Video & Transcript Research : 'evidentiary hearings'
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MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I now move we go out of executive session and begin the public hearing on House Bill 1647.
- Okay, but we'll hear testimony. I just have never had that experience.
- I’ll be happy to try to provide you a memo after the hearing.” “Okay. Thank you so much.”
- so we're placing a private arbitration normally handled between the insurance companies into an evidentiary
- Seeing none, that closes the hearing on House Bill 1647 with no other business before the committee.
Summary:
The Insurance Committee first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 1615 and House Bill 2071 “do pass” with 11 ayes and no opposition on each bill, with one member present on the roll call. After returning to public session, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 1647, sponsored by Representative Overcast, which was described as a fairness measure intended to prevent double recovery when insurance payments have already satisfied part of a claim. The sponsor and supporters said the bill was aimed at property damage claims and intercompany arbitration between insurers, though several members questioned whether the bill’s language was actually limited to property damage or instead reached broader collateral source issues and evidence rules.
Committee members, especially Representatives Butts, Zimmerman, and Castile, pressed the sponsor on how the bill would work in practice, whether it would reduce a plaintiff’s recovery or instead affect insurer subrogation rights, and why arbitration was being addressed in an evidentiary statute. Supporters from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and other industry groups said the bill would clarify offset rules, preserve voluntary insurer-to-insurer arbitration, and prevent inconsistent court treatment of prior payments. Opponents, including attorney Blake Heath, argued the bill was drafted too broadly, did not stay confined to property damage, and was placed in the wrong statutory section because these issues are usually handled through insurer subrogation rather than in a lawsuit by the injured party.
Additional support came from the Missouri State Medical Association, Associated Industries of Missouri, and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, though some supporters also acknowledged the bill might need narrowing if the intent was property damage only. No vote was taken on House Bill 1647 during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I like to go to every service hearing. I like to lead the service hearings. I call the names.
- I want to hear what they have to say.
- We simply go to hearing, but we're ready for hearing.
- Making the hearing much more manageable.
- I talked about the hearing.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers.
Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools.
Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- to the evidentiary hearing.
- . >> Then filing to initial hearing to evidentiary filing to initial hearing to evidentiary hearing<03
- </c><03:08:40.880><c> Um,</c> hearing to the evidentiary hearing.
- Um, hearing to the evidentiary hearing.
- </c> an additional week after the evidentiary an additional week after the evidentiary hearing<03:09:
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use.
Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date.
Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- end of the hearing.
- This committee had an opportunity to hear from you during last year’s oversight hearing, and I look forward
- So I hear 15, but when I hear the ILECs, that's very small population.
- , pre-hearing conferences, evidentiary hearings, oral arguments.
- So our evidentiary hearings for... ...our evidentiary hearings, for example, are not necessarily held
Summary:
The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review.
Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs.
A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Do not register until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to register.
- Hearing none, so ordered. The Majority Leader is recognized. Yes, Mr.
- It's never received a hearing. I think it's incredibly discriminatory.
- Do not vote till you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to vote.
- Do not vote until you hear the bell.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To allow the education committee to hear AB 715, Zubur, at their hearing on Wednesday, May 14th.
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, the clerk will open the roll.
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, the clerk will open the roll.
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, the clerk will open the roll.
- Seeing and hearing no further debate the clerk will open the roll.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in the unlikely event that we have to end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
- If we have to end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee will reconvene to discuss
- I don't believe they intended to show up at the hearing or testify via Zoom.
- I don't believe they intended to show up at the hearing or testify via Zoom."
- Um, and I get to hear about everything from animal rescue to restoring Native Hawaiian plants, um, that
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies.
Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Apr 13th, 2026
Child Custody Review Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- “Shall hear.” I mean, scheduling is different than actually having the hearing.
- And then the second one, instead of “hear the matter,” could we say “hold the hearing”?
- And if you timely filed a brief requesting a hearing... ...requesting a hearing.
- hearing unless the prima facie case has been found by the court. ...not get an evidentiary hearing unless
- Now, I understand that under 3.2, it says if you request a hearing, you get a hearing.
Summary:
The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up draft legislation to create a future interim committee to study the feasibility of a family court in North Dakota. Beth outlined the draft’s purpose, proposed 15-member membership, and the study topics, including constitutional authority, court structure, jurisdiction, fiscal impact, implementation, and possible phased-in approaches. Members discussed committee composition at length, ultimately agreeing to keep the committee at 15 by reducing legislative members from eight to six, adding two judges from different judicial districts, two family law section members with rural/urban representation, one parent subject to a custody order, and a clerk of court representative; the self-help, mental health, and domestic violence positions were debated, with domestic violence advocacy retained and some other positions removed or replaced. The committee also agreed to include analysis of state and local fiscal impacts and efficiencies, and to keep the provision on procedural rules in the draft. The revised draft was approved and recommended to Legislative Management, with one recorded no vote from Judge Hovey after the fact.
