Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative branch'
Page 101 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-10-26) - Reupload
Appropriations & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m not sure what it is in the executive branch in these particular areas.
- I’m not sure what it is in the executive branch in these particular areas.
- It's a live bill. reports pursuant to the executive branch reports pursuant to the executive branch budget
- So, the section on TIFs, can you explain the end impact of this legislation on TIFs?
- end impact of this legislation on TIFs? end impact of this legislation on TIFs?
Keywords:
An issue was found with the live stream of this meeting. This version was uploaded as a complete version and should contain the entirety of the meeting.
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:15
HB 647 Discussion 00:02:00
HB 647 Vote 00:05:47
HB 501 Discussion 00:07:40
HB 501 Vote 00:09:53
HB 502 Discussion 00:11:20
HB 502 Vote 00:14:48
HJR 75 Discussion 00:16:53
HJR 75 Vote 00:17:35
HJR 76 Discussion 00:19:00
HJR 76 Vote 00:19:43
HB 869 Discussion 00:21:22
HB 869 Vote 00:30:00
HB 619 Discussion 00:31:39
HB 619 Vote 00:34:33
HB 356 Discussion 00:36:22
HB 356 Vote 00:40:19
HB 900 Discussion 00:43:17
HB 900 Vote 00:46:21
HB 816 Discussion 00:48:02
HB 816 Vote 00:53:47
HB 9 Discussion 00:55:05
HB 9 Vote 01:18:25
HB 757 Discussion 01:21:04
HB 757 Vote 01:35:55, 958, all
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This work aligns closely with the committee's recent efforts to strengthen the CTE legislation statewide
- Recently, we reported favorably legislation that aims to expand awareness and access to CTE programs,
- purpose of today's hearing is to gather input and testimony to assist us with our deliberations on legislation
- They hold events such as Military Mondays, where once a month a recruiter from various branches of the
- we've been deliberating over the last several months, I said, geez, there's a Of the legislation we've
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE). Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for statewide CTE legislation, including efforts to expand awareness and access, improve middle school exposure, invest in equipment and facilities, and strengthen ties to workforce boards and labor pathways. Quincy officials described their CTE system as integrated with academics and highlighted support from district, city, and state partners.
School leaders outlined Quincy’s CTE offerings, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, with about 1,360 students enrolled. Presenters emphasized curriculum aligned to DESE frameworks, work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, safety training, business electives, dual enrollment and articulation with Quincy College, and grant funding such as Skills Capital and Perkins. They also discussed support liaisons for nontraditional careers and military pathways, advisory committees, and plans to seek Chapter 74 approval for an engineering program at North Quincy, along with new computer science and business offerings.
Testimony from MassHire South Shore described workforce partnerships, YouthWorks, job fairs, resume workshops, and the Credit for Life Fair, while the assistant superintendent explained Quincy’s MyCAP planning grant and efforts to build a student-driven college and career readiness system. Three students testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or co-op experiences, and future plans for college and careers. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for combining CTE with general education, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- I also want to extend my thanks to Chair Mohler for authoring this important legislation.
- Armed forces from across the country, including all branches of the military.
- Christy Jannigal, the American Legion Department Minnesota Legislative Chair and the Legislative Chair
- It's a legislative initiative that really does make sense.
- I'm the Executive Director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I have uh some experts with me who uh really were very helpful in crafting uh this legislation.
- But in a nutshell, what we legislation.
- It also operates a training branch and is one of just three approved trainers by the Board of Alcohol
- > Grin<00:09:18.480>
Grant legislative agent for Grin Grant legislative agent for Grin Grant - and also uh operates a training branch and also uh operates a training branch uh<00:09:32.160>
Keywords:
00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:27 - Discussion of 26RS HB 470
29:05 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 470
32:06 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 25
34:49 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 25
37:08 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 470, which was presented as a cleanup and delay measure related to peer support specialists and Medicaid reimbursement. The bill would extend the deadline for registered alcohol and drug peer support specialists to be Medicaid reimbursable, address issues created by delayed regulations under House Bill 505, remove a limit on direct client care hours, and create a work group to examine oversight and possible future board structure for peer professionals. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony.
Bill sponsor Rep. Kim Moser and supporting witnesses said the change was needed because implementation problems and regulatory backlogs had created a peer support workforce shortage and confusion across multiple peer categories, including substance use, mental health, re-entry, and gambling peers. Elena Swezy argued the bill would stabilize the workforce, improve oversight, and allow time to develop a more effective credentialing framework. Frank Miller Jr. testified in opposition, arguing the bill lacked a proper enabling statute for Medicaid-related changes and would not be enforceable as written. Sarah Vaughn also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on mental health peer specialists, multispecialty behavioral health groups, and whether separate regulations would be needed for mental health and substance use services.
