Video & Transcript Research : 'plain language'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 6, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 24
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the language of the bill actually includes all productions.
- to share with my colleagues, Madam Speaker, is that I want to follow this bill to ensure that the language
- just want to give that clarification to this body, Madam Speaker, because I do understand that the language
- 39:05.040>
understand <00:39:05.760>that <00:39:06.160>the <00:39:06.320>language - <00:39:06.880>
includes do understand that the language includes do understand that the language
Bills:
HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386
Keywords:
arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 12th, 2026 at 04:58 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so my concern is I feel like this language in here, This language in here turns the onus from the
- And with that, I cannot support your bill within the language that it has. Thank you.
Bills:
HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are the first dual-language graduating class that have completed 12 years of dual-language education
- They are the first dual language graduating class that have completed 12 years, 12 years of dual language
- And whereas Representative Herrera always tells it like it is and is not afraid to use tough language
- There's a paragraph in here that says she's not afraid to use strong language.
- in more colorful language, which is important to get it out.
Bills:
HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 12th, 2026 at 11:20 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Code Commission Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- different approach was suggested, which is that we don't replace the terms in the code, but we have plain-language
- We talk about what plain language is, like, for instance, Be interesting to see.
- We talk about what plain language is, like, for instance, on DeMur, I don't mean to pick on you, but,
- So the definite, the plain language is a request for judgment on the pleadings.
- We do have the plain language project, but typically we'd be starting to think about what code section
Summary:
The Virginia Code Commission met on June 3, 2026, approved the November 17, 2025 minutes, and adopted an electronic meeting policy for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The commission also welcomed a new member, Travis Hill, the Attorney General’s designee, and later approved the 2026 work plan for the Administrative Law Advisory Committee (ALAC), which will continue work on updating Articles 1 and 2 of the Administrative Process Act, the preservation of error doctrine, and the harmless error doctrine.
A major discussion focused on a plain-English forms initiative raised by Justice McCullough. Members agreed to create a work group including clerks, the Office of the Executive Secretary, judges, and practitioners, and to survey circuit and general district court clerks for the most problematic forms as a starting point. The goal is to identify code changes and possible plain-language alternatives that could improve court forms and user understanding, with the commission approving that next step by motion.
The commission also approved extending its contract with LexisNexis for three years, with one member abstaining because of a firm relationship with the parent company. It accepted and acted on an Attorney General opinion regarding Virginia Beach charter provisions, directing staff to update the law portal to reflect the opinion’s conclusions about which sections were repealed or remain historical. In addition, the commission noted that the Title 30 recodification passed with a reenactment clause and will require a work group and further review next year; it also heard a request from the Virginia Electoral Board Association to consider Title 24.2 for future recodification, but took that under advisement for later discussion. The meeting ended with plans to poll for an August or early September meeting and to discuss a separate “shall” bill referral at the next meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Joint Legislative Audit and Assembly Business and Professions Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So can you, but you didn't talk at all about why just plain packaging or something that's closer to plain
- , but you didn't talk at all about why just plain packaging or something that's closer to plain packaging
- So we took that same language, and that's what you see in statute.
- So we took that same language, and that's what you see in statute.
- So we took that same language, and that's what you see in statute.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products attractive to children are being kept out of the legal market. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on licensees to self-police because there is no upfront review before products reach the market. The audit cited examples involving cartoon-like images, bright colors, flavor references, candy-like imagery, strain names, and beverage packaging, and recommended clearer statutory standards, possible pre-approval of packaging, better enforcement tools, and stronger tracking of repeat violators.
Assemblymembers and senators largely agreed that child safety is the priority, but differed on the best policy response. Some members argued for clearer legislative limits and even plain packaging, saying products like root beer, cherry pie, and cereal-like designs are plainly appealing to children. Department officials said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized label-review team, a rubric, improved databases, and more attention to repeat violations, while also emphasizing that the illicit and intoxicating hemp markets are major sources of youth exposure and that resource constraints limit inspections. They said they are open to working with the Legislature on more specific standards and additional funding.
