Video & Transcript Research : 'feasibility study'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- Williams, where was this Lycos study carried out? Mr.
- these studies.
- That was one of the studies. Mr. Chairman, Mr.
- This product, in some form, has been studied for almost—well, since 1933 was the first German studies
- This product, in some form, has been studied for almost—well, since 1933 was the first German studies
Keywords:
appropriation, public safety, Yuma County, funding exemption, family advocacy center, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The studies we are requesting will be focused on the Stillwater Prison.
- A handout summarizing the results of the study is in your materials.
- It's a large undertaking to get through those studies.
- Members, if I may, I just want to emphasize that this request is for a study and that as the study continues
- The end of the study will provide direction and options for future leaders to discuss. Thank you.
Bills:
HF3220
Keywords:
school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- Why not another study?
- There was a 2019 study uh conducted. It There was a 2019 study uh conducted.
- There's thousands of studies. We need no more studies. There's thousands of them.
- <02:59:24.640>
For studies. It was something around 86. For studies. - <02:59:29.680>
Um studies. It's it's in that ballpark. Um studies.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And people along the way have said, hey, stop for this study, stop for that study.
- And people along the way have said, hey, stop for this study, stop for that study.
- BEG is going to conduct the study.
- I don't know, but Teabag has done a study on sandstone already, and other agencies have done a study
- Teabag has studied sandstone and other agencies across the country have studied limestone.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks.
The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment.
The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 13 (1-23-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Studies show that homicide uh offenders.
- First, the CDC in that study did not include infants, although they include infants in every other study
- When you safety studies with the CDC.
- But to the points of other studies as well on studies pertaining to gun control, the Grand Corporation
- And out of the studies, only 123 showed that it met minimum competence.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:41
Calendar/2nd Readings 05:37
Orders of the Day 06:14
HB 312 06:41
Interrupted Stream 38:41, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation focused on the approaching storm and the need to check on neighbors, first responders, hospitals, and vulnerable residents. A quorum was established, absent members were excused, the rules were suspended for co-sponsorship and vote modification filings, and the journal from Thursday, January 22, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported Senate passage of SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence.
Under orders of the day, HB 258 was recommitted to the Transportation Committee. The chamber then took up HB 312, an act relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, which would create a provisional concealed carry license for law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds. The sponsor argued the bill restores equal treatment for adults, aligns Kentucky with other states, and imposes training and background-check requirements. Supporters said the Second Amendment applies to this age group, that military service and other adult responsibilities are already entrusted to them, and that the bill would not change prohibited locations for firearms.
Opponents argued the measure would increase gun violence and public safety risks, citing concerns from school district police, SROs, and empirical research about firearm-related assaults, homicides, and brain development in young adults. They emphasized that concealed weapons reduce visibility for parents, schools, and law enforcement and pointed to local youth-violence prevention efforts in Lexington as progress that could be undermined. Supporters countered that defensive gun use is common, that the CDC and other studies overstate gun harms, and that the bill is about constitutional rights rather than hunting or alcohol analogies. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:04:17.040>
the they've collected enough studies, the they've collected enough studies, - or even a collection of single study or even a collection of studies.<00:15:54.800>
It's <00:15 - Hannes data is government studies.
- That was a study that was done. prescription drugs. Yeah. A study done prescription drugs. Yeah.
- That was a study that military service. That was a study that was<00:43:12.560>
done.
Summary:
The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar.
Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar.
The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 31, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 827 by Representative Spencer, statewide study on automation and workforce impact.
- One of the biggest barriers, recently there was an OPAGA study, and we could share that OPAGA study with
- Some of them are studying to become doctors, lawyers, engineers.
- The WSER can conduct this study with its current resources.
- Representative, why couldn't we just have AI figure out the study?
Summary:
The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. First, PCS for HB 879 by Representatives Rizo and Woodson would require state colleges and universities to prioritize housing placement for students who are homeless, were in foster care, or are at risk of homelessness, and to give first priority in housing or work-study priority systems to students eligible for child-welfare-related tuition and fee exemptions. Members heard extensive supportive testimony from Florida Youth Shine participants and other advocates describing housing instability after foster care and the importance of campus housing and vouchers for student success. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote.
