Video & Transcript Research : 'utilization controls'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House state government committee hears Gov. Walz's anti-fraud package 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- real time to strengthen EIDBI or autism center oversight by requiring licensing to add internal controls
- and oversight capacity internal controls and oversight capacity within<00:03:23.640>
MMB <00:03 - <00:05:04.560>
team capacity to our internal controls team capacity to our internal controls - <00:12:18.600>
individuals holders but also controlling individuals holders but also controlling - look at some of their internal control look at some of their internal control some<00:49:11.160>
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think you've taken the time to really put some guardrails on it, so it will not get out of control.
- My name is Matt Baker, and I serve as director of the Office of Facility Planning and Control within
- My name is Matt Baker, and I serve as director of the Office of Facility Planning Control within the
- $53.9 million is for DOTD projects that were identified with over-appropriated P-1 that will be utilized
- that list of dormant projects, projects that may have been sitting and have P1 that they're not utilizing
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action.
The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable.
Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And so those seaports utilize our capital funding as a match and also pursue federal grants.
- take flight and there's a heavy volume of them, it will put a strain on conventional air traffic control
- We had preliminary design plans, and we were utilizing those to purchase right-of-way.
- Preliminary design plans were utilized to purchase right-of-way.
- That's one of the ways that we're able to predict and maintain price controls on projects.
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation.
Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding.
Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, May 4, 2026 - PM
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- uh and and who controls it, who owns it. uh and and who controls it, who owns it.
- different agencies that are utilizing different agencies that are utilizing that<00:57:51.320>
- approaches that that could be utilized approaches that that could be utilized as<00:58:00.640>
- industry, agriculture, utilities, industry, agriculture, utilities, emergency<01:27:04.640>
services - c> foundation<01:39:14.320>
of Geodetic control is the foundation of Geodetic control is the - approaches that that could be utilized approaches that that could be utilized as<00:58:00.640>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And now I'm assuming they're electronic and they can be controlled on the time.
- Controlled vehicles interact with emergency responders and other road users.
- <01:08:27.920>
of moratorium on the utilization of moratorium on the utilization of autonomous - <01:09:15.400>
to four tactics that are utilized to four tactics that are utilized to prevent - see the utilization of the term safety. see the utilization of the term safety.
Keywords:
vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Transportation (8-18-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course, for us to continue the expansion of the airport, we need to relocate our air traffic control
- This is the only building on the airport, the 1,100 acres that we don't own and control.
- We can do much with data, cyber, and advanced air mobility overlaid together and colocating utilities
- uh so that we colllocating utilities uh so that we have<00:39:46.400>
greater <00:39:46.800>- Um that was one of control positions.
Keywords:
The live stream for this meeting was prematurely interrupted. The full version will be uploaded in the next few days., 958, all
Summary:
The committee heard an update from Kentucky’s three major commercial airports: Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (SDF and Bowman Field), and CVG. Lexington’s Eric Franco described post-COVID growth that has already exceeded pre-pandemic activity, along with a master plan focused on the whole airport, expanded surface parking, relocation of the air traffic control tower, and a major terminal project estimated at $500 million to $700 million. He emphasized the airport’s role in serving both passenger and corporate aviation across central Kentucky and thanked the legislature for prior funding, including $5 million for parking. Louisville’s Dan Mann reported record passenger growth, expanded nonstop service, and especially strong cargo activity driven by UPS, noting SDF is now among the busiest cargo airports in North America and Bowman Field remains the state’s busiest general aviation airport. He highlighted major infrastructure needs, including airfield and terminal work, parking expansion, and a planned federal inspection service facility to support international flights around events like the Kentucky Derby.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Brooke Rollins, of Texas, to be Secretary of Agriculture. Jan 23rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Rollins, in line with these efforts, what's your plan to achieve the 60 percent utilization goal for
- They don't control the weather.
- There's so much you don't control; the margins are narrow.
- He got a no burn the day that they started this prescribed burn, which got out of control.
- It's a tough business; so much you don't control.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 01/28/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have a runup in utility costs.
- We also have a runup in utility costs.
- We also have a runup in utility costs. We also have a runup in utility costs.
- Paul and rent control.
