Video & Transcript : 'nuclear waste' :
Page 131 of 376
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 25 as it relates to the cost of taking all of these duplicative, or I'm going to say wasteful
- they have Pell Grants or they have other investments that the taxpayers are making in this, so it's a waste
- So it is a waste of money that's been going on, and it frustrates me because sometimes they may have
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 heard two bills. SB 2847, by Senator Hagenbuch, would give Texas public four-year universities the same option community colleges already have to seek approval from the Higher Education Coordinating Board for core curricula of fewer than 42 semester credit hours. Hagenbuch said the bill is intended to add flexibility, support career-focused programs, and help students finish degrees faster. There was no public testimony, and the bill was left pending.
The committee then heard SB 3039, by Senator West, which addresses transferability and credit loss for students moving from community colleges to four-year institutions. West said the bill responds to ongoing problems with rejected transfer credits and seeks better data, study, and recommendations from the Coordinating Board. Deputy Commissioner Sarah Keaton testified that transfer remains a major policy issue, that reporting requirements from SB 25 have improved data collection, and that the main reasons credits do not transfer are grades and degree applicability. She also described the Texas Direct degree program and field-of-study curricula designed to transfer as blocks.
Members discussed the cost of lost credits, the need for better communication to students, and concerns that some institutions still reject credits or require duplicate coursework. No public witnesses signed up on SB 3039, and it was left pending subject to the call of the chair. A quorum was later established, the agenda was completed, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
AL
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/21/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We now have a robust, agency-wide approach to preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
- We now have a robust, agency-wide approach to preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
- We now have a robust, agency-wide approach to preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
- We now have a robust, agency-wide approach to preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
- ,</c><01:11:05.200><c> and</c> prevent and detect fraud, waste, and prevent and detect fraud, waste,
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The third category is a $75,000 appropriation for infectious waste study to complete in 2027.
- </c><01:25:35.480><c> study</c> appropriation for infectious waste study appropriation for infectious
- waste study to<01:25:36.760><c> complete</c><01:25:37.400><c> in</c><01:25:37.640><c> 2027.
- </c> of infectious or pathological waste. of infectious or pathological waste.
- I understand that infectious waste.
Committee:
Senate Finance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, we're going to move on to our final measure, which is House Bill 969, relating to waste
- </c> modification or expansion of any waste modification or expansion of any waste or<01:28:49.440><c
- </c> thank you next we have uh Solid Waste thank you next we have uh Solid Waste division<01:29:28.600
- House Bill 969, relating to waste or disposal facilities.
- </c><01:57:31.800><c> or</c> House Bill 969 relating to waste or House Bill 969 relating to waste or
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned.
The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism.
For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Do not waste your breath scolding those of us who refuse to roll over for partisan maps that divide our
- We are wasting money and resources on an election that is unnecessary and unwanted.
- I urge you to join me in rejecting this wasteful, short-sighted, and hypocritical bill.
- Instead, Sacramento wants to waste it on politics. And that's the problem.
- Hold the majority party accountable for everyone who voted for this, who wasted our money.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, recess, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor session centered on redistricting measures. Members debated a point of order raised by Assembly Member DeMaio challenging the constitutionality of SB 280, ACA 8, and AB 604; the Speaker ruled the point not well taken, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on appeal. The body also took up consent-calendar and procedural motions, including suspending rules to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 and to bring the measure up without reference to file. Several motions to re-refer or suspend rules on related measures failed, while the motion to adopt the late amendments on ACA 8 carried.
The main substantive item was ACA 8, the Assembly Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting, presented by Assembly Member Berman as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, especially Texas. Supporters argued the measure was a temporary, voter-driven response to protect democracy, counter partisan gerrymandering, and address broader threats tied to the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and health care cuts. Opponents argued ACA 8 would undermine California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, violate the state Constitution, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a power grab. Members on both sides framed the issue as a defense of democracy, but disagreed sharply over whether the Legislature should act or leave redistricting to voters and the existing commission.
No final vote on ACA 8 is shown in the transcript excerpt, but the Assembly did vote on several procedural matters: the appeal of the Speaker’s ruling was sustained 58-18; the motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 passed 58-19; a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary failed 19-58; and a motion to take up A.J.R. 21 without reference to file failed 19-58. The session remained focused on ACA 8 and related redistricting questions, with extensive floor speeches from both supporters and opponents.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- pharmacy claims, so it has a direct financial interest in characterizing as many claims as possible as waste
- pharmacy claims, so it has a direct financial interest in characterizing as many claims as possible as waste
- pharmacy claims, so it has a direct financial interest in characterizing as many claims as possible as waste
- pharmacy claims, so it has a direct financial interest in characterizing as many claims as possible as waste
- pharmacy claims, so it has a direct financial interest in characterizing as many claims as possible as waste
Committee:
House Labor
Keywords:
automated external defibrillator, AED, cardiac arrest, state buildings, health education, public health, lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, Hawaii, workers' compensation, auditor, procurement audit, compliance, Department of Human Resources Development, transparency, accountability, medical care
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Neonicotinoid insecticide and insecticide-treated seed ban 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I'm concerned that there's a waste of money.
