Transcript Highlights:

• Our courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriation.
• In addition to the progress we made through legislative appropriations, I'm proud to report that this
• </c><00:09:21.320><c> Appropriations</c> made through legislative Appropriations made through legislative
• with the legisl um<00:26:59.720><c> and</c><00:26:59.880><c> we</c><00:27:00.000><c> think</c><00:27
• to the same ethical standards as private<00:54:28.240><c> attorneys</c><00:54:29.200><c> and</c><00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I don’t know how many of these things are rules by legislative or rules by federal dollars, even
• Raising that bar so that we can at least have some good work ethic—no, you can't take a nap in the middle
• of the day, you know, just some table stakes for work ethic—that will go a long way to helping bridge
• Raising that bar so that we can at least have some good work ethic.
• You know, just some table stakes for work ethic.

Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, based on the legislator side, this is a faulty, faulty bill. It is an extreme...
• He says he has a religious side and a legislator side, and based on the legislator side, this is a faulty
• </c><01:02:51.760><c> which</c> to support um this legislation which to support um this legislation which
• I move inexpedient to legislate. Second. I second the motion.
• </c> chair I move in expedient to legislate chair I move in expedient to legislate second<02:19:40.040

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Cindy Ryu, state representative from the 32nd legislative district.
• Stephanie Barnard from the 8th legislative district. Just keep going down, thank you.
• Representative Josh Penner from the 31st legislative district. Michael Keaton, 25th district.
• Julio Cortes from the 38th legislative district. Tara Simmons from the 23rd legislative district.
• We also have Amy Pearson and Josh Johnston in the room with us, who lead legislative affairs at WATAC

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's a legislative issue with any of the rules we have, that's the proper... ...for the legislature
• to be able to either send that back or to address it through the Legislative Council.
• So again, I just felt like the legislation at this point is a little... ...the legislation at this point
• Their Conservation Advisory Board can, but if we wait a month, what I would say is this legislation..
• What I would say is this legislative process that we are in has to work.

Bills: HB1, HB143, HB1, HB92

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of those recommendations have already taken shape in the form of legislation—bills that focus on
• And the continued concerns identified recently, it is clear that legislation alone is not enough.
• We have precautionary legislation.
• to ethical government.
• I am the chief legislative liaison for Arizona State Parks and Trails.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the Washington State passed Social Work Compact licensure legislation.
• But part of that legislation required a social work examination. ...legislation required a social work
• The one thing I'll say: it's my 43rd legislative session. You know what?
• We are in strong support of this legislation.
• Microsoft and Amazon to support this legislation.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing. HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is relating to ethics.
• The Ethics Commission will stand on its testimony, offering comments.
• :48:40.000><c> on</c><00:48:40.160><c> its</c> ethics commission will stand on its ethics commission
• </c> progresses through the legislative progresses through the legislative process.<00:52:41.040><c>
• This is relating to ethics.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of those recommendations have already taken shape in the form of legislation, introduction of bills
• I hope that we can agree that this sensible legislation addresses potential uncertain situations that
• We have precautionary legislation.
• to ethical government.
• I am the chief legislative liaison for Arizona State Parks and Trails.

