Video & Transcript Research : 'TOPS'
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AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE-SENATE AND HOUSE Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So, as the Secretary mentioned, we received about $209 million, which puts us in about the top one-third
- But as you lay that plan over the top of applications, and the reason that's...
- But as you lay that plan over the top of applications, and the reason I was asking a while ago, who is
- who gets funded, how does that translate into laying that plan or laying those applications over the top
Summary:
The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation.
The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June.
Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround.
The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- out, they could use it for these other services that are listed beginning on page three and at the top
- My only concern is does any of this language, I was looking specifically at 1ir at the top, does any
- And then 250 acres, top of page five, and 250 million dollars for the district.
- Can you explain, looking at the top of page two, specifically pulling out athletes, professional athletes
Bills:
SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102
Keywords:
education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, February 17, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And then this was actually a decrease in the cost that this would not stack on top of it.
- would<00:04:02.040>
not <00:04:02.880>stack <00:04:03.400>on <00:04:03.600>top - <00:04:04.440>
And <00:04:04.560>that would not stack on top of it. - And that would not stack on top of it. And that was<00:04:05.000>
the <00:04:05.120>goal.
Keywords:
landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think the fiscal note on that last year was, I thought it was a little bit top-heavy, $40 to $50
- Maybe it's more top-of-mind awareness in my district because I can see the sovereign shores of Illinois
- Maybe it's more top of mind awareness in my district because I can see the, you know, the sovereign shorts
- Correspondingly, we are top five in most areas in the percentage of local funding that goes to fund schools
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 13 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the seventh circuit court district where we created the CCID, when we put that CCID subdistrict on top
- the CCID, when we put that CCID subdist the CCID, when we put that CCID subdist on<00:20:43.280>
top - 43.919>
other <00:20:45.039>districts <00:20:45.440>that <00:20:45.679>it on top - of the other districts that it on top of the other districts that it touched,<00:20:46.400>
it
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer by Reverend David McDow of Fondren Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled routine business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the reading of the journal and bill introductions, and recognizing pages and several visiting groups in the galleries, including Oktibbeha County Young Leaders, Special Olympics champions, the doctor of the day, and members of the Women’s League of Voters. There were also remarks honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and a response from a member of Omega Sapphire Fraternity.
The main legislative item was House Bill 580, a technical correction to judicial district maps. The bill was explained as fixing precinct placement errors in the Fourth Circuit Court District and correcting precincts affected by the creation of the CCID in Hinds County’s Seventh Circuit Court District. Members asked about how many judges would be on the ballot, whether the CCID judge would exercise regular civil and criminal jurisdiction, and when the changes would take effect. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve existing district boundaries, avoid changing qualifying deadlines, and keep the CCID judge as a regular circuit judge for an eight-year term. The House passed the bill 112-0 and then granted immediate release.
Toward the end of the meeting, members made several announcements about committee schedules and upcoming events, including budget hearings, Military Affairs, Universities and Colleges, Rules, State Affairs, and a legislative prayer breakfast and welcome reception. The House also took multiple adjournment-in-memory requests for deceased Mississippians, including Larry Bryant, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Linda Stranger, Mary Lou Thompson, and Viva Hughes Williams. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the next day.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, if you remember last year, Senate Bill 180 was my top priority.
- This really has been one of the top issues that I also obviously heard throughout this summer.
- government for 12 years and sat through 144 zoning meetings once a month for 12 years, and then some on top
- And then some on top of that, hours at a time.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 330, by Sen. Bradley, clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, including allowing a prior physical exam to count if a transferring officer is not given a new one; an amendment declaring the act an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. SB 594, by Sen. Burton, would make mobile home residents eligible for local housing assistance programs such as SHIP for lot rent and home repairs; it received supportive testimony from manufactured-home advocates and passed favorably. SB 840, by Sen. DeSigley, revised hurricane-related land-use restrictions from prior legislation by shortening the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles, ending certain temporary limits on June 30, 2026, and exempting some water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; it passed favorably after supportive comments from local-government interests and members noting the need to fix unintended consequences of prior law.
The committee also approved SB 526, by Sen. Grawe, which addresses no-damages-for-delay clauses in public construction contracts, creates a uniform commercial permit application, requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adds mitigation to statewide product approval categories. County representatives testified with concerns about the contracting language, unfunded mandates, and fee reductions, but the bill passed favorably. SB 504, by Sen. Burgess, creates a statewide framework for code inspector body camera use, and SB 506, its linked public-records bill, exempts certain sensitive content from disclosure; both passed favorably with support from the sponsor and no opposition in committee.