The committee then turned to a second draft dealing with mandatory participation in a family transition program in contested parental-rights cases. Members first clarified that the term should be changed to a more general “parenting education course,” rather than a named private program, and discussed whether the bill should also require education about court process and family-law procedures. Some members argued the bill should specify content such as co-parenting, parental alienation, harassment, disorderly conduct, removal of a child from the jurisdiction, and contempt consequences, while others objected that the proposal was too vague, could impose costs without clear limits or waivers, and might amount to compelled legal advice or an undefined private program. Several members said the bill needed more specificity before it could be presented, and the discussion became increasingly divided over whether to keep the draft at all. The transcript ends amid that debate, with no final action yet taken on the second draft.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you hear me? Yes.
- an evidentiary hearing, until the judge has issued that prima facie case.
- And then if you request a hearing, what type of hearing are you actually?
- hearing, which means it is an evidentiary hearing, which makes a lot more time.
- That's an evidentiary hearing.
Summary:
The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and reviewed a memorandum compiling member suggestions for possible legislation. The memo grouped ideas into topics including creation of a family court, expanded education for parents, attorneys, and judges, expedited hearings for parenting-time violations, limiting law enforcement involvement in custody disputes, creating parenting time expediters, and adopting more uniform court procedures. Members also discussed whether to form subcommittees, but the task force decided to continue working as a full committee rather than create subcommittees at this time.
The committee then heard testimony from Dr. John Perez, a mental health professional, who described his personal custody experience and his professional work with families he believes have been affected by parental alienation. He argued for stronger education, faster court response times, and better tools to address intentional interference with parenting time. Members questioned him about his case history, the concept of parental alienation, and whether specialized family courts or judges with family-law training could help. Dr. Perez said a dedicated family court and faster hearings would likely have helped his situation.
The task force spent substantial time discussing the possible creation of a family court. Judge Hovey supported the idea of a specialized family court or at least a study of one, saying family cases are distinct from ordinary adversarial litigation and that judges with family-law experience could better handle them. Several members agreed that a family court could improve consistency, expertise, and speed, but others cautioned that the task force’s current directive is focused on enforcement of existing orders rather than broader custody policy, and noted that voters had previously rejected equal shared parenting proposals. The group also discussed expedited procedures for parenting-time disputes, with Judge Hovey suggesting a 30-day hearing timeline may be workable.
On education, members generally supported requiring parents to complete a parenting education course and adding educational materials explaining court process, child support, and what judges can and cannot do. Mr. McLean suggested a short instructional video for litigants and more family-law education for judges and attorneys, while Ms. Moldenhauer said education could be incorporated into scheduling orders or mediation orders. Members also discussed the Parents Forever course, including whether it should be mandatory in all counties and whether cost is a barrier; no vote was taken on any of these proposals.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I can hear you.
- and call for a hearing.
- Good afternoon, Madam Chairwoman, for hearing this bill.
- Then the court's going to set a hearing for that.
- We're always interested in hearing from the legislature, though, and always interested in hearing from
Bills:
SB1095, SB1127, SB1170, SB1208, SB1211, SB1237, SB1239, SB1240, SB1243, SB1244, SB1259, SB1283
Keywords:
gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, reporting abuse, child neglect, mandatory reporting, child safety, medical treatment, faith exemptions, penalties, narcotic drugs, fentanyl, sentencing, drug offenses, juvenile justice
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-25-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Where no federal standard exists, SB 178 imposes an unworkably restrictive scientific and evidentiary
- </c><00:20:56.920><c> We</c> scientific and evidentiary standard.
- We scientific and evidentiary standard.
- I'm sure our members would like to hear that, and you make you raise some really good questions.
- And then after hearing this testimony here, that really makes me want to focus in more strong.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate you hearing this bill.
- Attend the hearings and listen to the evidentiary information as we proceed through. to make sure we're
- Attend the hearings and listen to the evidentiary information as we proceed through.
- And listen to the evidentiary information as we proceed through the right hearings.
- Thank you for setting my reappointment for hearing.
Keywords:
animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably.
The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service.
At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate you hearing this bill.
- Attend the hearings and listen to the evidentiary information as we proceed through. to make sure we're
- Attend the hearings and listen to the evidentiary information as we proceed through.
- And listen to the evidentiary information as we proceed through the hearings. One more question.
- Thank you for setting my reappointment for hearing.
Keywords:
animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and approved several bills, beginning with SB 468 on animal cruelty, which would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected past or ongoing cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of relevant medical records in good faith; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates. The committee also approved SB 1706, narrowing eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, with members noting the need to better target limited funding.
