Video & Transcript Research : 'Legislation'
Page 163 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We drafted legislative amendments together.
- examination<01:25:21.440>
of was continued legislative examination of was continued legislative - Legislation myself related to probably the first three.
- because I think we as legislators because I think we as legislators legislators<01:40:02.800>
- And and when legislators uh you cost.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation. It is not a mandated. legislation. It is not a mandated.
- It's not enabling legislation.
- Is there further discussion legislate.
- <01:31:08.880>
on on the motion of any to legislate on on the motion of any to legislate on - legislate on CACR30. legislate on CACR30.
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on CACR 30, a constitutional amendment that would make Public Utilities Commission members elected rather than appointed. Representative Thomas Opel testified in support, arguing that rising energy costs and the utility rate-setting structure make the PUC too insulated from ratepayers, and that elected commissioners would be more accountable. He also said the proposal should ideally include a ban on contributions from regulated utilities to PUC campaigns, and acknowledged the draft had errors and needed work. Representative Lane questioned whether a contribution ban would be constitutional, and Opel said there may be ways to structure one to survive legal challenge. The hearing closed with five online supporters and two opponents reported, and no one else testified.
The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 1062, authorizing the Secretary of State to conduct random audits of voters’ citizenship qualifications. Representative Newsome offered an amendment to clarify how voters with no evidence either way would be treated and to require a public report on audit results, including referrals, costs, and databases used. Representative Aqua opposed the amendment, saying the bill should pass as written. The amendment failed 9-7, and after further debate over privacy and the purpose of audits, the committee voted 9-7 to recommend ought to pass on HB 1062. Representative Barry was assigned the majority report and Representative Newsome the minority report.
The committee next considered House Bill 1388, which would clarify the form of ballots for constitutional amendments. Representative Weary said the bill simply provides clarity for voters and imposes no hardship on the Secretary of State’s office. The committee unanimously voted 17-0 to recommend ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar.
Finally, the committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 1125, enabling school districts to adopt partisan school district elections. Representative Weary said partisan labels would help voters understand candidate positions and address low turnout in local elections. He emphasized the bill is enabling, not mandatory. Members questioned why the change was needed if few municipalities have used existing authority, and whether it would increase divisiveness. Weary said many voters are unaware of the option and that partisan labels would give them more information. The hearing closed with five online supporters and 184 opponents. The committee then began executive session on House Bill 1187, concerning the filing deadline for special-election candidates for state representative, but discussion was still ongoing in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- non-controversial piece of legislation non-controversial piece of legislation we<01:53:06.800>
- <02:04:22.080>
representing and duty as legislators representing and duty as legislators representing- Fabian Bean, committee uh legislative Fabian Bean, committee uh legislative assistant,<02:59:13.680
- <03:00:52.960>
I committee legislative assistant. I committee legislative assistant.- who Senator Muhammad's legislative who Senator Muhammad's legislative assistant<03:01:03.120>
- <02:04:22.080>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm very pleased that this is the first, I believe, hearing of any joint committee for the legislative
- Then, over two successive legislative sessions, the constitutional amendment proposal must receive more
- Only the public and legislators who are not members of the committee may participate remotely.
- There's never been a more important time for us to advance this piece of legislation.
- I would not have proposed this piece of legislation with Rep.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held its first hearing of the session, led by House Chair Adrian Madaro and Senate Chair James Eldridge. The committee explained the constitutional amendment process and the hearing procedures, then took testimony on four bills concerning proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, with the main focus on S. 11 and H. 71, which would amend Article 99 relating to agricultural and horticultural land taxation.
Senator Jo Comerford, Rebecca Miller of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Representative Natalie Blay all testified in support of the bills. They argued that the current five-acre minimum for farmland tax treatment is outdated and harms farmers, especially new, urban, and smaller-scale farmers, by forcing some land to be taxed at higher commercial rates. Supporters said the change would help preserve farmland, strengthen the local food system, and address economic pressures on farms, including high land values, climate impacts, and an aging farm workforce. In response to a question about abuse or false claims, Comerford and Miller said existing certification processes under Chapter 61A and municipal review help verify active farming, and Miller noted the bill requires land to be in production for two years before receiving the rate.
