Video & Transcript Research : 'degree program'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
The Senate's Historic Co-Presiding Officers / Minnesota's Housing Needs / Students at the Capitol Jan 26th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- uh you know work on these some degree uh you know work on these things<00:04:39.080>
especially historic doubling the number of programs historic doubling the number of programs that<00:21:13.080 - Of the programs that we passed in 2023 and earlier, are they all up and running?
- This is Partha Pra's third year in the program and her first serving in an elected position.
- else she's picked up through the program else she's picked up through the program a<00:27:02.399
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 31 (2-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then it also amends the strengthened Kentucky Homes program to require one-time financial grants
- <00:08:18.080>
to <00:08:18.400>require <00:08:18.800>one-time homes program - opportunity program in Kentucky. opportunity program in Kentucky.
- <00:21:21.679>
in of UK, earned his bachelor's degree in of UK, earned his bachelor's degree - And House Bill directed payment program.
Summary:
The House convened with 92 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 104 and 152 and Senate Joint Resolution 74. The chamber then moved through second reading of several bills, including measures on pension spiking, real property, organ donation safety, probationary retirement benefits, elections, and retired emergency personnel. Later, the Committee on Committees and Rules reported new referrals and posted bills for Monday’s regular orders, and the House also introduced several floor amendments.
Two bills were taken up and passed. House Bill 527, relating to insurance regulatory requirements, was amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute removed language repealing the workers’ compensation deductible range, revised the strengthened Kentucky Homes program to provide one-time grants of up to $15,000 to approved contractors for certification costs, and added an emergency clause for that grant provision. Supporters described the bill as a broad technical modernization of insurance law, including updates to licensing and responsibility requirements; it passed 92-0. House Bill 111, relating to on-farm animal health, was also amended by House Committee Substitute 1 after the sponsor said the bill had been negotiated with agriculture and animal-industry groups. The substitute clarified that farmers may seek guidance from professionals, exempted equine operations, and preserved state and federal authority in disease or abuse cases; the bill passed 94-0.
During motions, petitions, communications, and announcements, members recognized Black History Month with a tribute to Georgia Davis Powers, highlighting her civil rights leadership and legislative achievements. The House also heard announcements about an upcoming Kentucky Nuclear Energy Authority/NITA board meeting and a Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board meeting. House Bill 495 was withdrawn by its sponsor, and House Bill 1 was briefly read and returned to committee as part of procedural handling. The House adjourned until 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Mar 5th, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- and co-coordinating a family program.
- social workers through the programs that I...
- Degree here in behavioral health or addiction counseling.
- The room education undergraduate program is similar to the building trades.
- We have to talk about the opioid settlement program.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Hopefully, they're taking dual degree credit programs and then they're ready to launch into either a
- trade or a two-year program or a four-year program.
- This is one of those types of programs.
- So the approved supplier program, which is the program that I am privileged to steward.
- So the New Mexico Grown Program Again, I spoke to the fact that this is an incentive program.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It warmed 3.72 degrees, still a little cold for swimming, but it did warm 3.72 degrees just in '21 and
- might come through the coastal program might come through the coastal program other<01:20:39.639
- still still a little cold 3.72 degrees still still a little cold for<01:21:05.280>
swimming for - <01:21:10.080>
just okay but it did warm 3.72 degrees just okay but it did warm 3.72 degrees - means cuts to programs means cuts to programs so so so I<01:26:38.119>
I <01:26:38.280>
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 19th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Is a college degree required? Degree required, Madam Chair and Senator?
- And that has been a huge program. If you're wondering which programs are the most successful.
- Our most popular program right now is the electric bicycle program, believe it or not.
- That is part of the program.
