Video & Transcript Research : 'tools'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/03/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- this, and it'd be nice to put this in place because the county attorneys are just asking for this tool
- c> County attorneys are just asking for County attorneys are just asking for this<00:25:32.360>
tool - in their toolbox to be able to this tool in their toolbox to be able to prosecute<00:25:37.080>
the - We have been utilizing every tool available, as you know, for the last many years to recruit and retain
- We have been utilizing every tool available, as you know, for the last many years to recruit and retain
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills and a Department of Corrections budget overview. On Senate File 9, Senator Rest explained a bipartisan campaign finance refund bill that had previously moved through the Elections Committee and the tax bill process. Members asked about the $10 minimum contribution threshold for reporting and refund eligibility, and Rest said it was a reasonable number suggested by Senator Karan to make the system more efficient. The bill also included data practices language classifying certain refund-related information as private data, with a separate nonpublic classification noted for receipt validation reports. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and re-refer it to the Taxes Committee.
The committee then took up Senate File 11, a sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices such as trigger locks and gun safes. Rest described the bill as an extension of prior tax exemptions and clarified that it does not apply to the firearm itself. An A1 clarifying amendment defining “government entity” by reference to statute was adopted. Members discussed the bill’s scope and data privacy language, including a provision making purchase or transfer information private if collected by a government entity. The committee then voted to recommend the amended bill to pass and re-refer it to the Taxes Committee.
Next, the committee heard Senate File 456, a bill to update Minnesota’s drug statutes to address fentanyl more directly. Anoka County Assistant County Attorney Sebastian Mesa and Senator Oumou Verbeten testified in support, arguing that fentanyl has become more dangerous than methamphetamine and that the law needs to be updated to give prosecutors a better tool. Members discussed overdose trends and whether more recent statistics were available; one member noted 2023 fentanyl deaths exceeded 1,000, while another said national fatal overdoses had declined since mid-2023. The bill was laid over, with the committee noting it would wait for fiscal analysis before further action.
Finally, Commissioner Paul Schnell gave an overview of the Department of Corrections, describing its mission, staffing, prison population, community supervision responsibilities, and budget context. He emphasized rehabilitation, evidence-based practices, reentry support, and the public safety benefits of reducing recidivism. No vote was taken on the department presentation.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Mobile County Legislation Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Mobile County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- see one; I can't imagine one within the current city limits, but at the same time, it's just another tool
- At the same time, it's just another tool that's out there for it.
Bills:
HB567
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/30/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I respectfully urge your tool to do so.
- <01:04:42.840>
to without a consistent, ongoing tool to without a consistent, ongoing tool - Um, Minnesota needs this tool to stay in the game, but more importantly to stay competitive.
- Um, Minnesota needs this tool to stay in the game, but more importantly to stay competitive.
- Um, Minnesota needs this tool to stay in the game, but more importantly to stay competitive.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, you know, although this is presented as a democratizing tool, um, you know, unfortunately, I
- This classification is an important tool in preserving Minnesota's critical forest lands.
- In fact, these two tools often work together.
- This classification is an important tool This classification is an important tool in<01:18:33.800
- tools often work together. tools often work together.
Keywords:
property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 9 minutes, then took up House File 2988, which would extend for eight more years a sales tax exemption tied to Minnesota State High School League tournament ticket revenue that is funneled into the league’s foundation and returned to schools as grants. Chair Youakim and Executive Director Eric Martins said the program sends more than $1.1 million annually back to schools for activity fee reductions, scholarships, coaching and training, AEDs, late buses, and other school needs, with over 98% of funds going directly to schools. Representative Huot and others spoke in support, while Representative Robinson questioned the structure and suggested the state could instead simply reduce ticket prices and not tax the tickets. The committee laid HF 2988 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.
The committee then heard House File 4906, as amended, which would create a one-time property tax refund in calendar year 2026 for owners of residential homesteads and the homestead portion of agricultural property, funded by a $4 billion appropriation in fiscal year 2027. The bill includes a clawback for delinquent taxpayers and offsets to ensure no one receives more in property tax refunds than they paid. A House Research staffer said the Department of Revenue viewed the refund as potentially taxable, while House Research said it likely should be treated as a recovery of prior taxes, and the two would follow up. The bill was introduced with testimony from Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota and Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, both of whom opposed it, arguing it would create a large budget hole, force future cuts, and disproportionately benefit homeowners while excluding renters and lower-income Minnesotans.
