Video & Transcript : 'LBA Briefing on Budget' :
Page 91 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In one survey, one in three adolescents report using screen media. after midnight on weekdays and an
- Are there studies going on on these topics here in Texas?
- What is the latest science on that? Obviously, it just depends on the kid.
- You're talking about this would be arrows on the on the Outer envelope that they're mailing and not on
- One else wishing to testify on, for, or against Senate Bill 2964.
Keywords:
SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Otherwise, we'll start on my left over here.
- Some people like to talk about the shortcomings of their bill, but this one definitely has one in it:
- SB 1065 imposes a one-size-fits-all gun mandate on settings as varied as public streets, the Houston
- This attack on prosecutorial discretion is bad for democracy on multiple fronts.
- Anyone else on for or against Senate Bill 2743? Anyone else on for or against Senate Bill 2743?
Keywords:
SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1065, which would require government property contracts to prohibit contractors from barring licensed handgun holders from carrying firearms on leased or owned public property, with civil penalties and attorney general enforcement for violations. Senator Hall and invited witnesses from the Texas State Rifle Association, NRA, and Texas Gun Rights argued the bill would close a loophole exposed by the State Fair of Texas gun ban and protect law-abiding Texans’ self-defense rights. Opponents, including Moms Demand Action/Everytown, said the bill would undermine event organizers’ ability to set site-specific safety rules and could increase liability and insurance costs. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending.
The committee next took up Senate Bill 2742, which would create civil penalties for independent school districts and officials who use public resources for electioneering, waive immunity defenses, and expand attorney general enforcement. Senator Hagan-Bood said current law bans the conduct but lacks meaningful penalties, making injunctions the only remedy. No public testimony was heard, and the bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2743, also by Senator Hagan-Bood, which would allow a court to disqualify local prosecutors who refuse to prosecute election offenses and appoint the attorney general to handle the case, with a committee substitute adjusting the removal process through an adjacent-county judge. Opponents from the Texas Civil Rights Project argued the bill would undermine prosecutorial discretion and was vague and open to abuse, while a Harris County election official described past instances where alleged voter fraud cases were not pursued. After testimony, public comment was closed and SB 2743 was left pending.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Does anyone here on, wish to testify? and we have no one registered.
- Yelman's job on that part. But it's already on, it is already on the books.
- This is not one.
- Begin on my right.
- It is a heavy one. But to me, I'm more focused on It is a heavy one.
Bills:
SB693, SB781, SB836, SB860, SB906, SB993, SB1101, SB1321, SB1370, SB1537, SB1563, SB1610, SB1637
Keywords:
notary public, notaries, acknowledgment, jurat, personal appearance, remote notarization, online notarization, e-notary, electronic notarization, fraud prevention, identity verification, real estate fraud, property transfer, state jail felony, Class A misdemeanor, secretary of state, continuing education, record retention, notarial act, Texas Government Code
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard a series of bills focused on criminal procedure, public safety, victim protections, and law enforcement administration. SB 1537 would require criminal-proceeding interpreters to meet the same appointment standards used in the Government Code, and SB 993 would let the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigative Division seek mobile-tracking warrants directly in motor fuel theft and related tax-fraud investigations. SB 693, as substituted, would create a criminal offense for notaries who notarize documents without the signer personally appearing, with a higher penalty when real property is involved, and would add continuing education for notaries. SB 1610 would tighten rules for civilly committed sexually violent predators at the Texas Civil Commitment Office, including penalties for new crimes and assaults on staff, sex-offender registration requirements, and removal of certain provisions from the filed version; the substitute reduced some of the harsher penalties and preserved parole/community-supervision eligibility. SB 836 would expand privacy protections for sexual assault survivors by limiting livestreaming of certain trials, allowing pseudonyms earlier in the process, and protecting forensic exam evidence and invasive recordings under protective orders. SB 1563 would require county jailers to receive training on interacting with veterans, with testimony emphasizing suicide risk, PTSD, and the need for better identification and support in jails. SB 906 would give the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo authority similar to other Texas tribes to commission peace officers under state law to enforce Texas laws on tribal land. SB 781 would standardize confidentiality rules for peace officers’ personal information and create a confidential departmental file system modeled on Chapter 143 civil-service practices, though members raised concerns about whether the bill could affect disciplinary records and existing disclosure rules.
