Transcript Highlights:

• As it stands right now, the only time presidential candidates come to New York is they fly in the morning
• AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW, THE ONLY TIME PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES COME TO NEW YORK IS THEY FLY IN THE MORNING
• Much of this is covered under candidate under Penal Law.
• their sticker, went back home, they watched the election results, and they accepted whether their candidate
• I think it was a presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who called the President of the United States

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal. On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate. On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 238 by Representative Zerang is an act to amend Title 42 relative to the Louisiana Code of Ethics
• Members, this removes the population restriction on the ethics exception, authorizing a former school
• board member to be employed by... ...on the ethics exception, authorizing a former school board member
• It has definitions and allows for the Board of Ethics to administer that. I know we...
• Definitions and allows for the Board of Ethics to administer that.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this amendment allows the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC), which is currently the existing body
• Again, lobbyists in Texas are already regulated, monitored, and held accountable by the Texas Ethics
• accountability, we should trust the same process that oversees current lobbying. this registration and ethics
• I don't think it's a good idea to give that authority to the Ethics Commission.
• We need to leave that with our local district judges that are elected, and the Ethics Commission is not

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB 2, SB 3, SB 5, SB 9, SB 10, SB 14, SB 16, SB 18, SB 34, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 4, SB1, SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, the Texas Ethics Commission issued an opinion that a former member registered as a lobbyist
• In 2023, the Texas Ethics Commission issued an opinion that a former member registered as a lobbyist
• Members, under current statute, the Texas Ethics Commission is required to propose a resolution or dismiss
• Senate Bill 2782, relating to discovery requirements related to sworn complaints made to the Texas Ethics
• Senate Bill 2782, relating to discovery requirements related to sworn complaints made to the Texas Ethics

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• :51.440> uh We appreciate certainly the intent of this bill as one of the biggest and most ethical
• fails to address, and we would hope to see in the future that there is... of the biggest and most ethical
• um of the biggest and most ethical um actors<00:21:10.080> in<00:21:10.279> the<00:21:
• And also, there's some consideration for ethical business practices surrounding medical appointments
• And also there's some consideration for ethical business practices surrounding medical appointments and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a bill aimed at regulating paid veterans’ claims consultants and protecting veterans from bad actors. Chair Denine opened by emphasizing transparency, the need to hear concerns, and that the meeting was a hearing only, with no immediate vote expected. Senator David Yates, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect veterans by requiring clear written disclosure when a veteran uses a for-profit consultant, including that the consultant is not accredited or affiliated with VA or veterans’ service organizations. He said the proposal was based on best practices from other states, would include guardrails rather than a total ban, and was being slowed to allow further review and possible amendments. Testimony reflected both support for the bill’s intent and disagreement over its scope. A committee member and later witnesses stressed that veterans should be able to make informed choices and that some private consultants and law firms have helped veterans, but they also acknowledged bad actors and the need for rules, accreditation, and fee limits. James Toby of the VFW opposed the bill as written, arguing it conflicts with federal rules by allowing fees on initial claims and urging the committee to reject it in favor of legislation that mirrors federal law and imposes real penalties. Mark Christensen of Veterans Guardian said veterans need more options because Kentucky has too few VSO representatives, supported guardrails and accreditation reform, and suggested the bill could be improved with a dollar-based fee cap, no late fees or interest, and clearer ethical rules. Daryl Casey of JVO said his organization supports the bill’s goal of leveling the playing field, noting that veterans service organizations do not charge fees and that any limits should apply consistently across providers. The chair did not take a final vote during this hearing and instead encouraged the sponsor to circulate committee substitute language and continue discussions with veterans’ organizations and committee members before the next meeting. The sponsor said he was not pushing the bill forward that day and wanted more time to address concerns, especially around accreditation and disclosure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's safe to say that, you know, we wouldn't be in this position if a DFL House candidate didn't
• problem with the House DFL boycotting session despite the situation being, you know, one of its own candidates
• <00:15:40.519> of<00:15:40.639> its<00:15:40.759> own<00:15:40.959> candidates
• know one one of its own candidates know one one of its own candidates making<00:15:43.639> well

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Minnesota House Democrats reacted to the Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling that a quorum in the House is 68, saying the decision confirms that neither party can act alone and that Republicans and Democrats must negotiate to organize the chamber. They argued that the GOP’s actions over the prior two weeks were illegitimate once Secretary of State Steve Simon determined there was no quorum, and said all committee activity and the election of a presiding officer during that period were not valid. A major focus was the status of Rep. Brad Tabke’s seat in Shakopee. Democrats said Republicans were trying to use a temporary one-seat advantage to oust Tabke despite his election win, recount victory, and court ruling, which they said found it mathematically impossible that he lost. They said they would not return to the Capitol unless Republicans agreed not to remove him and to respect the voters’ will. Democrats said they were still open to a negotiated power-sharing deal and emphasized that such agreements should be in writing. They described their current offer as allowing Republicans to run the chamber while they hold a one-seat advantage, with committee members from the DFL not voting, and then moving to full power sharing if the House returns to a tie. They said the special election timeline was not changed by the court ruling and that the governor could still issue the writ on February 5, with the session having begun on January 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• The leading Democrat candidate for governor is in Washington, D.C., voting over and over again to shut
• The leading<00:11:50.760> Democrat<00:11:51.440> candidate<00:11:51.920> for<00:
• 11:52.080> governor leading Democrat candidate for governor leading Democrat candidate for governor

