Video & Transcript Research : 'flashing beacons'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- present, the question was put to them: currently, if you step off the curb when the hand signal is flashing
- the<00:38:37.319>
hand <00:38:37.520>signal <00:38:37.880>is <00:38:38.160>flashing - <00:38:39.160>
that <00:38:39.400>is the hand signal is flashing that is the hand signal - is flashing that is illegal<00:38:41.000>
right <00:38:41.440>or <00:38:41.880>correct
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities.
In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale.
The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. (6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- learning<00:19:05.360>
and <00:19:05.480>opportunity, <00:19:06.440>but beacons - of learning and opportunity, but beacons of learning and opportunity, but America's<00:19:07.160>
- This is somebody going from<00:28:45.280>
Beacon <00:28:45.600>of <00:28:45.680>Hope - <00:28:45.880>
in <00:28:46.000>Winchester <00:28:46.600>to from Beacon of Hope - in Winchester to from Beacon of Hope in Winchester to attend<00:28:47.000>
the <00:28:47.080><
Summary:
The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for its first summer interim meeting, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and took roll. The first presentation came from Jerry Gels, principal of Ignite Institute in Erlanger, who focused on the rising cost of dual credit. He said dual credit tuition has increased from about $150 to $290 for a three-credit course over roughly five years, which he argued is discouraging participation, especially for working-class and low-income students. He cited Ignite data and broader college outcomes to argue dual credit improves college persistence, shortens time to degree, and reduces student debt, noting that many of his students enter college with substantial credit and that low-income students at Ignite have increasingly participated after targeted efforts and scholarship use. He also said the instructional labor is largely paid by county school systems, so he questioned the size of the tuition increase and said the committee should examine how the costs are being set and whether college tuition should be stabilizing as more students arrive with credits already earned.
Members asked about who pays for dual credit, the role of state scholarship support, and whether tuition varies by institution. Gels said students in his district generally pay the dual credit cost themselves, though some districts may cover it, and he noted the dual credit scholarship now covers fewer classes than before. He said the price appears to be set centrally rather than varying by university, and he emphasized that the higher cost is creating barriers even though the courses are taught largely by local teachers on school payrolls. He also described Ignite’s efforts to expand access for free- and reduced-lunch students, saying participation among that group rose from 27% with no dual credit to about 90-92% taking at least one dual credit class.
The committee then heard from the Goldwater Institute, represented by Michael Frazier and Dr. Tim Minella by Zoom. They argued Kentucky’s public universities should face stronger accountability and transparency, citing declining public confidence in higher education, rising costs, and what they described as administrative growth and research spending that does not clearly benefit students or the Commonwealth. They proposed requiring a 10-year accounting of staffing growth by category, comparing it to enrollment and low-income Kentucky enrollment, and limiting non-STEM faculty teaching releases for research unless approved under a baseline consent process. They also criticized certain university-funded research projects as examples of misdirected spending and said public reporting should distinguish Kentucky residents from non-residents more clearly, pointing to a reported decline in low-income in-state undergraduate enrollment. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 37th Legislative Day Jun 17th, 2026
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We talked about this yesterday, and things are flashing back in my head.
- As noted, approximately 80% of Black women report hot flashes and night sweats for upwards of 10 years
Summary:
The Senate received communications from the House listing numerous bills, substitutes, amendments, and concurrent resolutions passed by the House or returned to the Senate, and it also noted a Senate amendment being stricken from House Bill 190. Committee reports were read on a wide range of nominations and bills, including favorable reports on several executive nominations and legislation involving nurse preceptors, voting, agricultural/forestry grants, child care, Title IX coordination, vehicle security devices, dry needling, human remains disposition, child care assistance, autism-related oversight, nursing advancement, correctional oversight, massage and bodywork, probate letters, computer security breaches, automobile insurance, medical debt protection, and technical corrections. The Senate also assigned House Bill 300, House Bill 64, and House Bill 385 to the Finance Committee.
