Video & Transcript Research : 'rate base'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- That's all it is and based on our classification factors.
- is and based on our classification<00:20:12.920>
factors. - uh rates and that's not what pricing is. uh rates and that's not what pricing is.
- So, even though the IRS may raise the rates January 1, those new rates can't... 2024, we actually did
- <00:27:22.520>
can't The IRS sets the new rates on January 1, but those new rates can't take
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures relating to public employment, the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), retirement benefits, and cafeteria plans. HB 2472 and HB 2276, both concerning EUTF staff and investment office staff salaries, drew support from the trust fund and labor groups, and no opposition was heard in person. HB 2272 and HB 2273, emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, were supported by the administration and labor representatives; members briefly clarified which bargaining units were covered.
A longer discussion centered on HB 1664, which would address a dispute mechanism for EUTF-related negotiations. HGEA said the current process lacks a dispute resolution path and that the bill would allow interest arbitration when the state and union disagree. The Department of Human Resources Development and the Budget and Finance director raised concerns about consistency across bargaining units and the role of an arbitrator unfamiliar with the complexities of the system. Senator Moriwaki questioned whether another dispute forum might be more appropriate, but no alternative resolution was settled.
The committee also heard HB 1655, which would make retirement benefits negotiable, and HB 1658, concerning collective bargaining repricing. ERS opposed HB 1655, saying it could create administrative and tax problems if retirement benefits were negotiated separately across many bargaining units, while UPW, HGEA, HSTA, and UPA supported it as a bargaining issue. On HB 1658, DHRD explained that repricing is an internal classification tool meant to preserve equal pay for equal work, not to address market pay, and said a single arbitrator or the Merit Appeals Board could handle disputes; HGEA preferred a neutral arbitrator and opposed the Merit Appeals Board as too employer-controlled. The final measure, HB 1661 on cafeteria plans, was supported by UPW and HGEA. DHRD said it planned to raise the maximum contribution through rulemaking but needed to manage plan solvency and timing because IRS limits change on a calendar-year basis while the state plan runs on a fiscal year. The committee then moved into decision-making and adopted recommendations to pass HB 2472 and HB 2276 as amended/unamended after a brief correction to the vote language.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Health and Human Services Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They have the highest rates, followed by Tri-County and Weber Morgan.
- So typically they have the lowest rates of overdose in this state, but this was just an area where I
- This is based on medical necessity as...
- Utah has a higher suicide rate than the nation.
- There’s a lot that goes into getting that... ...rate in closing a case without a removal.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- This was going to be community-based charging.
- Is that 83% success rate on your lawsuits?
- I will point to rate design and the role of the utilities in this space.
- So we've been watching the work of the interagency rates working group really closely.
- So I think rate design is one piece.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn.
Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits.
The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- They raise rates. Got plenty of capacity and we're not going to raise people rates on crypto mines.
- They raise rates.
- So it would go to performance-based.
- "For public schools based on success.
- It didn't get to first base. I don't necessarily think he wanted it to get to first base.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report, focusing on the DCA midair collision. Mar 27th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you commit that no hiring decisions will be made based on race? Yes, sir.
- And one of the ways we believe we can do that is using satellite-based. technology.
- It's had flooding and it's a major air base up there as well for the guard. Thank you senator.
- So, in the aftermath, we reduced the rate, the arrival rate.
- And so we reduced the rate down to 26. Slowly, we moved back to now we're at 30 rate.
Keywords:
aviation safety, midair collision, American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter, NTSB, FAA, ADS-B technology, safety protocols
Summary:
The meeting focused on the discussions surrounding the tragic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Testimonies were provided by key figures including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Richelieu. The committee expressed grave concerns regarding the existing safety protocols, questioning why the FAA failed to act on numerous warnings and data indicating potential collision risks. Members emphasized the need for urgent reforms in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Specific highlights included the recognition of the importance of ADS-B out technology and concerns about the operational practices of military helicopters in controlled airspaces.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We do graduate persistence rate; graduation rate is really high.
- These are all bed rates, not unit rates. But how do you come up with the unit rate?
- These are all bed rates, not unit rates. But how do you come up with the unit rate?
- We can't just base it on that. We that. We can't just base it on that.
- <02:32:29.920>
on was ambitious based on this not based on was ambitious based on this not
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We know already that there are high rates of housing insecurity and high rates of homelessness, and so
- No college should prioritize any student over another based on race.
- No college should prioritize any student over another based on race.
- We can't have it based on race based on Proposition 209, so we're trying to follow the law.
- But then we have a sort of low take-up rate amongst our graduate students.”
Summary:
The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee.
The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations.
AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and a very, very low student debt rate when they finish.
- That is a goal ...very low student debt rate when they finish.
- Florida is a flat daily rate based on a master services agreement that was competitively bid.
- I think based on her previous... ...have enough time to dig really deep.
