Video & Transcript Research : 'controller'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 04/13/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we talk a lot in all our different committees around local control.
- And so, in terms of local control, at a minimum, I think that we have to, as a feedlot, let everyone
- , at at a so, in terms of local control, at at a minimum,<00:19:33.800>
I <00:19:33.880>think - That's farmland control, and the bill's opt-out provisions don't, in actuality, provide for meaningful
- <00:24:12.400>
opt-out control and the bill's opt-out control and the bill's opt-out provisions
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- agency look at the the pollution control agency look at the cost<00:52:07.280>
to <00:52:07.520 - And we're not controlling it because we're not turning off the tap.
- that from people by not not controlling that from people by not not controlling this<00:57:38.880
- >
and <00:57:39.119>we're <00:57:39.280>not <00:57:39.440>controlling <00: - 57:39.839>
it this and we're not controlling it this and we're not controlling it because<00:57
Summary:
The meeting was a PFAS-focused hearing of the Capital Investment Committee, with members informally discussing the scale of PFAS cleanup costs, possible Minnesota-made removal technology, and even committee birthday treats before the testimony began. No formal votes or motions were taken in the portion provided. The chair also noted the committee was waiting on a computer/cable issue before starting the presentation.
The main testimony came from Sandy Wyn, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, who described how PFAS contamination affected her Michigan community. She recounted that her private well tested at extremely high PFAS levels after a state visit, linked the contamination to Wolverine Worldwide’s historic dumping practices, and said the pollution spread through groundwater and municipal systems. She emphasized that PFAS are widespread in consumer products, firefighting foam, wastewater biosolids, and agriculture, and argued that the chemicals’ persistence makes them difficult to manage once released.
Wyn said PFAS exposure is associated with health problems including cholesterol issues, liver and thyroid damage, kidney cancer, low birth weight, and reduced vaccine response in children. She told members she had her own blood tested, later developed thyroid cancer, and said a local child had very high PFAS levels and vaccine complications. Members asked for supporting studies, and she referenced the C8 study and other research. She urged stronger product restrictions, labeling, blood and water testing support, caution around biosolids, and continued efforts to reduce PFAS use, while acknowledging some limited uses may still be necessary in critical applications like military firefighting foam or medical devices.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I've worked hard and paid my rent, but this was a problem out of my control.
- I had a lot out of my control. Thank you. It was a crisis out of my control.
- But I think you should not take away local control of what's going on right now because it took a long
- So I agree, but I think you should not take away local control of what's going on right now because it
- Certain office that just, through regulatory control, disallows it.
Bills:
HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910
Keywords:
mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner
Summary:
The House Commerce Committee heard and advanced several bills. HB 2181, as amended, would extend the deadline for funeral establishments to submit death certificates from 7 days to a maximum of 14 days and clarify that a provider’s medical certification period excludes weekends and holidays. The sponsor and a mortuary owner testified that the current timeline is often difficult to meet because of weekends, holidays, doctor availability, county delays, and family circumstances. Several members said the bill did not fully address the underlying compliance problems, but the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 6-4-1.
HB 2682 would create a DES rental assistance program offering up to two months or $5,000 in aid, with a $5 million general fund appropriation for administration. The sponsor and a tenant advocate described the bill as a short-term bridge to prevent eviction and homelessness, while an industry representative said rental assistance is an effective early intervention tool. Some members raised concerns about limiting eligibility to households with children and about program administration, but the bill passed 7-4. HB 2698 would create a rental assistance study committee to evaluate program effectiveness and repeal in 2028; it passed on a 7-4 vote.
HB 2476 would revise CPA certification and reciprocity requirements, creating multiple pathways to licensure and updating related rules and fees. Supporters said it would help address a CPA shortage and align Arizona with other states; after clarification from the sponsor and the State Board of Accountancy, the committee passed it unanimously, 11-0. The committee then heard HB 2308, which would bar dental insurers and certain holding companies from owning dental practices; the Arizona Dental Association supported it as a safeguard against vertical integration, while Delta Dental opposed it as overbroad and burdensome. The bill passed 8-0-3. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 2118 on mobile food vendors and local permitting, with the sponsor and food truck operators arguing for streamlined county/state licensing and reduced local duplication, while a vendor representative warned the proposal could affect existing local ordinances and private-property vendors.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- of all federal spending, comes control of all federal spending, comes along<00:54:32.480>
and - the press because he wants to manipulate and control the information flow.