The chamber confirmed several gubernatorial nominations by roll call vote, each receiving the required majority: Heidi J. A. Gilmore to the Marijuana Appeals Commission; Lee Wynne and Ruth J. Tucker to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; Jennifer R. Hallman and Lindsay E. Alexich to the Professional Standards Board; Jason M. Munion and F. Todd Kulata to the Environmental Appeals Board. The Senate also passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 383, which changes overtime eligibility for certain DelDOT employees and clarifies covered positions, and Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which revises the Delaware Technical Innovation Program to give the Division of Small Business more flexibility in using federal grant funds. Consent Agenda M passed unanimously, including Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 on menopause and perimenopause coverage, House Bill 411 on alcohol/tobacco/marijuana enforcement, House Bill 271 on marijuana establishment spacing, House Bill 258 on alcohol licenses, House Bill 303 on juvenile probation/parole officers and DCYF employees, and House Bill 377 on Ocean View municipal election deadlines.
Consent Calendar 63 also passed unanimously, including resolutions recognizing Day of Service, National Adoption Month, National Coaches Day, Free Speech Week, Women’s Equality Day, and Spirit of America 250, along with resolutions encouraging a veteran cemetery in Kent County, seeking plans for repurposing underused public buildings, and honoring Delaware Boys State. The Senate spent significant time on floor remarks about the Boys State delegates and on a tribute to emergency responders who helped save a seven-year-old child trapped by a seatbelt; the responders were recognized individually and thanked for their work. Additional remarks explained the purpose of the menopause coverage bill, the adoption month resolution, the free speech resolution, and the America 250 resolution. The session ended with no further business and the Senate recessed until June 18.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Business and Professions
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, that to even say that is damaging to this great republic known throughout the world as the beacon
- Speaker, that to even say that is damaging to this great republic known throughout the world as the beacon
- Speaker, that to even say that is damaging to this great republic known throughout the world as the beacon
- Speaker, that to even say that is damaging to this great republic known throughout the world as the beacon
- It's take it or leave it. the world as the beacon of freedom the world as the beacon of freedom and<03
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Our goal is to ensure that this history is preserved, but more importantly, it becomes a beacon of light
- , and met people who loved each other, who cared about each other, but knew that this place was a beacon
Bills:
HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6
Keywords:
HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Little Saigon is a beacon of hope and testament to the resiliency of our community.
- Little<02:09:58.320>
Saigon <02:09:58.719>is <02:09:58.800>a <02:09:58.960>beacon - /c><02:09:59.199>
of <02:09:59.280>hope <02:09:59.440>and Little Saigon is a beacon - of hope and Little Saigon is a beacon of hope and testament<02:10:00.000>
to <02:10:00.159> - And by the way, news flash, everybody: there's a member of the Republican Party who voted by proxy to
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- And then there's another type called the flash, which is more related to high temperature, where the
- Within the flash system, there's about a 5 to 10 percent, but, you know, in the experience of New Zealand
- which is more related called The Flash which is more related to<01:33:21.040>
high <01:33:21.239 - :33:33.080>
about <01:33:33.239>a <01:33:33.400>5 <01:33:33.639>to the flash - system there's about a 5 to the flash system there's about a 5 to 10%<01:33:35.000>
but <01:33
Summary:
The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided.
The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs.
Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- At Beacon, after their congregations provided emergency shelter to families in their houses of worship
- Um, at Beacon,<01:40:33.119>
after <01:40:33.440>our <01:40:33.679>congregations - <01:40:34.480>
provided Beacon, after our congregations provided Beacon, after our congregations - :41:07.920>
like state to partner with providers like state to partner with providers like Beacon - to not only build these homes, Beacon to not only build these homes, but<01:41:10.800>
to <01:
Bills:
HF2434
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025 at 10:08 am
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- district that is always grateful for rain but always nervous when that rain is heavy because we have flash
- The same way that the Guadalupe flash floods.
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- that Main Street businesses face right now, but how does that tie into policy being considered on Beacon
- that Main Street businesses face right now, but how does that tie into policy being considered on Beacon
- But how does that tie into policy being considered on Beacon Hill?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization.
State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake.
Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 12, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are kind of a beacon, I'm going to brag, but I'm bragging.
- We are kind of a beacon, I'm going to brag, but I'm bragging.
- We are kind of a beacon, I'm going to brag, but I'm bragging.
