Transcript Highlights:

• And it begins by basic, From the testimony, how we can best support you all.
• And by your testimony, we can see that that's not the case.
• Just give me a moment to find it in my testimony here.
• You also mentioned in your testimony that I want to get into now with each of you, I will do this.
• Hanmi touched on it in her testimony.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State your name and proceed with your testimony.
• State your name and proceed with your testimony.
• State your name and proceed with your testimony.
• State your name and proceed with your testimony.
• State your name and proceed with your testimony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: On February 3, 2025, the committee first took up Senate File 483, as amended by the A2 author’s amendment, which would expand Minnesota’s medical-review exemptions for drivers with a history of loss of consciousness or seizures. The bill’s author explained that current law still requires some people who have been seizure-free for years, and off medication for years, to keep returning to a physician for paperwork even when their doctor says no further review is needed. A testifier described losing his commercial driving career after a seizure disorder, then being forced to keep paying for periodic neurologist visits despite being seizure-free since 2003 and off medication since 2009. The committee adopted the A2 amendment and then approved the bill, sending Senate File 483 to the State Government Committee. The committee then heard Senate File 737, which would increase mandatory minimum fines for repeated school bus stop-arm violations from $500 for a first offense to $700 for a second and $950 for a third. The author and the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association argued that repeat violations remain too common and that stronger penalties, along with stop-arm cameras, would help deter dangerous driving and protect children. A State Patrol representative said 2024 saw about 2,100 stop-arm charges, roughly double two years earlier, and attributed much of the increase to cameras making violations easier to prove; he also said conviction rates on the charge are about 50 to 55 percent. Committee members asked about repeat offenders, camera coverage, and whether bus stop locations should be safer, with one member noting only 23 people had been convicted of a second offense since 2015 and one of a third offense. The discussion ended with no final vote shown in the transcript, but the bill received supportive testimony and extensive questioning about enforcement and bus-stop safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:46.800> or And if you listen to the testimony or And if you listen to the testimony
• Um, the defer to their testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. >> And thank you. >> And thank you. See no further testimony.
• Appreciate the testimony.
• Appreciate the<03:56:59.439> testimony. the testimony. the testimony.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• We normally do a 2-minute limit on testimony, but don't think that's necessary.
• So, we have received the testimony; however, it is written and it is in the record, so the public can
• So, we have received the testimony,<00:01:30.720> however,<00:01:31.240> it<00:01:31.400
• > is<00:01:31.560> written<00:01:31.840> and<00:01:31.960> it testimony,
• however, it is written and it testimony, however, it is written and it is<00:01:32.200> in<00:

Bills: HCR144

Keywords: food security, Hawaii, agriculture, community organizations, nutritional access, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment hearing on April 16, 2020 considered only HCR 144, House Draft 2, which asks the Department of Agriculture to work with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure, as did Kanaloani Ohana Farm, the Farm Bureau, Ag Stewardship Hawaii, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. DBEDT submitted comments that were described as sounding more like opposition, citing existing efforts. No members of the public appeared to testify, and there were no questions from members. The Government Operations committee recommended the resolution pass as drafted, and members present voted aye. Because the Agriculture and Environment committee lacked quorum, its decision-making was rolled over to the next day, Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:10 p.m. in CR 224. The chair noted that the measure had been adopted on the GVO side and, with the noticed time certain for the remaining committee action, the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:23.399> okay us your two minutes a testimony okay us your two minutes a testimony okay
• <00:28:57.880> well gives you two minutes of testimony well gives you two minutes of testimony
• Identify yourself for the record and give us your two minutes of testimony.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. Thank you for being here.
• We appreciate your testimony, and if you want to provide any other written testimony, you are certainly

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I appreciate the testimony that was here today.
• Uh, please begin your<00:52:31.200> testimony. your testimony. your testimony.
• Uh, I should reach out to him and ask for his written testimony.
• the record and begin your testimony? the record and begin your testimony?
• I don't have any testimony I need to provide. Perfect.

Bills: HF3169, HF3749, HF2605, HF3541, HF4102, HF3513, HF268

Keywords: suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so thank you so much for hearing my testimony. Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.
• brought wrap up your testimony, please. brought wrap up your testimony, please.
• proceed with your testimony. proceed with your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , so we will not be taking more testimony, so we will not be taking more testimony<00:01:35.439> today
• But, Representative testimony today.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Chairman. Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank and proceed with your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• your testimony and for keeping it brief. your testimony and for keeping it brief.
• the table based on their testimony. the table based on their testimony.
• The testimony has been good.
• The testimony has been good.
• c> testimony to add for testimony to add for us?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amanda, I appreciate your testimony. Next, we will move to testimony from Renee Carlson.
• Please introduce yourself for the tape and go ahead with your testimony.
• Go ahead with your testimony. Hi, everyone. My name is Emma Watts.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Go ahead with your testimony, Doctor. Introduce yourself and go ahead.

Bills: HF1233

Keywords: women's athletics, gender, sports competition, Human Rights Act, biological sex, participation limits, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• John Dupnick: ...that I'll point to throughout my testimony.
• Glad to hear that based on your testimony today.
• We just heard testimony that that could happen.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Great testimony. Representative Zwiener: Thank you, Chairman.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just quick go through a quick testimony just quick go through a quick testimony and<00:04:09.519
• Thank you so much for your testimony and for joining us.
• Um, next, testimony and for joining us.
• testimony and welcome to you. Thank you. testimony and welcome to you. Thank you.
• <00:16:02.000> Um testimony and for being with us. Um testimony and for being with us.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• So thank you again for your testimony.
• So thank you again for your testimony.
• So thank you again for your testimony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Shoemaker, if you want to come up. written testimony. All in support. Um so written testimony.
• We stand on our written testimony and support.
• We have written testimony and support.
• heard and tried to adjust our testimony heard and tried to adjust our testimony accordingly.<00:
• But in your testimony, are you Yes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon. The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass. Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have our written testimony in support.
• Bureau um you have a written testimony Bureau um you have a written testimony and<00:54:18.040><
• You have a written testimony in support.
• You heard in our testimony the station was built in 1950.
• You heard in our testimony the station was built in 1950.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks, Matt, for your testimony. It's wonderful.
• Great testimony. Any other questions on the task force? Great testimony.
• We've heard that in this testimony.
• We did hear a number of testimony in this area.
• So we did hear a number of testimony in this area.

Summary: The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize. Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities. Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll hear this statement and theme throughout the testimonies today.
• Thank you for your testimony and for your work with fosters.
• and for your work you for your testimony and for your work with<00:20:45.039> fosters.
• and thank you director as well testimony and thank you director as well because<00:30:59.520> your
• What she's being able to give testimony to can save the next mom, can save the next kid.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
• Your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
• Thank you guys for your testimony.
• So thank you for your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All right.
• Thank you for your testimony. Senator Edmonds. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. All right.

Bills: HB591, HB765, HB826, HB870, HB938, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1236, HB1241

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much for that insightful testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony and for the remote testimony. Back to the dais, any comments, Mr.
• Thank you so much, and thank you for your testimony, as now we'll move to Issue 3.
• Thank you so much for your testimony as now we move on to panel five. Panel five.
• Would that conclude your testimony?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to your testimony and I yield back.
• Commander LeCorsier, thank you for your very forceful testimony.
• I want to thank you, Commander, for your testimony.
• Now, we know and we've heard testimony, written testimony, from Commander LaCoste. that we're seeing
• Thank you today, folks, for your testimony.

Keywords: veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention

Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.