Video & Transcript Research : 'Capitol security'
Page 115 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session-part 2/Joint Convention of the House & Senate/State of the State Address 4/23/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And talk about security.
- That's security. talk about security. We've given parents talk about security.
- It's a means to a secure life.
- Financial security, job security, and we've invested collectively together time and hundreds of
- <00:43:38.240>
Security, around those ideas. Security, around those ideas.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety May 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Appellate court security, again, is a continuation of that issue and also an important item to ensure
- that our appellate courts are secure.
- With respect to the VOCA and nonprofit security grant programs, this is another one of those instances
- The same thing with nonprofit security grants, given the state's fiscal condition.
- The same thing with nonprofit security grants given the state's fiscal condition.
Summary:
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for the judicial branch, the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Department of Justice, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office opened with a warning that the state budget remains structurally imbalanced and urged the Legislature to avoid new ongoing spending unless offset by reductions elsewhere. In the judicial branch discussion, the Judicial Council highlighted language access funding, appellate court security, a backfill for the state court facilities construction fund, and an extension of the lactation room mandate; Finance supported most items but suggested reporting language on interpreter costs and reducing the General Fund backfill. Members raised concerns about judicial vacancies, long-term salary freezes, remote hearings, and the lack of progress on court staffing in some counties.
For the Board of State and Community Corrections, the administration proposed $10 million one-time each for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People grant program and a human trafficking vertical prosecution grant program. The LAO said both should be weighed against other priorities and suggested the Legislature consider whether the Tribal Nations Grant Fund could support MMIP work, while Finance said it preferred General Fund support and wanted more review before any fund swap. Members strongly supported MMIP funding and asked whether ongoing support would be considered. On the human trafficking grant, Finance said BSC was a good fit because of its grant administration experience and prior vertical prosecution work, while legislators asked why the program was not placed with the Office of Emergency Services as originally contemplated in prior legislation.
The Department of Justice presented antitrust litigation funding, Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse staffing, completion of organized retail criminal enterprise cases, and trailer bill language for a continuous appropriation from the Victims of Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. The LAO supported the antitrust account use but questioned the Unfair Competition Law Fund’s ability to cover the full request without General Fund repayment, and recommended against a continuous appropriation for the restitution fund in favor of a more limited mechanism with legislative oversight. Finance said the fund would remain solvent and defended the continuous appropriation as necessary to pay victims promptly. In the CDCR portion, the largest discussion centered on the Boston Consulting Group efficiency review and sharply reduced savings estimates; LAO said the department had not fully explained the proposed position eliminations or future $100 million savings target, while Finance said the work reflected deeper analysis and ongoing efforts to find savings. Members repeatedly pressed CDCR and Finance on the gap between earlier promised savings and the revised figures.
CDCR also outlined population projections showing continued declines in prison and parole populations, while LAO again urged the state to close an additional prison to save ongoing costs. The department then walked through several May Revision items, including workers’ compensation funding, a Corcoran honor housing dorm, incarcerated firefighter pay implementation, an incarcerated menopause program, mental health receiver staffing, mental health resource teams and crisis intervention teams, medical classification staffing changes, and AI note-taking for the electronic health record. LAO generally recommended limiting-term funding and more reporting for many of these proposals, while Finance defended them as necessary ongoing investments or court-ordered obligations. Members questioned the cost of workers’ compensation, the need for more prison closures, the lack of funding for women’s facility violence prevention, and the timing and transparency of the BCG savings process. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Another, and on the right, is our Security Operations Center Apprentice Program.
- Here, we're bringing students in to let them learn how to work in a security operations center.
- They're designed to provide security for networks. We're just getting off the ground with this.
- to do that as well, because election security is certainly something we're all very familiar with.
- And we were also able, as a result of this, to do some work on election security.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems.
The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information.
Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 10, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/3/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Capitol? Capitol? And<00:20:52.799>
whatever. - 00:23:28.240>
to fingerprinting was first utilized to fingerprinting was first utilized to secure - conviction in a criminal case secure conviction in a criminal case that<00:23:30.240>
was <00: - —to get to and from the Capitol, and you deny that request, and it's we agree on that request, you say
- —to get to and from the Capitol, and you deny that request, and it's we agree on that request, you say
Keywords:
facial recognition, privacy, government surveillance, public safety, data protection, civil liberties, disability rights, discrimination, accommodations, employment, housing, public services, education, civil action, failure to render aid, damages, Minnesota Statutes, legal liability, trespass, civil immigration enforcement
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from February 24 and February 26. It then took up House File 3661, a bill originally authored by Representative Gomez and presented by Representative Feist, which would ban government use of facial recognition technology and be re-referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. The committee adopted the A1 amendment, described as a technical amendment based on House Research recommendations, before hearing testimony on the bill.
Representative Feist said the bill is aimed at preventing serious privacy and civil-liberties harms, including secretive surveillance, racial and gender bias, and the lack of statewide rules governing government use of facial recognition. Supportive testimony came from Chad Marlo of the ACLU, who argued the issue is bipartisan, the technology has accuracy problems, and government use is expanding against vulnerable groups. Chris Wayland of Restore the Fourth Minnesota also supported a ban, emphasizing the inability to opt out of facial recognition and the lack of standards, disclosure, and community input. Rich Newmeister urged stronger transparency measures, including agency policies and public notice in buildings using the technology.
Major Spencer Baky of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office opposed an outright ban, saying facial recognition is used only as an investigative lead, not for positive identification or real-time surveillance, and that results are corroborated before use. He said the office has used the tool in hundreds of investigations and supports a statutory framework with safeguards instead of a ban. In member discussion, Representative Hudson argued a blanket ban was too broad and suggested a more targeted evidentiary approach, while Representative Moller and Representative Kurr expressed concern about misuse and the federal government's use of the technology. Representative Durant asked whether there was a current Minnesota problem and whether stakeholders and law enforcement had been involved in drafting the bill. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, beyond adoption of the amendment and the committee’s continued consideration of HF 3661.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Enjoy your day at the Capitol, everybody. and so if the school boards decide that and so if the school
- Enjoy your day at the Capitol, everybody. All right, next we have Senator Sosinski, 1311.
- such as more secured entries a certified<00:59:22.839>
storm <00:59:23.280>shelter <00: - gavel, but I will remind members we're not meeting on Monday to honor Indigenous Day here at the Capitol
- and our next meeting here at the Capitol and our next meeting will<01:35:07.159>
be <01:35:07.320
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- underneath the word charity, I have some special family members here today, some that are in the Capitol
- I have my son-in-law, Doug Hub, That are in the Capitol for the very first time.
- Please welcome my family to the Capitol. a very special day for my wife, Valerie.
- Please welcome my family to the Capitol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- You know, a few years ago we were trying to fund school security.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 107-1 roll call vote. Members then spent a substantial portion of the morning introducing guests, including family members, students, interns, nonprofit representatives, a park ranger recognized for life-saving work, and legislative staff being honored for service or graduation. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate refusals to concur on several amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on House Bill 2818.
The main floor debate centered on the conference committee report for House Bill 2002, the K-12 education budget. The budget chair explained that the report maintained record-level overall funding for the foundation formula but changed the mix of funding sources, including a reduction in capital commission dollars and use of blind pension funds, with possible later ARPA dollars to offset shortfalls. Several members argued the bill still underfunded schools by about $190 million and raised concerns about relying on projected or one-time funds; others defended the budget as meeting or exceeding constitutional requirements and noted record spending per pupil and recent increases in education funding. A substitute motion to send the bill back to conference failed 62-89, and the conference report was then adopted 83-68; the bill was subsequently third read and passed 83-68.