Summary:
The subcommittee began with an informal “college day” exercise in which members described what careers and colleges they would choose if starting over, often citing factors such as program reputation, location, cost, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and family or personal interests. Members mentioned a range of possible paths including law, aviation, education, construction management, psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, intelligence studies, and the arts. Several also highlighted the value of historically Black colleges and universities, dual enrollment, and career/technical education. The chair used the exercise to frame the meeting’s broader focus on Florida’s higher education pathways and student outcomes.
Dr. Kathleen Plinsky of Valencia College then gave an overview of the Florida College System and Valencia’s role in it, emphasizing Florida’s statewide articulation and transfer framework, open-access mission, affordability, and workforce alignment. She described Valencia’s record enrollment, high retention, large share of first-generation and working students, and partnerships such as Direct Connect to UCF, Osceola Prosper, and Open Door grants for short-term training. Members asked about guaranteed transfer, apprenticeships, enrollment trends, student demographics, out-of-state residency, county scholarship costs, dual enrollment outcomes, and barriers to expanding career dual enrollment. Dr. Plinsky said the system supports transfer and acceleration well, but funding constraints limit growth in some areas; she also noted that dual enrollment participation is high and that Valencia’s affordability and student support efforts have driven recent enrollment gains.
Dr. Jim Clark of Florida State University followed with an overview of the State University System, describing its governance, performance-based funding, low tuition, and strong graduation and research outcomes. He highlighted FSU’s enrollment, research profile, transfer student success, FSU Health, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, partnerships with K-12 schools and Tallahassee State College, and efforts to expand nursing and medical education to address workforce shortages. After the presentations, the committee heard from a panel on student acceleration and mobility: Shannon Mercer of the Department of Education explained the Office of Articulation, the statewide course numbering system, FASTER records, the 2+2 transfer model, specialized AA transfer degrees, and credit for industry certifications, military, medical, and law-enforcement training. Panelists from Kaiser University, Florida State University, and Pinellas County Schools described their institutions’ roles in transfer, advising, career pathways, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill would require landlords to notify tenants of nearby water hazards, HF1566 3/18/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- break uh uh Windows sometime sometimes break uh uh Windows sometime sometimes they<00:04:28.520>
Flash - :29.520>
and <00:04:29.800>put <00:04:29.919>a <00:04:30.120>toys they Flash - the tolet and put a toys they Flash the tolet and put a toys because<00:04:30.880>
they <00:04
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think it needs to be in bold or flashed or something like that. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
- So I think it needs to be in bold or flashed or something like that. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
- So I think it needs to be in bold or flashed or something like that. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
- So I think it needs to be in bold or flashed or something like that. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
- So I think it needs to be in bold or flashed or something like that. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes.
Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders.
Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AZ
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, December 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The lights are amazing, but the Flash and co-already melt into mayhem when we know of so many, maybe
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- that he had had a discussion with an officer in another state and that one state police officer had flashed
- that he had had a discussion with an officer in another state and that one state police officer had flashed
- I have had a discussion with an officer in another state, and I've had one state police officer flash
- I have had a discussion with an officer in another state, and I've had one state police officer flash
- He said New Hampshire is very unique in New England, and we could really be a beacon to New England,
Summary:
The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles.
Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules.
Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- note is that our economy has transitioned from people selling items door-to-door to targeted ads that flash
- selling items doortodoor to targeted ads selling items doortodoor to targeted ads that<00:03:19.200>
flash your <00:03:20.080>screen <00:03:20.400>and <00:03:20.640>entice that flash- across your screen and entice that flash across your screen and entice you<00:03:21.120>
to <00
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House committee considers bill to tax social media platforms, HF3117 4/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And now, flash forward to where we're at, I think that number is closer to 15 touches.
- <00:44:33.200>
And <00:44:33.440>now <00:44:33.680>flash somebody's attention - And now flash somebody's attention.
- And now flash forward<00:44:34.240>
to <00:44:34.400>where <00:44:34.560>we're <00
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill.
Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services.
Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- 01:25:39.080>
and <01:25:39.239>I <01:25:39.360>think <01:25:39.719>um flashed - out a bit more and I think um flashed out a bit more and I think um that<01:25:40.159>
might < - That's why I needed the paper, so I could flash it around.
- the paper<01:41:46.599>
so <01:41:46.760>I <01:41:46.880>could <01:41:47.560>flash - <01:41:47.840>
it <01:41:48.159>around paper so I could flash it around paper so I
Summary:
The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process.
The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management.
A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.