Video & Transcript Research : 'competency evaluation'
Page 159 of 464
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It's no wonder that they won statewide competitions and are going to compete at a national level, but
- It's no wonder that they won statewide competitions and are going to compete at a national level, but
- It's no wonder that they won statewide competitions and are going to compete at a national level, but
- It's no wonder that they won statewide competitions and are going to compete at a national level, but
- They won statewide competitions and are going to compete at a national level, but I just wanted to publicly
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and received a Joint Budget Committee report on several bills. The chamber also recognized guests, including state troopers, a doctor of the day, visitors from civic and advocacy groups, and students from the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts. The House adopted House Resolution 1034, supporting Arkansas poultry producers in the Illinois River watershed and urging good-faith negotiations, by a 97-0 vote. It also adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001 honoring Bishop Kenneth Liddell Robinson, Sr., by a 98-0 vote.
The House then considered several amendments to appropriation bills, including changes affecting the Department of Education, public safety, county jail reimbursement language, Agriculture fee waivers, the Drug Task Force, pregnancy help organizations, and tire recycling fees. All of those amendments were adopted without recorded opposition. The chamber then moved through a budget calendar, with leadership explaining that some bills were general appropriations, some were reappropriations for ongoing capital projects, and four were supplemental appropriations.
On final passage, House Bill 1006 passed 87-5; House Bill 1053, the appropriation for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, failed 71-19; House Bill 1086 passed 96-0; House Bill 1087 passed 81-8; House Bill 1088 passed 97-0; House Bill 1094 passed 96-1; House Bill 1084 passed 96-0; House Bill 1097 passed 75-16; and House Bill 1098 failed 0-85 after Representative Henley spoke against it and said leadership had not responded to questions. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill 2751 subjects the CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority's responsibility of using the Arizona Competes
- The bill continues the Arizona Competes program indefinitely.
- Beyond that, specifically with the Competes fund, we see it as essentially a slush fund to hand out grants
- from legal counsel was, while this expires, the Commerce Authority will still be able to use the Competes
- The Commerce Authority will continue the Competes fund, but at that point, we would have absolutely no
Keywords:
trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona competes fund, economic development, fund repeal, state finances, state appropriations, Arizona Commerce Authority, job creation, business incentives, commerce authority, public-private partnership, business regulation, Arizona governance, 1182, all
Summary:
The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria of the Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism and investment destination for Arizonans. He highlighted tourism growth, cross-border ties, safety coordination, the importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy, and potential commercial opportunities such as improved border infrastructure and a possible cargo or cruise port. Members responded with personal comments about travel, geology, medical volunteer work, and the city’s appeal, and Renteria said he wanted to serve as a liaison to improve communication between Arizona offices and Puerto Peñasco.
The committee then considered three bills related to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund indefinitely and subject use of the fund to legislative appropriations; HB 2752 would shift oversight of trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; and HB 2753 would add legislative ex-officio members to the ACA board, including committee chairs and, under an amendment, minority party ranking members. Supporters argued the bills would give the legislature more oversight and a seat at the table, while Greg Blackie of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club opposed HB 2751, calling for repeal or stronger guardrails and citing past audit concerns.
All three bills advanced on due pass recommendations. HB 2751 passed 7-1 with one member present and one absent; HB 2752 passed 9-0 with one absent; and HB 2753 passed 9-0 after the Austin amendment was adopted, adding minority party representation. The committee also removed HB 2746 from the agenda before taking up the ACA measures.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, it's but it creates the solid waste evaluation committee, the siting evaluation committee, and
- committee provision that site evaluation committee provision that we<02:01:40.639>
worked we - creates the uh solid waste evaluation creates the uh solid waste evaluation committee,<02:02:25.599
- >
the <02:02:25.760>sighting <02:02:26.239>evaluation committee, the sighting evaluation - They were just not particularly competent at this job.
Summary:
The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5.
The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- is that the solar facilities and dealing with solar facilities is a very complicated issue with competing
- Ortega a couple weeks ago, incredibly competent, 14 years at PSC, bright mind and all that stuff. ...
- ago, incredibly competent, 14 years at PSC, bright mind and all that stuff.
- try to second-guess the confirmation votes that we've taken, but rather to say there is certain competence
- There are different ways to approach getting that kind of skill and competence on the commission or on
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject.
The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/04/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- training that these physicians have already done, but it is also a barrier to getting qualified, competent
- training that these physicians have already done, but it is also a barrier to getting qualified, competent
- board, and they will require the same documentation that residents have when it comes to their competencies
- 00:03:13.159>
comes <00:03:13.360>to <00:03:13.519>their <00:03:13.840>competencies - <00:03:14.840>
if when it comes to their competencies if when it comes to their competencies
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And nationally, of course, National Association of Colleges and Employers, NACE competencies are driving
- And nationally, of course, National Association of Colleges and Employers, NACE competencies are driving
- campus to career, and our employers are involved, interviewing with our students in terms of their competencies
- It is that the microcredential only gives them the competencies needed to prove to the organizations
- that they have the competencies.
