Video & Transcript Research : 'ethics'
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FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides for ethics training for local officials to include known influence efforts and how to identify
- with the Florida Elections Commission jurisdiction, and that the new course content requirements for ethics
- Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Commission on Ethics, and she is accompanied by Steve
Keywords:
financial disclosure, statement of financial interests, ethics, late filing, late-filed disclosure, automatic fine, waiver, Florida Commission on Ethics, public officials, state officers, local officers, state employees, ethics enforcement, government transparency, sunshine law, reporting persons, penalty reduction, first-time offender, election ethics, general revenue fund
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
- analysis, an American Law Institute principles analysis with standardized principles, followed by ethics
Bills:
HB250
Keywords:
HB250, Alabama Ethics Commission, statement of economic interests, financial disclosure, candidate ethics, campaign finance, candidate filing deadline, qualifying papers, declaration of candidacy, independent candidate, ballot access, election law, ethics reform, public officials, public employees, asset disclosure, income disclosure, real estate holdings, indebtedness disclosure, late filing penalty
FL
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.
- In 2024, the legislature changed the law governing ethics complaints. Mr.
- I am here before you on behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Keywords:
student volunteers, polling locations, election administration, community service, Florida statutes, ethics, public officers, employment of relatives, transparency, government accountability, campaign finance, child care, elections, fund usage, political candidates, candidate qualifying, federal office, election integrity, regulatory compliance, political candidacy
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.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill implements the Commission on Ethics' recommendations for clearly mandating that reporting individuals
- Form 10 is the number of the form the ethics commission uses, rather than electronically, also Form 1
- Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Ethics Commission, is here. Ms.
Bills:
S0964
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The main bill heard was Senate Bill 964, sponsored by Senator Wright on behalf of Senator Stewart, which revises financial disclosure reporting requirements for certain gifts and honoraria. The bill is intended to conform the filing process for Ethics Commission Form 10 by clarifying that it is filed with the Commission, rather than attached electronically to financial disclosure forms, and to allow the Commission to update its rules accordingly.
Carrie Stillman, executive director of the Ethics Commission, testified in support of the bill, saying it clarifies the filing location and reflects current practice. There was no debate, and the committee voted unanimously to report SB 964 favorably.
The committee then took up confirmation hearings for appointments listed in Tabs 2 through 15. No appointee was requested to be heard separately, and the committee approved all of the nominees in one vote. The meeting concluded after a motion to rise was adopted.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
LMG Public Hearing - Mon Mar 23, 2026 @ 2:30PM HST
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative branch, including, for example, the Ombudsman's office, the Auditor's office, the State Ethics
Bills:
SB2661
Keywords:
nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 910, house, all
Summary:
The Legislative Management committee met to hear Senate Bill 2661 SD1, which addresses nepotism. The bill’s sponsor said it would create a uniform state standard covering the judiciary, legislative branch, and related offices such as the Ombudsman, Auditor, and State Ethics Commission, and would include a good-cause exception to allow for unique circumstances, especially in rural areas. The sponsor emphasized the value of a consistent public standard and said the measure was intended to be transparent and broadly applicable.
A member asked whether the bill would apply prospectively and how it would affect current employees. The sponsor responded that it would apply prospectively but would still affect existing supervisory relationships involving related or household members, unless a good-cause exception or grandfathering provision were added. The sponsor noted that the current bill does not contain a grandfather clause and described how, in the executive branch, similar situations were handled by changing supervision or temporarily delaying enforcement to work through transitions.
The committee then moved to decision-making and recommended passing SB 2661 SD1 with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 3000. The acting chair, vice chair, Representative Morikawa, and Representative Matsumoto voted in favor; Representative Quinlan was excused. The recommendation was adopted and the meeting adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Ethics and Campaign Finance
Bills:
SB165
Keywords:
candidates, economic interests, disclosure, ethics, transparency, public officials, 1136, house, all
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 26th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, tab 5, Senate Bill 572 on ethics for public employees.
