Video & Transcript Research : 'testimony'
Page 137 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We've submitted written testimony.
- We've submitted written testimony. Them. We've submitted written testimony. Thank you very much.
- Do you have my testimony?
- As you can see in my testimony, permits.
- , bill, and we as noted in the testimony, bill, and we as noted in the testimony, we<00:44:01.960
Keywords:
renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support.
The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/18/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony. Senator R., thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Thank you for your testimony.
- and copy of the um I have some testimony and on<01:49:14.840>
the <01:49:15.000>testimony<
MN
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/27/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony.
- Please support HF 2, and thank you for your testimony. Of course. Thank you for your testimony.
- thank you thank you for your testimony thank you thank you for your testimony and<01:00:12.039><
- <01:03:44.319>
the you thank you for your testimony the you thank you for your testimony the
Keywords:
pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- you thank you so much for your testimony you thank you so much for your testimony um<00:53:03.359
- I will elaborate on my testimony against HF 749.
- I will elaborate on my testimony against HF 749.
- <00:59:47.079>
uh time thank you for your testimony uh time thank you for your testimony uh - deserves uh thank you for the testimony deserves uh thank you for the testimony uh<01:04:38.760>
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Please remember that your signature is an affirmation that your testimony is true.
- Thank you all for your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- You go ahead, sir, you introduce yourself, and looking forward to your testimony.
- Good morning, and thank you to the committee for listening to my testimony.
- Thank you guys for your testimony. Thank you. The board is clear.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended.
Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended.
The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Rep Geren is present and just a reminder our testimony will be at 2 minutes length per testimony
- There's also a visual aid in my written testimony if you don't mind distributing it, Andrew.
- I've included in my testimony a photograph of an artwork.
- Appreciate your testimony. Yes, sir.
- Then we'll start with you, ma'am, on your testimony. Laura Martinez: Hi, everyone.
Bills:
SB 37
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/16/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- for your testimony. for your testimony. >> Thank<01:14:50.000>
you. - >> Thank you for your testimony. >> Thank you for your testimony.
- It's in my written testimony.
- It's in my written testimony. It's in my written testimony.
- >> Thank you for your testimony. >> Thank you for your testimony.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1651, which would create a civil sexual assault protective order for survivors who do not have a domestic violence or stalking relationship with the offender, and would also update the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights regarding evidence kit retention and tracking. Representative Jennifer Rhodes, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to fill gaps for survivors assaulted by strangers, acquaintances, or others outside existing protective-order categories, and to ensure evidence is preserved for the longer of the statute of limitations or the retention period. Committee members asked whether the new order could be misused and how the bill would prevent frivolous petitions; the sponsor said the same legal process would apply and a victim would still have to prove they were actually assaulted.
Representative Eileen Kelly and Lynn Shallet of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified in support, saying current law leaves many sexual assault survivors without a meaningful civil remedy unless they qualify for domestic violence or stalking relief. Shallet said the gap has existed for decades and noted that other states already have standalone sexual assault protective orders. She also said the bill would clarify survivors’ rights to know the status and location of their evidence kits. Shauna Foster of New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse described local cases where survivors were denied protective orders because they lacked the required relationship with the offender, including a co-worker assault and an assault involving an unhoused survivor.
Lisa Curtis, a survivor and founder of Safe Haven Ballet, gave emotional testimony in support, describing her own sexual assault and the difficulty of seeking protection and justice. She said survivors need safety to recover and that the bill would better align the justice system with trauma-informed support. Janet Carroll, a sexual assault nurse examiner and advisory board co-chair, testified that the bill’s evidence-kit provisions reflect federal changes and existing tracking practices. She explained that New Hampshire uses a kit tracking system that lets patients and professionals follow kits through the process, and said the bill would codify the right to be informed of a kit’s status and location. No vote was taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have public testimony.
- Seeing no more public testimony members.
- We do have public testimony.
- But I appreciate that testimony. Let me see. Get get back on track because it's so real.
- We have an questions members. >> We have public testimony.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/30/2025)
Municipal and County Government
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/04/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony.
- for your testimony. for your testimony.
- Seeing none of blue sheets. testimony. testimony.
- . testimony. testimony.
- . testimony. testimony.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 163FN, dealing with requiring current, verifiable evidence of a species’ presence before land-use restrictions are imposed for habitat protection. Members discussed an amendment that had been worked on with agencies and stakeholder groups. Fish and Game testified that, while the amendment improved the bill, the agency still opposed it because of concerns about citizen science, how the proposal would apply to public versus private property, and how the transition to DES would work. Representative Darby argued the amendment was ambiguous, lacked a full hearing, and did not clearly address record verification or private-property access issues. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, with a minority report noted.