The committee then heard CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, which would standardize minimum math-content requirements for elementary teacher preparation programs and increase math content in competency-based certification programs. The sponsor cited stagnant Florida math outcomes and a state report finding limited math preparation for elementary teacher candidates. The bill drew support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote.
Finally, the committee considered HB 827 by Representative Spencer, directing the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a recurring statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, including affected industries, at-risk workers, and training needs. Members discussed whether similar data exists in the private sector, the bill’s fiscal impact, and the sponsor’s use of AI tools in preparing remarks. The bill received supportive debate and was reported favorably without opposition.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we have an ISP request here, an interim study proposal.
- Okay, we have an ISP request here, an interim study proposal.
- You heard Rachel talking about the studies that have been done.
- Senator Flowers, this is a proposed interim study proposal.
- As the study comes back, it brings truth to reality when you go and tour it.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I think a study committee a Statewide I think a study committee a Statewide chartered<00:34:12.520>
- >
out chartered study committee to find out chartered study committee to find out what<00:34:15.520- We had the original language was such that the study committee would be studying legislation around school
- why I saw the importance of a study why I saw the importance of a study committee<00:42:22.880><
- committee I I just want from the study committee I I just want the<00:45:54.760>
study <00:45: - >
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Ways and Means Committee amends bill to reduce improper disposal of infectious waste 5/5/26
Transcript Highlights:
- does is it basically changes the bill from what it was to what it currently is going to be more of a study
- , establishment of a study going forward, then what the results would be brought forward next year.
- So instead of where it was, where there was a lot of angst with it, bringing it to a study that everybody
- , establishment of a study going forward, then what the results would be brought forward next year.
- it to a study that everybody agreed<00:01:09.600>
would <00:01:09.840>be <00:01:09.920>
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4017, with Representative Johnson presenting a delete-everything amendment that substantially changed the bill from a regulatory approach to a study. Johnson explained that the issue involves improper disposal of medical waste by hospitals and surgery centers, including items such as blood, gauze, syringes, and body parts, which he said has been occurring statewide despite an existing separation law dating back to 1989. He described the problem as a safety, operational, and cost issue for waste facilities and workers, saying facilities have had to shut down, bring in cleanup crews, and investigate incidents when contaminated waste is found in general trash.
Johnson said prior efforts to address the problem with hospitals and other locations had only temporary success, and that the amended bill would instead create a study to determine why the violations are happening, how widespread they are, and who needs education. The chair noted the amendment was a compromise that could move forward now, even if it was not a complete solution. No member questions were raised.
The committee adopted the DE1 amendment by voice vote, then renewed the motion to refer House File 4017 as amended to the general register. That motion passed by voice vote, and the bill advanced. Johnson thanked the co-authors and others who worked on the measure.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight Committee for the Education Improvement Program (03/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, ova lamentain chaired that uh study<00:21:59.039>
commission study commission study commission - math, ELA, art, social studies, science. math, ELA, art, social studies, science.
- , social studies, social studies, >> right?
- That social studies legislature."
- studies? studies? >> It<01:58:57.920>
was.
Summary:
The Legislative Oversight Committee met to review statewide education improvement and assessment issues under RSA 193-C:8-a, with the chair focusing on curriculum frameworks, academic standards, and resource elements tied to the state’s adequate education statutes. The chair walked through the statutory relationship between minimum standards for public school approval, academic standards, and local control of curriculum, noting that New Hampshire law requires curriculum frameworks to guide what students should know and be able to do while leaving districts flexibility in instruction. He also raised concerns that some subject areas appear to have current frameworks or standards while others do not, and suggested the committee may need to consider an amendment creating a curriculum frameworks and academic standards coordinator at the Department of Education.
Nate Green, director of the Division of Education Analytics and Resources, explained that the terms “academic standards” and “curriculum frameworks” have evolved over time and are often used interchangeably, but can mean different things depending on the subject area. He said the state’s more prescriptive standards largely developed after No Child Left Behind, especially in math, ELA, and science, while older or less-tested subjects such as arts, physical education, and health often retained looser framework-style documents. Green outlined one possible approach of standardizing terminology, but also said New Hampshire could instead define curriculum frameworks separately as a combination of standards, curriculum, and instructional approaches. He emphasized that state standards must support statewide consistency and assessment, while local districts retain control over how they teach.
