Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, we passed legislation to establish... a mandatory educator misconduct reporting portal to be
• We need to pass legislation that holds these entities accountable for their actions or inactions.
• Okay, clearly, the legislative history of this is pretty clear.
• ...ethics to the committee for us because I'm not...
• The legislation does three key things.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have four legislative recommendations that will require statutory changes.
• And those violations can be a competency violation or an ethical violation.
• Ethics class that he goes to.
• I was asked how legislators could help raise awareness or improve the tools.
• I want to thank you both, and you had Brittany, my district legislative assistant.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:48.800><c> intent</c> Legislators' intent with House Bill 314.
• , legislation, legislation, is<00:21:02.600><c> the</c><00:21:02.720><c> finance</c><00:21:03.200><c>
• Actually, in the ethics for the executive branch, ethics authority, there's section 10 in here, KRS 11A
• :31:45.440><c> for</c> ethics for ethics for the<00:31:46.600><c> executive</c><00:31:47.080><c> branch
• <00:31:49.800><c> authority,</c> ethics authority, ethics authority, there's<00:31:51.560><c> section

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Report of KCNA Board Meeting 00:00:09 KCNA Transition to COT 00:35:55 KCNA Request for Proposals 00:42:00 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:42:30, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met, approved the January 12, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony from KCNA Chair David Couch, KCNA Director Jim Barnhart, and KCNA General Counsel Adam Adkins about the ongoing dispute involving KCNA, Excelacom, and the implementation of House Bill 314. Couch said the board and vendor had recently shown some willingness to work toward a settlement, and he emphasized the importance of KCNA’s broadband service to K-12 schools, noting that litigation had already cost about $1.4 million and could cost another $1.4 million if it continued. He also said the board had identified five immediate goals, including reconnecting 38 K-12 sites, de-escalating disputes, better understanding KCNA finances, protecting the state’s bonding rating, and examining whether duplicate networking hardware could be consolidated. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether House Bill 314 changed KCNA’s authority and how much control the Finance and Administration Cabinet and KCNA’s legal counsel have over operations and contracts. Senator Williams argued that the board now has authority to set policy, implement policy, and approve budgets, and questioned why the cabinet appeared to be exercising operational control. Adkins responded that HB 314 changed the reporting chain from the general government cabinet to the finance cabinet but did not alter the board’s authority, and said budget work on the Ice Miller contract predated HB 314. Couch and other members disputed that interpretation, saying the board had not been properly informed about a recent extension or increase in legal spending and that the board’s directives were not being followed. Representative Hodgson asked why the board could not terminate a contractor if it was not carrying out the board’s wishes, and Adkins replied that Ice Miller was not a party to the board’s contract and that the Finance and Administration Cabinet signs such agreements. The exchange ended with committee members and KCNA representatives agreeing to disagree on the meaning of the statute and the extent of board authority. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Keith Wagoner [member_16725], representing the 39th Legislative District. Thank you.
• So there are ethical obligations of a prosecutor to be proactive in that sense.
• They're not meant to replace ethical obligations, but to inform them.
• So there are ethical obligations of a prosecutor to be proactive in that sense.
• They're not meant to replace ethical obligations, but meant to inform those.

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many disclosures are filed with the Ethics Commission every year?
• And then what is the intake process at the Ethics Commission?
• How many disclosures are filed with the Ethics Commission every year?
• And then what is the intake process at the Ethics Commission?
• And then what is the intake process at the Ethics Commission?

Bills: SB2543, SB2014, SB2115, SB3095, SB3264, SB2114, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3131, SB3144

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• I also chair the TMA's Council on Legislation, which forms legislative policy for the association.
• group of over 20 nursing organizations in Texas that fully support this legislation.
• In closing, it is the ethical thing to do; it has always been the ethical thing to do to let people know
• Since the ethical thing hasn't worked, I think we need to put it into law.
• Thank you to Representative Gonzalez for authoring this much-needed legislation.