Committee members questioned the bill’s structure, fiscal impact, training costs, and whether the work group would be appointed or informal. Sponsors responded that the bill does not require providers to hire anyone, only sets registration requirements if they do hire substance-use peer specialists, and said the work group was intended to help develop a more unified oversight model. Several members expressed concern about the complexity of the issue and the short testimony time, while others supported the bill as a way to improve oversight and reduce fraud risk. The committee approved House Bill 470 as amended by the committee substitute, and then adopted a title amendment; the bill passed with favorable expression.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on HF2432 5/7/25
Transcript Highlights:
- There were certain appropriations from 2023 legislation that were set to expire, but the uses had not
- There were certain appropriations from 2023 legislation that were set to expire, but the uses had not
- That section authorizes<00:27:21.039>
the <00:27:21.279>judicial <00:27:21.760>branch - legislative legislative session.<00:59:38.520>
R31, <00:59:39.520>Senate <00:59:39.920> - House File 23000, Scott, and Senate File 1098, Latz, judicial branch policy notifications.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So we believe that the editorial went on and said 37 states have already passed legislation, so this
- passed legislation so this is<00:27:06.559>
a is a is a bipartisan<00:27:08.600>move < - Right now, the executive branch is required to post all awards over $2,500, but it requires that they
- solicitation a clause executive branch solicitation a clause that<01:16:13.440>
reference <01: - the start of the 2027 legislative the start of the 2027 legislative session<02:34:46.279>
and
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused.
The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- :32:11.760>
for unfunded legislative mandates for unfunded legislative mandates for benefit<01 - And we continue to be affected by legislation that has passed.
- <01:51:40.800>
mandates says unfunded legislative mandates says unfunded legislative mandates - ,<01:59:52.639>
the <01:59:52.880>judicial <01:59:53.360>branch, executive branch - , the judicial branch, executive branch, the judicial branch, the<01:59:54.080>
university <01:
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray for these, the people's legislators, that they may be granted the courage, the conviction, and
- Thanks for joining us. morning for the Legislative Black Caucus morning for the Legislative Black Caucus
- Uh, we have a the prior legislative day.
- there's a place for the judicial branch there's a place for the judicial branch to<00:26:50.920>
- legislators legislators and<00:26:59.040>
leave <00:26:59.440>the <00:26:59.640>court
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Pastor Delman Coates, and received several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, student visitors, homeschool advocates, community leaders, and the Braver Angels group. The chamber also journalized remarks welcoming Dr. Coates and recognized a prayer breakfast, with members offering brief thanks and acknowledgments before moving to legislative business.
The Senate handled several messages and nominations, including withdrawal of an appointment, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board nominations, and Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners nominations, all referred to Executive Nominations. The chamber also received House Bill 156 and an Executive Nominations Committee report recommending confirmation of a slate of appointments, which was special ordered for later consideration. A motion to return Senate Bill 463 to second reader and special order it for Tuesday was adopted without objection, and Senate Bill 473 was also special ordered for Tuesday.
On third reading, the Senate passed a large number of bills, including measures on ignition interlock participation, school construction, port hearing notice, veteran status notation for educators, correctional officer scholarships, benefits exploitation, veterans trust fund applications, presidential electors, advance enrollment for children of active service members, retired law enforcement handgun permits, high-risk pregnancy discharge communication, charitable organization audit thresholds, child care criminal history checks, water pollution discharge permits, blockchain task force creation, franchise registration reform, licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, Medicaid collaborative care cost-sharing, gift card fraud, school for the deaf board membership, vehicle dealer hearings, massage therapy advertising, protective body armor reporting, lithium-ion battery safety, pharmacy prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, human relevant research fund contributions, state and higher education email requirements, and auto insurance producer commissions. Most passed unanimously or by wide margins; Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 585 passed with 30 and 32 votes in favor, respectively.
Senate Bill 140, concerning benefits exploitation, drew extended debate over constitutionality and pending litigation, with one senator citing an Attorney General opinion and another citing a Supreme Court case on neutral principles in church property disputes; the bill ultimately passed with 40 votes. Members later changed several votes on the floor, including on Senate Bills 172, 376, 428, and 48. The session ended while the clerk was beginning to read Senate Bill 629, with the remaining calendar not completed in the transcript.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- I think our Legislative Research Commission staff on providing definitions to proposed legislation so
- I think our Legislative Research Commission staff on providing definitions to proposed legislation so
- mentioned pass legislation to do that. mentioned pass legislation to do that.
- going to start if we as a legislative going to start if we as a legislative bodies<01:00:03.359>
- >
would <01:27:55.040>would legislators in Indiana would would legislators in Indiana would
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting.
The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings.
Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It's all executive branch agencies, so whether or not they received some money at that time, I don't
- So you have an executive branch constitutional officer that is expected to do the duties of leaving the
- For example, Chief of Staff John Austin handles our legislative policy and communications.
- addition, I could be here for a long time, but, you know, John Austin, the speech writing, the legislative
- She does expect a lot of us, and just being able to know what the current bills are, what the legislative
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Jan 22nd, 2025
Senate Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- He worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative Senate assistant for Senator Fieldrem and Chuck Hagel.
- You know, Senator, one of the major legislations that our side has been very proud of since the 1990s
- There are pieces of legislation that have been proposed by members of this committee.