Testimony was largely supportive for the bills, especially from prosecutors, law enforcement representatives, victim advocates, and agency officials. Supporters of SB 693 described widespread deed fraud tied to improper notarizations; supporters of SB 836 stressed survivor privacy and the harms of livestreamed sexual-assault proceedings; supporters of SB 1563 said jailer training could help prevent veteran suicides and improve treatment; and supporters of SB 906 said state commissioning would improve public safety and coordination on tribal lands. SB 781 drew support from police and TCOLE witnesses who said the bill would extend confidentiality protections already used in civil-service departments, while some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law or could be read to shield misconduct information. Public testimony included opposition to SB 1610 from a civil-rights advocate who urged waiting for Sunset review, and opposition to SB 781 from a family member of a person killed by police, who objected to expanding confidentiality for officers. Several bills were left pending after testimony because the committee lacked a quorum or chose to hold them for later action.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 April 13, 2020
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tKnr5jEGCc, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting of the Special Committee
Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19
Monday, April 13, 2020
You can view department plans, documents, committee reports, meeting agendas, links, resources, and agendas here at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/specialcommittee.aspx?comm=scovid&year=2020
Agenda
The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of
Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to:
1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures;
2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures;
3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and
timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and
4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom.
The special committee will be meeting with the following:
11:30 a.m. Office of the Governor
Ms. Linda Chu Takayama, Chief of Staff
12:00 p.m. Office of Enterprise Technology
Mr. Douglas Murdock, Chief Information Officer
12:45 p.m. Department of Taxation
Ms. Rona Suzuki, Director
1:30 p.m. Department of Human Resources Development
Mr. Ryker Wada, Director
Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely
via video or teleconference.
The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 53 on Oahu and will go out
live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels.
No public testimony will be accepted.
Meeting of the Special Committee
Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19
Monday, April 13, 2020
If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to
waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov.
-End of Agenda-, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 - March 27, 2020
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aYEehoj9WA, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Today's meeting is also being broadcast with closed captioning on ‘Olelo Community Media's channel 55 and on the online stream: http://olelo.granicus.com/player/event/5588?view_id=13 Just press the CC button when you hover your mouse over the video screen.
Meeting of the Special Committee
Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19
Friday, March 27, 2020
Agenda
The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to:
1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures;
2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures;
3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and
4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom.
The special committee will be meeting with the following:
11:00 a.m. Federal Stimulus Package
Senator Brian Schatz, U.S. Senate
11:30 a.m. Office of the Governor
Ms. Linda C. Takayama, Chief of Staff
12:00 p.m. Department of Transportation
Deputy Director Derek Chow, Harbors Division
Deputy Director Ross Higashi, Airports Division
12:45 p.m. Department of the Attorney General
Attorney General Clare E. Connors
Department of Public Safety
Director Nolan Espinda
2:00 p.m. Healthcare Industry
Dr. Jim Ireland, Medical Director for Department of Transportation
Dr. Elizabeth E. Char, Medical Physician
2:30 p.m. Department of Health
Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director
Dr. Sarah Park
Dr. Edward Desmond, State Laboratories Division Administrator
4:00 p.m. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
Adjutant General Kenneth Hara, Incident Commander, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
HI
Bills:
