Video & Transcript Research : 'continuation elections'
Page 101 of 500
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 52 Afternoon Session May 5th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to
- Having received a 2/3 vote of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the emergency to
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to
Bills:
HJR1101, SB1319, SB1264, HB4237, SB1277, SB2069, HB3066, HB2115, HB2153, HB2268, HB2961, SB1679, SB2018, HB4294, SB2095, HB4113, SB1894, SB1810, HB4268, HB1752, HB3413, SB625, HB3644, HB3940, HJR1096, HJR1100, HJR1099, HB2992, SB1636, HB4302, SB1613, SB1443, HB1409, HB1675, HB1225, HB1381, HB4359, SB1503
Keywords:
SB1319, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma, remediation, environmental emergency, brine contamination, oil contamination, oilfield pollution, residential property, home buyout, property acquisition, fair market value, revolving fund, remediation fund, state plugging funds, well plugging, abandoned well, natural breakout, Department of Environmental Quality, DEQ
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- First, this bill continues three major agencies currently scheduled for abolishment in 2025 by extending
- We in the legislature are the only elected oversight for the operations of charter schools.
- They want to know their values are being reflected on their elected school boards.
- What was the vote count, the number of voters who participated in that election, in the 2023 election
- HEBISD is a continuous improvement district.
Keywords:
government review, Texas Sunset Act, regulatory oversight, agencies, sunset provisions, autonomous vehicles, regulation, safety, criminal offense, Autonomous Vehicle Commission, registration, regulations, Level 4 automation, Level 5 automation, self-driving technology, traffic laws, permit system, collision reporting, safety standards, Automated Vehicle Commission
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- time this case comes up, it's continued time this case comes up, it's continued or<00:21:39.440>
- Information about voting and elections.
- Rights Commission to review election Rights Commission to review election changes<01:01:43.920><
- Act Commission to review those election Act Commission to review those election changes<01:05:07.640
- <01:05:24.400>
database, creating a statewide elections database, creating a statewide elections
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And we continue to work through this. Mr.
- Oh. continue to work together in ways that continue to work together in ways that we<00:30:47.480>
- we continue to work in this Senate. we continue to work in this Senate.
- She was elected to the Senate in 1986 and served until 2007.
- Um Senator Hollinger was first elected Um Senator Hollinger was first elected to<00:37:37.800>
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week.
The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems.
On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please continue to stand.
- We are going to continue on to business on the daily file.
- And it continues a sick cycle of incentivizing dependency in our society.
- to grow, and the cost to our counties is going to continue to rise.
- He continued to serve his community throughout his recovery.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 54 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation ensures through statute that they continue to provide these services to help librarians
- And thank you to the entire membership and your staffs for your continued support of the Commonwealth's
- So I would just say that having the school committee, an elected official, be the beginning place where
- I'd also like to thank the Chairman of Public Safety, the gentleman from Lynn, for his continued work
- Who is just re-elected to her term on the Board of Selectmen of the City of Longmeadow. Thank you.
Summary:
The House began with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee. It then took up a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (H. 5393 / H. 5493), which Ways and Means reported at about $227.3 million for items including snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and technical changes related to lottery revenue and other outside sections. The bill was advanced through second and third reading and later passed to be engrossed after a roll call vote. The chamber also passed to engrossment a land transfer bill for the Town of Marion (H. 5388) and a Bolton alcohol licensing bill (S. 2628, as amended). The House also enacted two local bills: one further regulating special meetings of the Holyoke City Council and one amending the charter of the town of Reading.
A major floor debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which was framed by supporters as a response to book challenges and censorship in public and school libraries. Supporters, including Representatives Garballey and Moran, argued the bill would protect librarians, require reporting of book challenges, preserve age-appropriate access to materials, and keep challenged books on shelves during review; opponents raised concerns about parental rights and local control. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including one that would have removed a criminal-law protection for librarians and educators, and another that would have shifted school review authority more directly to elected school committees. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and another narrowing who may initiate certain complaints to parents or guardians of a student in the school. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a large roll call vote.
The House also debated and passed H. 5491 / S. 1646, implementing recommendations of the Walsh Kennedy Commission on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Supporters said the bill would require certification for hot work, strengthen penalties for repeated or reckless violations, and improve public notification and enforcement to prevent future tragedies; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously or near-unanimously after roll call. In addition, the chamber advanced a local land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path in Billerica and a bill concerning ownership and maintenance of culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook. The session included several recesses, quorum checks, and recognition of guests, including Danvers High School graduates, a former state representative, and WGBH representatives for Public Media Awareness Day.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- But we will continue to provide tax relief to Arkansas families. Thank you. Senator has closed.