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• OUR CANDIDATE IS QUALIFIED TO BE ELECTED BY OUR VOTER VISITORS TO BE THE FINEST VACATION DESTINATION
• TAURUS DEVELOPMENT TAXES ARE THE RESOURCES WE NEED TO KEEP OUR CANDIDATE TOP OF MIND IN OUR STATE AND
• WITHOUT TDT LESSER DESTINATION CANDIDATES HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN VOTER HEADS CAUSING THEM TO SPEND
• OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR COMMUNITIES. 143 MILLION VISITORS LAST YEAR SHOWS US OUR CANDIDATE

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I am a Master of Social Work candidate at Hawaii Pacific University and I'm also a research assistant
• Masters<00:05:12.479> of<00:05:12.639> Social<00:05:12.960> Work<00:05:13.199> candidate
• <00:05:13.520> at Masters of Social Work candidate at Masters of Social Work candidate at

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• A sense that schools are not safe might make dissuade great candidates from entering the teaching profession
• Judiciary has argued needs to be increased in order to attract more qualified candidates, which would
• And to elect better judges, we have to have candidates.
• And the candidates do look at judicial pay when they decide whether they will run for office or not.

Bills: SB260, SB263, SB293, SJR18

Keywords: school safety, Foundation School Program, education funding, student allotment, Texas education, SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction

Transcript Highlights:

• A sense that schools are not safe may display might may dissuade great candidates from entering the teaching
• an issue that the judiciary has argued needs to be increased in order to attract more qualified candidates
• And to elect better judges, we have to have candidates, and the candidates do look at judicial pay when

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we have for far too long patted ourselves on the back uh as being ethical and moral and righteous
• patted ourselves on the back uh as long patted ourselves on the back uh as being<00:21:41.280> ethical
• and moral and righteous being ethical and moral and righteous and<00:21:44.039> benevolent<00
• <00:27:26.400> and<00:27:26.640> social<00:27:27.600> uh moral and ethical and
• social uh moral and ethical and social uh interests<00:27:28.159> that<00:27:28.320> are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, these are the right standards for ethical solar and storage sales.
• We want to hold every residential solar and storage company in Minnesota to the same ethical standards
• ethical solar and storage sales. ethical solar and storage sales.
• have no reliable way to distinguish have no reliable way to distinguish between<01:09:19.000> ethical
• that reputable ethical standards that reputable companies<01:09:44.160> MNSIA<01:09:44.640>

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• Even with ongoing campaign finance reforms, candidates would still be forced to compete against unlimited
• Of the $10 million in candidate donations during the 2024 election cycle, half of them came from just
• Your constituents are fighting mad, and an increasing number will only support candidates who swear off
• toward money candidates 2026 election. toward money candidates 2026 election.
• who swear off accepting big candidates who swear off accepting big dark<01:05:25.480> money<01

Bills: SB1166, SB888, SB2387, SB2471

Keywords: insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we are making of eligible candidates.
• Um, so combined it clarifies that this program is for candidates who participate in the program.
• <00:49:01.280> were<00:49:01.520> metriculating<00:49:02.079> through candidates
• were metriculating through candidates were metriculating through the<00:49:02.400> program<00
• bringing uh candidates out to teach<00:49:09.839> in<00:49:10.079> the<00:49:10.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, the Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on House Rules, Care, Ethics
• Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, the Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on House Rules, Care, Ethics

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ban clearly defined acts of cruelty, we must avoid making rules that attempt to impose subjective ethical
• ban clearly defined acts of cruelty, we must avoid making rules that attempt to impose subjective ethical
• ban clearly defined acts of cruelty, we must avoid making rules that attempt to impose subjective ethical
• Um, so this proposed legislation is designed to help raise awareness and to improve the ethical, safety
• , awareness and to improve the ethical, awareness and to improve the ethical, safety,<01:08:40.159

Bills: SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• was something that was done wrong, there's a good chance there's an ethics complaint.
• And, because of the privacy of those ethics complaints, I would hate to have somebody come on public
• :20:16.560> committee<01:20:17.040> for the, uh, Pellsby ethics committee for the, uh,
• Pellsby ethics committee for five<01:20:17.600> years<01:20:18.400> and<01:20:18.640>
• because of the privacy of those ethics because of the privacy of those ethics complaints,<01:20:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it does not apply to candidate campaigns, which are already covered under state and federal law.
• New Hampshire would simply be extending our existing protections that are already in place for candidate
• New Hampshire would simply be extending our existing protections that are already in place for candidate
• Hampshire would simply be extending our existing protections that are already in place for candidate
• political party, measure, or candidate. political party, measure, or candidate.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members are bound by a code of ethics to provide equitable and non-discriminatory treatment to all
• It's not really a question of intelligence or work ethic, but it is an issue of standardized, appropriate
• We must do what is right, not what is easy and not what's always been done, but what is ethical, just

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.