Video & Transcript Research : 'ethical AI'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House committee considers bill to tax social media platforms, HF3117 4/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, um, that was actually just being used by kids and by adults to create an AI mapping system.
- sends a message to the engineers and the venture capitalists that are shaping the future of work of AI
- adults<00:46:09.280>
to <00:46:09.599>create <00:46:09.920>an <00:46:10.160>AI - adults to create an AI mapping system. adults to create an AI mapping system.
- <00:46:52.960>
that's <00:46:53.280>disrupting future of work of AI that's disrupting
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill.
Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services.
Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- unfilled are things like special cloud specialists in the cloud, software developers, and folks in AI
- , as we're on the precipice of literally an AI revolution.
- :13:37.519>
in cloud software developers and folks in cloud software developers and folks in AI - as we're on the precipice of AI as we're on the precipice of literally<00:13:40.480>
an <00:13 - :13:43.040>
I literally an AI Revolution and so I literally an AI Revolution and so I guess<00
Keywords:
Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that is a complicated and evolving question, as this new frontier of AI models and AI development
- You can certainly look at AI.
- Veterans Guardian continues to operate, and Joe's AI Slop Shop continues to operate.
- And I've heard private industry and I've heard using it the AI.
- They're not experts on AI, et cetera.
Bills:
SB1003, SB1060, SB1134, SB1275, SB1327, SB1429, SB1618, SB1634, SB1654, SB1803, SCR1002, SCR1005, SCR1023, SCR1027
Keywords:
election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, voter registration, temporary absence, absentee voting, residency, military voters, overseas voters, election law, Arizona Revised Statutes, political signs, campaign materials, public safety, municipal regulation, veterans
Summary:
The committee first heard a lengthy presentation and discussion focused on Arizona State University’s foreign research ties, especially collaborations and funding connected to China and Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research partnerships, citing federal reporting forms, the Wolf Amendment, export-control concerns, and alleged links to dual-use technologies such as quantum systems, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and biosecurity. A witness from American Global Strategies testified in support, saying the bill would help protect U.S. research security and national security by imposing state-level guardrails on sensitive collaborations. After questions, the committee considered a strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 that would bar public universities from entering into or continuing certain loans, gifts, contracts, research partnerships, or sponsored projects involving the PRC, the CCP, and listed Chinese military-linked universities, require ABOR review and approval, and impose reporting and budget penalties. The amendment was withdrawn, and the committee instead took up SB 1327, which directs ABOR to require university research security policies and to report annually on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000; SB 1327 received a 4-2 do-pass recommendation, with Del Santos, Hernandez, and Márquez voting no and Kolodin, Powell, Keshel, and Gillette voting yes. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans bill regulating unrecognized persons who assist with VA disability claims. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill would protect veterans from bad actors by requiring disclosures, capping fees, banning certain practices, and filing service agreements with the Attorney General, while opponents argued it could restrict consumer choice, resemble a price ceiling, and still allow non-attorneys to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. After extensive debate over contingent fees, legal ethics, and whether the bill was too favorable to one company, the committee continued the hearing with additional testimony and questions.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I move that the AI committee amendment in my name be adopted. Is there any discussion? No, sir.
- I move that the AI committee amendment in my name be adopted.
- I move that the AI committee amendment in my name be adopted to HB 2592. Any discussion? No, sir.
- Well, I do appreciate that the sponsor wants our students to learn about AI, and I agree with that.
- It will also require that any AI-specific regulation be narrowly tailored, justified, and approved by
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and several guest groups, including families affected by pediatric cancer, Arizona Bleeding Disorders, and charter school representatives. Members also read a proclamation honoring Dr. Joseph Charles Torkelson for his long career in pediatric hematology/oncology and military service.
The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering many bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, members adopted floor amendments and advanced HB 2117, HB 2744, HB 2751, HB 2917, HB 2939, HB 2957, HB 2970, and HCR 2038, with amendments generally described as technical fixes or clarifications. Notable discussion included HB 2957, which would protect non-Real ID data from sharing and preserve the choice between Real ID and non-Real ID, and HCR 2038, which addressed Colorado River conservation and expanded references to tribal communities and major population centers. All items on that calendar received due-pass recommendations.