Members then considered SB 1234 on building permits and inspections, which was amended to clarify permit extensions, narrow the hurricane/flood barrier exemption, preserve mechanical and gas permitting requirements, and refine private-provider and local-government procedures; the bill passed as amended. SB 1260 on building inspections during emergencies was also amended to require DMS state-term contracts for post-emergency inspection vendors and then reported favorably. SB 822 on community association management was amended to raise the threshold to associations with at least $750,000 in annual revenue and 100 or more parcels, while allowing direct-hire credentialed managers; supporters said it would improve professionalism and accountability, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee next approved SB 1580 on illegal gaming, after removing a fantasy sports provision by amendment. The bill increases penalties for illegal gambling houses and related offenses, adds enforcement tools, and drew support from law enforcement and gaming officials, while some witnesses urged clearer definitions and procedures for machine approvals and declaratory rulings. The committee also took up appointments to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission, hearing testimony from appointees and asking questions about utility hardening oversight, gaming enforcement, and a contract for compulsive gambling services; all appointees on the agenda were recommended favorably in one block. At the end of the meeting, members recorded individual votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Then we'll just hear our other bills.
- We'll hear the House Bill 99 presentation, and then we might take a few minutes to get some sandwiches
- We're hearing that they're having difficulty hearing you, so maybe we can pull either the microphone
- Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you.
- Thanks for hanging in there to hear this bill. Tell us your name. We know you, but...
Keywords:
medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session C Feb 13th, 2025
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hear thy people pray. May that love that knows no bounds upon us be this day.
- where the jury will hear about penalty and the trial verdict.
- Go watch a bond hearing.
- The evidentiary standard is preponderance of the evidence, which that's fine.
- In subsection F, that speaks to what we call a Nebbia hearing, right?
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11.
The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I now move we go out of executive session and begin the public hearing on House Bill 1647.
- Okay, but we'll hear testimony. I just have never had that experience.
- I'll be happy to try to provide you a memo after the hearing. Okay. Thank you so much.
- we're placing a private arbitration, normally handled between the insurance companies, into an evidentiary
- Seeing none, that closes the hearing on House Bill 1647 with no other business before the committee.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- hearing.
- hearing.
- hearing.
- I know I've set aside two days for this fact-finding evidentiary hearing.
- So essentially that's what will happen during this fact-finding evidentiary hearing.
Summary:
The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief.
In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent.
The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to start the committee hearing. We may have to pause until we get authors to come in.
- But first, I want to let you know that testimony for this hearing will be in person.
- Hearing will be in person.
- I just want to thank you for taking the time to hear this bill.
- I just want to thank you for taking the time to hear this bill.
Summary:
The Local Government Committee met on March 25, 2026, hearing eight bills, with several measures focused on housing, water, and local government administration. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Wilson sought to speed post-entitlement housing permits by setting clearer timelines, limiting repeated plan checks, and restricting field changes that conflict with approved plans. Supporters from the building, apartment, business, and housing sectors said the bill would reduce delays and costs, while county and city representatives opposed it unless amended, warning it could limit local enforcement of building and environmental codes and create problems for incomplete applications. The bill passed after a roll call vote, with the committee noting it would continue working with local government groups on amendments.
The committee also heard AB 1712, which would help Santa Fe Springs sell its small, financially strained water system to a larger regulated provider without requiring a municipal election, using a protest process instead. The author and city officials said the system faces contamination, major deferred maintenance, and rate increases that could otherwise triple; water industry representatives supported the bill and no opposition was heard. AB 2080, sponsored by county treasurers, would make county delegations of investment authority to treasurers ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burden and avoid technical lapses. AB 2640 would allow local governments to offset reductions in reimbursement for disallowed state mandate claims against other unpaid mandate reimbursements; Shasta County testified in support, describing a large audit disallowance and long-delayed state payments. Both bills passed.
The committee also approved consent items AB 1622 and AB 1834. AB 2180, which would codify a framework for proportional water rates under Proposition 218 based on the Dreher decision, drew broad support from water agencies and local government groups, but opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors, who argued the bill was premature while the Supreme Court reviews related case law. Despite that opposition, the bill passed on a 6-2 vote, and the remaining bills were advanced with roll calls left open for additional votes before adjournment.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Apr 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Child Custody Review Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- “Shall hear.” I mean, scheduling is different than actually having the hearing.
- And then the second one, instead of “hear the matter,” could we say “hold the hearing”?
- And if you timely filed a brief requesting a hearing, ...requesting a hearing.
- hearing unless the prima facie case has been found by the court. ...not get an evidentiary hearing unless
- Now, I understand that under 3.2, it says if you request a hearing, you get a hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- During today's hearing, we will have an opportunity to hear from the California Public Utilities Commission
- TPUC commissioners attended only 65 hearings.
- days are, in fact, evidentiary hearings, where our judges determine whether or not evidence is admissible
- For example, ultimately as a result of the evidentiary hearings that we hold in cases that do have evidentiary
- before I summarize what I think I'm hearing?