The most heavily debated measure was SB 354, by Chair McLean, which creates a “blue ribbon project” framework for very large developments that trade state preemption over local land-use regulation for reserving at least 60% of the land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses. The bill drew significant testimony from environmental groups, counties, smart-growth advocates, and local residents who argued it could weaken local control, reduce public review, and allow sprawl or inadequate infrastructure planning; supporters argued it could help address housing needs and preserve large amounts of land. The committee adopted two amendments clarifying reserve-area easements and requiring certain easements to be granted without charge, and the committee then reported the bill favorably, with some senators noting they supported it in concept but wanted further changes before later stops.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Nov 10th, 2025
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- bottom, on the bottom of the red curve is the lowest snowpack that we've had in the history, and the top
- had a fast-melting snowpack in 2023, an even lower snowpack in 2024, low snowpack this year, and on top
- So that prevents a top-up of that drought emergency response account.
- Senator, on Black Rock, what happened there was we did a study to see if we could put a pond up on top
Summary:
The committee heard first from Deputy State Climatologist Karen Bumbacco, who reviewed the weather and snowpack conditions that contributed to Washington’s 2025 drought. She said the state had a very warm and dry water year, with April through September ranking among the warmest and driest periods on record, and that three straight years of below-normal snowpack and precipitation had compounded drought impacts, especially in the Yakima Basin. She also explained that a weak La Niña could bring a wetter-than-normal winter, though temperature forecasts were less certain, and noted that long-term climate projections point to continued snowpack decline and earlier runoff timing.
Department of Ecology staff Rea Burns and Caroline Melor then described the state’s drought declaration process and response. They said Washington’s statutory drought threshold is less than 75% of normal water supply plus a hardship finding, and that Ecology extended the Yakima drought declaration in April and expanded it statewide in June. They discussed reliance on federal monitoring data and staffing at NRCS, USGS, Reclamation, and NOAA, and said federal staffing and funding instability has created concerns for snowpack and water data. They also reviewed drought response funding, noting that grants have supported projects in the Yakima and Dungeness basins and that the drought emergency account still has a balance available for current needs.
Burns gave a detailed update on the Yakima Basin, saying it experienced unprecedented conditions this year, including nearly empty reservoirs, curtailment orders sent to about 1,500 water users, and the first time even the most senior 1855 surface water rights were turned off. She said widespread compliance occurred, though the process exposed areas for improvement, especially coordination with federal partners. Committee members asked about the long-term basis for climate projections, the 75% drought threshold, federal impacts, drought insurance, reservoir storage, and whether the state should consider more drought funding or new storage projects. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Sep 10th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So the Criteria that you see in terms of the four bullets that you have to meet on page 4, those top
- No, Madam Chair, we have our own top-notch IT staff.
- And I've heard through the grapevine they are top-notch, but I have to say, let's make sure...
- And then on top of that, interest only in the first two years. Interest only on 9 is $3,750.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- It should be 11-1 in your package, top left. It should be 11-1 in your package, top left-hand side.
- And I believe that in the top left hand is Q7-1, members. Am I right about that? Q7-1, members.
- Well, I thought you were adopting the one that's in the top left hand: AR164Q7-1. Okay.
Keywords:
law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, HB285
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Criminal Jurisprudence S/C on New Offenses and Changed Penalties Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- such as a doctor, nurse, a teacher, or a, um, Uh, daycare, it just really doesn't fit the, uh, fit the top
- Um, Texas has two of the top 10 ranked cities in this, in the country, uh, for ORC activity.
- I was trafficked across our great state of Texas, and it began at my top ranked high school in KDISD.
- already tasked with so many things that they are concerned with making sure each student receives the top
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Improving how state government contracts with nonprofits should be a top priority. I don't know.
- Improving how state government contracts with nonprofits should be a top priority.