HCR6, HCR36, HCR175, HCR197, HB48, HB54, HB86, HB127, HB139, HB177, HB202, HB212, HB214, HB244, HB256, HB286, HB306, HB309, HB344, HB348, HB369, HB370, HB371, HB395, HB423, HB428, HB429, HB432, HB433, HB437, HB448, HB454, HB455, HB472, HB480, HB510, HB549, HB563, HB596, HB606, HB620, HB664, HB697, HB698, HB701, HB706, HB714, HB740, HB773, HB782, HB784, HB833, HB850, HB904, HB918, HB939, HB988, HB1020, HB1036, HB1037, HB1039, HB1050, HB1059, HB1079, HB1145, HB1155, HB1161, HB1164, HB1167, HB1260, HB1294, HB1295, HB1297, HB1308, HB1320, HB1325, HB1345, HB1391, HB1427, SB21, SB26, SB71, SB109, SB146, SB177, SB183, SB228, SB253, SB298, SB299, SB325, SB382, SB401, SB414, SB440, SB657, SB717, HB2001
Keywords:
emergency medical treatment, abortion services, pregnancy care, reproductive health, hospitals, EMTALA, healthcare access, sister-state relationship, cultural exchange, international relations, Okayama, Hawaii, trade, tourism, Pacific governance, legislative cooperation, inter-parliamentary assembly, climate resilience, sustainable development, Hawaii-Japan relations
HI
Bills:
HCR6, HCR36, HCR175, HCR197, HB48, HB54, HB86, HB127, HB139, HB177, HB202, HB212, HB214, HB244, HB256, HB286, HB306, HB309, HB344, HB348, HB369, HB370, HB371, HB395, HB423, HB428, HB429, HB432, HB433, HB437, HB448, HB454, HB455, HB472, HB480, HB510, HB549, HB563, HB596, HB606, HB620, HB664, HB697, HB698, HB701, HB706, HB714, HB740, HB773, HB782, HB784, HB833, HB850, HB904, HB918, HB939, HB988, HB1020, HB1036, HB1037, HB1039, HB1050, HB1059, HB1079, HB1145, HB1155, HB1161, HB1164, HB1167, HB1260, HB1294, HB1295, HB1297, HB1308, HB1320, HB1325, HB1345, HB1391, HB1427, SB21, SB26, SB71, SB109, SB146, SB177, SB183, SB228, SB253, SB298, SB299, SB325, SB382, SB401, SB414, SB440, SB657, SB717, HB2001
Keywords:
emergency medical treatment, abortion services, pregnancy care, reproductive health, hospitals, EMTALA, healthcare access, sister-state relationship, cultural exchange, international relations, Okayama, Hawaii, trade, tourism, Pacific governance, legislative cooperation, inter-parliamentary assembly, climate resilience, sustainable development, Hawaii-Japan relations
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026 at 06:30 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, the question is on the Senate's adoption of the striking amendment by the Committee on
- Hearing none, the question is on the Senate's adoption of the striking amendment by the Committee on
- The bill be placed on final passage.
- Hearing none, the question is on adoption of the striking amendment by the Committee on Business, Trade
- The bill be placed on final passage.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On page 8, beginning on line one after a word. Nine. Injured by...
- on this particular one.
- on this particular one.
- budget on a policy that's coming forward.
- working on our budget right now, Mr.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Secretary will read: On page 3, beginning on line 26, after 'answer' is stricken, and insert.
- On page 5, at the beginning of line 25, strike 'on the line.' Leveraged. Senator King.
- 18 and continue. ...on if a child reaches the age of 18 and continue on to care for them.
- President, there are 47 ayes, one nay, one excused.
- President, there are 47 ayes, one nay, one excused. I have received a constitutional majority.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 06:20 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One of my friends has challenged around 40 votes. Each one of them has been upheld.
- One of my friends has challenged around 40 votes. Each one of them has been upheld.
- the rolls are not on the rolls.
- One of them is in trouble.
- One of them is in trouble.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- budget.
- the budget.
- As I look through the budget, there was a lot of things I just assumed not spend money on.
- As I look through the budget, there was a lot of things I just assumed not spend money on.
- Part of our issue with the bill, one of the big ones, is about land.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to the Committee on Ways and Means. 2681 referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- and care for one another.
- of the key collectors of sales tax in municipal governments and have an enormous impact on the budgets
- of the key collectors of sales tax in municipal governments and have an enormous impact on the budgets
- When we passed the budget last year, we instituted some sales tax on services.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On page 2, beginning on line 6 after 'B,' strike all material through 'identity assistance.'
- One of my friends has challenged around 40 votes. Each one of them has been upheld.
- are not on the rolls.
- one individual.
