutions chapter
- for penalizing or prosecuting a health care provider could address such a situation, referencing Chapter
- 41A, Professional Negligence, and Chapter 630, which is the chapter for physicians' licensure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- resolution, um, system created under the Texas Workers' Compensation Act, uh, under Texas Labor Code Chapter
- the, the biggest, uh, ambiguity I can see in the bill as it's written now is under Texas Labor Code Chapter
- Uh, judicial review under Chapter 410, there are two types. Uh, if it is a.
- If it's any other matter, judicial review under Labor Code Chapter 410 is substantial evidence review
- That's exactly what House Bill 4144 addresses with the addition of post-retirement coverage to Chapter
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 20th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- they were incompetent to proceed can be housed in the same secure setting as other residents under Chapter
- We also make changes to our parental rights law, Chapter 1014, and...
- We also make changes to our parental rights law, Chapter 1014, and add similar provisions in that area
- Related to Chapter 456, the amendment clarifies that both individuals and the Attorney General, versus
- Related to Chapter 1014, the amendment synchronizes with the language in Chapter 456 to clear up ambiguity
Keywords:
child welfare, psychotropic medication, Department of Children and Families, community-based care, liability insurance, forensic services, defendants, mental health, judicial system, defense, legal definitions, minors, healthcare, parental rights, criminal penalties, civil action, sex-reassignment, investigations, economic damages
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills. SB 590, by Sen. Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment clarified retroactive application for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Sen. Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases and not to change the reasonable-suspicion reporting standard. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard SB 778, by Sen. Simon, which would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barney Bishop appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without amendment.
SB 560, by Sen. Garcia, would streamline procedures for psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in DCF custody, reduce duplicative background checks and reporting, and simplify consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s postsecondary education services and supports, extending eligibility ages from 18 to 26 while keeping the five-year cap. Senators discussed the fiscal impact and funding blend for the education stipend. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1010, by Sen. Yarbrough, which adds criminal and civil enforcement for violations involving sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for minors and related parental-rights provisions. An amendment clarified that the civil action authority applies to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. Public testimony was heavily divided, with supporters saying the bill enforces existing protections and opponents warning it would chill care, counseling, and school-based support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell, Sharief, and Rouson raised concerns about vagueness, standing, and impacts on teachers and health professionals; Sharief voted no, while the bill was still reported favorably.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-06 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It establishes a new subchapter under chapter 63 of title 9.
- under chapter 63 of title<01:53:34.480>
9. - Uh<01:56:41.360>
chapter <01:56:41.680>2495b Uh chapter 2495b Uh chapter 2495b establishes - 25.160>
legal Chapter 2495D establishes civil legal Chapter 2495D establishes civil legal remedies - Uh Uh Uh chapter<02:01:54.480>
2495e chapter 2495e chapter 2495e >> [snorts] >> [snorts
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/18/26 - Afternoon Meeting
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just cleaning up the chapter so it's easier to administer.
- Frankly, chapter 10A doesn't deal with that scenario at all.
- Frankly, chapter 10A doesn't deal with that scenario at all.
- been reflected in chapter um in in<00:57:35.119>
1020. - :15:08.640>
a <01:15:08.800>major when chapter 390 underwent a major when chapter 390 underwent
Keywords:
libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, campaign finance, elections, political contributions, disclosure, reporting thresholds, economic interest statements, financial disclosure, ethics, public officials, local officials, metropolitan governmental unit, metropolitan area, candidate filings, principal campaign committee, political committee
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- But I do have an individual, a chapter official, who's here to add his insight to this. Excellent.
- When chapters are requesting funding in this sense, they don't have access to the money that's there.
- I'm the director for Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and we are opposed
- chapter, and we are opposed to Senate Bill 1419.
- So in this case, a chapter request, has that ever been provided? Has that ever been provided? Mr.
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use
Summary:
The committee took up several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with SB 1488, which would provide $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, including areas affected by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station. The sponsor and supporters said the study is intended to help communities transition economically, diversify, and support new jobs; the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1523, appropriating $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project, was also advanced after testimony that the project would bring clean drinking water to about 235 homes and that the remaining funding gap had been reduced to the requested amount; it passed 7-0 with one member not voting.
The committee then approved SB 1041, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund. Supporters described the Arizona Trail as a statewide recreational and cultural asset that needs maintenance and continued support, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1445, which would allow smaller cities and towns to use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit how often ADEQ may require sampling, drew concern from one member about whether the language could be read as restricting sampling during discharge events, but supporters said it would save small towns money; it passed 5-3.
Members also advanced SB 1580, a $2.545 million appropriation for fire incident management software and hardware for fire and law enforcement agencies. Fire officials said the platform would improve accountability, information sharing, drone integration, and interoperability during incidents; the bill passed 5-3. SB 1363, which would create additional rural dispensary licensing opportunities for underserved areas, drew support from rural advocates and opposition from the dispensary industry over the number of licenses and transferability language; it passed 8-0. SB 1418, which would streamline siting for small modular nuclear reactors in certain counties, was supported by proponents who argued it would help Arizona meet future energy demand and opposed by counties and environmental groups concerned about local zoning, public review, and waste; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1419, a rooftop solar consumer-protection bill requiring added disclosures and inspections, was supported by county officials and some consumer advocates but opposed by solar industry representatives and environmental groups who said it could discourage rooftop solar and restrict speech; it passed 6-2. The committee then began hearing SB 1447, which would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related fund deadlines for Pinal County water projects, with supporters saying the extension is needed to continue well rehabilitation and infrastructure work after Colorado River and CAP-related cuts.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And also, under the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 149, Chapter 143, meet and confer agreements
- may modify that chapter.
