Video & Transcript : '49 C.F.R. 571.108' :
Page 146 of 343
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> so</c><01:49:04.360><c> I</c><01:49:05.119><c> I</c><01:49:05.320><c> really</c><01:49:05.679><c
- you have so much to<01:49:09.400><c> read</c><01:49:09.760><c> and</c><01:49:09.960><c> so</c><01:49:
- </c><01:49:37.440><c> way</c><01:49:37.880><c> so</c><01:49:38.199><c> much</c><01:49:38.679><c> to</
- > not</c><01:49:41.400><c> want</c><01:49:41.800><c> the</c><01:49:42.040><c> city</c><01:49:42.480><
- so</c><01:49:54.000><c> please</c><01:49:54.320><c> just</c><01:49:54.560><c> kill</c><01:49:54.880>
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused.
The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let<03:49:01.359><c> me</c><03:49:01.520><c> also</c><03:49:01.840><c> pause</c><03:49:02.080><c> to<
- </c><03:49:07.040><c> the</c><03:49:07.279><c> House</c><03:49:07.680><c> Veterans</c><03:49:08.080><
- :09.359><c> for</c><03:49:09.680><c> marking</c><03:49:10.000><c> it</c><03:49:10.160><c> up</c><03:49
- Veterans<03:49:14.720><c> and</c><03:49:14.880><c> Paralyzed</c><03:49:15.600><c> Veterans</c><03:49:
- HR<03:49:20.560><c> 2625</c><03:49:21.680><c> amends</c><03:49:22.239><c> terminology</c><03:49:23.359
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/11/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.119><c> come</c><01:49:00.239><c> to</c><01:49:00.400><c> you</c><01:49:00.599><c> and</c><01:49:
- 10.679><c> call</c><01:49:11.000><c> now</c><01:49:11.639><c> uh</c><01:49:11.760><c> Miss</c><01:49:
- 49:53.480><c> the</c><01:49:53.599><c> one</c><01:49:53.920><c> that</c><01:49:54.239><c> wrote</c><01
- priest was<01:49:56.800><c> kind</c><01:49:57.000><c> enough</c><01:49:57.159><c> to</c><01:49:57.239
- ><c> submit</c><01:49:57.520><c> it</c><01:49:57.639><c> for</c><01:49:57.880><c> me</c><01:49:58.880
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><04:49:14.718><c> is</c><04:49:14.878><c> the</c><04:49:15.120><c> equivalent</c><04:49:15.520><c
- :49:30.878><c> puts</c><04:49:31.200><c> veterans</c><04:49:31.840><c> at</c><04:49:32.160><c> risk</
- of losing<04:49:32.958><c> their</c><04:49:33.280><c> homes</c><04:49:33.920><c> in</c><04:49:34.160
- Even<04:49:37.840><c> a</c><04:49:38.160><c> straightforward</c><04:49:38.958><c> solution</c><04:49:
- the cost<04:49:47.040><c> of</c><04:49:47.280><c> housing</c><04:49:48.080><c> has</c><04:49:48.320>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/11/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:49:02.080><c> It's</c><01:49:02.400><c> that</c><01:49:02.719><c> there</c><01:49:03.040><c>
- </c><01:49:07.360><c> I</c><01:49:07.600><c> I</c><01:49:07.840><c> would</c><01:49:08.000><c> agree<
- <01:49:26.560><c> and</c><01:49:27.199><c> Hopkins</c><01:49:28.080><c> research</c><01:49:28.960><c>
- > died</c><01:49:35.760><c> in</c><01:49:36.000><c> the</c><01:49:36.159><c> US</c><01:49:36.480><c>
- ><c> here</c><01:49:39.360><c> we</c><01:49:39.600><c> have</c><01:49:39.840><c> one</c><01:49:40.239
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (05/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> um</c><00:49:11.920><c> on</c><00:49:12.240><c> line</c><00:49:12.720><c> 29</c><00:49:13.359><c
- > on</c><00:49:13.599><c> the</c><00:49:13.760><c> first</c><00:49:14.280><c> page,</c><00:49:15.280>
- ><c> it's</c><00:49:22.000><c> an</c><00:49:22.520><c> agreement</c><00:49:23.520><c> that</c><00:49:
- ><c> 28</c><00:49:45.760><c> I</c><00:49:46.119><c> think</c><00:49:47.119><c> if</c><00:49:47.880><c
- if it's necess you<00:49:49.839><c> know</c><00:49:50.000><c> I</c><00:49:50.240><c> don't</c><00:49
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 209, which would require schools seeking building aid for construction or reconstruction projects to use an owner’s project manager. The chair explained an amendment that would remove the bill’s requirement that the manager be engaged before application and instead revert to current law, while updating the project threshold from the older $1 million figure to a more current amount and clarifying that the manager’s role is to protect the project owner’s interests. Members asked about the cost of hiring a project manager over several years before a project is funded, the 1.5% fee in rule, and whether the rules already define the manager’s duties. The chair said the amendment addressed those concerns by leaving the timing to current law and relying on existing administrative rules for qualifications and responsibilities. The committee then voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 209 OTPA, placing it on the consent calendar.