- This bill will help identify unnecessary properties and potentially a revenue opportunity, with its top
- This bill will help identify unnecessary properties and potentially a revenue opportunity, with its top
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on alcohol licensing, nonprofit funding, tribal grants, public transparency, and tobacco policy. AB 342 (Haney) would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with extended last-call hours on certain days; supporters argued it would boost tourism, nightlife, and major-event readiness, while opponents warned of alcohol-related harms and public safety risks. AB 684 (Patel) would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to open-meeting requirements, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and allow schools time to adjust. AB 1008 (Addis) would authorize up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to meet tourism demand, and AB 1039 (Hart) would require state agencies to offer advance payments on new nonprofit grants and contracts, which supporters said would help cash-strapped nonprofits deliver services. AB 221 (Ramos) would revise the Tribal Nation Grant Fund to provide more predictable annual distributions to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and it drew broad support from tribal representatives and others. AB 795 (Jeff Gonzalez) would create a California commission for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, with supporters describing it as a privately funded, nonpartisan planning body. AB 828/AB 28 (Mark Gonzalez, as referenced in the transcript) would expand neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce costs and support restaurant recovery, and AB 1246 (Hoover) would increase craft distillers’ direct sales limits and address barrel-storage rules; both were supported as small-business measures. AB 1428 (Ta) would require reporting of all surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 (Ortega) would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, with strong public health support. Several bills were voted out on motions to Appropriations, some with amendments, while others were held or left on call until quorum was established; the committee also adopted a consent calendar and left rolls open for absent members on multiple measures.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to run through the roll a few times, but we're going to start from the top with the consent
- calendar, and we'll just go from the top to the bottom.
- But we're going to start from the top with the consent calendar, and we'll just go from the top to the
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742.
Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility.
The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, on top of that, we would still continue to have a crypto market.
- He's right there at the top of my page. Thank you, Treasurer, for being with us as well.
- He's right there at top of my page. Thank you, Treasurer, for being with Sorry, Mr. Oaks.
- He's right there at top of my page. Thank you, Treasurer, for being with us as well.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 794, as amended by a late-filed strike-all, which would require a human being to make insurance claim denial decisions and prohibit artificial intelligence from being the sole basis for a denial. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve human oversight while allowing innovation in claims processing. Public testimony included support from the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate and the Florida Medical Association, along with one speaker urging additional protections for homeowners. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported SB 794 favorably with committee substitutes.
Members then heard SB 134, which removes the $500 threshold on the sales tax exemption for bullion, making sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion fully exempt and eliminating certain dealer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the change would reduce a regressive tax and help consumers preserve savings; the sponsor estimated a revenue impact of about $300,000. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all on SB 888, which directs the Office of Insurance Regulation to create a more consumer-friendly homeowners insurance website with premium comparison information, market data, rate filing access, and educational resources. The sponsor and Leader Boyd said the goal was to improve transparency and help consumers navigate a stabilizing market. SB 888 was reported favorably with committee substitutes.
The final bill heard was SB 1578, covering mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screenings. The sponsor said it would expand coverage requirements in ACA plans and private insurance policies, including annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 50 and supplemental screening coverage, while noting Medicaid already provides these services. The Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. After the bills, the committee held a lengthy panel discussion on gold and silver as legal tender and transactional money, with testimony from officials from Utah and Florida, industry representatives, and advocacy groups. Panelists discussed constitutional authority, consumer protections, depository oversight, taxation issues, and possible transactional platforms for precious metals. No further action was taken after the discussion, and the committee adjourned.
TX
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We lead the nation in jobs supported by exports, and we are the top destination in the U.S. for foreign
- I mentioned Texas as a top location for foreign direct investment, and this map shows where Texas ranks
- We are regularly ranked as the top state to start, relocate, and expand a business.
- There's about $2.6 billion in direct premium every year in Workers' Comp, making us... one of the top
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine improving the Federal environmental review and permitting processes. Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- You just got tripped, okay, Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, two top highway priorities for the
- Would we want to pull America out of the clean energy race, when investment last year topped $2 trillion
- Just off the top of your head, can you think of, are there specific conflicting laws that we need to
- In California, really the top issue is housing, the lack of housing, lack of affordable housing.
Keywords:
environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia
Summary:
The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- mother nature of being able to control that situation, those are some factors that can come up off the top
- that can come up those are some factors that can come up off<00:12:51.720>
the <00:12:51.880>top - 53.720>
as <00:12:53.880>far <00:12:54.040>as <00:12:54.199>how off the top - of my head um as far as how off the top of my head um as far as how California<00:12:55.440>
runs
Summary:
The House Committee on Culture and the Arts met on January 29 at 10:30 a.m. and heard four bills. HB 133, relating to surfing, drew testimony from the Department of Education and one individual in support. Committee discussion focused on the department’s estimated cost of about $44,000 per event, including judges, lifeguards, security, and administrative expenses. Members also asked about why surfing has been difficult to implement statewide and were told safety concerns, open-water conditions, and league-level decisions were among the barriers. The committee moved the bill forward with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation, and noted it wanted the Education Committee to review the cost breakdown further.
HB 307, relating to special license plates for the island of Kahoʻolawe, received strong support from Protect K Ohana, the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, and other supporters in person and via Zoom. Testimony clarified the name of the receiving entity and noted a recent petition showing significant public interest. The bill was advanced with technical amendments, and the chair said the fund name was already correct and that the measure would not reflect DCCA but the bank account designation.