Committee members asked about the status of the 21st Century Farm Commission, and Comerford said a report was expected in the spring. After testimony concluded, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then entertained a motion to adjourn, which was made and accepted.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 01/07/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> The resolution is adopted. 2025 legislative session is adjourned. >> The Senate will come to order
- Illuminate their minds and hearts as they deliberate and legislate, that they may enact policies which
- ILLUMINATE THEIR MINDS AND HEARTS AS THEY DELIBERATE AND LEGISLATE, THAT THEY MAY ENACT POLICIES WHICH
- [Applause] As President of the Senate, it is my distinct honor to welcome you all to the 2026 legislative
- My hope is for a productive, thoughtful, and meaningful legislative session.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor.
The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislation employs a similar model as approved legislation for the Austin Police Retirement Fund
- I believe that, Senator Flores, you had legislation as well, but we discussed this.
- We respectfully ask for your support in passing this legislation.
- Senator Hall, they're looking at, they're reading your legislation here. I can slow down.
- Senator Hall, they're looking at, they're reading your legislation here. I can slow down.
Keywords:
diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We seek to protect the rights of all who participate in the legislative process so that we can have effective
- Protesters have appeared at some of our legislative hearings.
- These actions actually disrupt the legislative hearing, and the persons who caused the disruption were
- we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
- It's really one of the few parts of legislation that specifically authorize the taking of property by
Summary:
The Local Government Committee met on March 26 and heard four bills, beginning as a subcommittee until quorum was established. The chair opened with housekeeping rules, including that testimony would be in person only and that disruptive conduct would not be tolerated. AB 59 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry was heard first; it would remove the sunset on Reclamation District 108’s authority to participate in hydropower projects. The author, Colusa County representatives, and water district officials said the change would support long-term financing, lower energy costs, and help the district continue water stewardship. No opposition was presented, and the bill was later reported out 7-0.
AB 417 by Assembly Member Carrillo was then presented as a measure to streamline and clarify laws governing enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) and community revitalization and investment authorities (CRIAs). Supporters, including the sponsor and planning, city, and flood control representatives, said the bill would improve local governments’ ability to fund affordable housing, climate adaptation, transit, fire mitigation, and other infrastructure without raising taxes. One opponent objected to the CRIA provisions, arguing that CRIAs retain eminent domain authority and asked for an amendment to remove that authority. The bill was passed after quorum was established, with the chair noting it would improve functionality while preserving transparency and public participation.
AB 533 by Assembly Member Flora reauthorized health care districts that own or operate hospitals or clinics to use the design-build process for construction projects after the prior authority sunset on January 1, 2025. The author and supporters from the Association of California Health Care Districts, the Design-Build Institute of America, and engineering and hospital groups said the measure would restore a useful financing and construction tool without changing public contracting requirements. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee also approved AB 1030 on the consent calendar, and after roll calls on the remaining items, all measures were reported out of committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/28/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislative Auditor reports. Legislative Auditor reports.
- <00:25:01.200>
auditor legislative auditor legislative auditor when<00:25:02.400>I <00: - <00:32:23.800>
Auditor Office of Legislative Auditor Office of Legislative Auditor to<00:32 - <00:42:04.960>
initiatives part of their legislative initiatives part of their legislative - So, it's going to take legislative<00:53:27.080>
restrictions legislative restrictions legislative
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/9/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >
last <00:03:12.320>year, This legislation was passed last year, This legislation was - <00:04:35.080>
on negotiations between uh legislators on negotiations between uh legislators - We are opposed to uh the legislation We are opposed to uh the legislation before<01:29:11.360>
- and other legislation convenience and and other legislation like<01:32:10.280>
it, like it, like- I hope you vote in favor of the legislation.
- and other legislation convenience and and other legislation like<01:32:10.280>
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :12.559>
signed Fortunately, that legislation was signed Fortunately, that legislation was signed - <00:29:10.480>
to <00:29:10.640>pro legisl legislature should act to pro legisl legislature - So this is a perfect example of why we need this legislation.
- uh need this legislation. uh need this legislation.
- <01:30:44.239>
does, that this piece of legislation does, that this piece of legislation does
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy
Summary:
The Commerce Finance and Policy Committee met on House File 3642, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The bill was laid over, and the committee adopted a DE1 author’s amendment. Chair Kaggel and Representative Perryman described the measure as a response to widespread scams using crypto kiosks, especially against older adults and other vulnerable people, and said they would continue working with the Department of Commerce and other stakeholders.
Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant and a Woodbury detective described cases in which victims lost large sums, said the current safeguards and refund rules are being bypassed, and argued that the kiosks are difficult to investigate because funds move quickly and often overseas. An AARP Minnesota volunteer also supported the bill, saying kiosks are a preferred tool for scammers and that existing protections have not kept pace with the problem. The Department of Commerce said it strongly supports the bill and reported that it has received 120 complaints over three years involving nearly $1 million in reported losses, with 2025 the worst year so far.
The main opposition came from CoinFlip’s general counsel, who argued that the problem is fraud generally, not kiosks themselves, and said Minnesota already has consumer protections, including refunds for eligible victims. He urged stronger regulation rather than a ban, citing blockchain analytics, hold periods, and 24-hour customer service as alternatives. Committee members then asked questions about how long kiosks have operated in Minnesota, how many there are, who owns them, and the scale of losses; Commerce said there are hundreds statewide, operated by a variety of companies, and that reported losses are likely undercounts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:19.840>
A of the need for this legislation. A of the need for this legislation. - > certainly<00:26:31.440>
result legislation will almost certainly result legislation will - legislation. Uh my name is Matt McNeel. legislation. Uh my name is Matt McNeel.
- would be in favor of this legislation would be in favor of this legislation and<00:52:18.079>
- this borrower postponement legislation this borrower postponement legislation has<01:33:07.679><
Keywords:
common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/09/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We support this legislation.
- Uh we have support this legislation.
- in the in the legislation the definition in<01:10:52.719>
the <01:10:52.880>legislation - And legislatively cha that.
- And legislatively cha legislatively<01:24:21.040>
we <01:24:21.280>changed <01:24:21.679
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 74, which would require state agencies, especially the Department of Environmental Services and other permitting agencies, to report more detailed data on permit applications, approvals, denials, pending applications, and permits taking longer than 90 days. The sponsor’s representative and a lawyer who helped draft the bill argued that the legislature needs comprehensive permitting data to evaluate whether current timelines are reasonable and whether regulatory delays are burdening property owners and economic activity. They said the information should already be tracked within existing budgets, despite a fiscal note claiming additional staff would be needed. A Business and Industry Association representative supported the bill, saying better data is needed to understand actual permitting timelines and to help streamline the process, especially in light of housing and development concerns.
Members asked whether the bill was simply collecting data without a clear next step, and the response was that the data would allow lawmakers to judge whether existing deadlines, extensions, and exemptions are justified and whether changes to permit timelines are needed. Several members agreed the information would be useful and that agencies should already be tracking it. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 74 on a roll call, with the motion approved and the bill placed on consent for further consideration, with a note that it would go to finance for review of the fiscal note.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 196, which would raise the threshold for certain in-house construction projects handled by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and two other departments from $500,000 to $1 million, described as an inflationary update. The sponsor said the department’s existing staff can handle these smaller renovation-type projects and that the bill should not require new positions; the deputy adjutant general later confirmed the department does not need additional staff and said the projects are typically roof, boiler, and similar repairs. Members asked about a fiscal note suggesting new positions and about revenue/expenditure impacts, and the sponsor explained that the fiscal note language appeared to reflect an earlier draft and that the budget effect is largely a shift in where the work is performed. The committee recessed briefly for the deputy adjutant general’s arrival, then continued discussion of the bill.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:56.920>
into <00:37:57.200>place legislation into place legislation into place to - through legislation, or is that a rulemaking?
- through legislation, or is that a rulemaking?
- c> is legislatively through legislation or is legislatively through legislation or is that<01:04:
- that would that have to be a legislative that would that have to be a legislative adoption<01:04
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This should be more legislative-driven.
- So my amendment reduces the number of legislators on the committee because I don't think that legislators
- Why not be supportive of this piece of legislation?
- members on it, but legislative appointments on a task that I think requires significant legislative
- With or without the amendment, legislators can participate.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 022 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ; Junie Joseph, the first Haitian immigrant legislator; Regina English, the first Black woman legislator
- <01:07:55.920>
Caucus, Black Democratic Legislative Caucus, Black Democratic Legislative Caucus - <01:08:08.880>
legislation we have also championed legislation we have also championed legislation - And today I want to Legislative Caucus.
- The authority of the executive committee of the Legislative Council to establish policies for legislators
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/04/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- problematic it would be non-legislative problematic it would be non-legislative but<00:33:30.200
- <01:02:09.400>
to to introduce this legislation to to introduce this legislation to us<01: - perspective if this legislation perspective if this legislation basically<01:40:46.480>
said< - legislation to our federal legislation legislation to our<02:08:51.800>
governor <02:08:52.400 - Kat McGee to introduce this legislation Kat McGee to introduce this legislation on<04:03:29.239>
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Protection and Victim Services Committee May 13th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Protection and Victim Services Committee
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 113 May 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll have more legislators will do.
