Video & Transcript Research : 'testimony'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Transportation committee approves HF5 1/22/25
Transcript Highlights:
- At the testifier table, please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.
- Oorcapoor, for your testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony.
- I look forward to your testimony, and please introduce yourself and then proceed with your testimony.
- Thank you for that testimony, Mr. Feland. That's the last public testimony on our list.
Summary:
House File 5 was heard in the Transportation Committee and moved by the author, Representative Jim Joy, to be referred to the Tax Committee. Joy described the bill as a package to make Minnesota more affordable by fully eliminating the Social Security tax subtraction, ending the motor fuels tax indexing, repealing the retail delivery fee, and studying vehicle registration/license taxes compared with neighboring states. Committee fiscal staff explained the bill’s fiscal effects across the general fund, highway user tax distribution fund, transportation advancement account, and metro county sales tax allocations, including that the delivery fee repeal would reduce Transportation Advancement Account revenue and that the bill would shift some revenue sources to offset losses.
Several stakeholders testified. The Minnesota Grocers Association strongly supported repealing the retail delivery fee, arguing it is costly and complex for retailers to administer, especially small businesses, and that the costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. The Minnesota Propane Association also supported repeal, saying the fee is burdensome for propane businesses, that only a small share of deliveries are actually subject to it, and that compliance costs can exceed the fee revenue collected. Fiscal staff noted that delivery fee revenue forecasts have fallen below earlier projections, and explained that the fee is imposed on sellers with several exemptions, including a $100 transaction threshold and exemptions for some sales such as bars, restaurants, nonprofits, and certain small businesses.
Opposition came from local government groups. The League of Minnesota Cities said it supported the Transportation Advancement Account and its 2023 funding sources, including the delivery fee and motor vehicle parts sales tax, and warned that the bill would prematurely alter a funding structure that cities rely on for predictable transportation revenue. The Minnesota Association of Small Cities said small cities had long lacked dedicated transportation funding and wanted a stable, ongoing revenue stream, but were neutral on the exact source as long as it was reliable. Metro Cities echoed support for stable, predictable transportation funding for metro-area cities. The committee took testimony and discussion only; no final vote was recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to refer the bill to the Tax Committee.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (04/24/2025)
Children and Family Law
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 5th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair opens up public testimony on Senate Bill 612. Seeing none, public testimony is closed.
- All right, the Chair opens up public testimony for HB 1633.
- Hearing none, testimony is closed.
- The chair opens up public testimony for Senate Bill 3058.
- The Chair opens up public testimony on House Bill 2018.
Keywords:
agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So we will open public testimony on 2774.
- We'll close public testimony on Senate Bill 1211. Thank you.
- Let's see, we don't have any cards requesting public testimony.
- We'll open public testimony.
- We'll open public testimony. I don't have any public cards.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar.
The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate.
Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are back on the bill and we are at public testimony.
- Is there any public testimony? No public testimony. We're in debate. Members, any debate? Oh.
- Is there any public testimony? No public testimony. We're in debate. Members, any debate? Oh.
- Seeing none, any public testimony? Seeing none, any debate? Seeing none.
- Public testimony? Any public testimony? Seeing none. Members, we're in debate. Any debate? Oh, Rep.
Summary:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed.
HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/06/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Youth Sports Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, opening up for public testimony.
- If not, yes, we can encourage people to submit written testimony.
- Written testimony, yes, absolutely.
- Again, folks who would like to submit written testimony may do so at youthsports@mass.gov.
- I think this will be the last call for any public comment or testimony.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Youth Sports Working Group held a public hearing and working group meeting to review and approve prior meeting minutes, then consider final recommendations from its subcommittees. The group unanimously approved the minutes from the April 27 public hearing and the April 7 working group meeting. It then discussed and adopted a health and safety protocol recommendation that broadens the state’s authority to set youth sports protocols beyond concussions to include injuries and other health risks, including weather-related issues such as heat, and potentially emergency action planning. The discussion noted testimony from athletic trainers supporting expanded concussion protections, heat rules, and event-specific emergency response planning.
The group also approved two recommendations from the subcommittee on parents, money, sports, and facilities. The first would direct the state agency overseeing youth sports to ensure facilities and organizations do not ban parents or family members from recording youth sports events, in response to concerns about private entities restricting filming and requiring paid streaming services. The second would direct the agency to work across state government to create a grant program offering low- to zero-interest capital funding for organizations or facilities that meet youth sports access benchmarks, with members emphasizing equitable access and responsible use of public resources.
After the votes, the chair opened the floor for any additional topics and public testimony. No members of the public chose to speak, though attendees were invited to submit written testimony by email. A working group member asked whether the subcommittees had completed their work, and staff said no further subcommittee work was anticipated, with the next meeting expected to focus on the final report. The meeting then adjourned by unanimous roll-call vote.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Any public testimony? Any debate, members? All right.
- We do have public testimony on this part. So we have Mr.
- Public testimony, no public testimony. Debate? Any debate on the bill? There are no amendments.