- And so I'm I'm concerned that u there's And so I'm I'm concerned that u there's a<00:07:39.520><c> waste
- </c><00:07:41.120><c> Secondly,</c><00:07:42.479><c> the</c> a waste of money.
- Secondly, the a waste of money.
- Uh four years ago, I no wasted seed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, well, I mean, I think it's a waste of taxpayer dollars.
- I mean, you can study it, but I think it's a waste of taxpayer dollars.
- of taxpayer dollars I think it's a waste of taxpayer dollars I think there's<00:31:27.200><c> plenty
- </c><00:31:37.320><c> of</c><00:31:37.480><c> taxpayer</c> I think it's a a waste of taxpayer I think
- it's a a waste of taxpayer dollars<00:31:38.399><c> I</c><00:31:38.480><c> mean</c><00:31:38.679><c>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:10
HB 2 Discussion 00:01:00
HB 2 Vote 00:04:00
HB 544 Discussion 00:05:05
HB 544 Vote 00:06:15
HB 552 Discussion 00:07:00
HB 552 Vote 00:08:40
HB 605 Discussion 00:09:35
HB 605 Vote 00:11:35
HB 606 Discussion 00:12:10
HB 606 Vote 00:15:40
HB 695 Discussion 00:16:25
HB 695 Vote 00:34:05, 958, all
Summary:
The Appropriations and Revenue Committee took up several House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 2, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, was described by Rep. T.J. Roberts as restoring a tax exemption enacted in 2024 by providing refunds with interest to those improperly taxed and creating a cause of action; the substitute also aligned state filing deadlines for certain flood-disaster counties with the federal November 15 deadline. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill with favorable expression. The committee also adopted a title amendment for House Bill 544, which Rep. Jason Petrie said was part of the state’s flood-relief discussion and would allow the guard cap to be used over the biennium rather than annually, effectively increasing the cap from $50 million per year to $100 million over two years; the measure passed with favorable expression.
House Bill 552, handled by Rep. Josh Bray after Rep. Kim King’s absence, was described as simplifying tourist commission appointments. The committee substitute added creation of the Kentucky-Ireland Trade Commission and changed marina licensing agreements by exempting private contractors from the model procurement code. The committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 605, sponsored by Rep. Kim King, clarified which grants qualify for a grant program and allowed cities or counties to apply on behalf of water districts or other entities not directly affiliated with them; Rebecca Hearts of Grant Ready Kentucky said the program had matched $103 million of the $200 million allocation, generating about $469.98 million in total project value. The committee adopted the title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression.
House Bill 606, by Rep. Wade Williams, added a capital-oversight reporting requirement for school district general obligation bonds that had been omitted from prior legislation. The committee substitute also made several budget and program adjustments, including moving Regional Training Center funds, accelerating funding for the Grand Lyric Theater, correcting water funding language, removing Odyssey Inc. language from a treatment-related item, fixing a double appropriation to LifeWorks Transition Academy, clarifying carry-forward language, allowing SRO reimbursements for public and non-public schools, and authorizing an additional $10 million in agency bonds for Western Kentucky University athletic facilities. The committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and passed the bill with favorable expression.
The committee then spent the most time on House Bill 695, a Medicaid-related bill. Rep. Adam Bowling said the bill was intended to stabilize Medicaid, create oversight and advisory mechanisms, and address growth in the program. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander and Medicaid CFO Steve Beckle said they were generally supportive of the transparency and reporting changes but flagged risks, including federal compliance concerns, budget growth from changing the drug rebate treatment, administrative costs tied to MCO rebidding and a managed long-term services study, and some data-collection challenges. Representatives from the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities opposed the section calling for a managed long-term care reimbursement study, arguing it would be costly, duplicative, and likely ineffective, and they warned against managed care models for long-term care. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the committee substitute by voice vote and moved the bill forward with favorable expression.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> uh uh concern and oversight on waste, uh uh concern and oversight on waste, fraud<01:44:21.920>
- </c> training video on how to discover waste training video on how to discover waste fraud<01:44:28.880
- </c><02:21:29.520><c> of</c> some of that money that they wasted of some of that money that they wasted
- </c><02:21:48.399><c> spending</c> to stop that kind of wasteful spending to stop that kind of wasteful
- </c> not touching any wasteful not touching any wasteful spending.<02:22:32.240><c> The</c><02:22:32.800
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (03/31/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, uh, solid waste stuff.
- Okay, uh, solid waste stuff.
- Okay, uh, solid waste stuff.
- Okay, uh, solid waste stuff.
- Okay, uh, solid waste stuff.
Summary:
The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions.
The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two.
Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Targeting disability programs as wasteful, saying that families should be providing care for free instead
- This is not, in fact, a debate about waste or about tax savings.
- This is not, in fact, the debate about waste or about tax savings. It's about whether politics.