- One of them is in trouble.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, would allow limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; supporters said it would improve quality of life, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails and codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act-related standards, drew debate over whether amendments were needed and whether the bill would burden or protect staff and inmates; two amendments were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19.
Second Substitute House Bill 1906, as amended, increased transparency and consumer protections for water system rates, especially for older or smaller systems, and passed unanimously 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 tightened voter registration challenge procedures and gave county auditors more discretion in handling challenges; an amendment to broaden who could challenge voters statewide was rejected, and the bill passed 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, as amended, allowed registered nurses without EMT certification to staff certain inter-facility ambulance transports under specified conditions to reduce delays, and it also passed 49-0.
The Senate also passed Second Substitute House Bill 2429, which extends and updates the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and aligns agency planning with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan; a committee striker was adopted despite concerns about added government structure, and the bill passed 49-0. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Office of Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after the chamber rejected the committee striker and adopted a revised striking amendment. The session ended with a point of personal privilege from Senator Lovick and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until March 4, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Burkid Committee on Rules. Senator Pichelli. Thank you, Mr. President.
- I move that the measures listed on the reports of standing committees be referred to the committee as
- I don't know if we can do that when there's a motion on the floor.
- So I still have my Lunar New Year candy on my desk, which will disappear tomorrow.
- I move that the Senate adjourn until 10 o'clock on Thank you so much, Mr. President.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And then on page 12 and 13, we try to give you a nice brief one-pager.
- budgets, and that's the one reason.
- </c> budget reduction in Personnel is the one budget reduction in Personnel is the one we're<02:12:24.239
- </c><04:17:52.319><c> figures</c> are budgeted are based on the figures are budgeted are based on the
- funds they are not on budget as other funds they are not on the<05:16:12.878><c> budget</c><05:16:13.200
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 17th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, can we amend that on the floor, take out line 15 and 16 on page four?
- Yeah, this is on the bill, correct? Yes, ma'am. You're back on the bill.
- “Insured, for one.
- So I worked with the author yesterday on the rate on some of the tiers.
- So for the record, we do have two, one in Bastrop, one in Urania.
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable.
The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- And is there any reason why, on a ballot that will have both federal and state candidates on that ballot
- And is there any reason why on a ballot will have both federal and state candidates on that ballot, why
- Okay, we will quickly suspend the hearing on Senate Bill 5892, and now we will open the hearing on Senate
- One, that they engage respectfully with one another.
- That concludes the testimony we have on Senate Bill 5892. We will close the hearing on that.
Keywords:
civic health, community engagement, committee reestablishment, public participation, governance, voter registration database, election security, public records exemption, Secretary of State, county elections office, election infrastructure, cybersecurity, ballot signatures, ballot return envelopes, signature correction forms, voter privacy, personal identifying information, Social Security number, driver's license number, state ID number
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, moving on.
- Okay, moving on. Okay, moving on. Mr. Winneger return. Do not see him. Okay, let's move on to 2940.
- That's something that we've talked about because we know from last year's budget vote that was one of
- It could have a major impact on our state budget and on reducing the cost of living, and I want to see
- It could have a major impact on our state budget and on reducing the cost of living, and I want to see
Keywords:
international organizations, government resources, public institutions, Arizona Board of Regents, foreign adversaries, campaign finance, contributions, termination statements, reporting, penalties, electoral processes, healthcare, public benefits, eligibility verification, fraud prevention, Medicaid, SNAP, transparency, accountability, state land
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Agriculture and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott, anything else on this?
- Scott, anything else on this? I think you covered most of it. Scott, anything else on this?
- One more. >> One more. Okay. Well, okay. Thank you. I see $25. >> All right. No problem. I got it.
- </c><00:16:27.440><c> So</c> sell it to on a on a lifetime basis.
- So sell it to on a on a lifetime basis.
Keywords:
HB267, Alabama, minor consent, medical consent, mental health, school counseling, parental rights, parental consent, parental access to records, health information, health records, vaccine consent, school mental health services, student counseling, youth healthcare, adolescent health, emancipated minor, pregnancy care, sexually transmitted infections, STI treatment