Public witnesses split between public health and industry perspectives. A pediatrician and public health advocate urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, limits on flavors and potency, and a pre-market review system, arguing that vague rules have failed children. Industry representatives said they support youth protections but want bright-line, objective standards so compliant businesses can know what is allowed; they argued that most youth-targeted packaging is in the illicit market and that the legal market needs clearer rules rather than broader bans. No formal vote or committee action was taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MN House passes HF2432, the judiciary, public safety, and corrections policy & finance bill. 4/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:54:01.359>
language other than what the plain language other than what the plain language - language of the Constitution, the plain language of law, the plain language.
- language of the Constitution, the plain language of law, the plain language.
- language of the Constitution, the plain language of law, the plain language.
- plain language.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 25th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The language here is plain.
- The language of the rule is plain.
- language of the Constitution, the plain language of law, and the plain language in this case.
- This language is plain as day.
- Support, that is the plain language.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- plain language uh and is a proponent of plain language uh and making<00:52:56.960>
sure <00:52 - The plain language says when there's been a change to the statute.
- Chair, Senator Crant, I think the plain Chair, Senator Crant, I think the plain language<00:57:43.760
- languages that you even in the plain languages that you would<00:58:59.839>
you <00:59:00.079> - the as you move out in the plain the as you move out in the plain language,<00:59:58.480>
you'd
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee, February 16, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not plain language.
- It's not plain language.
- It's not plain language.
- It's not plain language.
- It's not plain language.
Summary:
The Senate rules committee continued work on a proposed rule restricting campaign fundraising in the Capitol and during session or special session. Senator Nethercott and LSO attorney Mr. Shaw explained that the draft was revised to add clarity after concerns that the earlier language could unintentionally penalize a senator who merely received a contribution without affirmatively soliciting it. The committee discussed two options: option one, which would prohibit knowingly soliciting a contribution and accepting it by affirmative act, and option two, which would prohibit knowingly soliciting or accepting a legislative campaign contribution by affirmative act. A new subsection C was also added to make clear the rule would not apply when a senator merely discovers that a contribution was made and took no affirmative act to solicit or receive it.
Members focused on how the term “solicit” should be understood, including whether a campaign website donate button or online promotion would count as solicitation. Mr. Shaw said the rule does not define the term and suggested it should be applied reasonably, noting that a static donate button may be treated differently from actively promoting donations. Several senators said subsection C addressed the main concern about accidental receipt of a mailed contribution, but that further guidance may still be needed on passive receipt and how to handle donations connected to pending legislation. Senator Duro said the committee was responding to an unacceptable incident that occurred in the building and wanted to make clear such conduct would not be tolerated.
After discussion, Senator Rothfuss moved option two and Senator Gierau seconded. The committee voted to adopt option two, with Senators Gierau, Nethercott, Salazar, and Chairman Biteman voting aye; Senator Rothfuss also voted aye. The committee then adjourned, and it was noted that the adopted rule would become part of the permanent Senate rules unless changed at the start of a future session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I read plain language in plain language to mean plain language. Follow up.
- I read plain language in plain language to mean plain language. Follow up.
- I read plain language in plain language to mean plain language. Follow up.
- I read plain language in plain language to mean plain language. Follow up.
- I read plain language in plain language to mean plain language. Follow up.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/25/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The language of the rule is plain.
- <01:38:32.960>
language other than what the plain language other than what the plain language - language of the Constitution, the plain language of law, the plain language.
- plain language of the talking about the plain language of the Constitution,<01:45:32.080>
the - , Constitution, the plain language of law, Constitution, the plain language of law, the<01:45:33.600
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/07/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I heard the word plain language.
- <00:48:04.319>
If <00:48:04.480>you as it relates to plain language. - If you as it relates to plain language.
- <00:48:40.960>
language <00:48:41.359>as all roll out with plain language as all roll - out with plain language as well.<00:48:41.920>
So <00:48:42.640>again <00:48:43.119>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe that the reason that second portion was put in was to create stronger enforcement language,
- So, we'll keep the language separately if we move the bill forward. Yeah. Okay.
- So, we'll keep the language >> Okay.
- So, this measure, as I see, consolidates and updates much of the old language.
- language.
Keywords:
youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need.
