Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign contributions'

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OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Retirement and Government Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 715 is a bill that I started last year, which increases the contribution of municipalities
  • So, the state is making a substantial contribution to these two pension systems every year.
  • It is not my goal to negatively impact cities, but I am asking them to contribute more to this system
  • , police officer contribution, and the municipal contribution to complement all that.
  • The increase from the actuarial came back as unfunded actuarial liability, amount of contribution increase
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WLA Public Hearing 02-06-2026

Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, that being said, up first is Senate Bill 2982 relating to campaign finance, which prohibits foreign
  • entities and foreign influence businesses from making contributions, expenditures, etc.
  • One is regarding the condition where if a foreign influence business is deemed unconstitutional, that
  • And on top of Citizens United, we also have seen a rising threat from foreign entities that have taken
  • corporations or foreign influence business entities, as no certification disclosing foreign influence
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I will say like I contributions.
  • It could even be a foreign entity.
  • Um you know contributed 2.6 of that.
  • , directly or indirectly pay, contribute, directly or indirectly pay, contribute, expend,<01:40:45.840
  • <01:41:47.119> to wanted to as a business contribute to wanted to as a business contribute
Bills: HF4133, HF3419
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - House International Trade

International Trade

Transcript Highlights:
  • take the time to actually know and test to ensure safety instead of just turning an eye and letting foreign
  • unsafe, impure materials get packaged. ...and letting foreign, unsafe, impure materials get packaged
  • using bulk drug substances, think chemical powders, these active ingredients are typically made in foreign
  • We have tested samples of the foreign-produced API and the compounded drugs made with them, and we've
Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Berthold Barak Karlich of Benor Capital on investment, innovation, and trade from a European perspective. He argued that legacy is about enabling future generations through open, connected systems rather than isolation, highlighted Austria’s “hidden champion” SMEs and strong education/research base, and said innovation thrives through international collaboration. He also discussed AI and deep tech investment, emphasizing photonic computing and the need to support hardware that enables future AI systems. In response to questions, he said Arizona appears friendly and strong in deep tech and that he will explore opportunities there. The committee then considered HB 2746, which creates a study committee on trade offices under the Arizona Commerce Authority to review existing trade offices, gather stakeholder input, and make recommendations. Members discussed oversight of Arizona’s trade offices in several countries and the need to evaluate effectiveness. The bill passed with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. HB 2750, which establishes the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission to improve trade, commerce, and tourism ties with Sonora, Mexico, also passed, with some members expressing interest in further discussion about its relationship to the Arizona-Mexico Commission; it received a 5-1-1 recommendation. The committee next took up HB 4036, a bill regulating compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and related bulk drug substances, including restrictions on sale and distribution, testing and sourcing requirements, advertising disclosures, penalties, and pharmacy board inspection authority. Supporters, including representatives from Novo Nordisk and the Partnership for Safe Medicines, argued the bill addresses unsafe imported ingredients, misleading advertising, and a surge in unregulated compounded weight-loss products. Opponents from the Arizona Pharmacy Association, a compounding pharmacist, and a physician said the bill would burden lawful compounders, raise costs, reduce access, and could affect other legitimate compounded medications. After extensive debate, the motion for a due pass recommendation failed on a 5-5 tie. Finally, the committee heard a strike-everything amendment to HB 2765 creating a vapor product manufacturer licensing framework, fees, penalties, and Department of Revenue oversight aimed at stopping smuggled vape products. The sponsor said the measure was intended to target illegal imports and protect children, while opponents from the Vapor Technology Association and Arizona Innovates argued it would burden lawful businesses and that the real problem is illegal actors and targeted enforcement. The discussion continued with questions about federal law, flavored vape products, and whether the bill would affect compliant manufacturers, but the transcript ends before any final vote on HB 2765.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Mexican cartels and other foreign terrorist organizations heavily rely on smuggled firearms from the
  • include a penalty for knowingly transferring a firearm to an individual they know to be a member of a foreign
  • SB2202 creates the criminal offense of knowingly transferring a firearm for profit to a foreign terrorist
  • Director, do you have the ability to determine with certainty who is a member of a foreign terrorist
  • Are these members, cartel members, foreign terrorist organization members?
Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I appreciate everyone's contributions to this discussion and look forward to further deliberation on
  • Mexican cartels and other foreign terrorist organizations, as well as adversarial state actors, including
  • SB36 offers no protection against this, no foreign intelligence capability, and no interdiction. ...experience
Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Taxes Committee 4/10/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the company credited the one IRA contribution for 2022 and the other for 2023.
  • for tax year 2022. ...required to correct that 2023 contribution.
  • contribution, which would then flow through to the state.
  • <00:57:58.880> to that would allow that uh contribution to that would allow that uh contribution
  • Range of industries, contributing significantly to America's headquarters economy.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Public Safety