- The Delta sent one of the very best of its favorite sons when the people elected Reginald Murdock.
- And I hope that you will continue to fight hard for those that need you the most. God bless you.
- And so I got elected, and they said, 'We want to call you.'
- It's better just kind of like disappear and let people continue to have their fun.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 3/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so there would have been opportunities to continue the discussion and work together on it in the
- And we will<00:09:20.000>
continue <00:09:20.480>to <00:09:20.760>attempt <00:09: - Including binary triggers and continuing to ban binary triggers and straw purchases.
- , and this will absolutely be an issue in the fall election.
- in the fall election in the fall election and<00:28:54.000>
you <00:28:54.120>know,
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 2nd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It's still going strong and will continue even after we build Taylor. That's right.
- Texas is the number one state in the country for foreign direct investment, and our office continues
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with Chair Bell's staff and continue...
- I've appreciated the opportunity to speak with Chair Bell's staff and continue to have concerns.
- Here we have 1,350... ...is and continues to be a very important state for us.
Keywords:
school district, bond issuance, election dates, voter approval, Texas Education Code, HCR 9, Texas State Cemetery, Hill Country flood, July 4 2025 flood, Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic, memorial, monument, concurrent resolution, disaster remembrance, natural disaster, flood victims, survivors, State Preservation Board, Texas secretary of state
Summary:
The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development met with a quorum and moved quickly through a long agenda, hearing testimony and taking recorded votes on several bills. Early in the meeting, HB 2214 was laid out to exempt certain short-term residential leases and leaseback arrangements from flood-disclosure requirements; Texas Realtors supported the change, and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out a series of pending measures, including HB 46, HB 186 (with a committee substitute), HB 431, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2788 (with a substitute), HB 2791 (with a substitute), HB 3260, and HCR 90, all reported favorably to the full House, with HB 1147 receiving two nays and the others passing unanimously or nearly so.
A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 112, which would create a Texas Science Park district and commission to support advanced manufacturing and innovation sites. The bill’s author and supporters, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the Texas Association of Business, and the Governor’s economic development office, argued it would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support national security and workforce development. Testimony described interest from semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies and referenced the model of foreign science parks such as Sinshu in Taiwan. HB 112 was left pending after testimony.
The committee also heard HB 3698 and HB 3699, both related to unemployment insurance administration. HB 3698 would expand eligibility for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program using federal funds, while HB 3699 would tighten the definition of “last work” to help the Texas Workforce Commission investigate UI fraud. Both bills were discussed with TWC resource witnesses and left pending after the committee withdrew the substitutes. HB 1349, which would extend HOA transparency and property-rights provisions to condominiums and refine HOA rules, and HB 621, which would require HOA meeting spaces to be available for residents to reserve for qualified political candidates or elected officials, were also heard and left pending. Finally, the committee heard HCR 9 to designate the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday, HB 199 to index unemployment benefit duration to the state unemployment rate, and HB 3466 to exempt certain cancelable service contracts from Texas’s in-home sales cooling-off law; each drew supportive and opposing testimony and was left pending before adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 4/7/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of members continued to serve on all of their<00:04:52.720>
committees. - Um, according to the police report, it was not an elected official and it is a male.
- Um, according to the police report, it was not an elected official and it is a male.
- Um, according to the police report, it was not an elected official and it is a male.
- <00:13:20.080>
official report it was not an elected official report it was not an elected
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, general election.
- Okay, general election.
- The Secretary of State does not like this, but we obviously, as my constituents, want to continue to
- vote the way they elected to, so I'm putting this forward.
- as long as East Oakeshu can elect however they want.
Bills:
HCR3025
Summary:
The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it.
The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it.
Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Public Safety and Judiciary 2ND REVISED Jan 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And I hope that you see fit to continue investing in this effort.
- Office to do that, which you are elected by the public as well.
- It's incumbent on fellow elected officials that we.
- We can't think of anybody being paid more than the specific elected DA.
- The workforce continues to be our issue.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All items shall be continued, and that brings us to our...
- File items 8 through 10, all items shall be continued.
- And even in the district in which I represent, just this past week before election night, I turned on
- lot of us know, former Speaker pro tem Kevin Mullin, once Kevin got elected to Congress.
- All motions shall be continued.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- The House continues to operate on our 60/90-day rule, plus another extension to March.
- The contractor was allowed to continue performing this work with the workers that they were employing
- And here, of course, we have appointed judges; in other states, elected judges.
- I mean, and it's a mix of elected and appointed... ...boards of health.