- And I am just not comfortable based on all that happened with Hope Florida.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmation testimony for a large slate of university and state college trustees. Most of the discussion centered on the nominees’ backgrounds, ties to their institutions, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving university rankings. Several University of Florida trustees emphasized campus improvements, “One UF” integration, institutional neutrality, and ambitions to move UF into the top tier nationally. Other nominees highlighted goals for Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Florida State, Florida Poly, the Florida Prepaid College Board, and several state colleges, with recurring themes of affordability, economic mobility, cybersecurity, and keeping Florida students in-state for college and careers.
Public testimony was heard on the Florida A&M appointment, where Elijah Hooks spoke in opposition to the current administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from the university after protesting the selection of President Marva Johnson. During questioning of FAU nominee Tina Vidal-Duart, senators asked about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about reports concerning CDR Health’s contracting practices; she said she was not aware of the foundation issues at the time and noted that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate, so subcontractor pricing affected only the company’s internal margins. Other nominees received little or no questioning.
At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to confirm all nominees except Tina Vidal-Duart separately. Senator Bracy Davis requested the separate vote and opposed her confirmation, citing concerns related to her Hope Florida Foundation board service. Despite that objection, the committee ultimately voted to report Vidal-Duart favorably as well. The committee also noted that one University of West Florida nominee would be taken up at a later hearing because he was unable to attend.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas leads the nation in maternal mortality in pregnancy, sepsis rates, and in infant deaths.
- The maternal mortality rates in Texas increased by 33%. Is that your data? Yes.
- For women, the rates are even more dramatic, where Black women saw maternal mortality rates go from 31.6
- General based on their recommendations or based on what their local attorney or counsel would provide
- This legislation is based, of course, on the U.S.
Keywords:
electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So the local government could lower the millage rates.
- They've issued bonds based on prudent revenue projections.
- They've issued bonds based on prudent revenue projections.
- The HIV rates, the STD rates in Florida, are higher, the highest they've ever been since 2008.
- It could be economic-based, or it could be part of a work program.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed.
On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- field, how many of our teachers are going into a shortage teaching field, what is their retention rate
- on exams and assessments the pass rates on exams and assessments that<00:10:58.560>
the <00:10 - Um, what is their<00:11:15.200>
retention <00:11:15.680>rate <00:11:16.000>after - one and three their retention rate after one and three years?
- <00:16:02.720>
funding whether it's the outcome based funding whether it's the outcome based
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, when we talk about this single-family rate versus a commercial rate, we're only talking about
- So this idea that a single-family rate versus a commercial rate, the rate is the same no matter what
- The single-family rate versus a commercial rate, the rate is the same no matter what you do.
- The rate that the homeowner is going to pay is the submeter rate, which is a division of the master meter
- more based on our analysis of the rate information.
Keywords:
digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, landlord tenant laws, tenant rights
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/22/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:49.440>
of mortality, payroll growth and rates of mortality, payroll growth and rates - <01:32:53.120>
If benefit is based on assumptions. If benefit is based on assumptions. - And then third, as was mentioned, it makes the contribution rate is the 15-year amortization rate, not
- rate is the 15-year<01:59:46.320>
amortization <01:59:47.119>rate, <01:59:47.440>not - the recommended contribution rate. the recommended contribution rate.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida currently has a SNAP payment error rate of over 15 percent.
- Florida currently has a SNAP payment error rate of over 15 percent.
- And instead, we now have an uninsured rate for adults 19 to 64 at 15%.
- I understand our error rates, and I am for improving a system.
- You know, this bill is based on transparency.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including a resolution honoring Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a special-order calendar with multiple bills, many of them paired with House companions and amended before final passage. Early action included adoption of a tax conformity bill tied to federal changes in the Internal Revenue Code, with a 34-0 vote.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758, a Medicaid and SNAP reform bill. The sponsor described provisions to strengthen fraud enforcement, impose work requirements for able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services through a waiver, modernize Medicaid drug purchasing, and require a SNAP fraud-reduction plan and photo ID on EBT cards. Democrats offered amendments to delay work requirements until Medicaid expansion and to add protections for SNAP users such as caregivers, seniors, disabled individuals, and domestic violence survivors; both amendments failed. Senators also questioned implementation details, exemptions, and potential effects on vulnerable populations. After debate, the bill was placed on the calendar for third reading.
The Senate also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a public records exemption and related Parkinson’s Disease Registry measures, designation of the SS American Victory as the state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on legal tender recognition for gold and silver, public records protections for financial and digital-asset custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government budget transparency, digital voyeurism, insurance customer representative licensing, and a medical freedom bill with amendments on vaccine-related materials and anti-kickback provisions. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though the public records bill for gold/silver custodians and the legal tender repeal drew a few dissenting votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/30/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
- , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
- , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
- , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
- <01:26:02.520>
or necessitating increased Levy rates or necessitating increased Levy rates
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard a presentation from Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tiki Brown on the department’s 2025 budget and transition plans. Brown said the governor’s budget pairs targeted reductions with modest investments, resulting in net general fund savings, while preserving core safety-net programs. Major proposals included funding for program integrity, modernization of the child welfare SSIS system, compliance changes for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), operating adjustments, and a transition account reallocation as the new department continues moving programs from other agencies through July 1, 2025.