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Be it rural on reservation, be it in foreign countries like the DRC or like Colombia, all of them I'm
  • a clear and bipartisan shift in how the U.S. thinks about economic and technology risks from our foreign
  • These firms are also beholden to the Chinese Communist Party to contribute to the Chinese civil-military
  • fusion. ...into the Chinese Communist Party to contribute to the Chinese civil-military fusion strategy
  • action accordingly and on a bipartisan basis, from expanding the authorities of the Committee on Foreign
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met, approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, and heard two presentations before moving to bills. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry presented on its K-9 program, describing staffing, dog types, functions such as contraband interdiction, search and rescue, and offender apprehension, and noting aging vehicles and the need for replacement canines. Biometrica then presented a privacy-focused facial recognition/sensor system intended to help law enforcement identify missing persons and known offenders in real time without storing video or audio; members asked questions but took no action on the presentation. The committee then considered HB 2134, which would create the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to restrict Chinese-owned or Chinese-produced equipment and software in critical infrastructure and require reporting and oversight by the Corporation Commission. The sponsor said the bill was revised to be prospective and more workable; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while some members raised cost and implementation concerns. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2404, which shifts inter-facility transport of behavioral health patients away from peace officers and toward authorized transporters except in limited circumstances, drew support from a Phoenix police crisis intervention officer and the Arizona Police Association and passed 7-0. HB 2402, dealing with ambulance certificates of necessity for small or underserved areas, was amended to require rather than allow certain certificates and to streamline reporting and application processes; the sponsor and firefighters said it would preserve access and modernize a decades-old system. It passed as amended 7-0. HB 2673, as amended, was reduced to creating a study committee on inmate mental health services after originally proposing broader jail and prison screening and treatment requirements; the sponsor and a victim’s family member described the bill as a response to failures in the mental health and jail systems. It passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2253, protecting employees from retaliation for testifying in law enforcement disciplinary appeals, passed 5-0 with two not voting, and HB 2270, expanding county control over use of county seals, logos, and sheriff’s posse names, passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2941, which would make certain motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior reckless driving except as allowed by existing lane-filtering rules, drew support from the sponsor and motorcycle advocates who said it targets dangerous high-speed lane splitting, but one speaker warned the language could unintentionally criminalize safe filtering. The bill passed 5-1 with one not voting. The committee then adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Constitution, Campaigns and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's training, but the problem that happened was people who brought someone this ID that said foreign
  • So, the poll workers see this and say, "I can't let a foreign national vote because you have to be a
  • They just wanted to say you can't use your foreign national ID. You have to be a citizen to vote.
  • The statute said Alabama driver's license, not foreign national. Right?
  • The problem is it codifies poll workers to say you cannot use it for a foreign national card.
Bills: SB142, SB158
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • either one, honorably retired from position of public service in state or local government, two, contributed
  • And three, contributed to the residents of this state in an extraordinary way as a member of the Texas
  • The proximity to the Mexican border has also contributed... to skills craftsmanship and boot manufacturing
  • Justin Boots, Salient Boot Company. and Tony Lama Boots, just to name a few, each contributing unique
  • We urge the committee to approve this designation recognizing El Paso's significant contribution to a
Bills: SB2053, SCR19, SCR23, SCR29
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 14th, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • If deposits exceed total amounts, the state must proportionately remit these excess contribution fund
  • payments to counties that contributed more than they received for the use of the county statutory probate
  • The intent of that bill was to maintain this mechanism and to ensure that state contributions for statutory
  • , would explicitly designate the comptroller as the entity responsible for distributing excess contribution
Bills: SB1015, SB2933
Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence heard testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would clarify that the comptroller is responsible for distributing excess judicial fund payments back to statutory probate courts. Judge Guy Herman testified in support, saying the bill would help ensure probate courts receive funding they are entitled to, while Ed Heimlich testified against the bill with broad criticism of probate courts and judicial practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2933, which would add elder abuse training to required judicial education for several categories of judges and judicial officers; Dr. Bruce Hargrave supported the bill, citing the prevalence and underreporting of elder abuse and the need for judges to recognize warning signs. No votes were taken on either of those bills, and SB 2933 was left pending. The committee then reconsidered Senate Bill 38, an eviction-related bill, and Vice Chair Hayes described two agreed floor amendments: one limiting the summary disposition procedure to forcible entry and detainer cases involving squatters, and another requiring a notice to pay rent or vacate for tenants who had been timely payers but missed a payment. After discussion, the committee voted 6-4 to report SB 38 without amendments. The committee also adopted or advanced a series of other bills and resolutions, including SB 293, SB 1141, SB 1448, SB 1536, SB 1558, SB 1838, SB 1940, SB 2127, SB 53, SB 251, SB 311, SB 387, SB 441 (with a substitute), SB 1164, SB 1335, SB 1574 (with a substitute), SB 1719, SB 1760, SB 1839, SB 1923 (with a substitute), SB 2807, and SJR 27 (with a substitute). Most measures were reported favorably on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with a few close votes on SB 942, SB 311, SB 2807, and SJR 27. SB 942, relating to retroactive child support beginning at conception, initially failed 5-5 but was reconsidered and then passed 6-5. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 14th, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • If deposits exceed total amounts, the state must proportionately remit these excess contribution fund
  • payments to counties that contributed more than they received for the use of the county statutory probate
  • The intent of that bill was to maintain this mechanism and to ensure that state contributions for statutory
  • , would explicitly designate the comptroller as the entity responsible for distributing excess contribution
Bills: SB1015, SB2933
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • adversaries, foreign adversary clients, and foreign adversary political parties.
  • companies, foreigners, foreign countries.
  • Foreign adversary can be domiciled anywhere and still be a foreign adversary.
  • They're not advocating that foreign... foreign companies should get to buy land.
  • As a foreign professional, I have dedicated my career to building a stronger tax system. and contributing
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas in 2025, he took on the role of Senate Sergeant, contributing to the legislative process
  • House Bill 3431 by Wilkes of the House and Gillespie of the Senate, an act relating to foreign government
  • does is it House Bill 3431 by Wilkes of the House and Gillespie of the Senate, an act relating to foreign
  • does is it House Bill 3431 by Wilkes of the House and Gillespie of the Senate, an act relating to foreign
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • let's move on to STR 164 SD1, prioritizing efforts to protect Hawaii's critical infrastructure from foreign
  • 23:07.039> from Hawaii's critical infrastructure from Hawaii's critical infrastructure from foreign
  • foreign influence. foreign influence.
Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.