The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Bills:
SB54, SB126, SB128, SB101, SB102, SB104, HB282, HB298, SB54, SB126, SB128, SB101, SB102, SB104, HB282, HB298
Keywords:
sunset law, Alabama Surface Mining Commission, environmental regulation, mining, state commission, Alabama Private Investigation Board, regulatory oversight, agency review, continuation, sickle cell disease, healthcare, regulatory commission, public health, regulation, electrical contractors, state agencies, home medical equipment, board continuation, boards, commissions
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- schemes where they're looking to evade the payment of debts, extract value from companies, or just plain
- This year, some of my neighbors and I developed a proposal to bylaws with similar language in this legislation
- The community association bylaws would have that language. Okay, gotcha.
- too many parents are blocked from qualifying for assistance, even though they are in GED programs, language
Bills:
HB 1087, HB2504, HB4113, HB5144, HB5146, HB5377, HB5543, SB140, SB264, SB1244, SB1343, SB2121, HR868
Keywords:
property owners, board vacancy, special election, association governance, community management, property owners' association, resale certificate, fees, real estate regulation, homeowners, HB 4113, Texas Rising Star Program, child care, child-care providers, Texas Workforce Commission, TWC, safety barriers, crash-rated bollards, bollards, playground safety
TX
Keywords:
HB 8, school finance, compressed tax rate, maximum compressed tax rate, MCR, PYMCR, property tax, school district taxes, Education Code, Tax Code, state aid, school funding formula, local school taxes, Texas school finance, tax rate compression, public education funding, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- People go to Plain Ridge and they play those same games, and...
- Plain Ridge Park opened in 2015 in Plainville.
- For our members, Plain Ridge Park is not just a casino.
- A new facility in time will only intensify the pressure at Plain Ridge.
- SEATU has represented employees at Plain Ridge Park since 2015.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- that we have the removal of the plain that we have the removal of the plain language<00:02:16.319
- the<00:46:46.559>
bill <00:46:47.359>I'm plain language version of the bill I'm plain - what a plain language version of curious what a plain language version of the<00:46:49.640>
the - <00:47:02.960>
language <00:47:03.440>version able to adopt a plain language version - we of bylaws in plain language how do we of bylaws in plain language how do we assist<01:18:06.280
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- A business location means a business location—the plain language meaning of a business location is a
- They've always sourced their transactions at their business location because that's what the plain language
- We can't do it just by interpreting existing statute by some method other than the plain language of
- It discusses the plain language, or the plain meaning, of the language that is in the law and how that
- The process by which we do that is basically the legal process: we look at the plain language of the
Keywords:
public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee first set aside House Bill 2794 at the sponsor’s request and then took up House Bill 2290, which would clarify Arizona transaction privilege tax sourcing rules for tangible personal property by specifying that an order is received at a seller’s business location and that server location does not control sourcing. The sponsor said the bill codifies existing, historic treatment and would provide certainty for taxpayers, while the League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposed it, arguing it would be a major departure from current practice, could shift revenue away from rural communities, and could create multiple tax rates for a single transaction. The Department of Revenue said it was neutral, acknowledged ongoing ambiguity and administrative complexity, and explained that a 2023 draft ruling had been based on a legal analysis but was never finalized. Several business and association witnesses supported the bill as necessary to prevent inconsistent audits and to preserve origin-based sourcing for in-state sellers. After extended debate, the committee passed HB 2290 on a 5-3 vote, with one member absent.
The committee then heard House Bill 2373, which would add a space on the individual income tax return for taxpayers to voluntarily direct part of a refund to the Veterans Donations Fund or a veterans service organization fund. The sponsor and a representative of veterans advocacy groups described it as a simple, voluntary way to support veterans organizations and local projects. No opposition was raised, and the bill was approved unanimously by the members present, 8-0, with one absent.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 2143, a technical change to Public Safety Personnel Retirement System law that would limit the 5% ownership cap to publicly traded corporations. PSPRS representatives said the change would reduce compliance costs and avoid unnecessary workarounds while maintaining existing investment safeguards and diversification rules. Members discussed that ASRS does not have the same cap and that PSPRS already has broader limits on concentration risk. The bill was presented as an administrative cleanup measure, and discussion focused on clarifying that it would not increase investment risk.