- Paul and rent control.
Summary:
The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state.
Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits.
Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/13/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think it would maintain local control<00:05:49.360>
still. - It doesn't take anything control still.
- The testimony that we just heard includes an appeal to local control.
- The testimony includes an appeal to local control.
- While in support of a bill which is for state control, zoning facilities of this nature is a local control
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 21 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ibagane is a Schedule I controlled substance.
- Act, creates a highly controlled Act, creates a highly controlled science-driven<00:19:39.440>
- We have 173 million, 30, 15% w which we control.
- Public Utilities will meet at 11:00 tomorrow in room 202.
- Public Utilities will 2011A tomorrow.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, and several guest introductions, including a pastor, a doctor of the day, medical students and physicians for MSMA White Coat Day, and visitors in the galleries. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 314, the Ibogaine Treatment Drug Development Grant Program Act. The sponsor described ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and related conditions, emphasizing that the bill would not legalize the drug but would authorize the State Department of Health to fund a consortium for FDA-regulated clinical trials with private matching funds, a university and hospital partner, and a requirement that at least 20% of commercialization revenue go to the state. Members asked about VA involvement, whether the trials would serve veterans or civilians, how the drug would be administered and monitored, why a statute was needed, and the source of the proposed state funding. The bill passed by a vote of 110 yeas and 1 nay.
The House then considered House Bill 534, as a committee substitute, creating the Mississippi Health Exchange, a statewide health information exchange for real-time sharing of admission, discharge, transfer, and related patient information among hospitals, clinics, payers, and public health officials. The sponsor said the system would improve continuity of care, help with bed availability and mental health placements, and support public health analysis while protecting privacy through HIPAA compliance, an opt-out process, and limits on access to identified data. The bill would require hospitals, community mental health centers, and state hospitals to participate as a condition of licensure, designate a single nonprofit operator selected by the Department of Health, and create a fund for implementation and cybersecurity costs.
Members questioned the bill about privacy protections, the opt-out process, whether data could be sold or shared improperly, costs to hospitals, whether hospitals and the hospital association supported the measure, and how the exchange would work in transfer scenarios. The sponsor said the bill would make unauthorized sharing illegal, that most hospitals already participate in some form of HIE, and that the exchange would not cost the state anything immediately because there was no appropriation attached. The discussion also noted possible help from rural transformation funding. The transcript ends during continued questioning of House Bill 534, before final passage or other action is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight committee (10-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm wondering how will he utilize this?
- So I'm wondering how will he utilize this?
- So, thank you for this opportunity to give you our annual update on how the cabinet is utilizing the
- <00:25:12.240>
program that the federal tobacco control program that the federal tobacco control - We didn't really have that robust<01:01:10.400>
tobacco <01:01:10.960>control.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09
Approval of Minutes 00:00:48
KOAP Report 00:01:09
Update from CHFS 00:20:27, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared.
The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site.
The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Common interest communities provisions modified 2/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My lawyer has HOA fees and utilities.
- Um, I'm trying to understand how new laws, new regulations are going to control cost.
- Um, I'm trying to understand how new laws, new regulations are going to control cost.
- Um, I'm trying to understand how new laws, new regulations are going to control cost.
- I've been in are going to control cost.
Summary:
The committee took up Senate File 1750, an HOA/common interest community reform bill, and first adopted the DE9 amendment after the chair moved it to put the bill in the form the author wanted. The bill was described by supporters as a consumer and homeowner protection measure intended to add transparency, dispute-resolution rights, conflict-of-interest rules, and limits on fees and late charges in Minnesota HOAs, which supporters said have grown rapidly and are not adequately covered by current law.
Supporters, including legal aid, the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, said the bill responds to longstanding complaints about HOA abuse, lack of transparency, escalating attorney fees, foreclosure-related problems, and management-company conflicts of interest. They argued the revised bill reflects extensive stakeholder work and would help homeowners resolve disputes without costly escalation while improving fairness and accountability.
Opponents, including attorneys and representatives of HOA management interests, argued the bill is too rigid and one-size-fits-all, would raise costs for all homeowners, and could make associations harder to govern. They said fee caps, contract restrictions, procurement mandates, and dispute procedures would increase assessments, reduce flexibility, discourage board service, and create more legal and administrative burden, especially for smaller or financially strained communities. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 13 (1-23-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 27 is a local control bill.