- What this bill does is simply modernize Florida ethics statutes to update the definition of relative
- What this bill does is simply modernize Florida ethics statutes to update the definition of relative
- And the bill ensures that ethical safeguards apply consistently to foster family relationships, which
- One appearance form from Kerry Stilman, the Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Ethics, is
Keywords:
open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption, Florida Museum of Black History, cultural heritage, education, Board of Directors, local governance, cybersecurity, data breach, data privacy, information security, local government, county, municipality, vendor contracts, third-party service provider, liability shield
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.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Commerce and Small Business
Bills:
SB330
Keywords:
water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 1136, house, all
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Bills:
SB330
Keywords:
water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 923, senate, all
AL
Keywords:
immigration, law enforcement, fingerprints, DNA collection, illegal aliens, Alabama state law, SB80, Buddy Sharpless Education Institute, Alabama Local Government Training Institute, county commissioner training, local government training, ethics training, State Ethics Commission, county commissioners, Association of County Commissions of Alabama, local emergency management director, public officials, municipal officials, Alabama Code Title 11, Alabama Code Title 31
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Texas Ethics Commission Dec 10th, 2025 at 09:12 am
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.
- He authored and passed a complete revision of the Texas Ethics Law.
- The Texas Ethics Commission adjourns at 1.17 p.m.
Keywords:
Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation
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
Texas 89th Regular
Sunset Advisory Commission Jan 15th, 2025 at 08:01 am
Transcript Highlights:
- River Authority, Lower Natchez Valley Authority, Trinity River Authority of Texas, and the Texas Ethics
- River Authority, Lower Natchez Valley Authority, Trinity River Authority of Texas, and the Texas Ethics
- 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.
- Chairman, members, I would like to present this modification to Recommendation 1.2 for the Texas Ethics
Keywords:
Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Ethics Commission, recommendations, Angelina River Authority, Natchez Valley Authority, public testimony, legislative session
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.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Texas Ethics Commission Sep 17th, 2025 at 09:09 am
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.
- The adjusted thresholds are codified in the Texas Ethics Commission rules.
- Discussion on the commission's progress and next steps regarding the Ethics Commission's comprehensive
- We will discuss the status of the Texas Ethics Commission legislative recommendations.
Keywords:
Texas Ethics Commission, legislative recommendations, general counsel appointment, foreign lobbying, political contributions, quarterly meetings, public testimony, rule amendments
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.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Mar 24th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
court reporter, official court reporter, courts, judicial system, ethics, post-employment restrictions, cooling-off period, two-year waiting period, rehiring, reemployment, contractual services, former public employee, public employer, Louisiana ethics law, R.S. 42:1121, Act 532, lobbying, public service, statewide officials, compensation
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Ethics and Campaign Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary of State, penalties of $10,000 to $200,000 for willful or repeated violations, and the Ethics
TX
TX
Bills:
HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463
Keywords:
expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, ethics, transparency, political subdivisions, administrative penalties, compliance, religious freedom, commission, government, advocacy
TX
Bills:
HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463
Keywords:
expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, ethics, transparency, political subdivisions, administrative penalties, compliance, religious freedom, commission, government, advocacy
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It'll be legislators and judges will be bound by the ethics rule against the ethics commission's rules
- It exempts the state's code of ethics.
- <00:03:21.680>
rule judges will be bound by the ethics rule judges will be bound by the ethics - 00:03:23.599>
rules against the ethics commission's rules against the ethics commission's rules - It is the same work ethic that of I will It is the same work ethic that of I will of<00:08:54.320>
Keywords:
drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures.
The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice.
Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Ethics and Campaign Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We all had to have a statement of economic interest on file with the Ethics Commission.
- Well, I knew I had one or I would have heard from the Ethics Director, right? You hadn't filed one.
- Well, I knew I had one or I would have heard from the Ethics Director, right? You hadn't filed one.
- Well, I knew I had one or I would have heard from the Ethics Director, right? You hadn't filed one.
- Well, I knew I had one or I would have heard from the Ethics Director, right? You hadn't filed one.
Keywords:
juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, agriculture authority, eminent domain, property rights, tax exemption, agriculture center, SNAP, nutrition assistance, benefits theft, state reimbursement, food security