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary held an informational hearing focused on how Florida’s public colleges and universities are aligning bachelor’s degree programs with workforce needs and improving student outcomes. Chancellor Kathy Hebda described Florida College System enrollment growth, the state college system’s workforce-oriented bachelor’s degrees, approval and accountability processes for those programs, and outcomes data showing strong completion and wage results, especially in health care. Emily Sykes of the Board of Governors outlined the State University System’s program review practices, performance-based funding metrics, strategic emphasis programs, and the MyFloridaFuture tool that lets students compare earnings, debt, and employment outcomes by major and institution.
University and college leaders then described campus-level workforce initiatives. Florida Gulf Coast University highlighted employer-driven microcredentials, digital badges, internships, career fairs, service learning, and partnerships with regional employers. UCF discussed its career navigator requirements, major industry partnerships such as Lockheed Martin, nursing and faculty career-integration efforts, and a centralized career development center. Northwest Florida State College and the University of West Florida emphasized their bachelor’s programs, transfer pathways, teacher and nursing outcomes, military and defense-related workforce pipelines, cybersecurity training, and stackable credentials tied to regional labor needs.
During member questions, senators asked how microcredentials and military experience translate into college credit, whether credentials transfer across institutions, and what legislators can do to help. Witnesses said the state’s common course and articulation systems already support transfer, and they encouraged continued legislative support for innovation, faster curriculum alignment, internships, and specialized transfer degrees. No bills were voted on, and the meeting ended with no public comment and an adjournment motion adopted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You're talking about, you know, important to have good judges, competent judges, those that are dispensing
- Because I think it's important to attract competent people, both as as a lawyer, but certainly the people
- It's not a question of trying to make the judiciary a well-paying job or compete with with the big law
- Parents in situations like that have access to competent counsel to... make sure that the courts have
- A wide range from quite competent to really not very helpful at all.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We will train teachers, foster cultural competence, and create a best practices framework that directly
- We will train teachers, foster cultural competence, and create a best practices framework that directly
- and create a best practices competence and create a best practices framework<00:26:27.399>
that - , but can we be doing more to provide them with the tools they need to be successful students and compete
- Gia grants I'm the team for evaluating Gia grants I'm the president<00:37:33.319>
of <00:37:33.440
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief.
Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility.
Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 027 Feb 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas, while wearing the uniform of the United States of America and competing before a global
- in the 2026 Olympic or competing in the 2026 Olympic or Parolympic<00:25:21.760>
Winter <00:25 - at the highest these athletes to compete at the highest international<00:28:00.559>
level. - <00:31:12.559>
Colorado <00:31:13.120>has support as you compete. - Colorado has support as you compete.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Friday, February 6, 2026. Members then proceeded out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 8, honoring Colorado’s 2026 Winter Olympians and Paralympians. The resolution was read at length, and members spoke in support of Colorado athletes, training communities, families, and facilities. An amendment correcting an athlete’s state affiliation was adopted, and the resolution passed 63-0 with two excused. Representative Bottoms then asked to co-sponsor the resolution.
The chamber also set several bills as special orders for February 9, 2026. It then considered House Bill 1020, concerning colorimetric field drug tests in drug possession cases. Sponsors said the bill addresses unreliable field tests and had support from the Judiciary Committee and stakeholders. The committee report and the bill both passed without opposition.
House Bill 1040, concerning the sterilization rights of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was also taken up. Sponsors said the bill seeks to undo a historical harm by removing language that allowed sterilization against a person’s wishes. Two amendments to the committee report were adopted: one narrowing language around an imminent threat to life or health, and another adding a petition clause. The committee report and the bill then passed.
Finally, the House considered House Bill 103, which modernizes the Colorado Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Fund. Sponsors said it would better support small businesses facing higher costs and access-to-capital challenges. One amendment to direct 30% of funding to rural counties, veteran-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses was debated but failed after the sponsor urged a no vote, saying the bill already included distribution metrics and that a fixed percentage was not workable in statute. The bill itself was then discussed further, with concerns raised about state lending programs and the use of the term “equitable,” but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence funding 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without the infrastructure that the center provides, our state will lose its ability to compete for grants
- Without the infrastructure that the center provides, our state will lose its ability to compete for grants
- lose its center provides, our state will lose its ability<00:05:07.120>
to <00:05:07.320>compete - <00:05:07.800>
for <00:05:07.960>grants <00:05:08.440>that ability to compete - for grants that ability to compete for grants that require<00:05:09.160>
statewide <00:05:09.720
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- They're losing their business altogether because they can't compete with the low wages.