- the press because manipulate and control the press because he<01:07:50.000>
wants <01:07:50.160 - >
to <01:07:50.319>manipulate <01:07:50.720>and <01:07:50.960>control <01: - 07:51.200>
the he wants to manipulate and control the he wants to manipulate and control the information
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii.
Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements.
Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on the Transportation Costs and Impact of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Aug 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- that Speaker Rivas wanted to make sure we focused on affordability at all levels that we have some control
- Well, again, we don't control the secondary market, and we also don't, as the regulator, speculate on
- I'm willing to pay 20 cents a gallon to try to get cleaner fuels,' then you lose control of how much
- So in terms of the low-carbon fuel standard, we don't have control over what is the price impact of what
- the carbon intensity of the fuel when choosing not to set a specific tax that stays fixed and control
Summary:
The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs.
Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins.
The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- that we took an oath to protect that now we're making copies and distributing them outside of our control
- I will tell you that I do believe in that wholeheartedly, but I have a problem with the local control
- I know that we're policy driven, and I'll hang my hat on the local control, on the policy aspect, that
- it kind of subverts the local control piece.
- But to your local control piece, I just want to read this operative part of the bill because this was
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations.
The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes.
Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 7, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- I would also point out that the only alternative conservation has is lethal control, which DLNR already
- However, human beings have let this get out of control, so we feel that it is our kuleana.
- However, human beings have let this get out of control, so we feel that it is our kuleana.
- Even though cats were brought here on ships to control the rats, which were eating the food, they had
- However, human beings have let this get out of control, so we feel that it is our kuleana.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (2-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, Kentucky Power's interests can't technically operate after 2028 without that control equipment
- And so, Kentucky Power's interests can't technically operate after 2028 without that control equipment
- that's that's out of our control right? that's that's out of our control right?
- Um, and also limits their ability to clean up hazardous substance spills or enforce pollution controls
- Um, and also limits their ability to clean up hazardous substance spills or enforce pollution controls
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:28
Introduction of Guests 00:02:08
American Electric Power and Kentucky Power Presentation 00:03:31
SB 89 Discussion 00:53:55
SB 89 Roll Call Vote 01:07:46, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky.
Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky.
Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair will control 20 minutes.
- Pastor Jyn's outside state control.
- I can't breathe because MAGA controls I can't breathe because MAGA controls the<08:12:58.718>
the <08:13:03.600>Senate, MAGA controls the House, the Senate, MAGA controls the House- :13:07.680>
United <08:13:08.080>States and MAGA controls the United States and MAGA controls
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- From our perspective, my perspective at least at this point in my life, issues beyond my control arise
- We don't have control over that.
- What we have control over, what really you have control over, is how we are able to respond to those
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public employees, retirees, and public safety personnel. Early testimony focused on House Bill 2859, which would make Massachusetts Department of Correction industrial instructors permanent civil service employees after years of provisional status, and House Bill 2995, which would reduce the Boston Fire Cadet Program service requirement from two years to one year. Supporters of the Boston fire cadet bill argued it would improve equity, expand opportunities for Boston residents, and help diversify the Boston Fire Department; committee members asked about the current makeup of academy classes and the effect of a hybrid model, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association was described as neutral on a separate age-related police bill.
The committee also heard several proposals related to post-retirement earnings and civil service rules for police and fire retirees. Testimony supported bills including H. 2903 and H. 2966, which would loosen earnings limits for retired public safety workers returning to work, and related measures affecting civil service exemptions and professional services for retirement boards. Speakers argued the current limits are confusing, discourage experienced workers from filling needed municipal jobs, and can create safety issues on public works and construction sites. One witness from Worcester Police supported raising the police academy age limit from 32 to 39 to improve recruitment, especially in BIPOC communities, while Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata supported a separate bill to raise the Boston Police Academy age cap from 39 to 45.