Summary: The committee opened with a lengthy chair’s statement about Department of Child Safety oversight, saying prior hearings had revealed systemic failures in communication, child placement oversight, response times, transparency, and accountability. The chair said the committee would continue pursuing reforms through legislation and ongoing reporting requirements. Members then discussed allegations involving child trafficking in congregate care settings and the need for separate legal representation for children who are victims of crimes, with one member saying the state and AG’s office were aware of trafficking issues and that outside representation was necessary. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1141, dealing with presidential electors if a candidate dies, withdraws, or becomes incapacitated before the Electoral College meets, received support from the sponsor and outside groups and passed 4-3. SB 1186, requiring disclosure of certain things of value by companies seeking government contracts or grants, also passed. SB 1808, concerning display of certain flags in HOA and planned community settings, passed after the sponsor said it was intended to protect the ability to fly the Israeli flag. SB 1050, providing a lifetime state parks pass for certain veterans, passed after adoption of an amendment expanding eligibility to some disabled veterans; Arizona State Parks testified neutral but warned of revenue impacts, while members debated the fiscal note and support for veterans. The committee also passed SB 1140, which creates a misdemeanor expungement process for certain people, including trafficking survivors, after testimony from anti-trafficking advocates and service providers who said it would help survivors rebuild their lives while excluding serious offenses. SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive electronic form when possible, passed over opposition from some local government groups. SB 1246, raising the delinquency threshold before a condominium lien foreclosure can occur, passed unanimously. SB 1664, lowering signature requirements for constable candidates in large counties, passed unanimously. Finally, SB 1338, making certain noncitizens ineligible for state or local public benefits, passed 4-3. The meeting ended with members offering farewells and thanks to one another and staff, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We provided written comments regarding unlawful delegation of legislative power, clarification on whether
• code, as the Ethics Commission has already opined that the code does not apply in these circumstances
• </c> members not being subject to the ethics members not being subject to the ethics code<01:04:01.200
• ><c> as</c><01:04:01.359><c> the</c><01:04:01.480><c> ethics</c><01:04:01.799><c> commission</c><01:04
• :02.160><c> has</c> code as the ethics commission has code as the ethics commission has already<01:04

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a wide range of housing-related bills. HB 295 on Hawaiian homelands drew support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and individual testifiers who described long waits for DHHL housing, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands offered comments noting that lowering the Native Hawaiian blood quantum from 50% to 25% would require multiple legal and federal review steps. The committee also heard testimony on several Hawaii Public Housing Authority measures, including HB 99, HB 1096, HB 1097, HB 1095, HB 1093, and HB 1094, which generally received agency support and little or no public opposition during the hearing. HB 1094 prompted questions about the handling and sale or donation of seized property, and the agency said it lacked capacity to manage that work directly and would need to consult the Attorney General on liability concerns. The committee then heard HB 1056 and HB 1467, both related to a proposed Hawaii Homes or housing resiliency program. DCCA, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported HB 1056, while the Attorney General requested clarification on fund language. The Insurance Commissioner said DCCA was willing to run the program and that strengthening homes would help keep insurance available in Hawaii. For HB 1467, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and Climate Advisory Team also supported the measure, with the Attorney General raising concerns about delegation, the special fund, and extension authority. Testimony on both bills emphasized hurricane retrofits, with some witnesses urging harmonization of the two similar proposals and one witness warning that the bills could conflict with efforts to reduce building-code minimum standards. Other measures included HB 1013 on important agricultural lands, which received support from HHFDC, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, DBEDT, the Agri-Business Development Corporation, and Purple Maiʻa Foundation, with some agencies offering comments. HB 1294 on agricultural workforce housing drew comments from the Attorney General, who said commissions may be established by law rather than by the department itself, along with support from OHA, a council member, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus. HB 89 on teacher housing received support from OHA and education groups, while the Attorney General said the bill may have constitutional issues and suggested amendments to set standards for voucher applications. HB 276 on condominiums and HB 528 on residential leases also drew support, with no testimony in opposition. HB 415 on public safety and fire sprinklers generated the most clear split in testimony: the State Fire Council, a fire department representative, and an individual supported the bill, arguing sprinklers improve safety and can prevent major losses, while BIA Hawaii, Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution, NAAP Hawaii, Gentry Holmes, and DR Horton Hawaii opposed it, saying the added cost would worsen housing affordability and that existing codes already address safety. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly closed each bill after testimony and questions, and the hearing moved through the agenda without recorded committee votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are your key budget and legislative priorities?
• You can learn legislative procedure or you can stay quiet.
• You don’t come and ask us for emergency legislation.
• Senator Ortiz, and once again, I advise you to learn legislative procedure.
• It's why I filed an ethics complaint against her. And where'd that go?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• legislative acts like Act 26, ACT legislative acts like Act 26, ACT um<00:31:13.960><c> that</c><00:31
• What I wanted to share is her work ethic.
• So we are all bound by the ethics of lawyers, and we have to fulfill those duties.
• We have ethical responsibilities. We have moral responsibilities.
• </c><00:42:57.640><c> We</c> we have ethical responsibilities. We we have ethical responsibilities.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is modeled off of legislative efforts from both Ohio and Oklahoma.
• This legislation is modeled off of legislative efforts from both Ohio and Oklahoma.
• In fact, the Senate Committee on General Laws just unanimously approved the companion legislation to
• Ethical operators already meet these standards, as the people that have already talked today.
• I would also support Mark to say, hey, there should be licensure and a code of ethics.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the chamber from interfering with legislative
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal remedies
• , but for the way the Salinas Valley, not just for her work ethic, but for the way she treated people