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, again, I look at the legislation. My hope is that we look at the legislation.
• This legislation... Is that accurate? You are recognized.
• Association's principle of medical ethics.
• We have the ability as legislators to narrowly tailor legislation if it serves a compelling government
• We have the ability as legislators to narrowly tailor legislation if it serves a compelling government

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, again, I look at the legislation. My hope is that we look at the legislation.
• And that's where we can't legislate only to the most vulnerable.
• Association's Principle of Medical Ethics.
• Do you disagree with the AMA's principles of medical ethics?
• We have the ability as legislators to narrowly tailor legislation if it serves a compelling government

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you all know, there was significant legislation coming out of the 89th legislative session focused
• As you all know, there was significant legislation coming out of the 89th legislative session focused
• There was also significant legislation coming out of the 89th legislative session focused on addressing
• You're talking about legislators, different legislators elsewhere, having committees and working groups
• I'm here today to urge you to prioritize legislation during the 90th legislative session that establishes

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation is straightforward.
• </c> legislators do listen. So thank you Mr. legislators do listen.
• Senate Bill 143, an act relating to legislative ethics. Senator Chambers Armstrong.
• </c> 143, an act relating to legislative 143, an act relating to legislative ethics.<00:29:31.120><c>
• </c> ethics. Senator Chambers Armstrong. ethics. Senator Chambers Armstrong.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also expect you to consider the input of communities who are the most impacted by your legislation
• We also expect you to consider the input of communities who are the most impacted by your legislation
• I come here as a pastor and a seminary professor in Christian ethics.
• It is an ethical violation that serves no purpose. I urge you to vote against this.
• It is an ethical violation that serves no purpose. I urge you to vote against this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the 2026 legislative session.
• that were helping them to be more strategic and more successful, but at the same time to be more ethical
• To be more ethical in how they were conducting their interviews.
• The legislation under consideration in Washington does not prohibit effective policing.
• Edwin Obras, representing the 33rd Legislative District in South King County.

Bills: HB1982, HB2156

Keywords: Indian rights, treaty rights, convictions, tribal members, criminal justice reform, Attorney General, AG investigators, limited authority peace officer, peace officer certification, economic crimes, financial crimes, white-collar crime, fraud investigation, search warrant service, electronic service, business records, law enforcement authority, criminal background check, training requirements, Washington RCW

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill is truly about access and ethical hunting.
• And that has harvesting it ethically.
• </c><00:04:21.280><c> When</c> about access and ethical hunting.
• When about access and ethical hunting.
• Uh and crossbow just gives ethical way.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• forged in a crowded home of seven souls where dollars were scarce but... ...faith, family, and work ethic
• Because we are working and still working on that last piece of legislation, we're a little behind.
• You know, when you're dealing in a legislative end-of-session discussion and negotiation between both
• , prudent judgment, and uncompromising work ethic.
• The comprehensive legislation related to law enforcement's use of body-worn cameras is in application

Bills: SB27, SB30, SB293, HB4, HB2974, HB5138, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: judicial conduct, judges discipline, judicial compensation, retirement benefits, judicial transparency, SJR 50, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, securities tax, transaction tax, occupation tax, financial markets, broker-dealer, stock exchange, securities exchange, trading platform, clearing agency, transfer agent, FINRA

Transcript Highlights:

• As I’m sure we all know, Legislative Council is rushing around doing a lot, and I’m told there was a
• The Rare Disease Advisory Council, or I call it R-DAC, which is created by this legislation, will look
• ,</c> which is created by this legislation, which is created by this legislation, will<01:01:31.720><
• and comments on pending legislation and rules<01:06:44.240><c> that</c><01:06:44.320><c> impact</c><
• </c> legislative council. legislative council. Thank<01:25:34.240><c> you,</c><01:25:34.280><c> Mr.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance.
• a productive committee that works on a collegial basis to try to pass smooth bills that deal with ethics
• An act to amend the Legislative Law in relation to lobbying for the confirmation of persons to state
• I noticed that the Legislative Law, when it's addressing lobbying, addresses usually either specific
• pieces of legislation or packages of bills.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance met for its first meeting of the year on March 4 at noon, with Chair Shelley Mayer and Ranking Member Steve Rhoads emphasizing a collegial approach and a shared interest in transparency, efficiency, and effective government. The committee then considered several ethics and lobbying-related bills. On S-374, relating to lobbying for the confirmation of persons to state office, Senator Rhoads raised concern that the bill could chill individual citizens from sending emails or letters about nominees if such activity triggered lobbyist registration. The chair said the bill was intended to target organizations and entities spending significant time and money to influence nominations, and noted the sponsor might refine the language. The bill was moved forward, with Mayer voting aye and Rhoads voting nay. The committee also advanced S-224A, which would raise the threshold for small not-for-profits subject to lobbying reporting requirements from $5,000 to $10,000, and S4039A, which would prohibit certain persons from receiving compensation for legal, consulting, or similar work for industrial development agencies, economic assistance corporations, or state and local authorities, while also addressing consultant disclosure. Rhoads supported S-224A and opposed S4039A. Finally, the committee approved S5843, which would require all lobbying filings to be submitted electronically; Rhoads opposed it, saying filing rules should allow as many compliance options as possible, while Mayer said most filers can already do so electronically. All bills were moved to the floor, and the meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we got a couple minutes. ethics now and then we'll do the court ethics now and then we'll do the
• We'll go to ethics but we'll take y'all. We'll go to ethics now. now. now.
• So legislative budget recommendation.
• After the 2021 legislative session, they came to DPS.
• After the 2021 legislative session, they came to DPS.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to ethics, you know, I heard you refer about, you know, just concerns you want to have
• Senator as as you are aware the Office of Government Ethics does a comprehensive review of basically
• The guidance of the Office of Government Ethics.
• Yeah, that figure is in the Office of Government Ethics report.
• Yeah, Office of Government Ethics releases it at a certain point in time.