Committee members discussed how these distinctions affect different grade levels and subjects, using examples from math and science to show that minimum standards are broad while academic standards are more specific and grade-level based. Green described how science standards are organized by physical science, life science, and earth/space science across grade bands, while math standards are more directly tied to individual grades. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported during this portion of the meeting; the discussion remained informational and exploratory as members considered whether statutory language or departmental organization should be updated.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 24th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Blue Line is probably one of the most studied lines there's ever been.
- If the study comes back and says, "Great idea, move forward."
- We have been studying this. This is a project since before I came here.
- We've done studies that show that folks do want light rail, even if they're not going.
- But instead, we say we have to do one more study.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill basically creates a study committee.
- look at to make sure everything is being distributed properly, and it creates a sales tax diversion study
- This bill basically creates a study This bill basically creates a study committee.<00:02:13.640>
- <00:02:44.640>
committee sales tax diversion study committee sales tax diversion study committee - Seeing none, for motion. this will will they be studying possible this will will they be studying possible
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 338, which would create a construction training assistance fund by diverting 2.75% of contractor tax revenue into grants administered by the Office of Workforce Development through Accelerate Mississippi. The grants would support construction-related programs at public community colleges and K-12 school systems to help expand training in a high-demand, high-wage sector. During questions, a senator noted the contractor tax is 3.5% and asked for the exact diversion amount before floor consideration. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass and reported the bill out.
The committee next considered House Bill 898, which creates a sales tax diversion study committee to review concerns about whether sales tax diversions are being properly distributed, especially in cases where businesses may have listed the wrong address. An amendment offered by Senator Johnson added a representative of a destination marketing organization appointed by the lieutenant governor. The amendment was adopted.
In discussion of HB 898, a senator asked whether the study would include county businesses such as Dollar General, and was told the committee would study municipalities only. After that clarification, the committee voted title sufficient do pass as amended and then voted to rise and report the bill.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 19th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- She's the one that recommended these others to be a part of the study.
- Is this something that they're in position to study, or do you know?
- Which is code for safe at all dose level studied. That matters, too.
- They just did this great big study. They released.
- John Hoppin did a great study on 3,000 consumers.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred.
The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/07/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- our crop diversity in this study area. our crop diversity in this study area.
- the Dakota County study. the Dakota County study.
- Chair, I would love to see that study because what I have found in the past is that when studies are
- and and do you're going to do your study and and do the<00:58:52.920>
study <00:58:53.320> - Other studies have shown.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So it was amended into a study and then somewhat— Thank you.
- The subject of the study is important: maternal health care services.
- So again, very important study.
- You know, if there's interest in revisiting the core issue, important study.
- Right now, the people you're frustrated with will do the study. It doesn't make sense.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes.
On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it.
On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judicial branch, public defender budget requests to House judiciary and civil law panel 1/21/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As you're aware, treatment courts have been one of the most studied parts of government, um, and all
- As you're aware, treatment courts have been one of the most studied parts of government, um, and all
- >
they <00:28:14.000>are uh all the studies show that they are uh all the studies show - That's why we've spent three years studying this.
- That's a very important question, and that's why we've spent three years studying this.
Summary:
The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay.
The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget.
Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-25-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- what that means is looking at studies what that means is looking at studies that<00:17:17.560>
- <00:21:39.320>
excluding specified categories of study excluding specified categories of study- :40.920>
published <00:21:41.560>for studies that have been published for studies that- inherent contradiction in the studies inherent contradiction in the studies that<00:21:50.520>
- Site-specific meaning area-wide or state studies.
- <00:21:39.320>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 02:38
SB 178 Discussion 03:36
SB 178 Roll Call Vote 43:10
SCR 66 Discussion 47:55
SCR 66 Roll Call Vote 53:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 178 by Senator Greg Elkins. Supporters, including representatives of the U.S. Chamber, Kentucky Chamber, Kentucky Chemistry Council, and Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, said the bill would require state environmental regulations to rely on the best available science, align with federal standards when applicable, and use technologically achievable requirements. They argued it would improve predictability for businesses, promote national uniformity, and increase public confidence in regulatory decisions. Senator Elkins and supporters also said the bill is aimed at several environmental and public health areas, including emergency response, solid waste, water quality, radiation/NORM, environmental permitting, and coal-related regulation.