The House then adopted and passed House Bill 2003, the higher education budget, by 119-28 on adoption and 109-32 on third reading. Debate there focused on restoring the governor’s recommended funding while directing higher education institutions to develop a new performance-based funding formula by the end of the year. Members generally described the compromise as a step toward a more sustainable model while preserving current funding levels. Next, House Bill 2004, covering the Departments of Revenue and Transportation, was adopted 128-21 and passed 127-27; discussion highlighted transportation funding, rural roads, and a small local safety appropriation that had already been addressed by MoDOT. The House then began debate on House Bill 2005, the Office of Administration budget, with members emphasizing IT accountability, state employee functions, and ongoing technology consolidation/deconsolidation issues.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25 - Part 1
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Capitol? Would this exclude them from participation?
- <01:27:12.080>
uh expression um the assigned security uh expression um the assigned security - What about security threat groups or gangs?
- What about security threat groups or gangs?
- What about security threat groups or gangs?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House DFL school safety proposal fails committee vote 4/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Trained school security officers wouldn't necessarily know.
- Trained school security officers wouldn't necessarily know.
- Trained school security officers wouldn't necessarily know.
- A property are not consistently secured.
- This bill is about securing firearms on school grounds.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important.
Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments.
Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:25 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 2026, be declared Soil and Water Conservation District Day in the Senate, signed and sealed at the Capitol
- Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe, Senator Pat Woods, Mimi Stewart, President
- help me welcome my mom, my aunt, my prima, and all of the seniors from Northern New Mexico to the Capitol
- within the dorms or the living quarters for some of our higher education institutions in terms of security
- light on this, and we hope our higher education institutions are able to access funding to increase security
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 21st, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR184, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, HR165, HR166, HR168, HR169, HR170, HR171, HR172, HR173, HR174, HR175, HR176, HR177, HR178, HCR65, HCR66, HCR67, HCR68, HCR69, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR73, HCR74, SCR34, SB34, SB43, SB52, SB56, SB165, SB173, SB189, SB190, SB260, SB322, SB345, SB374, SB387, SB401, SB448, SB449, SB455, SB487, SB496, SB502, SB505, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB55, HB385, HB394, HB396, HB406, HB608, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB897, HB1030, HB1035, HB1038, HB1045, HB1049, HB1056, HB1058, HB1059, HB1092, HB1100, HB1117, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1177, HB1180, HB1189, HB1216, HB1239, HB1240, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB977, HB181, HB31, HB664, HB9, HB192, HB225, HB306, HB310, HB366, HB635, HB911, HB1230, HB1236, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB996, HB1003, HB1082, HB1113, HB1234
Keywords:
neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:33:07.279>
and access to opportunity, security, and access to opportunity, security, - Through his leadership, Alliance Cyber provided cyber security and its security solutions to others.
- We enhanced Boxer's economic security.
- Despite many advances since security.
- I support securely modernize the FAA.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- SECURITY.
- ALL THOSE FUNDS, EACH SCHOOL ANNUALLY HAS TO COMPLETE A SCHOOL SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL SECURITY
- I THINK PHYSICAL SECURITY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE.
- IF YOU ASK FOR SECURITY CAMERAS IN 2018 THEN IT 2025 TO SECURITY CAMERAS MAY BE OBSOLETE.
- AND THEY CAN SECURE THEMSELVES.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, over 810,000 national security jobs depend on our ability to attract and keep these highly
- Additionally, over 810,000 national security jobs depend on our ability to attract and keep these highly
- This includes creative tax and accounting gimmicks to secure various government subsidies and tax breaks
- We've had a lot of debate here in the Capitol. It could be on women's rights.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense.
SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I think that those should be the issues that we are tackling here at the Capitol, here in this
- Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and the Department of Economic Security
- Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, by Section 41-1971, relating to the Department of Economic Security
- We get all these business folks trying to sell us new security systems.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and introduced several guests, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates and family members visiting the chamber. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider Senate bills.