- The current program that's running was either a two-year program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/18/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:04:34.760>
and <01:04:34.920>youth <01:04:35.200>programming <01:04:35.799>- > that programs and youth programming that programs and youth programming that would<01:04:36.359
- <01:28:38.320>
cannabis degree cannabis degree cannabis possession<01:28:40.400>um <01:- It’s not so easy to go through the thousands of these fifth-degree possession cases we’re going to be
- meeting of addressing these fifth degree meeting of addressing these fifth degree possession<01:
Bills:
HF7
Keywords:
public safety, criminal justice, sentencing guidelines, Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, public sentencing database, felony dismissals, prosecutor reporting, bail notice, bond posting, law enforcement data, arrest data, public records, sex trafficking, human trafficking, mandatory minimum sentence, peace officer assault, police assault, fleeing police, vehicular flight, stolen motor vehicle
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Addressing Healthcare Worker Well Being - 02/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- When asked if they felt burnt out at work, 31% responded to a high degree or to a very high degree.
- When asked if they felt burnt out at work, 31% responded to a high degree or to a very high degree, with
- I'm also an American Dental Association Wellness Ambassador, a program they began in 2022.
- 39.120>
a Dental Association Wellness Ambassador a Dental Association Wellness Ambassador a program - <00:13:39.800>
they <00:13:39.959>began program they began program they began in<00:13:
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- that your experience in healthcare consulting, management, um, you actually even have a bachelor's degree
- >
bachelor's um you actually even have a bachelor's um you actually even have a bachelor's degree - industrial<00:04:20.200>
engineering <00:04:21.000>from <00:04:21.239>UC degree - in industrial engineering from UC degree in industrial engineering from UC Berkeley.<00:04:22.800>
- programming programming at<00:10:16.960>
Partners <00:10:17.400>in <00:10:17.480>Development - programming programming at<00:10:16.960>
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard and considered several gubernatorial nominations to state boards and councils. The nominees included Jody Hashimoto for the Honolulu County Subarea Health Planning Council (GM 539), Mary Pat Waterhouse for the State Council on Mental Health (GM 556), Shaun Kanani Apuuni for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council (GM 564), Chrissy Kiamaluhia Doyle for the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission (GM 732), and John Kawamura for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment (GM 736). Each nominee described relevant experience and why they wanted to serve, and supporters from the Department of Health and various community organizations testified in favor of the appointments.
Committee members and supporting testimony emphasized the nominees’ experience and the value of their perspectives. Hashimoto was praised for healthcare consulting, management, financial, IT, and organizational expertise; Waterhouse for her lived experience and active service in mental health; Apuuni for juvenile justice policy work and national coalition ties; Doyle for her work in education and community representation; and Kawamura for his long career in wastewater operations and environmental protection. The Department of Health also strongly supported Waterhouse and Kawamura.
Because quorum was initially limited, the chair noted that decision-making would occur later in the calendar once more members were present. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up each nomination and adopted the chair’s recommendation to advise and consent on all five measures, with no objections or written reservations noted. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- this program? this program?
- Requesting various levels of funding, and some of these programs are excellent programs, and I think
- <00:40:25.760>
and of money on these types of programs and of money on these types of programs - and the effectiveness of this program and the effectiveness of this program these<00:40:30.560><
- <00:40:46.000>
that taxpayer dollars at programs that taxpayer dollars at programs that perhaps
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 125, sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, which would create a structure for evaluating and placing juveniles with acute mental illness, including a continuum of care and a process for resolving placement disputes between the Justice Cabinet and Juvenile Justice Cabinet through a judge. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing the bill. Carroll described several changes in the substitute, including removing language that would have made juvenile information nonconfidential in certain lawsuits, requiring public escape information to be removed once a juvenile is returned to custody, clarifying escape charges for juveniles absent without leave, and revising language about when hospitals may discharge high-acuity youth until a new facility is built.
Carroll and Justice Cabinet officials Mona Wamik and Dr. Clark Lester argued that Kentucky needs a secure high-acuity mental health facility for violent juveniles because detention centers are not equipped to provide psychiatric treatment, private hospitals often refuse these youth, and current staff cannot administer the level of care needed, including intramuscular medication. They also said the bill would support two new female detention centers to help return DJJ to a regional detention model. Carroll cited prior juvenile detention crises, ongoing lawsuits, and a Department of Justice investigation, saying the bill could affect whether Kentucky faces a consent decree. Wamik said the proposed high-acuity facility would serve youth clinically assessed as needing secure treatment and would be designed to balance security with clinical care.