A substantial portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 2812 and S. 1817, which would increase the pension COLA base from $13,000 to $18,000 and freeze certain retiree health insurance contribution rates, with additional testimony about capping out-of-pocket health costs for some retirees. Educators and union representatives said the current COLA structure has eroded pension value and leaves retirees struggling with rising costs, while one witness described long delays and confusion in navigating retiree health coverage. The committee took no substantive votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after hearing all testimony.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator McMorrow offers Senate Bill 1047, a bill to amend an act to provide for the regulation and control
- Senate Bill 1047, a bill to amend an act to provide for the regulation and control of public and certain
- Senator Hertel offers Senate Bill 1048, a bill to amend an act to provide for the regulation and control
- No one should be punished for federal decisions beyond their control.
Summary:
The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees.
In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1.
Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- gives us better insight into the ones that we are actually utilizing on our plan and gives us better control
- We are actually utilizing on our plan and gives us better control and appropriate utilization of these
- These drugs, if you don't have the appropriate guardrails and kind of controls on utilization around
- We have been able to contain and control that first $50 million aggregate in the loss.
Summary:
The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, including moving to lower-cost generic and preferred drugs, leaving several new-to-market drugs not covered, and adjusting migraine and diabetes medications; the committee approved those recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that excludes automatic coverage for those therapies so they can undergo prior authorization and review, with members emphasizing that the policy was intended to create review, not an absolute denial, and that expedited appeals would remain available.
Members spent significant time discussing the UAMS pharmacy benefit consultant amendment. Wallace explained that the contract included both basic services and optional services related to coupon and rebate management and prior authorization support, but the written materials created confusion over the dollar amount. After questions about whether the committee was approving a higher amount than the base contract and whether the optional services duplicated work already being done by Navitus, the committee agreed to review the item with a contingency that any use of the optional services would return to the committee for approval. The committee also reviewed and approved the U.S. Able Mutual/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, the CompSack employee assistance program contract, and the proposed 2027 employee and public employee rates, which call for a 9.8% increase for state employees and a 4.9% increase for public school employees.
On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffley, and renewals for Sedgwick claims management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Wallace said Sedgwick had faced delays after a major winter storm and other weather events, but performance guarantees and communication expectations were being added; members discussed whether a shorter renewal term would be preferable, but the item was reviewed. The committee also approved the 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which Wallace said would lower the overall rate by 10% while keeping minimum deductibles unchanged. He noted the program had stabilized after a difficult first year and that the rate structure was now based on a more transparent actuarial foundation. The meeting ended with an update that the UnitedHealthcare rebid was nearing completion and would return in August, and the committee adjourned after approving the remaining items.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- application developer with a parent or guardian of a child to provide notification of prescribed parental control
- It requires a covered company to make controls available that enable account holders to restrict which
- removes the requirement for a developer... ...to describe minor default settings as required parental control
- It removes as required parental control features the ability to disable the display of personalized recommendation
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Apr 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill would place these chemicals as controlled scheduled drugs in Oklahoma.
- We're adding three more categories there on controlled dangerous substances.
- It currently reads that it means a person who distributes a Schedule 1 or 2 controlled dangerous substance
- And so, see what our first responders do when they're in a controlled environment in a safe place with
Bills:
HB3767, HB3934, HB4199, HB4336, HB2947, HB3834, HB4302, HB4095, HB3287, HB3649, HB4430, HB4431, HB2059, HB3647
Keywords:
dentistry, licensing, dental hygiene, foreign-trained dentists, temporary license, public health, emergency response, child care, workforce, pilot program, affordable care, income eligibility, interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House agriculture panel lays over bill exempting elk from state's Cervidae importation ban Apr 8th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota farmed elk in 17 years, the elk industry remains committed to working with the board to control
- <00:04:21.040>
the <00:04:21.120>board <00:04:22.000>to <00:04:22.160>control - <00:04:22.520>
the working with the board to control the working with the board to control
Summary:
Representative Heintzeman presented House File 4508, which would allow the importation of elk from other states into Minnesota to help address challenges facing the state’s elk breeding industry and improve herd genetics. The Minnesota Elk Breeders Association supported the bill, arguing that recent CWD-related import restrictions have effectively cut off access to outside breeding stock, hurt breeder numbers, and limited options for maintaining healthy, profitable herds. The group said elk are relatively resistant to CWD and that importation could be allowed under Board of Animal Health oversight.