In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced SB 1037, SB 1233, SB 1290, SB 1445, and SB 1814 was retained. SB 1037, SB 1290, and SB 1445 each received committee amendments before being recommended do pass; SB 1445 also received a subfloor amendment. SB 1233 was described as part of a broader set of HHS-related cleanup measures and was said to allow 72 hours to cure deficiencies and reduce red tape. After the committee report was adopted, the House later took up additional bills in Committee of the Whole, including SB 1015, SB 1055, SB 1274, SB 1502, and SB 1573, all of which were recommended do pass, with SB 1274 amended. Debate on SB 1015 focused on liability for providers involved in gender transition procedures on minors, SB 1055 on reporting unlawfully present individuals arrested for crimes to federal authorities, and SB 1573 on prohibiting state courts from applying foreign or religious sectarian law; all three drew partisan disagreement but were approved in committee.
On third reading, the House passed SB 1168, SB 1172, SB 1290, SB 1221, and SB 1400. SB 1214 failed on the first vote, with supporters describing it as a stem cell therapy regulatory framework and opponents saying they were not comfortable with the bill; the House then reconsidered and placed it back on third reading. SB 1221 was supported as a transparency measure requiring public hearings before the Department of Revenue changes its application of tax law. SB 1400, relating to public safety employees, passed after concerns were raised about peer support and counseling protections. The House also granted Senate consent to adjourn after completing its labors, and the session ended with announcements and adjournment until April 22, 2026.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- To try and address the skilled workforce needs, the Chamber secured funding in partnership with the Department
- facility infrastructure tax credit, and SB 212, the quantum testing and evaluation credit, we will secure
- think there are unique opportunities we have here to position ourselves on behalf of the national security
- and I just think this would make a great difference for a lot of the folks that come to visit our Capitol
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.331, to amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, and the nominations of Todd Blanche, of Florida, to be Deputy Attorney General, and Abigail Slater, of the Distr Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- targeted simply for doing what they were assigned to do, investigate the January 6th attack on the Capitol
- maybe even more important in passing. new laws for our Democratic colleagues to join with us in securing
- As I said at the beginning, that could have started with bipartisan efforts to secure the border and
- They may provide a false sense of security, and some users may even use them to seek out the very drug
Bills:
SB331
Keywords:
fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, S-331, Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, fentanyl crisis, public testimony, drug legislation, bipartisan support
Summary:
In this committee meeting, the focus was primarily on S-331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. The bill's key components include making permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, confirming existing sentencing penalties, and easing registration requirements for scientific research on Schedule I substances. Numerous parents shared heartbreaking testimonies about their losses due to fentanyl, which fueled an urgent call to pass the legislation without alterations. The committee members engaged in passionate discussions highlighting the urgency of the situation as overdoses continue to claim American lives.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 23, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- security.
- important as military security. important as military security.
- Securities Laws.
- high-risk illlquid private securities. high-risk illlquid private securities.
- national security.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation Oct 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the Good Food Institute is a nonprofit, science-driven think tank helping to build a sustainable, secure
- capital through programs like CalCAP and IBank can unlock private financing and allow companies to secure
- some of these issues, we get the same resistance even inside—we stay inside the building, in the Capitol
- include plant-based mandates for hospitals and prisons. ...mandates for hospitals and prisons, and securing
- Good Food Institute, Social Compassion in Legislation, and others to do food demonstrations at the Capitol
Summary:
The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals.
The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced.
The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges.
The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Feb 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 23
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amendment, um, hard-carrying NRA member, and at the same time, this, um, is definitely not, um, trying to secure
- Second Amendment, um, a hard-carrying NRA member, and that this, um, is definitely not, um, trying to secure
- Second Amendment, um, a hard-carrying NRA member, and that this, um, is definitely not, um, trying to secure
- And then just also another reminder for Art at the Capitol. It's going to be on April 11th.
- Come and participate in Art at the Capitol. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Any further announcements?