Committee members asked questions about what “best available science” means and whether the bill duplicates existing law. Supporters responded that it means reliable, unbiased, peer-reviewed, scientifically sound studies and that the bill is intended to reduce political influence in regulatory decisions. They also said similar measures had passed in Tennessee and Alabama. Some senators expressed concern that science is already political and asked for clarification on the bill’s scope.
Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger of the Kentucky Resources Council, research scientist Erin Haynes, and attorney Katherine Harcourt Rice, argued that SB 178 would sharply limit Kentucky’s ability to protect public health and the environment. They said the bill would prevent agencies from adopting stronger protections than federal minimums, create ambiguity and regulatory paralysis, and impose an overly restrictive scientific standard. They also objected to language requiring a direct causal link and manifest bodily harm, saying it would force agencies to wait until people are already sick before acting. Harcourt Rice argued the bill is duplicative of existing law and evidentiary rules. No final vote or other action on SB 178 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:44:02.599>
it districts that have already studied it districts that have already studied - conflicting a lot of conflicting studies conflicting a lot of conflicting studies I<04:47:47.718
- Observational studies to support my positions. There was even a cohort study of kindergarteners.
- infect them we had our own studies infect them we had our own studies saying<05:10:22.920>
that - Studying disability is studying culture.
Summary:
The committee opened with House Bill 184, which would create a committee to study changing school start times. Members discussed Amendment 0394, which made the study committee’s duties more investigative and adjusted reporting recipients, including the Governor. Several members raised questions about whether the committee should review evidence-based studies, local district decisions, and existing district reports; supporters said the amendment would better allow the committee to gather information and recognize local control. The amendment passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Representative Litchfield noted that no one had testified in opposition and encouraged the future study committee to review an Oyster River School District report on school start times.
The committee then took up House Bill 394, concerning cooperative school district budget committees and board member representatives. Amendment 0476 was adopted 17-0 after discussion that it clarified the bill’s language and reflected work with the School Boards Association. The committee then voted OTPA on the bill, which also passed 17-0. House Bill 738, requiring background checks for employees and volunteers at certain non-public schools or education service providers receiving public funds, was moved inexpedient to legislate. Supporters said the bill would create practical and legal problems for private citizens and homeschooling families, and the motion passed 15-2 with no minority report, placing the bill on consent.
The committee next considered House Bill 235, which would amend the educator code of ethics and conduct to add responsibilities to parents. Supporters argued parents should be explicitly included in the code, while opponents said parents were already covered in existing ethics language and statute. The bill passed narrowly, 9-8. The committee then returned to House Bill 532 on alternate dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation. Amendment 0480H clarified that different rules would apply separately to neutral conference, mediation, and IEP facilitation; it passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Finally, the committee moved to House Bill 564, concerning adoption of school administrative unit budgets, and voted to retain the bill for further review because members said there was still confusion about how it would apply to single-district and multi-district SAUs.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And what this study group would do is...
- The State Department of Education is doing a study of what is happening in our districts.
- So what the study group would do would be to conduct a statewide study of options available to districts
- So I think this study would lend to an...
- So I think this study would lend to an I don't know. To do things in a different way.
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on May 6 and first welcomed LSU President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton, who outlined LSU’s goals of becoming an elite, accessible flagship university, increasing research expenditures, improving student recruitment and retention, and expanding pathways that keep Louisiana students in-state. Members praised the new leadership and LSU’s workforce and research direction, and a representative from LSU enrollment reported gains in TOPS Excellence commitments for the coming fall.
The committee then advanced several education bills. SB 105 by Sen. Kathy, which reinstates TOPS Tech eligibility for honorably discharged veterans, was reported favorably without objection. SB 374, also by Sen. Kathy, creates a uniform framework for college economic development districts; members adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. SB 304 by Sen. Edmonds, which authorizes the Board of Regents to establish a list of eligible accreditors and allows institutions to seek different accreditors, was reported favorably. SB 522 by Sen. Edmonds, allowing vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters with Commerce and Industry support, drew discussion about whether the authority should extend to public schools as well; it ultimately passed 9-1.
The committee also approved SB 290 by Sen. Abraham, a cleanup bill requiring school system concurrence before student exit-code changes in the data system, and HCR 81 by Rep. Freiberg, which asks the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment and related financial pressures. HCR 175 by Rep. Larvadain, a study resolution on possible TOPS Tech changes, was deferred by the author because it overlapped with another measure. Several members also used personal privilege to welcome local mayors and community guests to the committee room.