- I'm in my sixth year as an elected, repeat-elected member of the Belchertown Board of Health, an elected
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor, legislative leaders honor Melissa and Mark Hortman 2/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll take the fight to our opponents in 2020 elections, but in the meantime, we need to find win-wins
- We'll take the fight to our opponents in 2020 elections, but in the meantime, we need to find win-wins
- , but in the meantime, we 2020 elections, but in the meantime, we need<00:07:12.560>
to <00:07: - all of our responsibilities to continue all of our responsibilities to continue to<00:08:40.159>
- I was a senior in high school who was interested in campaigns and elections.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- elected as permanent presiding officer. elected as permanent presiding officer.
- Again, uh be very electing both of us.
- <00:48:58.559>
to we hope to be able to continue to we hope to be able to continue to influence - Delegates has organized by the election Delegates has organized by the election of<00:49:43.920>
- election the Honorable William C. election the Honorable William C.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened for the opening day of the 449th legislative session, with an invocation delivered by Reverend Amen Flowers and the prayer journalized without objection. The clerk then called the roll, establishing a quorum with 46 senators present and the Senate ready to conduct business. The first order of business was the election of a temporary presiding officer, followed by the election of the permanent presiding officer.
Senator Ben Brooks nominated Senator Malcolm Augustine to serve as President Pro Tem, and Senator Karen Lewis Young seconded the nomination, both praising his policy knowledge, collaborative style, and ability to work across differences. The Senate then voted and elected Augustine as President Pro Tem, after which he was escorted to the rostrum and sworn in. Augustine thanked colleagues, his family, and the chamber, and said he looked forward to working through a challenging session together on behalf of Marylanders.
The Senate next nominated and elected Senator William C. Ferguson IV as President of the Senate. Senator Charles Sydnor nominated him, and Senator Cory McCray seconded, describing Ferguson as an honest broker, steady leader, and compassionate presiding officer. Ferguson was elected with 46 affirmative votes, took the oath of office, and delivered extended remarks about the importance of federalism, the role of states in filling gaps left by the federal government, and the need for Maryland to lead through state-level action during a difficult political climate. He also thanked colleagues, staff, and his family, and emphasized that the session would require collaboration and focus on Marylanders' needs.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Oct 8th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- The statewide by 20 individual elected officials.
- Sheriff Cook was elected.
- IT, continue protection for user devices and departments network.
- IT continuing. Thank you. J.JIS. It is the IT continuing. JJIS.
- So I'm glad that we're continuing to work on that.
Summary:
The committee met for an interim appropriations presentation hearing focused on justice administration agencies. Members heard budget requests from the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders, the Justice Administrative Commission, Regional Conflict Counsel, Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, and the Guardian ad Litem Office, followed by a presentation from the Department of Juvenile Justice and a brief public comment from a nonprofit advocate. The chair noted that presentations from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Commission on Offender Review would be moved to a later meeting.
The state attorney requested funding to true up underfunded circuits under the existing formula, staff 14 new criminal judgeships, replace declining VOCA victim-services funding with general revenue, and cover a projected due process shortfall. The public defender asked for a higher starting salary for assistant public defenders, funding to restore balance in circuits where public defenders lag behind state attorneys, and staffing for new criminal judgeships. Regional conflict counsel and capital collateral regional counsel also sought salary adjustments, additional attorneys and case costs, and competitive area differential funding to address recruitment and retention issues. The Justice Administrative Commission requested funding for Florida PALM readiness and implementation and for IT hardware and software replacement; it also relayed a clerks’ request for reimbursement related to injunctions for protection, Baker Act, Marchman Act, and sexually violent predator cases.
The Guardian ad Litem Office said it now has a guardian ad litem for every child in Florida and requested salary increases for senior and managing attorneys to reduce turnover. The Department of Juvenile Justice presented a much larger budget request to expand residential and detention capacity, increase per diem rates, renovate and replace aging facilities, fund the Broward detention center rebuild, improve cybersecurity and the juvenile information system, and cover rising lease costs. Members asked questions about staffing, compensation, detention and residential treatment needs, mental health and substance-use services, and the Broward project timeline. A nonprofit advocate then asked for better data collection on protection orders and related court actions to support funding for domestic violence and recovery services. The committee adjourned without taking any formal votes on the budget requests.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 11th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- will continue our work in cultural exchanges, and continue our work in innovation.
- will continue our work in cultural exchanges, and continue our work in innovation.
- will continue our work in cultural exchanges, and continue our work in innovation.
