Video & Transcript Research : 'Sam Houston'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to markup an original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. Feb 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- The body was found in a creek in Houston.
- You know, we got food in Houston that's gonna rot; we've already paid for it.
- this time, I'll read from a document that we're circulating right now, which is an article in the Houston
- The real estate agent who was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Houston Association of Realtors said many
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Chair Kaggel, members of the committee, for the record, my name is Sam Smith with the Department of
- 00:29:54.000>
is committee, for the record, my name is committee, for the record, my name is Sam - 54.960>
with <00:29:55.200>the <00:29:55.360>Department <00:29:55.600>of Sam - Smith with the Department of Sam Smith with the Department of Commerce,<00:29:56.559>
and <00: - >> Chair Kaggel, members of the committee, for the record, my name is Sam Smith with the Department of
Keywords:
common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/9/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Sam Krieger with Hill Capital Strategies, representing the Deputy Registrar of Business Owners
- The committee then moved to testimony, with Jim Hurst and Sam Krueger named as the next testifiers. would
- Sam Krueger, Deputy Registrar Business Owners Association: “Mr. Chair, members, thank you.
- Sam Krueger with Deputy Registrar Business Owners Association. I agree with Jim.
- Sam Krueger continued: “And yeah, you’re absolutely correct.
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Sam Hawkins, speak to... and I can't either I don't and I can't either I don't know<00:27:
- <00:27:52.960>
that <00:27:53.519>all <00:27:53.640>right <00:27:54.200>Sam - sorry about that all right Sam sorry about that all right Sam Hopkins<00:27:57.080>
speak - For the record, my name is Sam Hawkins. I am the public policy assistant at NAMI New Hampshire.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This presentation came about because Sam had asked us for some information on college access programs
- We'll follow up with you more directly, talk to Sam as well, but we have a data dashboard.
- more directly we'll follow up with you more directly talk<01:26:55.159>
to <01:26:55.320>Sam - :56.239>
um <01:26:57.000>we <01:26:57.119>have <01:26:57.239>a talk to Sam - as well but um we have a talk to Sam as well but um we have a data<01:26:57.679>
dashboard <01
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Office of Higher Education on college access efforts, with a focus on FAFSA outreach, the Get Ready program, and Direct Admissions Minnesota. Wendy Robinson said OHE’s role is to provide nonpartisan information, partner with K-12, colleges, and community groups, and use statewide programs to expand awareness of higher education options and financial aid. She highlighted outreach through brochures, virtual sessions, conferences, the State Fair, and events serving specific populations, as well as the Lumina-funded Connect College grant and the federally funded Get Ready program, which serves about 7,500 low-income students across 14 capacity-building schools and 28 additional schools with tutoring, college visits, application help, and financial aid support. A member asked for demographic data on Get Ready students, and staff said they would provide it later.
Robinson also reviewed FAFSA outreach, noting that last year was especially difficult for students because of federal FAFSA problems. OHE’s Ready Set FAFSA sessions drew 1,300 unique registrations in October and 939 in January, and the agency continued training K-12 and college staff on state aid programs, FAFSA simplification, and implementation of North Star Promise. OHE said it also held FAFSA completion events with partners, including at the State Fair, and planned another financial aid event in Duluth.
The bulk of the presentation covered Direct Admissions Minnesota. Robinson said the program is now in its fourth year, with 55 participating colleges and universities and 182 participating high schools in the third cohort, serving just over 32,000 students. She described the program as a broad, collaborative model that sends students letters listing colleges that would admit them based on junior-year performance, while preserving student choice and waiving application fees for participating schools. She said the program is intended to reduce anxiety about admissions, encourage FAFSA completion, and keep more Minnesota students in-state.
Robinson previewed second-year data showing continued positive outcomes, including higher FAFSA completion, increased college enrollment, and more students staying in Minnesota. Participation increased among students eligible for free and reduced lunch, rising from 21% in the first year to 40% in the second year. She noted a continuing concern about American Indian and Alaska Native students, whose FAFSA completion declined and whose participation numbers were lower in the newest cohort, and said the agency would continue to study that data. She also said some of the increase in free-and-reduced-lunch participation may reflect the impact of North Star Promise and related financial aid messaging. No votes or formal actions were taken.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Statute Law Committee Jun 17th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Statute Law Committee
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have students Branham Smedley, Maddox Ham, Sam Hatfield, and Tyler Schmeltz.
Summary:
The House met in regular session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and personal privileges, including introductions of students and family members. The chamber also took up a motion to request the Senate return SB 1160 for reconsideration, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered SB 1118, SB 1178, and SB 1419. SB 1118 received an appropriations committee amendment and a floor amendment related to balancing housing affordability with historic preservation, and was recommended do pass as amended. SB 1178, dealing with naturopathic medicine accreditation and scope issues, drew debate: supporters said it would protect patient access and provider supply by updating accreditation-related definitions, while opponents argued it expanded scope too far and sidestepped federal accreditation concerns; the bill was ultimately recommended do pass as amended. SB 1419, concerning solar energy devices and disclosure protections for residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial units, was also amended and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1497 was retained on the calendar.