Senators asked about how the bill would apply to a violent 14-year-old, whether the facility would simply isolate dangerous youth, what clinical care DJJ can currently provide, and staffing and cost estimates. Carroll said the bill would not change criminal accountability but would apply only if a youth were found to be severely mentally ill and need treatment placement. Dr. Lester said DJJ currently can provide only oral psychiatric medication and cannot administer intramuscular injections or the physical holds needed for acute psychiatric treatment. Cabinet staff said staffing would need to be higher than in a standard detention setting and estimated annual operating costs for the high-acuity facility at about $12 million, compared with about $8 million for a regular juvenile detention facility. No vote on final passage was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 03/24/2026
Crime Victims, Crime And Correction
Transcript Highlights:
- Correction Law in relation to conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees
- or programs.
- or programs.
- and the types of programming is not equal.
- So this would simply study what programs are available in men's facilities versus what programs are available
Summary:
The Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met under Chair Senator Julia Salazar and considered nine bills, with the first bill laid aside at the sponsor’s request for further stakeholder discussion. The committee then took up measures on correctional policy, including prohibiting county correction officers from dispensing medications to incarcerated individuals, expanding conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs, requiring at least one formerly incarcerated person on the State Board of Parole, and authorizing vocational training in solar hot water system installation for incarcerated individuals. Members generally expressed support for the rehabilitative and workforce-training goals of several bills.
The committee also discussed a bill directing a study of gender disparities in programming and resources between men’s and women’s facilities, with Senator Pete Harckham noting concerns from women in his district about unequal access to programming. Another bill would authorize transfer of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals to residential treatment facilities, and a separate measure would establish emergency management release plans for correctional facilities during declared state disasters. The final bill would provide mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.
Most bills were moved by motion and reported from committee, often with Senator Dean Murray voting no or noting opposition/abstention on several measures. The conditional release bill was reported to Finance, while the others were reported from committee. No additional amendments or substantive votes were described beyond the committee actions on each bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (09/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be simply for degree programs.
- So whatever the associate or bachelor degree program doesn't cover a master's degree program, a student
- So whatever the for degree programs.
- <01:46:33.199>
program associate or bachelor degree program associate or bachelor degree program - <01:46:38.880>
in <01:46:39.199>the >> Degree program, a student is in the degree program
Summary:
The Education Funding Committee’s higher education subcommittee met to discuss HB 443, HB 510, and related issues. The chair explained the subcommittee membership and noted that Representative Luno was absent and replaced by Representative Bricky, with other full committee members allowed to participate in discussion but not final votes. No votes were taken during this meeting, and the chair said final subcommittee recommendations would likely come in the first week of November.
On HB 443, which concerns terms of appointment to the Higher Education Commission, the chair described the bill as intended to let the governor replace members who are not attending or no longer representing the appointing organization. He said the prior governor supported the idea, but the current governor’s office believes the bill is unnecessary because nonattendance or loss of representation would already amount to resignation or removal. Members raised questions about legal authority and whether the same principle should apply to other boards. The chair said he was leaning toward finding the bill not needed, but would continue discussion later.
The committee then spent most of the meeting on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty at public higher education institutions and address collective bargaining issues. Supporters, including Representatives Papovich and Brown, argued the bill would provide clear, minimum protections, especially because campus rules are lengthy and vary by institution; Brown also suggested adding an independent ombudsman or representation for students. Opponents, including Representatives Burton and Bricky, said existing campus regulations already provide due process and that the bill could interfere with campus governance and collective bargaining. The chair and others discussed whether the bill’s definitions should be aligned with existing law to avoid confusion, and several members suggested using existing statutory definitions or cross-references. The chair also said the bill would apply only when disciplinary action is involved, not as a general challenge to DEI policies, though members referenced recent national examples involving DEI-related disputes as context.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I truly believe Florida 4-H is one of the greatest programs.