- Public testimony, no public testimony. Debate? Any debate on the bill? Not seeing any debate.
- Public testimony on the bill? No public testimony. Any debate on the bill? Seeing no debate.
Summary:
The Government and Operations Committee met and first heard C.S. for HB 4003, relating to the City of Marco Island in Collier County. Representative Benaroch said the bill addresses how city council vacancies are filled: if a vacancy occurs more than one year before a general election, the council must call a special election within 130 days or the governor must do so; if the vacancy occurs within one year of a general election, the council has 60 days to appoint a qualified replacement or the governor must appoint. The bill was reported favorably with a roll-call vote.
The committee then considered HB 91 on candidate qualification, sponsored by Representative Tant. The bill requires candidates to swear they have been registered in the relevant party for 365 consecutive days before qualifying, and clarifies who may challenge that oath and where such challenges must be filed. An amendment changing the effective date to upon becoming law was adopted. Representative Tant and others argued the bill would clarify election law and prevent abuse of the challenge process; a county clerk waived in support. HB 91, as a committee substitute, was reported favorably.
The committee next took up three proposed committee bills extending public-record exemptions. PCB GOS 26-06 preserves exemptions for certain aquaculture records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with Representative Gentry citing theft concerns involving harvest locations and production records; it was reported favorably. PCB GOS 26-07 preserves exemptions for information received by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles related to potential violations involving title certificates, licenses, and inspection providers; it also passed favorably. PCB GOS 26-08 extends exemptions tied to investigations involving social media platforms and antitrust or speech-restriction issues, with Representative Greco noting the underlying law has been enjoined by the courts; it too was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, let me open public testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. There's no other questions.
- Okay, then we will close public testimony on House Bill 8.
- We will close public testimony.
- Closed public testimony.
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- OK, let me open public testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. Um, let's see, and I don't see any questions.
- Thank you for your testimony. There's no other questions.
- OK, we'll close public testimony.
- No close public testimony.
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Your testimony, Ms. Schlegel. Welcome, introduce yourself and give us your testimony.
- I see your testimony. Mr. Glass, introduce yourself. Welcome, go ahead.
- Thank you for your testimony. On House Bill 3441.
- Your testimony. You're excused.
- We have closed public testimony, and the bill is still in front of us.
Keywords:
sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll open public testimony. The chair calls Jackie Schlegel.
- Thank you for your testimony. Schlegel, welcome. Introduce yourself. Give us your testimony.
- Thank you for listening and thanks for your testimony.
- Thanks for your testimony. You're excused.
- Seeing and hearing now public testimony is closed.
Keywords:
sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- that, that is uh that is my testimony that, that is uh that is my testimony and<00:27:30.000>
- I'd We'll move on to public testimony.
- we'll close public testimony committee. we'll close public testimony committee.
- Are there any testimony from state agencies? No testimony.
- >
daughter <00:58:02.880>coming hear testimony from my daughter coming hear testimony from
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation committee considers bills aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service 2/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- you thank you so much for your testimony you thank you so much for your testimony um<00:19:24.320
- But it's a free country; he can say his testimony.
- But it's a free country; he can say his testimony.
- But it's a free country; he can say his testimony.
- deserves uh thank you for the testimony deserves uh thank you for the testimony uh<00:30:59.720>
Summary:
The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once.
Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor.
Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll proceed to testimony.
- We will proceed to testimony.
- Thank you so much for your testimony.
- You've heard all the great testimony.
- I don't remember hearing that in testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that was my testimony. Any questions?
- My testimony will be very brief.
- Please start your testimony. It is a pleasure to be with you today.
- Thank you so much for hearing my testimony.
- I appreciate your being here and your testimony. Thank you.
Bills:
HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432
Keywords:
prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-HOU, HOU Public Hearings 02-04-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and submit written testimony after the fact.
- That's all the submitted testimony we have.
- we provided some um test late testimony we provided some um test late testimony providing<00:11:
- Was that in your testimony? No, that was not in our testimony.
- I think the same testimony was submitted. I reviewed the testimony.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/14/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your<00:04:38.880>
testimony. <00:04:39.600>Uh your testimony. - Uh your testimony.
- So they could, if they've listened to an hour and a half of testimony and just repeat testimony, the
- of testimony and just repeat testimony of testimony and just repeat testimony and<00:15:54.399><
- <01:39:14.480>
that was the commissioner's testimony that was the commissioner's testimony
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- That was quite some testimony.
- <01:23:02.080>
Um, was quite some testimony. Um, was quite some testimony. - As we talked about in previous<01:34:29.920>
testimony, previous testimony, previous testimony - for your testimony. for your testimony.
- Senate Bill 661 is we heard testimony Senate Bill 661 is we heard testimony that<02:19:51.760>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate your testimony today. Welcome home.
- Very enjoyable, very thorough, as was your testimony today.
- By now you have heard multiple testimonies of inconsistencies By now you have heard multiple testimonies
- Thank you for your testimony here today. Questions, members of the committee?
- Thank you very much for your testimony today.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility.
Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.