The committee then moved to HB 1752FN, which would create a chain of custody for timber and carbon credits. Representative Davis presented an amendment saying it would help law enforcement investigate timber theft and add transparency to New Hampshire’s carbon registry by identifying buyers of carbon credits. Supporters said the change would impose little burden and align with practices in other states. Opponents, including Representative Darby, Representative Vale, and the state forester from DNCR, said the carbon market is complex, the amendment was not fully vetted, and a hearing with all stakeholders was needed; they also raised fiscal-note concerns. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, again with a minority report.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on HB 1019, which would add an active water treatment professional to the state water well board. Representative Peter Petrino and Representative Wendy Thomas said the board should include expertise on contamination risks and treatment technologies, citing concerns about arsenic, radon, and PFAS in private wells. The chairman of the Water Well Board testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the board supports the general idea of licensing water filtration work but does not currently have authority or rules to oversee that field and believes the proposal would put “the cart before the horse.” Members questioned whether the board’s current mandate even covers filtration systems, and the discussion ended with those concerns unresolved.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If you wish to give testimony, please fill out your witness card, sign it, and hand it over, excuse me
- Your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
- We are here primarily for public testimony.
- All we're here for today is public testimony on the maps that have been filed.
- All we're here for today is public testimony on the maps that have been filed.
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 8, 2026, with eight members present and a quorum established. The chair reviewed public testimony procedures, emphasized that no votes would be taken that day, and explained witness card and media rules. The meeting was intended primarily for public testimony on filed maps and related matters.
Before testimony began, Senator Carter raised concerns about the governor’s suspension of Louisiana’s congressional elections and asked for a representative from the Secretary of State’s office. No one from that office was present. Carter repeatedly asked about the status of early ballots and ballots already cast—whether they would be counted, preserved, or discarded—but the chair said he could not answer those questions and had not contacted the Secretary of State. The exchange centered on uncertainty over the handling of votes in the suspended congressional election, but no substantive answers were provided.
The chair reiterated that the committee was there for public testimony on the maps and not to vote on any bills. No bills were presented or acted on in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- minutes of testimony.
- /c><00:46:30.840>
testimony. - minutes of testimony. Thank you. minutes of testimony. Thank you.
- Thank you so much for your testimony.
- Thank you so much for your testimony.
Keywords:
disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, thank you very much for your testimony.
- Seeing none, thank you very much for your testimony.
- <01:35:21.320>
is you Mr clevin um our other testimony is you Mr clevin um our other testimony - Thank you, gentlemen, for your testimony. Thank you.
- <01:41:12.080>
thank gentlemen for your testimony thank gentlemen for your testimony thank
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony.
- the state um to offer their testimony the state um to offer their testimony and<00:41:22.000>
- We did have this open for people to sign up for testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. Is there anybody else?
- <01:16:38.480>
and rates um we had some great testimony and rates um we had some great testimony
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- think you all did get some testimony think you all did get some testimony from<00:07:35.840>
- <00:25:23.600>
everybody you very much your testimony everybody you very much your testimony - Thank you for your testimony.
- committee thank you for your testimony committee thank you for your testimony we'll<01:32:45.159
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
Summary:
The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs.
Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales.
Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 1/22/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- From the testimony that we received, I don't think this was ever really debated.
- Expert testimony has a much more important role for local government entities.
- The public again can follow through with the expert testimony.
- going to be an expert testimony going to be an expert testimony component<00:25:45.559>
of - So we appreciate your testimony on that. Thank you, Representative Davis. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Jeff Sigerson, executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, who outlined the board’s mission and core programs: campaign finance disclosure, economic interest statements, and lobbying registration/reporting. He described the board as an independent agency with six members, noted current vacancies and confirmation requirements, and said the board’s budget request was essentially flat, with a base budget of about $1.793 million and most costs tied to salaries, office space, and other fixed expenses. He also reviewed the board’s enforcement structure, emphasizing civil-only penalties, a complaint-driven process, and the availability of reports, enforcement actions, and advisory opinions on the board’s website.
Sigerson highlighted several recent and upcoming changes. Local ballot question committees for city, school district, levy, and bond issues now must register with the board if they exceed $750 in activity, and the board is preparing outreach and online registration tools to help local committees comply. He also discussed the public subsidy and political contribution refund programs, saying the board paid out about $2.12 million to 230 House candidates in 2024, that 93% of candidates signed the subsidy agreement, and that 2023 PCR refunds totaled about $447,000 for candidates and $1.616 million for party donors. He noted that the PCR maximum refund was recently increased from $50 to $75 per donation, and that payments could drop significantly in 2026 if the one-time supplement is not renewed.
A major focus of the presentation was the board’s lobbying report and related legislative recommendations. Sigerson said the board is moving from tracking marginal expenses to tracking the subjects and entities being lobbied, and that lobbying will be expanded from certain metro-area governmental units to all cities, counties, school districts, townships, and other political subdivisions, potentially adding thousands of lobbyists. He said the board held two public hearings and received 23 written comments on proposed changes. The board’s main recommendations were to broaden the expert-testimony exception so that certain paid experts at local hearings would not need to register as lobbyists, while still requiring disclosure of who testified, before whom, and on what subject, and to adjust the current lobbying definition for local government employees and officials who spend more than 50 hours a month on intergovernmental lobbying work.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate your testimony.
- We appreciate your testimony.
- So thank you all for the testimony. Thank you. Thank you.
- Thank you very much for your testimony.
- I'll be submitting some additional written testimony.
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities.
Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance.
There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.