The committee then moved to SB 99, which concerns allowing students enrolled in career and technical education programs at receiving comprehensive high schools to take additional academic courses there. The chair said the bill was intended to make it easier for students to access CTE without being blocked by scheduling conflicts in their sending schools, and to clarify how agreements between sending and receiving districts would work. He described concerns about the bill’s cost formula, transportation, part-time versus full-time status, and whether the proposal could unintentionally create open-enrollment or athletic-transfer issues. He said the amendment would mirror existing treatment for homeschool and charter school students, use a familiar funding model, and limit participation to students already enrolled in one or more CTE classes at the receiving school.
The chair also emphasized that comprehensive high schools already have a statutory definition and that the bill would help more students participate in CTE, which he said currently reaches only a relatively small share of students statewide. He noted that transportation would be covered only when a CTE bus is available, otherwise students would be responsible for arranging travel as under current practice. After brief discussion, the committee voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 99 OTPA, also placing it on the consent calendar.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:49:37.760><c> slide</c><00:49:38.040><c> on</c><00:49:38.280><c> slide</c><00:49:38.599><c> 14</
- 14 I'm just<00:49:39.839><c> going</c><00:49:39.920><c> to</c><00:49:40.079><c> take</c><00:49:40.359
- ><c> a</c><00:49:40.520><c> moment</c><00:49:40.920><c> to</c><00:49:41.599><c> dig</c><00:49:41.799>
- </c><00:49:58.040><c> that</c><00:49:58.319><c> children</c><00:49:58.680><c> can</c><00:49:58.839><c
- c> you</c><01:49:03.599><c> go</c><01:49:03.800><c> on</c><01:49:03.960><c> our</c><01:49:04.239><c>
Summary:
The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1.
The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families.
Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:49:04.319><c> that</c><00:49:04.559><c> this</c><00:49:04.799><c> Innovation</c><00:49:05.400><c>
- ><c> us</c><00:49:07.240><c> before</c><00:49:07.520><c> we</c><00:49:07.680><c> do</c><00:49:07.920>
- <c> that</c><00:49:08.200><c> I</c><00:49:08.280><c> would</c><00:49:08.480><c> like</c><00:49:08.680
- program that<00:49:16.960><c> started</c><00:49:17.480><c> last</c><00:49:17.760><c> year</c><00:49:
- :49:04.560><c> also</c><01:49:04.800><c> work</c><01:49:05.000><c> with</c><01:49:05.119><c> Lynn</c>
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/01/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And you don't<00:49:03.599><c> have</c><00:49:03.760><c> to</c><00:49:04.240><c> just</c><00:49:04.480
- ><c> take</c><00:49:04.640><c> our</c><00:49:04.880><c> word</c><00:49:05.040><c> for</c><00:49:05.200
- , I believe<00:49:14.400><c> it</c><00:49:14.640><c> was</c><00:49:14.800><c> four</c><00:49:15.040><
- at</c><00:49:17.119><c> the</c><00:49:17.440><c> inflation</c><00:49:18.000><c> impact</c><00:49:18.400
- Uh and I'm joined<01:49:00.719><c> by</c><01:49:00.880><c> OSA</c><01:49:01.360><c> Pension</c><01:49
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:49:15.839><c> you</c><00:49:16.000><c> mind</c><00:49:16.160><c> across</c><00:49:16.559><c>
- >> I<00:49:21.680><c> do</c><00:49:21.839><c> want</c><00:49:21.920><c> to</c><00:49:22.000><c>
- be</c><00:49:22.160><c> sure</c><00:49:22.319><c> we</c><00:49:22.559><c> are</c><00:49:22.720><c> off
- Uh<00:49:24.720><c> so</c><00:49:24.880><c> at</c><00:49:25.040><c> this</c><00:49:25.200><c> point,<
- </c><00:49:26.880><c> We</c><00:49:27.119><c> will</c><00:49:27.280><c> be</c><00:49:27.359><c> back<
Summary:
The work session was limited to House Bill 1750, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services’ SNAP administration. Before testimony, Representative Terski distributed a written statement from Representative Priest for the record. Department officials Karen Heert and Nathan White then walked the committee through a chart showing SNAP participation, federal benefit dollars, and state administrative costs, emphasizing that the benefits themselves do not flow through the state budget. They explained that the reported administrative cost includes overhead and cost-allocation methods used to maximize federal reimbursement, and that the current participant count is about 75,000 with the trend steady in recent years.
Members questioned whether the reported costs were stable, how much of the administrative expense was directly tied to SNAP, and whether reducing overhead would lower the need for the appropriation. The department said the cost per participant and per dollar distributed would be lower if SNAP were isolated, but that the broader allocation system also supports federal claiming across multiple programs. Officials said SNAP eligibility is redetermined every six months, that the department processes nearly 50 eligibility programs with about 250 field staff, roughly 70 unfunded positions, and a vacancy rate around 25%. They also said most errors in the program are unintentional and can come from either staff or participant mistakes, and that the department reviews errors to identify systemic fixes.
The committee discussed the fiscal impact of the bill and related budget issues. DHHS said the current adjusted authorization for 2026 is about $31 million, but actual spending is expected to be closer to $25–26 million because of vacancies and unfilled positions. Members asked whether the $4.4 million shortfall identified in the fiscal note would come from the rainy day fund; staff said it would not be taken directly from that fund, but would reduce the amount available to flow into it at the end of the biennium. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 603 FN, which was described as an alternative approach that would require DHHS to transfer funds within its existing budget rather than provide new money; officials said it would simply codify an option the department already has. No vote or final action on House Bill 1750 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- :29.000><c> five</c><00:49:29.359><c> doses</c><00:49:29.880><c> of</c><00:49:30.079><c> vaccines</c>
- > by</c><00:49:31.400><c> the</c><00:49:31.480><c> time</c><00:49:31.640><c> they</c><00:49:31.760><c
- 49:34.319><c> 24</c><00:49:35.319><c> doses</c><00:49:35.880><c> it's</c><00:49:36.079><c> a</c><00:49
- /c><00:49:39.319><c> as</c><00:49:39.480><c> of</c><00:49:39.880><c> 2018</c><00:49:40.880><c> it</c>
- ><c> 2025</c><00:49:44.119><c> this</c><00:49:44.240><c> is</c><00:49:44.400><c> going</c><00:49:44.480
Summary:
The House Committee on Education met on April 1 at 2:04 p.m. and first heard HCR 129/HR 125/HD1, which asks state and county transportation and education agencies to work together on pedestrian safety and traffic congestion around Haiku Elementary School. The Department of Education said it stood on its written testimony, and no other testimony was offered on that measure.
The committee then took up HCR 173/HR 169/HD1, urging the Department of Health to begin education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education and Department of Health both supported the resolution and stood on their written testimony. Support also came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Nurses Association, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Health Committee, and Free Citizens of Malua.
A number of testifiers opposed the measure, arguing that vaccination efforts do not belong in schools, that the proposal would pressure families and undermine parental rights and religious freedom, and that it could create liability and misuse public funds. Several opponents also raised concerns about informed consent, government overreach, and vaccine safety. One supporter, Kye Swan, said vaccines are the way to fight infectious disease and asked the committee to pass the resolution so children could be vaccinated before the school year starts.