- Senate Bill 27 is a local control bill.
- . control. control.
- This is<00:55:32.640>
being <00:55:33.040>utilized. - It's being abused is being utilized.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber also received a House message that House Bill 96 had passed and requested concurrence. During second reading, Senate Bills 17, 34, 39, and 181 were reported and sent to the Rules Committee, and Senate Resolution 56 was introduced honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig for their mission service.
The chamber then took up Senate Bill 27, which would allow local governing bodies, after consulting with a coroner and making a 30-day effort to locate next of kin, to choose cremation rather than burial for indigent decedents; it also preserved options for religious organizations to take possession of a body. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 35-0. Senate Bill 30, dealing with the Motor Vehicle Commission’s restricted fee account and allowing unused funds to carry forward for commission operations, also passed unanimously 35-0.
Senate Bill 40, concerning public library district boards of trustees, was amended by committee substitute and passed 34-1 after debate. Supporters said it would return county library board appointments to local officials and speed appointments, while opponents argued it could politicize libraries and weaken their independence; several members explained their votes, including concerns from library advocates and a defense that the bill still allowed local boards to seek advice. Senate Bill 76, which limits school boards from increasing occupational license taxes above the base 0.5% until a county reaches a population of 500,000, was also amended by committee substitute and passed after its sponsor argued it responded to a disputed Fayette County tax increase and would restore transparency and public trust.
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:
- focus, which could come from the deliberate or unintended tampering with sophisticated emissions control
- Third-party time guides are guides that are meant for independent repair shops to utilize.
- Requiring us to utilize a third-party time guide or multiplier is not only unnecessary, but would increase
- Requiring us to utilize a third-party time guide or multiplier is not only unnecessary, but would increase
- further on that, so the time we give is made up of that work time, which is that stopwatch time utilizing
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard testimony on a wide range of bills involving consumer protection, auto regulation, alcohol licenses, and professional licensure. A major focus was legislation to require a one-hour domestic violence awareness training for salon and cosmetology licensees (H.323/S.200), supported by District Attorney Marion Ryan, law enforcement, and a salon industry witness who described the program’s value in identifying and helping victims. The committee also heard strong support from the Attorney General’s office for auto consumer protection legislation (S.228/H.379) that would expand used-car warranty protections, extend the Lemon Law return period to seven days after receipt of the vehicle, raise the mileage cap to 200,000 miles, and increase dealer surety bonds to $50,000. Independent dealers opposed those changes, arguing they would burden small businesses and that dealer education, not expanded liability, was the better solution.
The committee also took testimony on bills related to vehicle financial products and repair information. A trade association supported GAP waiver legislation (H.4188/S.281), saying it would create clear consumer protections and standard disclosures. On right-to-repair and heavy-duty vehicle service information (S.266), engine and truck manufacturers supported an exemption for commercial vehicles, while others argued that releasing service data to the general public could create safety, cybersecurity, and emissions risks. The committee then heard extensive testimony on auto dealer franchise and warranty reimbursement legislation (S.201/H.406), with dealer groups supporting changes to warranty labor reimbursement and manufacturer groups opposing them as costly and unnecessary. Manufacturers from GM, Volvo, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, and others said their current time-study and appeals processes already compensate dealers fairly and that the bill would raise costs for consumers.