- Even though in the legislative Even though in the legislative declaration<03:32:16.399>
it should have put that in the legislative should have put that in the legislative declaration.<03: - >
there <03:34:14.960>is legislative declaration, if there is legislative declaration, - your legislative declaration. your legislative declaration.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They were presented to the Legislative Administrative Rules Committee.
- Chairman, Senator Beckett-Dall. 14 years—next seven legislative sessions. 14 years—next seven legislative
- We will have that prepared before the 70th legislative session.
- Part of the Legislative Management Committee, and I appreciate that.
- Part of the Legislative Management Committee, and I appreciate that. part of the legislative management
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met with a quorum and received updates from the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Commission, followed by presentations from Deloitte on two legislative studies required by House Bill 1020. Director Reese Haas reviewed major project and budget updates, including the Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline projects, Resources Trust Fund balances, carryover spending, project prioritization, bid conditions, regional water system coverage, and department process improvements. Members also discussed how the commission prioritizes projects, maintenance expectations, and the impact of limited municipal water supply funding. No formal committee action was taken during the DWR update; the commission’s municipal funding decisions were described as pending its April 8 meeting.
Deloitte then presented the cost-share policy study, which found that under current policy and forecasted revenues, North Dakota faces an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall over 14 years, with a near-term gap of about $1.8 billion through 2031. The firm outlined seven recommended options, including tighter definitions and a 25% cost share for eligible replacement projects, caps and financing strategies for the Mouse River and Red River Valley projects, aligning cost share with commission priority guidance, delaying lower-priority projects, using available lines of credit, and adjusting reimbursement timing for revolving loan funds. Committee members questioned inflation assumptions, affordability, user fees, and the use of legacy fund earnings for bonding, but no decisions were made.
In the governance and finance study, Deloitte said final recommendations are still being refined, with a final report due May 29. The study examined the Southwest Pipeline, NAWS, and Red River Valley systems using governance and finance criteria such as decision authority, transparency, affordability, risk, and access to funding. For Southwest, Deloitte outlined options ranging from improved state-authority coordination to transferring ownership to the Southwest Water Authority; for NAWS, options focused on strengthening the authority’s role and potentially transitioning operations and maintenance; and for Red River, options ranged from enhanced facilitation to formal state oversight or state ownership. Members asked follow-up questions about ownership transfer, capital repayment streams, and why NAWS was not considered for transfer, and Deloitte said NAWS’s limited organizational maturity made that option less viable in the near term.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Roadmap to Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention 3/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- every administration and legislative every administration and legislative body<00:01:28.960>
- legislative actions. legislative actions.
- The way program funding is set out in legislation and the influence that legislators have both during
- not include legislators in that list?
- that legislative you working on that?
Summary:
Judge Tim O’Malley, Minnesota’s director of program integrity, presented a roadmap to program integrity and fraud prevention built around nine areas for improvement, including leadership and culture, stronger program controls, better coordination among agencies and prosecutors, training, technology modernization, independent oversight, stakeholder engagement, and expanded resources. He said long-standing vulnerabilities in state programs have been exploited by organized criminals, and argued the state must shift from reactive enforcement to front-end prevention, faster detection, and recovery of improper payments. He emphasized that modern data sharing and analytics are especially urgent, and said oversight and accountability are essential for lasting change.
Fay Bernstein, a long-time DHS employee, testified that she experienced retaliation after raising contract compliance concerns years ago. She said she was removed from the building, barred from DHS property, investigated for months, and accused of racism and threatening leadership, which she denied. Bernstein argued DHS leadership lacks a fraud-prevention mindset and said the department’s culture punishes employees who speak up, while serious program failures have harmed vulnerable Minnesotans. She called for major leadership changes and firings at DHS.
Members questioned O’Malley about whether fraud was driven more by sophisticated criminals or by weaknesses in state systems. He said the vulnerabilities have existed for a long time and organized criminal groups are taking advantage of them, especially where data sharing is weak. Members also pressed him on whistleblower protections and retaliation; O’Malley said he should have included the legislature among places employees can report concerns, and said complaints should be thoroughly investigated with accurate information and appropriate consequences for supervisors who fail to act, ranging from coaching to termination depending on the case. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the meeting.