The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1242 and SB 1270. SB 1242, which allows audio and audio-visual technology for mental health evaluations or treatment hearings, was amended to modify the definition of a mental health treatment agency and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1270 also received a floor amendment and was recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole and additional Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossing SB 1118, SB 1178, SB 1419, SB 1242, and SB 1270, while retaining SB 1497.
On third reading, the House passed SB 1162, SB 1274, SB 1426, SB 1552, and SB 1814. SB 1814, which establishes a substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight study committee, drew remarks in support of a study committee to address fraud, waste, abuse, and treatment reform. The House also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight REVISION 2: Delayed until 11:30 AM
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Member Sam Rowe, you are recognized for a question on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Oops.
Bills:
HB2947, HB2964, HB3143, HB3144, HB3342, HB3344, HB3519, HB3522, HB3530, HB3645, HB3647, HB3834, HB4300, HB4422, HB4423
Keywords:
behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, medical records, patient rights, privacy, fees, healthcare access, legal claims, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, Medicaid
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Leslie Caldwell, Houston, for the California Public Defenders Association, in support.
- Leslie Caldwell Houston, for the California Public Defenders Association, in support. Wonderful.
Summary:
The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard several bills, with most of the discussion centered on criminal justice, public safety, and detention-related issues. SB 498 by Senator Becker would make prison electronic messaging free and end 15-minute limits on voice calls for incarcerated people; supporters said it would strengthen family ties and rehabilitation, while the bill advanced on a due-pass recommendation. SB 953 by Senator Niello would require DMV points to be recorded when a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter case is dismissed through diversion; family members of crash victims testified in support, the ACLU opposed it as potentially discouraging diversion, and the committee passed the bill to the Transportation Committee.
The committee also heard SB 1306 by Senator Cortese, which would align California law with federal exemptions for certain GBL-containing chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing. The author and industry witness said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulation without affecting pure GBL, and it passed to Appropriations. SB 941 by Senator Padilla would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters described high prices for basic necessities and poor conditions, and the bill advanced on a due-pass vote.
Members also considered SB 691 by Senator Wahab, which would require law enforcement body-camera policies to allow EMS personnel to request redaction of recordings before public release when patients are receiving medical or psychological treatment. Supporters framed it as a privacy measure, while sheriffs’ representatives raised concerns about overlap with existing law and local policy discretion; the bill moved forward on a due-pass recommendation. Finally, SB 562 by Senator Ashby would allow partial refunds of bail bond premiums when charges are not filed or are dropped early; supporters called it a fairness measure for low-income families, while bail industry representatives and some others warned it could reduce incentives to post bail and harm small businesses. The bill advanced on a divided vote. Several other items were adopted on consent or pulled by the authors, and the committee adjourned after completing its votes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Leslie Caldwell, from Houston, for the California Public Defenders Association, in support.
- Leslie Caldwell Houston, for the California Public Defenders Association, in support. Wonderful.
Summary:
The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on criminal justice, public safety, and detention-related issues. SB 498 by Senator Becker would make electronic messaging free for incarcerated people in CDCR facilities and end 15-minute limits on voice calls; the author and supporters argued it would strengthen family ties and rehabilitation, while no opposition testified. SB 953 by Senator Niello would require two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even when diversion is granted; victims’ family members and law enforcement groups supported it as an accountability measure, while the ACLU and Debt-Free Justice California opposed it, arguing diversion should remain an incentive for rehabilitation and safer roads. The committee also heard SB 1306 by Senator Cortese, which would align state law with federal exemptions for certain GBL-containing chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing; the author and SEMI said it would reduce unnecessary regulation and protect California’s semiconductor industry, and there was no opposition testimony.
Members also considered SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost. The author and supporters described high prices for basic necessities and poor conditions in private detention centers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 691 by Senator Wahab would require law enforcement body-camera policies to include a process for EMS personnel to request redaction of recordings before public release when patients are receiving medical treatment; supporters said it would protect patient privacy, while the Sheriff’s Association opposed it as duplicative and potentially confusing. SB 562 by Senator Ashby would allow partial refunds of bail bond premiums when charges are not filed or are dropped early; supporters framed it as a fairness measure for low-income families, while bail industry representatives and victims’ advocates warned it could discourage bail agents from posting bonds and could affect domestic violence cases.
The committee also took up several additional measures on consent or with no opposition testimony, including AB 2796, SB 891, SB 1012, and SB 1143. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 953, SB 1306, and SB 941, and to move SB 498, SB 691, and SB 562 forward as well, with some votes initially held open for absent members. Several bills were pulled by their authors and not heard, including SB 1004, SB 1208, SB 1338, and SB 1401. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning until the following week.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Houston PD has come. Dallas is actually coming. From across the nation. Houston PD has come.
