Video & Transcript Research : 'State Ethics Commission'

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FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Jan 28th, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • It prohibits the state protocol officer, the Secretary of State, from encouraging a sister city or sister
  • state affiliation.
  • state affiliation with a foreign country of concern or its subdivision, and the Department of State
  • states to help them build out state solutions to national security problems.
  • Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Commission on Ethics, and she is accompanied by Steve
Bills: S1622, S1178
Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act, sponsored by Senator Garcia. The bill would expand state restrictions on foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including creating a state registration framework for foreign agents, banning gifts to public officials from covered foreign entities, requiring ethics training on foreign influence, tightening procurement limits for information technology and critical infrastructure, restricting sister-city/sister-state encouragement, revising linkage institute rules and tuition provisions, and criminalizing certain conduct tied to foreign governments or unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect election technology, software development, federal foreign-agent registration, educational exchanges, and the treatment of organizations such as CARE; the sponsor said the bill focused on ownership/control and foreign countries of concern, not specific components or general participation in events. An amendment by Senator Grall was adopted to clarify definitions, align penalties with willful violations, and specify that new ethics training content is additive. The committee then heard supportive testimony from Kelly Curry of State Armor and Rob Pierce of American Global Strategies, both of whom argued the bill would help Florida counter foreign influence, protect data and infrastructure, and improve transparency. CS for SB 1178 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure under specified conditions, including that the filer submitted the disclosure before the maximum fine accrued and had not previously received such a waiver. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the bill preserves transparency and compliance goals while making the fine and appeals process more workable. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. Finally, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments in tabs 3 through 26. No separate votes were requested, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointees was recommended favorably to the full Senate by roll call vote. The meeting then concluded with no further business.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Feb 19th, 2025

Ethics and Campaign Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • statement for another reason, that you're... ...that you're allowed to provide proof of that to the Ethics
  • Commission.
  • analysis, an American Law Institute principles analysis with standardized principles, followed by ethics
  • , and then what do all the other states do—kind of a national survey.
  • Other states do—kind of a national survey.
Bills: HB250
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Jan 13th, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Commission on Ethics and Elections.
  • Actually, the Commission on Ethics. Madam Director, you're The Commission on Ethics.
  • This is a recommendation of the Florida Commission on Ethics this year.
  • The bill provides that the act of retaliation itself is an ethics violation, which the commission would
  • I am here before you on behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Harrell, which would update ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” includes foster parents and foster children, received supportive testimony from the Commission on Ethics and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414 by Senator Bracy Davis, allowing campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, was presented as a way to reduce barriers to public service but was temporarily postponed after the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance. Senate Bill 500 by Senator Avila would require FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices from nomination through assumption of office; members questioned the scope, definitions of major and minor parties, and whether taxpayers should bear the cost, and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Senate Bill 620 by Senator Mayfield would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship; testimony opposed the bill as stigmatizing dual citizens, but it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 92 by Chair Gaetz, which creates whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge and face retaliation, with support from the Commission on Ethics. In addition, the committee unanimously approved a block of gubernatorial appointments and then passed Senate Bill 564 by Senator Yarborough, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; members discussed whether the bill would create new volunteer opportunities and whether the term “community service hours” needed clarification. The meeting ended with adjournment.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Healthcare

Transcript Highlights:
  • just to kind of learn about the state of medicine in Alabama.
  • Uh I'm president throughout the state.
  • various hospitals throughout the state various hospitals throughout the state just<00:25:55.360>
  • Um so state of medicine in Alabama.
  • Thank you. every corner of our state. Alamians every corner of our state.
Bills: SB63, SB80, SB63, SB80
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The next agency we're voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
  • There were no modifications or new recommendations offered for the Texas Ethics Commission.
  • So this recommendation directs the Ethics Commission to review rules relating to their definition of
  • This recommendation directs the Texas Ethics Commission to provide an in-person training and online webinars
  • This recommendation directs the Texas Ethics Commission to provide in-person training and online webinars
Summary: The meeting of the Sunset Advisory Commission served as a concluding assembly for the current biennium, where various agencies were reviewed. Notably, the Commission focused on staff recommendations and modifications regarding the Angelina and Natchez River Authority, Lower Natchez Valley Authority, and Texas Ethics Commission. After discussing various modifications, the members voted unanimously on multiple recommendations aimed at improving operational efficiency and accountability within these agencies. The Chair emphasized the collaborative effort of the Commission members and staff, acknowledging their hard work throughout the biennium.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 26th, 2026

Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Transcript Highlights:
  • They also have to comply with state and federal laws.
  • Okay, tab 5, Senate Bill 572 on ethics for public employees.
  • on Ethics, is waiving in support.
  • One appearance form from Kerry Stilman, the Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Ethics, is
  • Instead, the bill allows a state agency to manage its fleet vehicles, subject to appropriation and state
Summary: The committee heard and voted on several measures. SB 308 on the Florida Museum of Black History was explained as implementing a prior task force recommendation by designating St. Johns County as the museum site, creating a board, and coordinating with a supporting nonprofit; it passed favorably. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability was amended to bar local governments from imposing cybersecurity requirements on vendors beyond generally accepted best practices, and after testimony both for and against, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 572 updated ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; after a technical amendment and support from the Ethics Commission, it passed unanimously. SB 1442 revised the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 1106, as amended by a strike-all, to require state agencies and certain educational materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” despite opposition arguing it would impose political language and conflict with federal and international terminology. SB 7020 reenacted a public records exemption for certain aquaculture and shellfish production records and passed with support from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. SB 474 expanded military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, including members of the Coast Guard and Florida State Guard, and added three amendments before being reported favorably. SB 350, dealing with public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement victims, was heavily amended to add time-limited confidentiality for an officer’s name in some cases and then passed favorably after discussion about balancing transparency and safety. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibilities from DMS to individual agencies, while still requiring data reporting to DMS for legislative oversight. SB 1650 by Senator Gates was temporarily postponed. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • 2 3 Chair calls this meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission at 9-10 p.m.
  • We want to recognize the contribution. of three former chairs of the Texas Ethics Commission.
  • He chaired the Business and Commerce Committee, State Affairs and the Select Committee on Ethics.
  • Before joining the Ethics Commission, she worked as a lawyer. in Governor Perry's office, held several
  • The Texas Ethics Commission adjourns at 1.17 p.m.
Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • There being no objections, if he does not object, the Ethics Commission will then issue a final order
  • Johnson, left the Ethics Commission to return to practice.
  • Samantha, on behalf of the commission, I thank you for your service to the state of Texas, and I wish
  • The adjusted thresholds are codified in the Texas Ethics Commission rules.
  • We will discuss the status of the Texas Ethics Commission legislative recommendations.
Summary: The meeting focused on the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) evaluation of legislative recommendations and personnel updates, including the appointment of a new general counsel and discussions about upcoming quarterly meetings. Commissioner Schmidt reported on the progress of various bills, including amendments to existing laws, the need for increased regulation on foreign lobbying, and the publication of new rules in the Texas Register. Public testimonies were heard regarding compliance issues and proposed changes in political contribution regulations. The Commission agreed to schedule further review on the legislative items discussed and the proposed rule amendments.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC-LBT, JDC DEFER Public Hearings 02-05-2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The commission um spending commission.
  • But it was following those bills that were passed in order to bring the ethics commission, the bureau
  • But it was following those bills that were passed in order to bring the ethics commission, the bureau
  • I wouldn't object to pegging it to Ethics, except that Ethics is the same sentence as Health.
  • Um we'll blank out the to ethics.
Bills: SB2841, SB2533
Summary: The joint Judiciary, Labor, and Technology Committee heard two bills in the morning session and later took up two Judiciary decision-making items. SB 2841 would require human trafficking awareness training for transient accommodation workers. Testimony was generally supportive from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Department of Law Enforcement, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance/American Hotel and Lodging Association, which also proposed amendments to preserve existing industry training programs and broaden coverage. Members clarified that the administration wanted DLE to be the lead agency instead of DLIR, while the Attorney General would still handle approval of training programs. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including coverage for third-party contractors and implementation dates, and the measure was adopted with no recorded opposition. SB 2533 would adjust the salaries of the Campaign Spending Commission’s executive director and associate director to better align with comparable enforcement/compliance positions. The commission supported the bill, saying its salaries lag behind similar offices by about $30,000 and that recruitment and workload have become more difficult, while one testifier opposed the proposal. Members questioned why the bill used the Department of Health as the salary comparator and whether Ethics would be a better benchmark; the committee agreed to revise the bill to peg the salaries to the Ethics Commission instead, blank out the dollar amounts for further review, and note the requested appropriation in the report. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted. In the Judiciary decision-making agenda, SB 2203, concerning the use of masks or personal disguises by law enforcement officers, was amended to allow exceptions for officers who are unmasked nearby or who are supporting undercover operations, to change the term to “facial covering,” and to add definitions covering federal, state, and county law enforcement. The committee also set a far-future effective date and passed the bill with amendments. SB 2442, relating to judiciary purchase-of-service contracts with community-based organizations, was also passed with amendments; the committee added a far-future effective date, clarified the consumer price index reference, and noted a recommended appropriation amount of $4.26 million in the committee report. All measures were adopted without recorded no votes or reservations.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:36 am