No vote or final committee action on the resolutions was announced in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House panel considers election security bill, HF2073 3/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 49:01.640><c> and</c><00:49:01.839><c> sequence</c><00:49:02.559><c> and</c><00:49:02.920><c> correct
- ><c> or</c><00:49:07.359><c> amend</c><00:49:07.640><c> the</c><00:49:07.799><c> title</c> references
- through the<00:49:12.960><c> amendment</c><00:49:13.440><c> or</c><00:49:13.680><c> what</c><00:49:13.799
- ><c> it</c><00:49:13.920><c> is</c><00:49:14.359><c> okay</c><00:49:14.839><c> U</c><00:49:14.920><c>
- Mr</c> Garing<00:49:18.240><c> um</c><00:49:18.680><c> Madam</c><00:49:18.920><c> chair</c><00:49:19.160
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- :22.159><c> changed</c><01:49:22.719><c> to</c><01:49:23.280><c> 50</c><01:49:24.280><c> back</c><01:
- ><01:49:26.800><c> Bingo</c><01:49:27.480><c> operators</c><01:49:28.239><c> were</c><01:49:28.520><c
- were never made aware<01:49:29.719><c> of</c><01:49:30.000><c> that</c><01:49:30.520><c> change</c><
- you</c><01:49:34.159><c> Senator</c><01:49:35.159><c> the</c><01:49:35.280><c> bill</c><01:49:35.639
- Amendment SB<01:49:57.040><c> I'm</c><01:49:57.159><c> sorry</c><01:49:57.400><c> floor</c><01:49:57.760
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :02.000><c> so</c><00:49:02.720><c> prior</c><00:49:03.000><c> to</c><00:49:03.200><c> this</c><00:49
- Nam so<00:49:40.319><c> if</c><00:49:40.520><c> a</c><00:49:40.799><c> service</c><00:49:41.200><c>
- :44.440><c> now</c><00:49:44.680><c> had</c><00:49:44.880><c> the</c><00:49:45.040><c> same</c><00:49
- have</c><00:49:47.720><c> a</c><00:49:47.880><c> single</c><00:49:48.200><c> billing</c><00:49:48.680
- ><00:49:55.079><c> of</c><00:49:55.319><c> which</c><00:49:55.599><c> program</c><00:49:56.000><c> a<
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (05/15/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:49:05.640><c> has</c><00:49:05.800><c> had</c><00:49:05.960><c> an</c><00:49:06.120><c> IEA</c><00
- :32.680><c> try</c><00:49:32.960><c> to</c><00:49:33.080><c> do</c><00:49:33.240><c> a</c><00:49:33.320
- ><c> to</c><00:49:39.080><c> establish</c><00:49:39.840><c> the</c><00:49:39.960><c> contact</c><00:49
- c><00:49:42.600><c> the</c><00:49:42.760><c> acceptance</c><00:49:43.520><c> of</c><00:49:43.720><c>
- 44.880><c> um</c><00:49:45.120><c> on</c><00:49:45.280><c> the</c><00:49:45.360><c> basis</c><00:49:45.720
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, approving the minutes and consent calendar, then moved to the regular calendar of administrative rules. Department of Energy rule 25-220 was postponed until June at the sponsor’s request so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules were then considered, including 25-240, 25-265, and 26-33, each of which drew staff comments mainly about expired rule provisions and the agencies’ reliance on federal law, the Medicaid state plan, or other manuals. The committee approved those rules after brief questions, with the agencies stating they were already operating under the relevant federal or state-plan authority and, in one case, that rulemaking was underway to update an expired citation.
The most extended discussion was on HHS Bureau of Aging rule 25-304, which had an amended conditional approval request. Staff explained the amendments clarified how case management agencies accept or deny cases, how telehealth participation is evaluated, and that the department sets the timing for accepting or denying cases under its existing authority. Staff also noted a separate issue about whether reimbursement rates must be in rule, but said the agency had long interpreted the statute to allow its approach and that any change would likely require legislation rather than committee objection.