In addition, the committee heard testimony on H.333, which would move auto damage appraiser licensing from the Division of Insurance to the Division of Occupational Licensure. Collision repair advocates supported the change, saying the current board structure leads to repeated dismissals of complaints and lacks accountability, while emphasizing that the bill is intended to protect consumers and ensure proper repair reimbursement. The hearing also included testimony in support of a local alcohol license petition for Westwood and a separate local alcohol measure for a town grant license. At the end of the hearing, the chairs announced that all docketed bills had been heard, noted that a joint poll would be held on H.4184, and the committee voted to adjourn by voice vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- This language proposes centralizing the work of assessing telecom and utility company property under
- This language proposes centralizing the work of assessing telecom and utility company property under
- largest driver of our city's budget increase by far was fixed costs, costs over which we have no control
- largest driver of our city's budget increase by far was in fixed costs, cost over which we have no control
- The largest increase by far was in fixed costs, costs over which we have no control or discretion.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on several property and local tax bills. The main focus was H.56, the Municipal Empowerment Act, which the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, MAPC, and Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo supported as a package of local options and administrative reforms. Supporters said municipalities need more tools to relieve pressure on property taxes and fund services, citing proposed increases to local meals and lodging taxes, a new local vehicle excise surcharge, senior property tax relief, one-year override flexibility for emergencies, and central valuation of telecom and utility property by DOR. The administration said the bill was based on municipal listening sessions and was intended to give cities and towns optional, not mandatory, revenue tools. Opponents, including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, argued the tax increases would hurt restaurants, hotels, tourism, and small businesses and add to affordability concerns.
The committee also heard testimony on H.3211, dealing with deeds excise receipts, from Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staidi. He said Norfolk County is financially stable but needs additional revenue for major capital needs at its agricultural school, especially a new cafeteria and other aging facilities, and also to support county programs such as veteran transportation services. On S.2020, a bill to allow settlements of tax liability, Greater Boston Legal Services, the Asian American Civic Association, and several individual taxpayers urged creation of a more workable offer-in-compromise process at DOR. They said the current system is too subjective, requires an unaffordable $5,000 threshold, lacks clear standards and appeal rights, and leaves low-income taxpayers stuck with unmanageable debt, license suspensions, or business closures. Supporters said the bill would give both taxpayers and DOR a practical way to resolve liabilities and bring people back into compliance.
The committee also took testimony on S.1966, which would require nonprofits selling property to disclose any back-tax obligations to buyers. Senator Peter Durant said the bill was prompted by a personal experience in which a tax bill arrived after a nonprofit property purchase was already completed, and he argued the disclosure would prevent buyers from being surprised by retroactive tax liability. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed the session after hearing from all scheduled witnesses.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:05 pm
Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- testing where there is credible evidence that the parents are currently abusing or improperly using a controlled
- You would be able to, you know, if someone's not doing their job, you'd have more control on fixing that
- Again, I'm trying to understand whether, again, partial access versus full access and kind of control
- We retained in lines 48 through 53 the safe harbor provision and also that if you do not utilize e-verify
- phrase notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary an employer that does not utilize
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- some stability in markets, as farming is inherently dependent on many factors that are out of our control
- Three I'd like to highlight specifically are erosion control, both wind and water, water infiltration
- On our farm, we have utilized this program to expand our cover crop usage, and I've also added oats as
- We utilize some of our cover crops for feed, allowing us to hit the two-foot growing height that was
- We're able to utilize both of those on our dairy.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So the bill calls for 85% to allow some room for utility costs.
- And I will point out to you, um, I know I said it's 85% just to allow for the utility piece of it as
- So the fair market rent is determined based on both rent and utilities.
- And I will tell you the training I went to because there is nothing that it, that controls even that.
- So all of that can be controlled for the whole state of Texas through what you all submit.
Keywords:
HB 148, Texas Education Code, Texas Education Agency, TEA, artificial intelligence, AI, machine learning, automated scoring, constructed response, open-ended answers, student assessments, state testing, standardized tests, public schools, education policy, assessment instruments, school accountability, test scoring, 2026-2027 school year, ad valorem tax
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Utilities must serve despite risk factors that are not all within their control, and across the United
- <00:12:18.040>
must of the state of Hawaii utilities must of the state of Hawaii utilities - Beth Amaro from Koi Island utility Beth Amaro from Koi Island utility Cooperative<00:13:22.639><
- If there was a bona fide offer from an investor-owned utility to acquire the utility, a co-op may not
- a utility failing.
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later.
The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's that simple. say that this is about local control. say that this is about local control.
- and thwart local control. and thwart local control.
- I said "This is centralizing control." control." control."
- , centralize control, centralize control, the<01:26:24.800>
worse <01:26:25.120>the - <01:27:51.200>
fees, <01:27:52.240>or control fees, or control fees, or off-premises<01