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fund was in meeting needs all over the state.
  • every county in the state.
  • the state.
  • So one of the issues in other states that were cited in some of the FIRs is those are not commissions
  • There are no other states operating under a commission model. Oklahoma did try it and abandon it.
Bills: HB70, HB93, HB95, HB139, HB140, HJR4
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:29:10.640> and<00:29:10.880> county amounts of state and county amounts of state
  • Stacy Aldrich, State Librarian from the Hawaii State Public Library System, with comments. >> Library
  • to do that but that's how the state to do that but that's how the state payrolls<00:34:16.079>
  • Next, we have Stacy Aldrich, State Librarian from the Hawaii State Public Library System, with comments
  • <00:57:09.040> Uh relating to indent to the state. Uh relating to indent to the state.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Community Affairs Feb 10th, 2026

Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
  • SB 934, areas of critical state concern, by Senator Rodriguez.
  • It could be distributed as dividends to shareholders in other states, what have you.
  • state is requesting it under this bill, is being borne by the state instead of the counties because they're
  • I think it’s a great idea, but I think the state should lead by example.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills focused on water safety, utilities, housing, transparency, and claims relief. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was presented as a follow-up to prior water-quality legislation and reported favorably with one support waiver. SB 28, a claims bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child-drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy and drowning-prevention groups in strong support; amendments required rental license applicants to certify compliance and removed local-government add-on authority, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 18, a claims bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, prompted questions about settlement and responsibility but was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from a waiver form. Several utility and infrastructure measures were considered. CS/SB 1724 would regulate municipal utility service outside city limits, limit revenue transfers, require public meetings, and cap rate differences; an amendment added gas utilities, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from municipal utility representatives and small-county advocates. CS/SB 1014 would require municipal utilities to extend water and wastewater service to certain nearby residential properties without conditioning service on annexation; an amendment narrowed the bill to residential uses and clarified capacity and grandfathering provisions, and it passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 would allow local infrastructure surtax revenue to fund body camera programs, with an amendment making the surtax authorization prospective and requiring a new referendum; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 260 on electric-vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to focus on storage only and to tie the higher fee to the period before fire-risk inspection, then reported favorably after testimony from insurers, fire officials, and EV industry representatives. The committee also advanced education, housing, and ethics-related bills. SB 1264 would ease zoning and code barriers for small private schools and micro-schools, with supporters arguing it would expand school choice and opponents raising implementation concerns; it was reported favorably. SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a tax-exemption section that conflicted with the Live Local Act, then reported favorably. SB 1622 would provide a one-time waiver of late financial-disclosure fines under specified conditions and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related materials, and an amendment added utility revenue reinvestment and other changes while removing DEI spending restrictions; the bill drew support for transparency but concern from small cities and counties about cost and workload, and it was reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment after senators recorded votes on selected bills.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 12th, 2025

Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's in the northwest corner of the state. Examiners, please introduce Representative Lawrence.
  • The name of the commission is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission.
  • From Finance, which would just basically replace one line to state that the commission is not within
  • the State Treasury.
  • the citizens of the state of Alabama.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Ethics and Campaign Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our former vice chair is now serving as the president of the Public Service Commission.
  • Uh, but all this does is it allows Secretary of State to notify someone of a penalty by email unless
  • is it allows Uh but all this does is it allows Secretary<00:02:42.959> of<00:02:43.040> State
  • Uh, but this bill very simply marries up the FCPA that we have here in the state of Alabama with the
  • Thank you all. amendment elections in the state of amendment elections in the state of Alabama.
Bills: HB16, HB214, HB252, HB16, HB214, HB252
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2023, the Ethics Commission issued an opinion that a former member registered as a lobbyist could
  • Members, under current statute, the Texas Ethics Commission is required to propose a resolution or dismiss
  • Additionally, state agencies, including the Railroad Commission and the Employees Retirement System,
  • You have the national, state, and then local organizations that all follow the NAR Code of Ethics.
  • The code of ethics, Article 10, states, and I'm going to paraphrase, that a realtor cannot discriminate
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing. The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.