HB 450 would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBEDT and move authority over the Works of Art Special Fund to DBEDT’s director. The State Foundation and DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division supported the measure. In response to questions, the State Foundation said it had researched the transfer, believed funding would not be lost, and requested about a year for the transition to avoid payroll and payment disruptions, along with consideration of an additional DBEDT staff position. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, including adding the requested FTE and noting a two-year transition period in the report.
HB 663, authorizing a special license plate commemorating the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, had little testimony and no one signed up to speak. The chair said OHA advocacy testimony was on file but that support for the measure appeared limited, and the bill was deferred. The committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the VA's Community Care Program. Jan 28th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Advocates have repeatedly said that suicide prevention is one of the VA's top priorities.
- Veterans, and not funding structures, should remain the top priority in the care of veterans.
- A bipartisan issue and the VA's top clinical priority is suicide prevention, yet it does not mandate
- They ought to be top flight. They ought to give veterans the best care possible.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- on laws for the following purposes: One, to amend the individual income tax brackets and rates to a top
- following tax years to amend the income tax brackets and rates for domestic and foreign corporations to a top
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 96 members present. Members granted several leaves of absence and recognized guests, including Arkansas State Troopers and the nurse of the day. The clerk then read the governor’s proclamation calling the General Assembly into extraordinary session.
The governor’s call said the special session was convened to consider tax relief measures, specifically lowering the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reducing the top corporate income tax rate to 4.1% effective January 1, 2027. The call also included payment of House and Senate expenses and per diem for the special session. The Speaker reminded members that only matters within the governor’s call could be considered.
The House adopted motions to suspend House Rules 41A and 41B, which normally require bills to be on the desk for 24 hours before final passage and limit how soon bills can be placed on committee agendas, as well as Rule 60A on committee meeting notice requirements, for the duration of the special session. House Bill 1001, titled “Revenue and tax,” was read twice. The House then notified the Senate and governor that it was ready for business and adjourned until 9:30 the next morning, with the Revenue and Tax Committee scheduled to meet later that day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Promoting Motorcycle Safety on Minnesota Roads - 07/10/26
Transcript Highlights:
- rider courses, we have intermediate rider courses, and we have advanced rider courses, and they are all top-notch
- That would be a little bit hard for us to quantify right off the top of my head.
- quantify<00:24:10.200>
right <00:24:10.400>off <00:24:10.520>the <00:24:10.640>top - <00:24:10.880>
of <00:24:10.960>my to quantify right off the top of my to quantify - right off the top of my head.<00:24:11.320>
We <00:24:11.440>can <00:24:11.600>certainly
Summary:
Senator Judy Seeberger and traffic safety officials held a press conference focused on a deadly Minnesota motorcycle season and urged both drivers and riders to take greater care. Seeberger described several near-misses and a preventable crash at an intersection near her home, and asked motorists to put phones down, avoid impaired driving, and look twice or three times at stop signs, lane changes, and intersections. Mike Hanson, director of the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, said 37 motorcyclists had been killed so far this year, compared with 24 at the same time last year, and warned the state could approach 90 motorcycle fatalities if current trends continue. He said about half of motorcycle deaths are single-vehicle run-off-the-road crashes, often tied to speed, inattention, or skill level, while the other half involve a motorcycle and another vehicle; he also noted passenger fatalities are higher than usual and that riders over 60 are now being killed more often than younger riders.
Hanson and others emphasized education, training, visibility, helmets, high-visibility gear, and sober driving. He said the state’s motorcycle safety training program is expanding with 11 additional basic rider courses, which should train about 121 more riders, and that safety materials are available to clubs and community groups. He also highlighted the new lane filtering and splitting law, saying it is limited to 25 mph or less and must be done within a rider’s skill level; he said he has seen it done both safely and unsafely and urged riders to follow the law and not be “knuckleheads.”
Representatives from the Saint Croix Valley Riders and the Litas St. Croix Valley also spoke. Don Morley said his group promotes safety and awareness, reimburses members for rider training, and supports the new lane filtering/splitting law while stressing that riders and motorists must share the road. Heather Sevlin and other speakers tied the safety message to the death of Dana Milan, saying her crash was preventable and calling for justice and accountability in the impaired-driving case involving Robert Rodriguez, who they said was on a second DUI offense. In response to questions, Seeberger said she would support stricter penalties for repeat impaired or reckless drivers but would not support mandatory helmet legislation. Hanson said the legislature should continue to rely on rider experts and training advocates when considering motorcycle safety policy.