- We propose legislation.
- He can submit legislation to do that.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is something that the Legislative Council would have to do.
- I think that the motion should be that we entertain how to move through a bill, through legislation,
- And we need to get the legislative branch involved.
- We need to get the legislative biennial committee together, or we don't have enough evidence.
- I don't see our Navajo Nation community development or our Navajo Nation executive and legislative branches
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- That the legislative bodies made changes.
- The 2022 legislation targeted individuals who may have pled guilty under The 2022 legislation targeted
- It's more legislative.
- It's more legislative.
- , and judicial branches.
Bills:
HB91, HB123, HB167, HB255, HB264, HB321, HB884, HB955, HB967, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB994, HB1005, HB1104, HB1107, HB1109, SCR3
Keywords:
criminal procedure, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection, trial rights, electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee first handled housekeeping by voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Sen. Myers, which sought to delay implementation of a State Police rule change affecting criminal history background checks for certain health care workers and authorized agents until October 1, 2026, to avoid hiring delays. An amendment was adopted to remove language authorizing parish and local law enforcement to perform checks during the interim. After testimony from health care stakeholders who supported the delay, SCR 3 as amended was reported favorably.
The committee next considered HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended changed the bill from a town-of-Addis-specific exception to a broader adjustment in the population threshold for municipalities required to remit special costs to the district indigent defender fund, raising the threshold from under 5,000 to under 9,000 population. Supporters said the change would relieve small mayor’s courts and similar local courts of a $45-per-violation burden that was not well suited to those systems. The bill drew support from local officials and was reported favorably as amended.
HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which would have expanded parole eligibility for certain long-serving offenders convicted before July 2, 1973 by removing language limiting eligibility to those who had pleaded guilty, generated extensive debate. Supporters argued the bill would only allow elderly prisoners to be considered by the parole board and would not guarantee release, while opponents, including district attorneys and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, argued the 2022 law already covered those who pled guilty and that the bill would extend relief to people convicted at trial of serious violent crimes. After discussion, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
The committee then heard HB 1107 by Rep. Melancon, a post-conviction procedure bill for capital cases involving claims of intellectual disability. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, required expert reports and IQ information, applied Daubert-style reliability screening, and clarified that it only applies in death penalty cases. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys said the bill would create a clearer procedure and speed resolution of Atkins claims; opponents from disability-rights, criminal defense, and medical groups argued it would replace clinical standards with a rigid statutory definition, rely too heavily on a 75 IQ cutoff, and risk excluding people with genuine intellectual disabilities. Testimony continued through the end of the transcript, with no final committee vote shown on HB 1107.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We were advised that, as a legislative branch contract, it's a little different than the typical 45A,
- <00:14:49.839>
branch <00:14:50.720>uh that um as a legislative branch uh that um as - a legislative branch uh contract,<00:14:51.600>
it's <00:14:51.839>a <00:14:52.079> - legislative members? legislative members?
- <00:24:54.320>
A against a setting legislator. A against a setting legislator.
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract.
For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts.
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (03/19/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:33.359>
that's we need to have some legislation that's we need to have some legislation - took legislation.
- Uh that legislation took legislation.
- And certainly um legislation.
- :29:46.240>
and legislative director for Health and legislative director for Health and Human<
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- That the legislative bodies made changes.
- One wants to restore legislative control. Help me understand.
- Does this mean in the legislation?
- It's more legislative.
- , and judicial branches.
Summary:
The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So today, I just want to say thanks to the significant investments of this legislative body.
- body our state is a this legislative body our state is a national<00:08:46.800>
leader <00:08: - Without this legislation, this body is knowingly leaving our children vulnerable to highly dangerous
- agencies and with the judicial branch agencies and with the judicial branch about<00:39:36.400><
- <00:39:54.680>
about anybody in the judicial branch about anybody in the judicial branch about
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG DEFER, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 02-12-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Len Ech, notubo with the Department of Health, Solid Waste Branch.
- /c><00:06:47.199>
U <00:06:47.440>we <00:06:47.600>stand Solid has his waste branch - U we stand Solid has his waste branch.
- I'm the policy and legislation chair here at the Hawaii Transportation Council.
- <00:16:34.240>
chair I'm the policy and legislation chair I'm the policy and legislation chair
Bills:
SB2699
Keywords:
fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session.
The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used.
Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion.
The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level.
Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Unredacted Optum report for legislators 3/12/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to be able to do our job as legislators and bring forward policy recommendations that deal with
- You know, we in the legislature aren't subject to the Data Practices Act, but those in other branches
- of the government, the executive branch, are subject to that.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2024, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court passed a resolution in support of legislation authorizing
- What this includes is... ...includes all Rangers, regardless of branch of service.
- They can be Army, and they also can be from other branches of service, although I've never seen anybody
Bills:
HB227
Keywords:
HB227, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom products, kratom processor, kratom retailer, controlled substances, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Penalty Group 1, tianeptine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, synthetic kratom, kratom alkaloids, adulterated products, product testing, lab testing, ISO 17025, labeling requirements