On later calendars, the House advanced additional measures including HB 2015, HB 2129, HB 2327, HB 2352, HB 2439, HB 2533, HB 2667, HB 2793, HB 2873, HB 2876, HCR 2044, HB 2014, HB 2055, HB 2145, HB 2185, HB 2267, HB 2413, HB 2418, HB 2440, HB 2661, HB 2665, HB 2763, and HB 2771, with several bills amended on the floor. Debate centered on housing assistance and corporate homeownership in HB 2667, homelessness coordination in HB 2533, school safety and firearms in HB 2076, parental rights in HB 2661, teen suicide prevention in HB 2665, and energy policy in HB 2267. HCR 2044, sent to voters, was defended as closing loopholes against discrimination and criticized by opponents as targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Most measures were approved by voice vote, but HB 2667’s proposed Villegas floor amendment was rejected on a recorded division vote of 23 ayes to 32 nays. Later, a motion to amend the Committee of the Whole report to include that rejected amendment also failed on a roll call vote of 22 ayes, 32 nays, and 6 not voting. HB 2267 also drew a division vote; after the final count, it was reported as passing as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, ordered the approved bills engrossed, and retained HB 2876 and HB 2720 on the calendar.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Are you using AI or anything like that to help with the screening process or programs for that?
- Um, maybe not the full use of AI, but some sort of tool that would allow us to move the applications
- Um, and they're saying that one of the big areas would be AI and technology.
- <01:25:57.040>
And areas would be um AI and technology. - And areas would be um AI and technology.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-04 (8:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- due consideration of the findings of such adduced at the public hearings, the Senate Committee on Ethics
- President. >> President: Senator, of the first, Senator Gaetz, Chair of Ethics and Elections Committee
- As required by Rule 12.7, the committee and Ethics Elections conducted an inquiry concerning the qualifications
- The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its reports with our recommendations, and a copy is available
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- 1, Stadium Authority, up to number two position, and then we'll take Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics
- take Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics take Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics administrative<00
- First up, we have the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, Mr. Robert Harris. Mr.
- to ethics Senate Bill 289 relating to to ethics Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics<00:12:24.720>
administrative - Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics Senate Bill 289 relating to ethics administrative<01:30:40.880
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted.
The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input.
The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh it also restores the public ethics application, which was removed in the original bill.
- Uh it also restores the<00:10:56.000>
um <00:10:56.399>public <00:10:56.959>ethics - c><00:10:57.760>
application <00:10:58.640>which the um public ethics application which- In fact, it is such state ethics rules.
- Um including the our state ethics law.
- c><00:10:57.760>
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted a congratulatory House resolution honoring the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Maryland Class 2A state championship. The House also journalized Baltimore City 2026 bond/loan authorization resolutions and moved a series of introductory House bills and bond initiatives through first reading and committee referral without objection.
On the special order calendar, House Bill 28, concerning higher education/private career schools advertising, received a favorable report and was ordered printed for third reading. House Bill 226, creating a Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations structure, was also reported favorably as amended. Two floor amendments were adopted to that bill: one clarifying that any affiliated foundation may only raise funds or provide support and may not run programs or set policy, and another restoring conflict-of-interest and ethics protections, including limits on family members and public ethics application requirements. A later amendment to HB 226 was rejected by a recorded vote of 95 in the negative, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The most extended debate centered on House Bill 229, which increases the Maryland Transportation Authority’s revenue bond limit from $4 billion to $5 billion to help finance the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. One amendment sought to prohibit toll increases without General Assembly approval; its sponsor argued the added borrowing would likely lead to future toll hikes and that elected representatives should vote on them. The floor leader opposed the amendment, saying it would weaken MDTA’s independent rate-setting authority, harm its bond rating, and increase financing costs, while noting the bill is intended to cover bridge reconstruction costs and federal reimbursement timing. After debate, the amendment failed on a recorded vote, and HB 229 was ordered printed for third reading.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Feb 11th, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's a similar thing that went on with AIS information, which is marine traffic, right?
- there's a similar um thing that went on there's a similar um thing that went on with<00:17:58.240>
AIS - information<00:17:59.440>
which <00:17:59.600>is <00:17:59.760>marine with AIS - information which is marine with AIS information which is marine traffic,<00:18:00.640>
right?
Keywords:
expungement, nonviolent felony, criminal record, restoration of rights, human trafficking, SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill would include AI-generated or altered images.
- Willoughby's bill last year that added AI-generated image for child sex assault material.