Several members also raised concerns. Representative Hewitt said the state should prioritize public safety, rural EMS, and safety-net hospitals rather than a large rebate, and Representative Youakim argued the money would be better spent on longer-term property tax relief and education funding. Representative Hollins said the proposal would worsen racial and wealth inequities because homeownership is lower among communities of color and renters would get nothing. In response, the author and supporters said the bill is meant to put money back into people’s budgets and that individuals should be able to decide how to use their own money. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s size and fiscal impact, but no final action on HF 4906 was taken in the portion provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 2)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill helps all Americans by keeping our border secure by providing law enforcement with the tools
- THE BILL HELPS ALL AMERICANS BY KEEPING OUR BORDER SECURE BY PROVIDING LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH THE TOOLS
- It expands immediate expensing so farmers can expense the tools they use today to secure the harvest
- This bill gives him the tools to do just that. I urge everybody to vote yes.
- PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL TURN THIS COUNTRY AROUND THIS BILL GIVES HIM THE TOOLS TO DO JUST THAT.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- When this happens, not only do students use it, they use it as a prevention tool.
- When this happens, not only do students use it, they use it as a prevention tool.
- When this happens, not only do students use it, they use it as a prevention tool.
- I think they're really an effective tool, and I hope that we can move this across the finish line this
- and resources that they need uh tools and resources that they need uh this<00:59:03.920>
funding<
Keywords:
public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- have access to Modern communities have access to Modern communication communication communication tools
- facilitating<00:53:04.839>
the <00:53:05.040>replacement <00:53:05.559>of tools - by facilitating the replacement of tools by facilitating the replacement of outdated<00:53:06.839>
- that our First Responders have the tools that our First Responders have the tools they<00:53:30.520
- These are good for community relations and are life-saving tools that reduce the likelihood of force
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/09/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:52.560>
in therapeutic and human tool in therapeutic and human tool in healthcare.< - It’s a primary tool of preventing that.
- It's a primary tool of preventing Okay. It's a primary tool of preventing that. that. that.
- It's a critical tool in our public health response.
- It's a it's a critical tool emergency.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/18/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Hampshire what is the tool that New Hampshire enforces<00:56:19.440>
that? - Have you started using these tools, because that might be a nonlegislative solution?
- try to decipher using whatever tools we can.
- tools because that might be a non legislative<01:47:11.119>
solution? - <01:47:22.800>
we try to decipher using whatever tools we try to decipher using whatever tools
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- to use it as a tool to ask for<04:38:01.561>
help <04:38:01.760>when <04:38:01.920> - It is in this way that the YRBS can actually be a valuable tool.
- it can open up honest be a valuable tool it can open up honest conversations<04:46:59.600>
about< - Again, the YRBS is not a screening tool.
- <05:27:15.760>
to here um and so as a prevention tool to here um and so as a prevention tool
Summary:
The committee first noted that House Bill 398, concerning Holocaust and genocide studies, and House Bill 131 had already been handled previously and were off the schedule. It then took up House Bill 740, which would require the Department of Education to maintain permanent records for closed charter schools. After brief discussion about overlap with another charter-school bill that already addressed closure and records, Representative Freeman moved to table the bill. The committee voted 16-0 to table/ITL the bill, and it was placed on the consent calendar.
The main discussion centered on House Bill 557, which would require additional information on school budget ballots, including average cost per pupil, enrollment history, and teacher-to-administrator ratios. Members raised concerns that the bill was duplicative of existing law, overly detailed, costly to towns, and potentially electioneering or cumbersome on ballots. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help voters who do not attend deliberative sessions or use online resources. The committee did not vote on the bill during the discussion; instead, members moved into caucus and later indicated they would hold the bill until Monday for further review.
Later, the committee turned to House Bill 699 on special education definitions and considered Amendment 0606H. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed with the Department of Education after hearing testimony and was intended to align state definitions with federal law and incorporate recommendations from a prior audit, including changing “functionally blind pupils” to “students with visual impairments.” Some members supported the changes as responsive to the hearing and audit, while others objected that the amendment was still confusing, had not fully addressed stakeholder concerns, and should wait for a more comprehensive special education audit. The discussion also referenced House Bill 754 and another amendment, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 699 is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/03/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- including line one on page two essentially enter that task force by removing all of their analysis tools
- 07.680>
analysis force by removing all of their analysis force by removing all of their analysis tools - 10.440>
that's <00:42:10.640>a <00:42:10.839>concern <00:42:11.240>and tools - I think that's a concern and tools I think that's a concern and that's<00:42:12.400>
uh <00:42
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- that tool is value capture financing.