- In fact, the debate is about waste or about tax savings.
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process.
Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support.
In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Fiscal Responsibility Committee Mar 4th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a waste of money. >> I don't agree with that. >> I really like Carolene.
- It's a waste of money. >> I don't agree with that. >> But it's statewide.
- It's a waste of money. >> I don't agree with that. >> So there's a big one there.
- It's a waste of money. >> I don't agree with that. >> I don't either. >> I don't agree.
Committee:
House Fiscal Responsibility
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- House of Representatives, House Bill 555 by the Local Government Committee, an act relating to solid waste
- This is a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code regarding landfills.
- That working group involved the Solid Waste Association, the Association of Counties, the Association
- These are the tipping fees for those counties or waste association companies that have transfer stations
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, solid waste
- , hazardous waste, toxic, toxic, climate change, energy, Puget Sound, the State Environmental Policy
- five sections in engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5360 amending RCW 70A.300, the Hazardous Waste
- five sections in engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5360 amending RCW 70A.300, the Hazardous Waste
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, solid waste
- , hazardous waste, toxic waste, climate change, energy, Puget Sound, the State Environmental Policy Act
- five sections in engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5360 amending RCW 70A.300, the Hazardous Waste
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized.
Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal.
The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The District 4 Waste Tire Accountability Board's objective is to render services for the collection,
- transportation, and processing of waste tires from transfer facilities to a location for processing.
- This is for waste pickup and removal at the Arkansas State Hospital.
- This is for waste pickup and removal at the Arkansas Health Center.
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
Summary:
The committee first considered an $88,000 used tire program contract for District 4 with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could worsen cash flow before funding was confirmed. Questions were also raised about procurement language in the RFP that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. After discussion, a motion was made and approved to hold the contract until next month so the tire board could appear and answer questions.
Members then reviewed a large slate of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included capital projects at ASU Mid-South, Arkansas Tech, Ozarka, UA Fayetteville, UA Little Rock, UAMS, and UCA; a new UCA multi-purpose arena project estimated at $75.5 million; and DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, and rural hospital quality improvement. All of these items were reviewed without objection.
The committee also heard a ratification request from UAMS for a Family and Medical Leave Act outsourcing contract with FMLA Source. UAMS said an amendment had been prepared but never submitted for review, and payments continued after expiration; members expressed frustration and asked UAMS to review whether other contracts had similarly lapsed. The committee then reviewed numerous construction-related, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including airport economic impact study work, parking guidance technology at the University of Arkansas, veteran nursing services, and multiple DHS service contracts. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after reports of routine contract amendments and minor contracts were presented for information.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The District 4 Waste Tire Accountability Board's objective is to render services for the collection,
- transportation, and processing of waste tires from transfer facilities to a location for processing.
- Number nine, DHS with Republic Services Incorporated, is for waste pickup and removal at the Arkansas
- Number ten, DHS Division of Aging, Adults, and Behavioral Health with Republic Services is for waste
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- requirements to protect Hawaiʻi's dark sky, dark night skies, safeguard native wildlife, reduce energy waste
- 43.519><c> energy</c> safeguard native wildlife, reduce energy safeguard native wildlife, reduce energy waste
- 44.399><c> preserve</c><00:09:44.720><c> the</c><00:09:44.880><c> cultural</c><00:09:45.200><c> and</c> waste
- , and preserve the cultural and waste, and preserve the cultural and scientific<00:09:45.839><c> value
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The joint hearing covered three bills, all related to outdoor lighting or permitting. On SB 2278, which addressed light pollution and outdoor lighting standards, testimony was mixed: the University of Hawaiʻi and others raised concerns that the bill’s 4,000K color temperature standard and other provisions conflicted with dark-sky and wildlife-protection recommendations, while some groups testified in support. A lighting industry engineer also questioned how turtle-lighting provisions would apply in practice and urged a workable standard that balances safety, design, and wildlife concerns.
On SB 2908, relating to permitting, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and several business groups testified, generally standing on written testimony or supporting the measure. Committee discussion focused on a proposed statewide permitting intake platform; the Office of Planning said the SPEED Task Force believed counties were better suited to handle permitting information, and members asked whether the appropriation was sufficient. The committee voted to pass SB 2908 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050.
On SB 2987, also relating to light pollution, the University of Hawaiʻi strongly supported the bill and proposed amendments to create campus lighting zones tailored to safety and foot traffic, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its comments and several other organizations testified in support or opposition. The chair said the committee would address business safety concerns by making technical and nonsubstantive amendments, exempting outdoor light fixtures for airports, highways, and harbors, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committee then adopted the recommendation to pass SB 2987 with amendments and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Steven Jacob (R-Altura) Nov 20th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so you can imagine what happens to all that waste during a flood.
- what happens to And so you can imagine what happens to all<00:07:22.639><c> that</c><00:07:22.960><c> waste
- </c><00:07:24.639><c> That</c> all that waste during a flood. That all that waste during a flood.