- And now Austin is a Chapter 143 city, and Chapter 143 does state...
- That currently exists or meet and confer negotiated under Chapter 143.
- Insertion of Senate Bill 60 which goes to Chapter 141 of the Health and Safety Code.
Bills:
SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3, SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3
Keywords:
education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/02/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- needs that this chapter is serving.
- But the intent here, right, right, right, is that the chapter is focused on work performed through the
- But the intent here, right, right, right, is that the chapter is focused on work performed through the
- the whereas the chapter is focused on<01:22:34.199>
work <01:22:34.679>performed <01:22 - on on topic in chapter why don't we<01:49:14.800>
hold <01:49:15.000>the <01:49:15.080>
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill seeks to update court statutes and family law proceedings in Chapter 61, dissolution of marriage
- And as I have seen different families involved in the child welfare system where there can be a Chapter
- Even if this body amended the chapter to include Black History Month to resolve the singular problem,
- I'm a member of the Jacksonville chapter of the National Organization for Women.
- In federal law Chapter 683, not all minority recognition months and days are necessarily included.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Engrossed House Bill 1063 is a bill for an act to create a new section of Chapter 49-02 of the North
- Chapter 49-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to Public Service Commission requirements for
- Engrossed House Bill 1437 is a bill for an act to create and enact a new section of Chapter 15-10 of
- Engrossed House Bill 1058 is a bill for an act to create and enact a new chapter to Title 23.1 of the
- Re-engrossed Senate Bill 2354 is a bill for an act to create a new section of Chapter 15.1-107 of the
Summary:
The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office.
The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage.
A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, for the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. Please. Hi. Go ahead. Okay.
- For the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.
- In statute today, in Local Government Code Chapter 174, you have these first responder organizations
- In statute today, in Local Government Code Chapter 174, you have these first responder organizations
- We are convinced that the substitute is going to include Chapters 143 and 147.
Keywords:
electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees.
Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- In AOT, you're talking about the same chapter. Yes, the same chapter.
- What the representative is Proposing that we have consistency of language throughout the chapter.
- Okay, and what is the chapter? Sorry, it's 43 1 1. And that's that entire chapter.
Keywords:
Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 1/22/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- They are now under Chapter 10A and will need to register with the board if they have activity of over
- 10A than you see in Chapter 211A.
- Chapter 10A is not the easiest statute, or a set of statutes, to understand, and the advisory opinions
- 10A than you see in chapter 10A than you see in 211A<00:07:37.280>
so <00:07:37.560>again< - <00:41:21.400>
10A statutory appropriation in chapter 10A statutory appropriation in chapter
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Jeff Sigerson, executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, who outlined the board’s mission and core programs: campaign finance disclosure, economic interest statements, and lobbying registration/reporting. He described the board as an independent agency with six members, noted current vacancies and confirmation requirements, and said the board’s budget request was essentially flat, with a base budget of about $1.793 million and most costs tied to salaries, office space, and other fixed expenses. He also reviewed the board’s enforcement structure, emphasizing civil-only penalties, a complaint-driven process, and the availability of reports, enforcement actions, and advisory opinions on the board’s website.
Sigerson highlighted several recent and upcoming changes. Local ballot question committees for city, school district, levy, and bond issues now must register with the board if they exceed $750 in activity, and the board is preparing outreach and online registration tools to help local committees comply. He also discussed the public subsidy and political contribution refund programs, saying the board paid out about $2.12 million to 230 House candidates in 2024, that 93% of candidates signed the subsidy agreement, and that 2023 PCR refunds totaled about $447,000 for candidates and $1.616 million for party donors. He noted that the PCR maximum refund was recently increased from $50 to $75 per donation, and that payments could drop significantly in 2026 if the one-time supplement is not renewed.
A major focus of the presentation was the board’s lobbying report and related legislative recommendations. Sigerson said the board is moving from tracking marginal expenses to tracking the subjects and entities being lobbied, and that lobbying will be expanded from certain metro-area governmental units to all cities, counties, school districts, townships, and other political subdivisions, potentially adding thousands of lobbyists. He said the board held two public hearings and received 23 written comments on proposed changes. The board’s main recommendations were to broaden the expert-testimony exception so that certain paid experts at local hearings would not need to register as lobbyists, while still requiring disclosure of who testified, before whom, and on what subject, and to adjust the current lobbying definition for local government employees and officials who spend more than 50 hours a month on intergovernmental lobbying work.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement.(6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible under chapter
- immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible under chapter
- immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible under chapter
- immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible under chapter
- immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible under chapter
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:54
Pension System Update 00:03:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date.
A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs.
Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Lifetime firearms ban for persons convicted of certain domestic assault offenses 3/10/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- domestic violence against an individual in a relationship and is not otherwise prohibited in this chapter
- domestic violence against an individual in a relationship and is not otherwise prohibited in this chapter
- domestic violence against an individual in a relationship and is not otherwise prohibited in this chapter
- 00:09:45.440>
prohibited <00:09:45.920>in <00:09:46.160>this <00:09:46.320>chapter - , otherwise prohibited in this chapter, otherwise prohibited in this chapter, the<00:09:47.279>
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 21st, 2026
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I see New Mexico chapter leadership. Would you unmute?
- I am the Legislative Chair for the New Mexico Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
- All right, will you try again, New Mexico chapter leadership?
- I'm the Legislative Chair of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
- The New Mexico chapter is in support. Thank you.