- > is<01:08:31.920>
value crisis, and that that tool is value crisis, and that that tool is - Feeding bans are one of the most studied and consistently ineffective tools in animal management.
- <02:01:53.360>
in and consistently ineffective tools in and consistently ineffective tools - The judiciary has a strong tool.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/19/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We created an online tool at mncivicseal.org where students can track their own progress.
- We created an online tool at mncivicseal.org where students can track their own progress.
- We created an online tool at mncivicseal.org where students can track their own progress.
- We created an online tool at mncivicseal.org where students can track their own progress.
- We created an online tool at mncivicseal.org where students can track their own progress.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 051 Mar 6th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a mandate to think smarter first, to use practical, proven tools before we ask ratepayers to foot
- It's a mandate to think smarter first, to use practical, proven tools before we ask ratepayers to foot
- This bill requires utilities to seriously evaluate advanced transmission technologies, tools that can
- We respectfully ask for your support." evaluate these tools and consider evaluate these tools and consider
- that can increase technologies, tools that can increase the<00:59:01.040>
capac <00:59:01.440>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- that they need to provide us with tools that they need to provide us with that<01:28:43.679>
help - of their school choice, have the tools of their school choice, have the tools they<01:32:59.040>
- ELM is one of the most powerful educational tools in our state.
- This is due to high levels of burnout, low pay, teacher pensions are not the retention tool they were
- 02:10:49.119>
to <02:10:49.280>be, <02:10:49.440>and <02:10:49.679>the tool
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/18/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:26.279>
in they may use the postponement tool in they may use the postponement tool - And so it's a great tool. It's worked.
- And so it's a great tool. It's worked.
- And so it's a great tool. It's worked.
- The tool can help both sides understand, make amends safely, and possibly heal.
Keywords:
veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So stop payment is a tool, but we would also like to add earlier tools such as pausing payments or reviewing
- but we would also like to add a tool but we would also like to add earlier<01:43:50.599>
tools - such as pausing p payments earlier tools such as pausing p payments or<01:43:53.960>
reviewing - What I'm saying is that stop payment is one tool, and we would like more tools that allow additional
- so that we intervention and other tools so that we can<01:45:39.960>
do <01:45:40.520>more - such as pausing p payments earlier tools such as pausing p payments or<01:43:53.960>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They offer tools and training for employment, for living independently, and for accessing print media
- They offer tools and training for employment, for living independently, and for accessing print media
- They offer tools and training for employment, for living independently, and for accessing print media
- They offer tools and training for employment, for living independently, and for accessing print media
- Just one of our employers that participates in the Minstar program is MCO Tools.
Summary:
The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities.
Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff.
The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/10/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Last June, the office also expanded the language offerings on our online voter tools.
- These translated tools complement the 10 foreign language pages that have been available on our website
- <00:13:20.079>
this offerings on our online voter tools this offerings on our online voter - tools this didn't<00:13:20.440>
require <00:13:20.760>a <00:13:20.880>statute <00 - <00:13:55.600>
complement <00:13:56.120>the <00:13:56.279>10 translated tools
Summary:
The Minnesota House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee met to begin its session with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview from Secretary of State Steve Simon and elections director Paul Linnell on the state’s elections administration and budget needs. Simon said the office’s committee-jurisdiction budget request was for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grant match: Minnesota received about $1 million in federal funds in 2024 and needs a $200,000 state match to unlock the money for election security navigator work. He also previewed the office’s broader presentation on the 2024 election, outreach efforts, and election security.
Simon described the 2024 election cycle as successful, saying his administrative goals were high turnout and low drama. He reported that Minnesota had very high turnout in the November election, with more than 3.27 million ballots cast and about 76.4% turnout, and noted that more than 1.3 million voters cast ballots before Election Day. He also highlighted outreach and accessibility efforts, including the Students Voting Program, Youth Day at the Capitol, National Voter Registration Day activities, expanded online voter tools in additional languages, and work to inform eligible Minnesotans about the Restore the Vote law for people leaving prison. He emphasized that elections are a team effort carried out largely by counties, cities, townships, and election judges.
Linnell then explained the state’s election administration structure and responsibilities, including the Statewide Voter Registration System, candidate filing and election reporting systems, voting equipment certification, and post-election performance reviews. He said counties are central to voter registration updates and ballot preparation, and noted that in 2024 there were a handful of counties with ballot errors that required court action, with a vendor process change identified as a contributing factor. Committee members asked for more detail on the number and identity of the affected counties. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.