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> safeguards in this piece of legislation. safeguards in this piece of legislation.
• </c> was proud to sponsor that legislation. was proud to sponsor that legislation.
• </c> this important piece of legislation. this important piece of legislation.
• </c> elections are run by state legislators. elections are run by state legislators.
• It is in fact good legislation. forward. It is in fact good legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that work ethic is generation. And that work ethic is generation.
• you have provided this legislative se session and and legislative se session and and legislative se
• pass legislation and they offer legislation and they want to change the legislation and they want to
• County Legislative Delegation, but then County Legislative Delegation, but then County Legislative Delegation
• This legislation proposes to establish a This legislation proposes to establish a This legislation proposes

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• U legislative work.
• U legislative work.
• throughout the process the interest in the socioeconomic, cultural, natural, and wildlife conservation ethics
• , natural and wildlife<00:05:06.400><c> uh</c><00:05:06.639><c> conservation</c><00:05:07.600><c> ethics
• </c><00:05:08.800><c> while</c> wildlife uh conservation ethics while wildlife uh conservation ethics

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joint Legislative Auditing Committee will now come to order. Let's please call the roll.
• Chair Tramont, Senator Brodeur, and all members of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, we thank
• Finding eight: ethics training.
• Town policies and procedures were insufficient to ensure that town council members received the ethics
• Financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee first heard a long-running audit finding involving Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit funds, which have exceeded the statutory limit for several years and were reported at $10.8 million in the most recent audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city has analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees over several periods, and used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation and a proposed City Hall expansion. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, raised concerns about the legality and necessity of proposed expenditures, and asked about interest earnings, truck purchases, and the lack of detailed tracking for training-facility use. The city said an Attorney General opinion allows construction of a new building for building-code functions but not purchase of an existing building, and that if the city cannot comply through permissible construction it would have to return the funds. No vote was taken, but members expressed strong frustration and urged the city to resolve the issue quickly and lawfully. The committee then received the Auditor General’s presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings covered elections and quorum issues, conflicts of interest, late or missing financial disclosure forms, related-party transactions, poor meeting notices and minutes, council involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget and accounting deficiencies, weak bank reconciliations, improper utility billing and rates, grant compliance problems tied to a grocery store project, personnel and compensation issues involving the town manager, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control problems, public records issues, and IT/fraud-policy weaknesses. The auditor said the review focused mainly on October 2022 through February 2024 but went back further for some grant-related matters. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit reflected actions of a previous administration and that the current council and staff have already adopted seven new policies to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics. They said the town has a new manager and clerk, that the former manager was terminated, and that the town referred matters to FDLE, which is investigating. Committee members asked about the manager’s salary increase, severance, P-card use, and whether the town should consider consolidation or dissolution. The mayor said the town is on a better path, that most of the prior leadership has been voted out, and that the town is working with auditors and an outside accounting firm to correct the problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• We strive to protect the rights of all who participate in the legislative process so that we can have
• Students like me should not have to choose between their own ethics and learning STEM.
• Nicholas Sackett for social compassion in legislation.
• I'm happy to be here today to support this legislation.
• So, great piece of legislation, happy to support it today. Dr. Patel.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this shows you a map of where this legislation has been introduced or passed across the country.
• you'll notice in that map some states where it's kind of grayed out because they introduced the legislation
• So it has zero impact on our ability to conduct our ethics investigations.
• or passed it with the legislation or passed it with changes<00:03:32.879><c> and</c><00:03:33.040><c
• </c> conduct our ethics in investigations. conduct our ethics in investigations.

Keywords: 1183, house