- people going somewhere else, or business contracts being taken away from them because they can't compete
- pricing and Some of which have lost their business and their livelihood altogether because they cannot compete
- I have former business owners that went out of business because they could no longer compete with a separate
- What do we tell our local Oklahoma businesses while they're competing against other states or even globally
Keywords:
labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- is a need to ensure that goods from other countries with questionable labor practices are able to compete
- American companies are able to compete.
- 29:36.399>
and we can actually grow this economy and we can actually grow this economy and compete - We had legislation in compete worldwide.
- And Human Services to conduct a review to evaluate the status of research on lung cancer in women and
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- who were competing or wanted to compete who were competing or wanted to compete for<00:15:43.520
- We want companies to still compete for federal funds.
- We want companies to still compete for federal funds.
- We want companies to still compete for federal funds.
- <00:26:42.120>
against and and and make them compete against and and and make them compete
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:57:05.680>
on <00:57:05.920>an ability to to compete on an ability to to compete - Whether<00:57:09.680>
we're <00:57:09.839>competing <00:57:10.160>against <00:57: - 10.319>
North Whether we're competing against North Whether we're competing against North Dakota - So we're competing uphill against those competitors.
- competition for business right compet competition for business right now<01:18:55.520>
is <01:
Keywords:
taxation, pass-through entity, qualifying owner, partnership, S corporation, tax return, corporate franchise tax, individual income tax, research expenditures, federal compliance, Minnesota Statutes, income tax, corporate tax, section 179, federal conformity, HF3815, Minnesota taxes, tax conformity, Internal Revenue Code, IRC conformity
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Volleyball taught me far more than how to compete. Under my coach, Mr.
- >> than how to compete. Under my coach, Mr. >> than how to compete.
- It gave me the opportunity to compete nationally.
- It gave me the opportunity to compete It gave me the opportunity to compete nationally. nationally
- and to compete and to compete and<00:56:41.360>
grow <00:56:41.760>and <00:56:42.360
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program.
Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties.
Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill narrowly applies to covered non-compete agreements and to covered garden leave... ...agreements
- Treatment under non-compete and garden leave agreements.
- So are you saying that this just deals with trade secrets and not just a general non-compete?
- Certainly not just a general non-compete.
- And what about federal law that was intending to limit the use of non-compete agreements?
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice of major events such as a ward’s death or relocation to a more restrictive setting. Senator Jones and supportive speakers said the bill was intended to protect wards from abuse and isolation by bad actors, while still preserving good-faith guardianship. With no opposition testimony or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then considered CS for Senate Bill 1284, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize claims against the mother or against health care providers acting within the lawful standard of care. The bill drew extensive debate and testimony. Supporters argued it would give parents parity and fuller damages, including economic losses and mental anguish, when negligence causes the death of an unborn child. Opponents, including the ACLU, medical professionals, and reproductive rights advocates, warned it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice exposure, worsen physician shortages, and create speculative damages. The committee approved the bill 6-4.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1288 on parental rights, with a strike-all amendment that would strengthen parental control over minors’ medical decisions, surveys, and biofeedback devices, while adding exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal statuses, and situations involving abuse or out-of-home placement. Supporters said the measure restores parents as primary decision-makers and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment without consent. Opponents argued it could block minors from confidential care for STIs, mental health, or abuse-related issues, and could chill school and medical screenings. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on this bill, before any final vote is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:34.880>
every six motans statewide and compete every six motans statewide and compete - Just to trying to grow and compete.
- I went, okay, I can't compete with the big boys. I'm a small business.
- I went, okay, I can't compete with the big boys. I'm a small business.
- I'm a can't compete with the big boys. I'm a small<00:45:42.640>
business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House tax panel hears bill to expand tax incentives for producing sustainable aviation fuel 4/8/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These feedstocks are not competing with one another because global SAF demand is so high.
- We are competing against other states for these investments.
- >
states <00:35:40.240>for are competing against other states for are competing against - There are always examples in committee where there have been these two arguments: we have to compete
- Representative Gomez said we have to compete with surrounding states by putting a bunch of public money
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1669, adopting the DE2 amendment, which was described as the bill itself. The amended bill would expand Minnesota’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit by increasing annual allocations, extending the sunset date from 2030 to 2035, adding an extra credit for lower-carbon fuels, and adding environmental and other qualifying requirements. The chair noted the amendment aligned the bill with the governor’s proposal, and the amendment was approved on a voice vote.
Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Commissioner Tom Peterson of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture backed the bill as a way to preserve Minnesota’s leadership in SAF, attract private investment, and keep crop and timber feedstocks processed in-state. Farmers and agricultural groups, including Minnesota Farmers Union and Minnesota Farm Bureau, said SAF could create new domestic markets for crops such as corn, soybeans, winter camelina, and pennycress while improving farm income and supporting climate-smart practices. Forestry representatives argued that wood waste and forest residue could be turned into SAF, improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk.
Environmental and clean-energy groups also supported the bill, emphasizing the added guardrails. The Minnesota Environmental Partnership, Friends of the Mississippi River, and Fresh Energy said the amendments would better protect water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and climate outcomes by favoring lower-carbon SAF and limiting harmful land-use change. University of Minnesota Forever Green representatives said winter-hardy crops could scale over time, and they pointed to ongoing commercialization work and a 1 Million Acre Scaling Study. Labor and construction groups said the bill would support major infrastructure investment and create long-term jobs, with testimony citing the first Minnesota SAF facility already announced and the potential for multiple hubs statewide.
No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided, but the committee heard extensive supportive testimony and questions focused on scalability, infrastructure, and how the credit would accelerate SAF development in Minnesota.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's how we compete. I know states. That's how we compete.
- Heather Weise and son Carter Weise also competed and didn't win.
- Heather Weise and son Carter Weise also competed and didn't win.
- Heather Weise and son Carter Weise also competed and didn't win.
- Heather Weise and son Carter Weise also competed and didn't win.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 38 members present and approved the journal from February 9, 2026. Committee reports were received on several bills, including Agriculture reporting Senate Bills 45 and 155 favorably, Banking and Insurance reporting Senate Bills 118 and 153 with committee substitutes, Families and Children reporting Senate Bill 160, and Licensing and Occupations reporting Senate Bills 98 and 145. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 748 and requested concurrence. New measures were introduced, including bills on pharmacy technician supervision, a Kentucky Health Command, campaign finance, and speech-language pathologists, along with several resolutions honoring individuals and memorializing Steven D. Dittle.
The chamber then considered Senate Bill 136, relating to unemployment insurance fraud. Supporters said the bill clarifies which agencies are involved in fraud cases and helps ensure recovered funds are returned to the unemployment trust fund. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 38-0. Senators also debated Senate Bill 183, concerning the regulation of proxy advisory services. Supporters argued it would increase transparency and require disclosure when proxy advice is influenced by non-financial considerations, while opponents said it would create bureaucracy, chill speech, and raise constitutional concerns. After debate, the bill passed 32-6.
After floor action on those bills, Senate Bill 172 on utility fuel adjustment was taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given first reading, and returned to committee. The remainder of the meeting featured extended remarks from a senator from Grayson focused on rural Kentucky, including ambulance access, healthcare delivery, economic decline, Medicaid costs, and the need for greater state investment in rural communities. No further votes were taken on those remarks.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- No farmer can match that in terms of competing to keep land or pick up additional land.
- So it's not just losing acres; it's also the imbalance of trying to compete against that.
- No farmer can match that in terms of competing to keep land or pick up additional land.
- No farmer can match that in terms of competing to keep land or pick up additional land.
- No farmer can match that in terms of competing to keep land or pick up additional land.
Summary:
The Committee on Energy Finance and Policy met for an informational session and quorum was present, but the chair stated no action would be taken. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Chris Swedzinski outlined the committee’s broad goals of improving Minnesota’s energy system for families and businesses, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and development. Several members echoed those priorities, especially concerns about electric reliability, base-load generation, and the needs of rural communities, co-ops, munis, farms, and small businesses.
House fiscal analyst Ashley presented a budget overview for the committee’s jurisdiction. She reviewed spending and base amounts for the Energy Resources Division, the Renewable Development Fund, the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Fund, and the Public Utilities Commission, and explained that the committee also oversees special revenue and other accounts. She noted that the Renewable Development Fund is supported by utility payments for spent nuclear fuel storage, the cleanup fund by a petroleum distribution fee, and that the Commerce Department receives significant federal LIHEAP and weatherization funds. Members asked about the large increase in the Climate and Economic Development Fund and the status of recent appropriations; staff explained that the 2023 session set a larger target, that about $79 million had been spent from the relevant budget, and that some funds may carry forward.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on community solar gardens. Representative Dave Baker asked for an update on the program, and staff explained that Minnesota has about 1,600 megawatts of solar, with more than 900 megawatts in community solar. Staff said 2023 legislative changes capped annual additions and created new incentives for low- and middle-income participation. Members also discussed concerns about program cost, local siting opposition, and a large interconnection queue; staff said there is a backlog of projects, including a reported 56 gigawatts in the MISO queue, and that utilities need distribution upgrades to handle new capacity. No votes or formal actions were taken.