A large portion of the discussion focused on CCAP fraud prevention and oversight. Brown and Assistant Commissioner Diane Hy explained that the proposed statewide electronic attendance recordkeeping system would replace retroactive paper-based attendance reporting with more timely data, making it harder to falsify attendance and claim payments improperly. Brown also said the department is working with the Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General and other partners on compliance and fraud controls. Senators pressed for more detail on current enforcement, whether payments can be withheld for violations, and whether recent media reports showed gaps in oversight; Brown said payments can be stopped for false attendance records, suspended or revoked licenses, or fraud allegations, but not for health and safety violations alone.
The committee also reviewed other budget-neutral policy changes, including expanding permanency support services for relative foster care and tribal equivalents, strengthening tribal child welfare grants, updating TEACH scholarship rules for early childhood educators, and adjusting the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program to create a special revenue fund and extend a 10% payment increase to tribally licensed programs and programs on tribal reservation land. Brown also described a $1.5 million annual reduction to restorative practices grants, leaving a smaller ongoing base. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine optimizing longevity from research to action. Feb 12th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Aging (Special) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our children are getting type 2 diabetes at unheard of rates. This is not new.
- THCs have the highest success rate of any program for retaining... in communities of need.
- We can, resting heart rate or during exercise, a lot of different health parameters.
- Research into connections with faith-based organizations.
- Teaching people how to cook with whole plant-based food. Yes.
Summary:
The committee meeting was marked by discussions surrounding health policies aimed at enhancing the lifespan and quality of life for the community members. The chairperson initiated the session with personal reflections on the importance of extending not just the years of life but also the quality of those years, especially from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Members engaged in thoughtful dialogue regarding potential legislative measures that could address public health in a more holistic manner, emphasizing the need for community outreach and effective health education programs.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/19/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Removing the at the reduced rate.
- it's all based Mr.
- Chair it's all based it's all based Mr.
- agencies to utilize community-based agencies to utilize community-based providers,<02:08:55.360>
- <02:31:32.479>
of interest would be the rates of interest would be the rates of recidivism
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 12th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, they were, but we don't base the number of judges on public opinion.
- We base them in terms of what the legislature... ...But we don't base the number of judges on public
- We base them in terms of what the legislature determines is needed.
- It was based... No, ma'am. Not a factor in it? No, ma'am.
- And what are you basing that on?”
Bills:
HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441
Keywords:
Pineville High School, Lady Rebels, softball, LHSAA, Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Class 5A, state championship, high school sports, student athletes, commendation, resolution, athletics, girls softball, championship team, Pineville, school recognition, sportsmanship, coach Allison Frye, Louisiana legislature, House Resolution
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
A&B Health Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Organizations that based on their proposals fit into that $18 million.
- What do you attribute to our decreased obesity rate or decreased chlamydia rate. It... How do we...
- Who don't have that service-connected disability rating.
- It's kind of based on the pod facility.
- Our best estimate for that change from the average commercial rate down to the Medicare rate is a fiscal
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Small Business and Information Technology (2-18-26)
Small Business & Information Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Suicide rates have also skyrocketed during that same time.
- Yes, this bill phrases the term profile-based feed.
- Yes, this bill phrases the term profile-based feed.
- Some of them were content-based reasons or considered overbroad.
- Some of them were content-based reasons or considered overbroad.
Keywords:
Meeting start: 00:00
Roll call: 00:05
HB 227 discussion: 01:10
HB 227 voting: 49:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to consider House Bill 227, a time-sensitive measure focused on social media use by minors. The bill sponsor, Rep. Matt Lockett, and supporters including counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, the Attorney General’s office, and the Family Foundation argued that social media is addictive and harmful to children, contributes to mental health problems and exploitation, and that the bill would give parents more control while regulating addictive features rather than banning speech. Supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored, content-neutral, and designed to withstand constitutional scrutiny; the Attorney General’s office said it would defend the bill if challenged and described ongoing multi-state litigation against major platforms. One committee member also described seeing inappropriate AI-generated content on a 16-year-old’s phone as an example of the problem the bill seeks to address.
Opposition testimony came from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, NetChoice, and the Computer and Communications Industry Association. They argued the bill raises First Amendment concerns because it conditions minors’ access on parental consent, regulates how private platforms communicate with users, and could function as a de facto speech ban. They also warned that the age-estimation requirement could force platforms to collect more sensitive data, creating privacy and security risks, and that the ban on “addictive features” was overly broad and could sweep in personalized feeds, notifications, autoplay, and other common tools. Opponents said the bill could especially harm vulnerable youth who rely on online access for community or safety information and urged the committee to craft a constitutional alternative.
During questions, members asked how the state could enforce the law against national companies and were told enforcement would come through the Attorney General within Kentucky and potentially through multi-state litigation. Members also discussed the bill’s practical effects, including advertising revenue from youth users and the need for guardrails to protect children. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s scope, parental consent, age estimation, and liability provisions, but no final vote or other committee action was shown in the excerpt.