- programs. 4-H research-based science and agriculture programs are critical to preparing Florida's future
- Students earn membership degrees and awards based on their skills in these programs, as well as the dollars
- earned and achieved throughout the years of their programs.
- the years of their programs.
Summary:
The Agriculture Committee took up SB 806, the consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill by Senator Trumbull. Trumbull said the measure would expand repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. The committee adopted two amendments: one clarifying the bill does not apply to motor vehicles, and a technical staff amendment. Testimony was mixed: an Everglades Equipment representative opposed the bill, warning it could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, and increase downtime for farmers; the Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state repair laws, private lawsuits, and inconsistent standards. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 806 by a roll call vote of 4-0, with Senator Rouson not voting.
The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne, and Taylor Thigpin. They described 4-H as a youth development organization focused on citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, serving more than 216,000 youth statewide. They highlighted personal stories about how 4-H built confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, and they outlined goals to grow participation to 300,000 youth and to invest in 4-H camps, especially Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee, as year-round learning sites. Senators praised the program and asked questions about how youth get involved and what drives participation.
Florida FFA state officers Hope Storder and Isabel Jenkins then presented on agricultural education and FFA. They explained FFA’s three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development, and noted that Florida now has more than 65,000 FFA members and that state funding has allowed all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. They emphasized agriculture’s role in feeding a growing population and discussed how technology, innovation, and urban agriculture can help meet future production needs. Senators commended the organization’s work and its role in preparing future leaders and agricultural professionals. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton requested a group photo with the students, and the committee agreed.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- HCR 42 simply calls on Congress to support more programs like the Generous Cost Reduction Program.
- Protonix through the Trump program is $200.
- just simply getting a program... ...program has shown that it actually has higher costs than just simply
- getting a program, getting your prescriptions using a program like GoodRx or getting a generic through
- , vitamin 12 to some degree.
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other options such as GoodRx or generic pharmacy pricing. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after no additional support or opposition testimony was offered.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 878 from Senator Fitzwater, a pharmacist practice act bill negotiated with the Board of Healing Arts and pharmacy groups. The bill would codify pandemic-era pharmacy flexibilities, expand pharmacist authority to administer certain vaccines approved by the FDA and state boards, allow therapeutic plans and some medical device dispensing, and authorize over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with FDA-approved warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters, including pharmacy associations and large pharmacy chains, said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Some members and an opponent raised concerns about safety, self-treatment, vaccine authority, and whether the bill shifts too much power from elected officials to boards. The bill was heard only; no committee vote was reported.
The committee also heard House Resolution 538, which would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research, funding, and affected families. Members largely supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication and assistive technology. House Resolution 4661 followed, calling for increased awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients with diabetes and hypertension, and encouraging public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. The sponsor described it as an awareness measure rather than a mandate, and members asked about how education efforts might work and whether broader screening should be considered. No votes were taken on either resolution during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Through the Ability One program, Work Inc. provides... ...Boston and across Massachusetts.
- . ...is modeled after the federal Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, now known as the Ability One program, which
- natural grass, 37 degrees hotter than asphalt.
- Meaning like, you know, that one type of software or program that the state's buying.
- Program that the state's buying. Does that mean that that is the best?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used.
Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (09/09/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- program funds non-lapsing. program funds non-lapsing.
- <00:27:13.679>
program CTE centers more on program program CTE centers more on program program - program to reduce that capital up front. program to reduce that capital up front.
- We had talked about that with the building program, building school building aid program.
- To a degree and why what >> to a degree.
Summary:
The subcommittee began its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion around broader questions about how school building aid should work, noting the state’s limited available funding, the existing debt service obligations, and whether the current formula should continue or be changed. He also raised concerns about the state’s overall revenue constraints and the need to consider renovation, new construction, and possibly leasing within any future program.