Keywords:
felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, abandonment, concealment, dead body, class 5 felony, criminal offense, unlawful flight, eluding police, fleeing law enforcement, police pursuit, vehicle pursuit, reckless endangerment, felony enhancement, class 4 felony, class 2 felony
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, membership, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition and no further questions, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years.
The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make weapons and explosives trafficking involving three or more items a prison-mandatory offense and remove the financial-gain requirement from the trafficking definition. Support came from the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, and county law enforcement, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and would not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns about limiting judicial discretion and the effect on plea negotiations, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote with one present.
Next, HB 2132 proposed lowering the fentanyl trafficking threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams. Law enforcement and county attorneys argued the change would better address mid-level dealers and the volume of fentanyl seen in their counties, while opponents and some members warned it could sweep in addicted users and rely too heavily on mandatory minimums instead of treatment. Testimony also highlighted county reentry and treatment programs, especially Yavapai County’s “Reach Out” model. The committee approved the bill 7-2.
The committee also considered HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct is especially dangerous, including when it causes serious injury, involves a child, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the bill as a public-safety measure, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions and discourage compliance with police. Members also raised concerns about unmarked vehicles and public fear. The bill received a 6-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. Supporters said it closes a gap in statute exposed by recent cases, while opponents warned the language could be overbroad and potentially reach unintended situations; the committee adopted an amendment and then approved the bill 6-3.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 15th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Been to Gulf Shores, been to Columbus, Georgia, Dallas, Houston. Amarillo, yeah, did not know that.
- state cemeteries essentially fill in the gaps between the national cemeteries that are in Dallas, Houston
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 16th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, those cities who... ...have adopted some of the standards are Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth.
- Standards, and those are Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth.
Keywords:
body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, in Houston, Clifford Hall, a father, was jailed for 13 days due to a clerical error in his
- Um, in 2022, a Houston case, a mother admitted, uh, to pass marijuana under forced, uh, you know, CPS
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, in Houston, Clifford Hall, a father, was jailed for 13 days due to a clerical error in his
- In 2022, in a Houston case, a mother admitted to past marijuana use under forced CPS questioning within
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Tragically, just last month in Houston, it was reported that an 8 year old student, 8-year-old student
- I am the director of transportation for a large suburban school district outside of Houston.
Bills:
HB 767, HB 1242, HB 1373, HB 1404, HB 1708, HB 1936, HB 2041, HB 2198, HB 2270, HB 2315, HB 2415, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2457, HB 2522, HB 2523, HB 2686, HB 2763, HB 2775, HB 2944, HB 3034, HB 1683, HB 1695
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So Lubbock Independent School District has 27,000 kids in it, the rest out of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth
- That's what that was, aka referred to as a SWAT board, at least in Houston at the time.
Bills:
SB27, SB226, SB326, SB570, SB605, SB870, SB991, SB1871, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1924, SB1925
Keywords:
residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, antisemitism, student conduct, education, disciplinary actions, Texas Education Code, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Caroline Cano, representing the Houston Food Bank, testifying on the bill. Good morning, members.
- I am the Government Relations Manager with the Houston Food Bank.
Keywords:
Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We currently have venues in Boston, New Orleans, San Antonio, Houston, San Francisco, and a number of
- to Little Rock, Arkansas, where we have a venue, down into New Orleans, where we have a venue, to Houston
- New Orleans, where we have a venue, into New Orleans, where we have a venue, to<00:27:58.640>
Houston - 59.200>
you <00:27:59.360>can <00:27:59.520>just <00:27:59.679>imagine to Houston - Like, you can just imagine to Houston. Like, you can just imagine the<00:28:00.240>
routing.
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism met to hear presentations on a proposed downtown Lexington Arts Center. Visit Lex opened by framing the projects as regional economic development efforts that could support tourism, quality of life, and workforce attraction and retention. NextStage Development Corp. and ATG Entertainment then described a proposed $120 million project featuring a 2,500-seat performing arts center and a 20,000-square-foot visual arts gallery, with plans for up to 180 events a year, over 300,000 annual visitors, and an opening target of 2029.
The presenters said the project would be funded through a $30 million state request, $30 million from ATG Entertainment, and $60 million raised by the nonprofit through philanthropy and other financing sources. They cited a feasibility study by Sound Diplomacy and compared the proposal to the Durham Performing Arts Center, arguing that similar venues have driven downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic activity in other cities. They also said the venue would include community access, school partnerships, subsidized tickets, and revenue returned to the nonprofit for grants and arts programming.
Members asked about the total cost, the funding mix, whether the city of Lexington would contribute, and the building’s design. The presenters said they are in contact with city officials and are seeking city support, but have not yet hired an architect or begun conceptual design. They said the design process will involve community input and should fit Lexington’s historic downtown character. Representative Whitten asked whether the project would compete with Louisville; the presenters responded that their market analysis suggests the venue would serve audiences from Lexington, eastern Kentucky, and surrounding areas who are unlikely to travel to Louisville or Cincinnati, making the project complementary rather than competitive.