- sexual exploitation actually occurs today, online, at scale, and increasingly through synthetic and AI-generated
- sexual exploitation actually occurs today, online, at scale, and increasingly through synthetic and AI-generated
Keywords:
felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills dealing largely with sexual exploitation, homicide, reproductive issues, child support, venue changes, domestic violence service of process, probation notice, and traffic offenses. HB 2133 would require websites distributing sexual material to verify age and consent for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images; it drew opposition from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice over added complexity, and support from survivors and trafficking advocates, and passed 7-1. HB 2043 would expand felony murder to include the death of an unborn child; reproductive rights groups and defense attorneys raised personhood and abortion-related concerns, while prosecutors and victims’ advocates supported it, and it passed 6-2. HB 2144 would allow child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limit pregnancy-related orders to medical and related expenses; supporters framed it as responsibility and support for pregnant women, while opponents warned about fetal personhood and abortion-related implications, and it passed 6-2.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- The other thing that this will do is right now in the age of AI in the age of chatgpt where we have a
- assignments, potentially amount of using anybody but potentially can be doing that through through AI
- And we also are helping to scale out AI enhanced supports through con me go to secondary students who
- Is our AI enhanced learning support for secondary students.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 23rd, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- The Cicero Institute's own study deployed AI tools and found that 43% of Texas's 35,380 regulations are
- You can use AI tools pretty easily, as we did for some of the statistics I mentioned today.
- Rural Texas is being revitalized by the data economy with Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. bringing
- I wish there was a way to say, well, we can just use AI to handle that kind of stuff.
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, fiscal impact, state budget, ballot measure, transparency in voting, management-to-staff ratio, state agencies, employee regulations, government efficiency, workforce management, public information, governing board, transparency, confidentiality, access rights, privacy, identifying information, state agency, consent, occupational license
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- tracking, and staff support during the session and has demonstrated professionalism, a strong work ethic
- findings of such inquiry and the evidence adduced at the public hearings, the Senate Committee on Ethics
- The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
- Your Committee on Ethics and Elections had a thorough and full hearing with respect to Mr.
- During her ethics and elections confirmation hearing, Ms.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required.
Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission.
After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We have clear education, training, supervision, and ethical standards that apply everywhere except in
- It includes 400 to 900 hours of supervised field internship and a commitment to a code of ethics.
- <00:25:43.640>
standards, supervision, and ethical standards, supervision, and ethical standards - competencies ranging from ethical competencies ranging from ethical practice<00:26:32.680>
to - code of ethics. code of ethics.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Ethics Commission.
- I am testifying on behalf of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. We are in support of this bill.
- 00:01:10.560>
decisions <00:01:11.479>first <00:01:11.920>up <00:01:12.240>ethics - We realized that a healthy procurement code needs to have checks and balances and ethical safeguards
- We realized that a healthy procurement code needs to have checks and balances and ethical safeguards
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions.
House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative.
Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Could you explain kind of what those ethics exceptions are and the reasoning behind it?
- Could you explain kind of what those ethics exceptions are and the reasoning behind it?
- Could you explain kind of what those ethics exceptions are and the reasoning behind it?
- rules under KRS 11 members from ethics rules under KRS 11 11a<00:15:34.519>
um <00:15:35.000>< - <00:15:40.839>
what explain kind of what those ethics what explain kind of what those ethics
Keywords:
Call to Order 00:00
Roll Call 00:05
HB 566 Discussion 01:34
HB 566 Vote 16:42
HB 39 Discussion 19:15
HB 39 Vote 23:10
HB 70 Discussion 24:48
HB 70 Vote 27:36
HB 72 Discussion 28:58
HB 72 Vote 39:45
HB 79 Discussion 41:45
HB 79 Vote 42:58
HB 223 Discussion 45:34
HB 223 Vote 46:24
Adjournment 47:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure.
The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor.
Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When you start looking at the AI component and the data centers, solar has become more appealing.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call.
Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- We are required to recertify annually, which includes continuing education, professional ethics, training
- practitioners such as those certified by the Modern Mystery School, who already follow stringent ethical
- This bill, while perhaps well-intended, would unintentionally harm an entire ecosystem of ethical small
- These disciplines follow different training paths, ethics, and outcomes.
- ignores the rigor of our training, of our curriculum, of our standards, and practice and codes of ethics
Summary:
The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day.
A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure.
The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to take up tab. 46 appointment to the commission on ethics senators.
- We have a reappointment 14, a desk of it as a member of the Commission on Ethics.
- I don't ever question. >> President, when President Gaetz was a pointed to the ethics Commission, did
- . >> I mean, I'm the ethics and elections committee.
- The headline reads, Governor DeSantis, reappoint Moms for Liberty, co-founder to Commission on Ethics
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, December 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This year, Fannie Mae's ethics watchdogs have been fired.
- professional competence and ethical professional competence and ethical conduct,<04:01:44.239>
- Many people have been fired, and that data and AI will not resolve the issue of having a single point
- Third, the bill strengthens public trust by creating clear ethical standards for tax court judges.
- public trust by creating clear ethical public trust by creating clear ethical standards<05:40:28.480