A provider representative testified against parts of the rule, arguing the case management agencies should not be required to accept referrals before contacting the participant, that telehealth decisions for other providers should remain with those providers, and that the quality-management section was duplicative and burdensome. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language merely allowed case managers to say a service fit the client’s plan or instead gave them authority over another provider’s delivery method. The agency responded that case managers may determine what services an individual needs, but should not control how another licensed provider delivers those services. The discussion continued with no final action shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :49:01.280><c> and</c><00:49:01.440><c> start</c><00:49:01.599><c> up</c><00:49:01.760><c> a</c><00:49
- :03.599><c> not</c><00:49:03.839><c> even</c><00:49:04.079><c> have</c><00:49:04.240><c> a</c><00:49:
- For the<00:49:05.680><c> most</c><00:49:05.920><c> case,</c><00:49:06.720><c> the</c><00:49:06.960><c
- That could<00:49:15.599><c> help</c><00:49:16.000><c> if</c><00:49:16.319><c> the</c><00:49:16.559><c
- </c><00:49:21.559><c> allows,</c><00:49:22.559><c> but</c><00:49:22.800><c> it's</c><00:49:23.040><c>
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- :09.680><c> for</c><00:49:09.839><c> the</c><00:49:10.000><c> harm</c><00:49:10.240><c> they</c><00:49
- </c><00:49:13.920><c> The</c><00:49:14.160><c> bill</c><00:49:14.319><c> will</c><00:49:14.559><c> allow
- ><00:49:29.440><c> you</c><00:49:29.599><c> for</c><00:49:29.760><c> allowing</c><00:49:30.079><c> me
- Next up,<00:49:33.520><c> we</c><00:49:33.839><c> have</c><00:49:34.559><c> um</c><00:49:35.200><c> is
- ><c> at</c><00:49:57.440><c> least</c><00:49:57.839><c> one</c><00:49:58.079><c> news</c><00:49:58.400
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward.
The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes.
Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.280><c> give</c><01:49:00.440><c> us</c><01:49:00.560><c> a</c><01:49:00.800><c> pretty</c><01:49
- 01:49:04.480><c> uh</c><01:49:04.599><c> and</c><01:49:04.760><c> at</c><01:49:04.920><c> that</c><01
- c><01:49:07.239><c> house</c><01:49:08.000><c> resolution</c><01:49:09.000><c> um</c><01:49:09.920><c
- ><c> to</c><01:49:11.800><c> do</c><01:49:11.960><c> the</c><01:49:12.080><c> rules</c><01:49:12.599>
- :13.440><c> week</c><01:49:13.760><c> and</c><01:49:13.920><c> then</c><01:49:14.080><c> we</c><01:49
Summary:
The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed.
The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation.
No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House health committee OKs omnibus finance bill that complies with Medicaid changes Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:49:06.160><c> about</c><00:49:06.480><c> the</c><00:49:06.800><c> the</c><00:49:07.040><c> the
- the FTEEs that<00:49:08.480><c> are</c><00:49:08.640><c> being</c><00:49:09.040><c> added</c><00:49:
- <00:49:11.680><c> to</c><00:49:12.720><c> comply</c><00:49:13.359><c> with</c><00:49:13.599><c> HR1.
- Will<00:49:14.800><c> they</c><00:49:15.040><c> immediately</c><00:49:15.839><c> lose</c><00:49:16.160
- <00:49:19.760><c> You</c><00:49:19.920><c> know,</c><00:49:20.240><c> triggering</c><00:49:20.880><c>
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work.
Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:49:03.839><c> Uh</c><00:49:04.079><c> my</c><00:49:04.240><c> husband</c><00:49:04.480><c> and
- :10.480><c> of</c><00:49:10.640><c> those</c><00:49:10.880><c> kinds</c><00:49:11.119><c> of</c><00:49
- You<00:49:15.760><c> know,</c><00:49:16.000><c> I</c><00:49:16.240><c> think</c><00:49:16.800><c> the
- <c> we</c><00:49:19.680><c> have</c><00:49:20.000><c> we</c><00:49:20.319><c> have</c><00:49:20.480><
- :24.480><c> the</c><00:49:24.720><c> future</c><00:49:25.200><c> as</c><00:49:25.440><c> to</c><00:49
Committee:
Senate Transportation