Members and the Department of Education representative discussed whether school building aid is a state or local responsibility, the current backlog of projects, and the condition of school facilities statewide. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities described his background and answered technical questions about current programs. Representative Luno argued that under the ConVal decision the state has responsibility for school buildings, including construction and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property-tax capacity. Representative Papich urged the committee to focus on policy structure and fairness rather than just available dollars, saying the current system creates winners and losers and suggesting a simpler per-capita or similar allocation model, while acknowledging a possible transition for projects already in the pipeline.
The discussion also covered CTE facilities and leasing. Carney explained that charter schools, and possibly CTE centers, can receive limited leasing aid, and that CTE capital requests are funded through a state capital process, while federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction. He and others described a separate rotational funding approach for CTE centers, but several members said that model can leave programs waiting too long and may not match changing workforce needs. The chair and others noted that a report from a related study group on CTE policy and funding was still pending, and that its absence could affect legislation for FY28. No votes were taken and no bill was acted on in the portion of the meeting provided; the discussion ended with interest in modeling alternatives, reviewing the waiting list, and examining the tradeoffs of reducing upfront state aid versus funding more projects overall.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- in law school and I did the Community Justice Law Clinic and we did a vacant building receivership program
- Now, she's to finish history uh degrees.
- capital bond program of the year,<00:14:57.760>
uh <00:14:58.280>third <00:14:58.560>- Um this is our biggest jobs program<00:15:19.480>
of <00:15:19.520>the <00:15:19.600>- This is money we program of the year.
- Um this is our biggest jobs program<00:15:19.480>
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 25, 2026, with an invocation by Father Frank Crumble III, who was introduced as the guest of the Senator from the 36th District. The chamber also recognized several guests and groups, including leaders from Cherry Hill on the occasion of the community’s 80th anniversary, Doctor of the Day Maryam Diallo, the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, students from Andrew Jackson Academy, and several women honored for Women’s History Month. Additional recognitions included the Greater Baltimore Committee, Boy Scouts, Tarbiyah Academy, and a Senate intern.
The main floor action was a special resolution congratulating the Cherry Hill community on the 80th anniversary of Cherry Hill Homes, a purpose-built community for African Americans returning from World War II. Senators spoke about Cherry Hill’s history, resilience, and recent community investments such as new schools and a recreation center. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 890, concerning an insurance premium tax receipts exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems, was special ordered for another day at the sponsor’s request.
The Senate also took up Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. After brief remarks praising the committee’s work and the statewide investment program, the bill passed third reading by unanimous vote. Committee and delegation announcements followed, including Finance, Triple E, and Judicial Proceedings holding House bill hearings at 1:00 p.m., and the Prince George’s County delegation meeting later that day. The Senate then remained in session long enough to confirm a quorum and adjourned until March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She enrolled She enrolled at Sana Colleges Associates degree program in nursing before transferring to
- The Emergency The Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program are two
- relief programs.
- business program, the HUBZone program, and the service-disabled veterans-owned small business program
- It modernizes federal housing programs. It streamlines federal housing programs.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- or something like as a treatment program or something like that<00:25:09.120>
uh <00:25:09.240 - The penalty suggested is harsher than a habitual DUI offender, a sex assault in the third degree, an
- assault in the second degree, or a burglary in the second degree.
- >
the in the second degree a burglary in the in the second degree a burglary in the second<00: - essentially stand up a program essentially stand up a program to<01:25:21.199>
perform <01
Summary:
The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions.
Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals.
The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted.
Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So why do we have carjacking if first-degree robbery is there? Because it brings attention to it.
- So why do we have carjacking if first-degree robbery is there? Because it brings attention to it.
- So why do we have carjacking if first-degree robbery is there? Because it brings attention to it.
- robbery so why do we of first-degree robbery so why do we have<00:41:28.440>
carjacking <00:41 - Basically, if they're incarcerated, there's programs available to them that are not available out in
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479
00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479
00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574
00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475
00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291
01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291
01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.