The Minnesota DNR opposed the bill, saying there is no validated live test for CWD that can ensure incoming animals are disease-free and pointing to recent cases in other states where imported elk later tested positive. The DNR also said federal herd certification programs have not prevented spread of the disease and warned that responding to a new captive cervid detection can cost more than $500,000. Members then discussed broader issues around CWD testing, including frustration that a live test developed at the University of Minnesota has not been federally validated and whether Minnesota should pursue state or third-party validation.
Representative Heintzeman said the bill was intended to start a broader conversation and noted that the current proposal does not address the testing issue directly. After testimony and discussion, no vote was taken and House File 4508 was laid over.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Finance and Tax Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You have 5% in our newly authorized charters, which is outside the local school district control, and
- You have 5% in our newly authorized charters, which is outside the local school district control, and
- And I think we can control this now, but I'm just not going to...
- I think we put them in a very precarious position, and I think we can control this now, but I'm just
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no.
The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-17-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- These officers provide law enforcement, traffic control, and security services, and their presence has
- officers provide law enforcement, These officers provide law enforcement, traffic<00:03:43.239>
control - /c><00:03:44.040>
and <00:03:44.160>security <00:03:44.560>services, traffic control - , and security services, traffic control, and security services, and<00:03:45.360>
their <00:03
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum and took up three bills. House Bill 297, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would make Kentucky State Fair Board police explicitly eligible for inclusion in the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund and related certification provisions. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to correct a technical gap, noting the officers are already POPS-certified and that Louisville Metro Police Department would provide annual training. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote.
House Bill 364, sponsored by Rep. Steve Bratcher, would provide hazardous duty pay for Kentucky National Guard members called to state active duty for natural disasters or emergencies, limited to the first 72 hours of a declaration. Supporters described the risks faced during the initial response period and said the measure recognizes the time and family sacrifices of part-time Guard members. In response to a question, the sponsor said the fiscal note was undetermined because disaster frequency cannot be predicted, but noted federal reimbursement has covered Guard emergency expenditures in past events. The committee passed the bill favorably.
House Bill 436, sponsored by Rep. Wesley, addressed mental health for first responders and was described as a request from search and rescue personnel. The sponsor said the measure had passed the House unanimously in a prior session. Guests from the Kentucky Fire Commission and Kentucky Professional Firefighters were introduced, and the committee reported the bill favorably without opposition. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional presence and votes, the chair announced Military Kids Day on February 19, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- That way they have more control. There have been unions that have waited months.
- That opportunity was completely taken from me, regardless of what I had of any control.
- Limits local control and restricts educators' ability to advocate for their students and profession.
- Instead, HB 995 strips away local control and professional autonomy at a time when stability and support
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- authorizes rather than requires OFR to deny an applicant's registration if certain persons, such as a control
- authorizes rather than requires OFR to deny an applicant's registration if certain persons, such as a control
- authorizes rather than requires OFR to deny an applicant's registration if certain persons, such as a control
- To deny an applicant's registration if certain persons, such as a control person, has engaged in any
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment
Summary:
The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably.
The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably.
The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - 2026-01-14 - 3:35PM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
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Summary:
The Caucus of the Whole received a presentation on the history of Vermont’s practice of electing the Adjutant General and on the upcoming election process. Speakers explained that the General Assembly has elected the Adjutant General since shortly after the War of 1812, making Vermont unique among states, and described the respective roles of the legislature, the governor, and the Adjutant General in overseeing the Vermont National Guard. They also noted legislative oversight of annual reports on sexual assault and harassment complaints, death benefits, and state funding for the Guard.
The presentation reviewed current statutory qualifications for the office, including rank, service membership, senior service college graduation, and federal recognition, and explained that the election now occurs in the second year of the biennium at a joint assembly. Members were told the next election is expected on February 19, 2026, once the House clerk sets the date. The presenters also said the legislature recently modernized the statute to require qualified candidates and clarified that the Adjutant General and Inspector General title is one office under the statute.
Members asked questions about the two-year term, the election procedure, and whether the committee would make a recommendation. The presenters said nominations and seconding would occur and the vote would be by paper ballot, similar to trustee elections. They also said the Government Operations committee and caucus were providing a forum for the candidates but would not issue a recommendation, leaving the decision to individual members. The meeting ended with members encouraged to review candidate biographies and contact information and to speak directly with the candidates.