Keywords: nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to continue working with them as this bill does move through the legislative process to make sure
• We actually have Lindsay Nakano, who's the Senior Legislative Counsel for the FPPC, here in case folks
• Hi, Lindsay Nakano, Senior Legislative Counsel with the FPPC.
• Deborah Perlin with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and Professor Matthew Coles
• in Washington, or CREW, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to ethics, transparency, and

Summary: The committee heard three bills. SB 73 by Senator Cervantes would bar county registrars from allowing federal agents to inspect voting machines, framed by the author as a response to federal interference in California elections. The Secretary of State supported the concept and asked for amendments to clarify procedures for inspection requests. Senator Choi opposed it as unnecessary and beyond state authority, arguing federal subpoena rules already govern such inspections. The bill passed on a 4-1 vote to Appropriations after the call was lifted. SB 401 by Senator Hurtado, presented by Senator Allen, would authorize the FPPC to extend filing deadlines for statements of economic interest during declared emergencies. Testimony from the FPPC said the commission had no formal position but could administer the extensions, while members raised concerns that the bill was too open-ended and lacked a defined extension period. The author and committee members agreed to work on narrowing the language, and the bill passed 5-0 to Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. SB 46 by Senator Umberg would give the Secretary of State authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential or vice presidential candidates from the California ballot, with the author focusing on preventing a third presidential term. Supporters argued the Secretary of State already has a role in enforcing ballot qualifications and that the bill is constitutional. The Secretary of State’s office raised concerns about turning the office into an investigatory body and suggested alternative language limiting the measure to the 22nd Amendment or using an independent special counsel. Members debated whether the state should make such determinations, and the bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. The chair also used the end of the hearing to thank staff and note it was her final hearing as committee chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• But on your ethics report, are you going to list everything? I would.
• Just the legislators? This is for the legislature.
• This piece of legislation deals with state boards and commissions.
• It authorizes legislators to attend meetings of an entity for which membership is subject to legislative
• Is that the same time the legislation is going on?”

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public access, transparency, and campaign finance. HB 648, as amended, would allow early childhood providers and parents of children under five to participate virtually in certain boards and commissions when in-person attendance is not feasible; supporters said it would help short-staffed providers and busy parents, while an opponent argued participation is different from observation. The bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 615 would require certain public bodies with taxing, rulemaking, or fee-setting authority to broadcast meetings live and keep an online archive; supporters emphasized low-cost technology and broader access, while local government representatives warned of unfunded mandates, confusion over which bodies are covered, and concerns about archiving and platform dependence. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the recording/broadcast language and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 627, a similar live-streaming bill by Rep. Knox, was voluntarily deferred in favor of HB 615. The committee also considered HB 996, which would allow campaign funds to be used for clothing required for holding office and related cleaning/maintenance. The author said the bill was meant to offset required professional attire costs for legislators with modest salaries, but members raised concerns about public perception, possible abuse, and whether a cap should be added. The bill was voluntarily deferred so the author could work with members on a cap and narrower language. HB 540, dealing with disclosures for certain digital political communications and influencer-style campaign advertising, was discussed as a way to require disclosure when third parties are paid from campaign funds to promote or attack candidates online; members sought clarification that it would apply to paid campaign content rather than ordinary self-posted material. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 270, which would allow qualified incarcerated voters who have not been convicted of a felony to vote absentee by mail if they are first-time mail registrants and cannot vote in person. The author said the bill was intended to resolve a conflict between existing voting statutes and preserve already-existing voting rights for pretrial detainees and others not convicted of felonies. Supporters said incarcerated voters are highly verifiable and the bill would reduce confusion, while opponents raised concerns about administration. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to involuntarily defer the bill by a recorded vote.