- Assembly Member Jackson continued: This just continues our work to make sure that we recognize that subnational
- All motions shall be continued.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several bills and permission for committee notice changes. Members also made guest introductions, including anesthesia residents, family members, and a legislative intern. The body then took up House Resolution 118 by Assembly Member Garcia, welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California and highlighting the state’s host cities, economic benefits, and international goodwill. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing local hosting roles, cultural connections, and anticipated tourism and revenue. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
On the daily file, the Assembly passed and retained or continued a number of items, then considered Assembly Concurrent Resolution 193 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry proclaiming 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Supporters described the role of women in California agriculture and the barriers they face; the resolution received 69 co-authors and was adopted. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 210 by Assembly Member Jackson, establishing a sister-state relationship with Gauteng province in South Africa, with members speaking to economic, educational, and cultural ties; it received 65 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The second-day consent calendar was then taken up. House Resolution 113 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, was added to by 68 co-authors and the consent calendar passed 73-0. The remaining consent items were listed, and the Assembly proceeded to adjournment in memory statements for Norman L. Ford, Jr. and James McCain, Sr., followed by a moment of silence for each. The desk was ordered to remain open for budget-related business, and the House adjourned until Monday, June 15, upon the call of the Speaker.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- no<00:08:51.960>
matter elections go, but no matter elections go, but no matter um<00:08:53.120 - combination of factors that continue combination of factors that continue slowly<00:15:44.800>
- And so and it electeds in some cases.
- So, that just needs to be a continued So, that just needs to be a continued conversation,<00:51:
- forward to continued conversations. forward to continued conversations.
Keywords:
transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use
Summary:
The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 3373, which was laid over. The bill sought trunk highway bond funding for preliminary and final design work at the 70th Street interchange in St. Paul Park. Representative Hansen, Mayor Keith Frankie, and Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham described the interchange as undersized and increasingly unsafe because of refinery truck traffic, aggregate hauling, nearby growth, and changing traffic patterns. Members asked about prior study, cost, and greenhouse gas requirements, and the bill author said the request was about $500,000. Chair Cosgrove noted the bill would be laid over and suggested the issue could involve future statutory exemptions.
The committee then took up House File 4449, also laid over, after adopting the A4 author’s amendment. Representative Jones presented the bill as a transit planning and accountability measure for the Twin Cities metro. It would set numeric transit goals, require better coordination between road projects and future transit projects, and give the Met Council more tools to support transit-oriented development, including property acquisition and development around transit corridors. Jones argued the bill would help avoid rebuilding roads twice and improve transit ridership, frequency, speed, and reliability.
Representative Olson offered an amendment to exempt highway projects primarily addressing documented safety issues, arguing that safety projects should not be burdened by added transit requirements or costs. Jones said she supported the safety concern but opposed the amendment as written because the bill was aimed at major construction projects. After a roll call, the amendment failed on an 8-8 tie. The bill itself remained laid over for further work, with the chair noting there was still time to refine the proposal.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Barry said he was here yesterday for election law and that it is kind of weird to be on
- I'm sorry, do you want me to continue with that?
- be accountable to New Hampshire elected be accountable to New Hampshire elected officials<04:04:
- <04:05:07.520>
with answer I'll allow you to continue with answer I'll allow you to continue - Thank you. have a voice to continue our have a voice to continue our Partnerships<04:45:51.160>
with
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 610, which would fold the Office of the Consumer Advocate into the Department of Energy rather than fully eliminate consumer advocacy functions. The prime sponsor argued the current office is small, funded by a special assessment on ratepayers, and duplicative of DOE work. He said moving the function to DOE would streamline energy policy review, reduce bureaucracy, and better focus the larger agency on lowering residential energy costs. He also disputed claims that the Consumer Advocate is independent, saying the office is appointed through a political process similar to DOE leadership.
Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would actually relocate existing positions or replace them, and whether the Department of Energy would absorb the cost of the transferred staff. The sponsor said the fiscal note shows roughly a million-dollar reduction in both revenue assessment and spending, and that the bill would effectively reduce the office from five positions to three. He also defended his cost estimates for energy-code-related housing impacts and said the Consumer Advocate has sometimes supported policies he считает increase costs, such as energy-efficiency measures and building code changes. He argued the office should focus more on energy supply and generation, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than efficiency alone.
Representative Wendy Thomas testified in opposition, saying the Consumer Advocate is an important, fair, and impartial voice for ratepayers and warning that the bill was fiscally irresponsible because the incumbent could still be owed salary and benefits if the office were repealed. She also said the bill’s drafting was confusing and that the Consumer Advocate’s role is to push back on utilities on behalf of consumers. Other members raised questions about whether the DOE would simply inherit the same political appointment structure and whether the bill would meaningfully lower bills. No vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated additional testimony would follow, and the Department of Energy was present to answer questions.