Video & Transcript Research : 'testimonies'
Page 170 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences May 7th, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it really helped with some of the information we got last year from those providing testimony
- They did a very nice job of including facts, figures, and other data in their testimonies.
- In their testimonies.
- If there are no other questions or comments, then a motion would be in order to approve these testimony
- This is a vote to approve the testimony questions for 2025. Andy Noffsinger Meadows. Aye. Dr.
Summary:
The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 7, 2025, with quorum present. The commission approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and then received its annual open government refresher from the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed key requirements under the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including record retention, response deadlines, exemptions, and meeting notice rules.
Staff then provided a 2025 legislative session update, noting that the legislature passed 23 tax-preference-related bills, with several signed by the governor and others pending. Highlights included bills that extended or repealed certain preferences, added reporting requirements for newspaper and digital content exemptions, authorized JLARC to adjust its work plan when data is unavailable, and created a new exemption for zero-emission buses. The commission approved updates to the 2026 tax preference review schedule, which includes eight preferences in seven reviews, and approved unchanged testimony questions for 2025.
The commission also received the 2025 expedited preference review report covering 52 tax preferences, presented as an interactive table drawing on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies. Staff then outlined the process for developing the next 10-year review schedule for 2027-2036, including surveying the legislature, incorporating new and repealed preferences, and considering a possible rolling 10-year schedule. No public comment was registered. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of Ron Buing’s long service on the commission and an announcement that the next meeting would be held August 6, 2025.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we do have a two-minute time limit on testimony, and first up for HCR 55 is Diane Maduros with the
- a two-minute time<00:02:59.680>
limit <00:02:59.920>on time limit on time limit on testimony - and uh first up for HCR 55 is testimony and uh first up for HCR 55 is Diane<00:03:06.159>
Maduros - Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in a room change and first considered two judicial confirmations. It recommended consent for Governor’s Message 767, confirming Kanoi A.D. Jackson as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for a 10-year term, and the motion was adopted with members voting aye and some members excused. The committee then recommended consent for Judicial Communication 28, confirming Sonia H. Toma as district family court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County) for a 6-year term. The chair noted prior concerns about the nominee, but said staff reviewed court records and found nothing problematic; the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously among those present.
After a brief recess, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 55, which asks the judiciary to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing laws on domestic violence, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking in preventing continued abuse and harassment. Testimony was generally supportive. The Office of the Public Defender asked to be included on the working group and requested representation from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also supported including public defenders and said the effort needs funding to be effective. Other testimony emphasized survivor experiences, privacy concerns, and the need for broader research and protections for injured parties.
The chair recommended passing HCR 55 with amendments to include the public defender and a representative from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to allow the judiciary authority to add other participants, and to make additional text changes including removing redundant language. The committee voted to adopt the amended recommendation, and the resolution passed with members voting aye and some excused.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Holding a spouse from working anywhere from 39 to 169 days, some of which we found in testimony 6 to
- Thank you, Jim, for your testimony. Members, any questions?
- Thank you for your testimony. Any other questions, members?
- That was the quickest testimony we've had.
- Ingraham, we do want to say again, thank you for being here this morning and providing that testimony
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Regarding witness testimony, when you're called to testify, please state your name, who you're representing
- Time, and keep your testimony limited to three-minute time frame.
- If not, we'll proceed to testimony. This one, this one. OK. Chair calls Kate Stoops.
- All right, thank you for your testimony. Thank you.
- Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. All right.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe we have public testimony, but there's no public testimony on the amendment.
- We will now move into public testimony, and we have a few here.
- Seeing no questions, we will move into public testimony. Okay.
- Seeing no questions, we will move into public testimony.
- We have no further public testimony. We will move into debate.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met and first took up HB 47, Child Care and Early Learning Providers, sponsored by Rep. McFarland. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce child care costs and regulatory burdens by exempting preschools from special tax assessments, moving teacher training and testing online and making it free, allowing abbreviated inspections for top providers, extending license-exempt status to employer-provided child care, and addressing an insurance issue affecting family child care homes. Members asked about DCF transparency, accreditation, background screening timelines, accountability for exempt facilities, and whether violations would still be searchable; McFarland said accreditation would still be required, DCF reporting and abuse hotlines would remain available, and the bill would not eliminate existing transparency for licensed providers. An amendment was adopted to add clarifying language and exempt certain DOD and Coast Guard child care facilities operated by DOD personnel. Several witnesses and members spoke in support, emphasizing workforce needs, affordability, and safety. HB 47 was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0.
The committee then heard HB 259, which designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day. Rep. Gerwig said the bill is intended to raise awareness of fentanyl’s dangers and overdose risks. Members spoke in strong support, citing fentanyl’s impact on families, youth, and first responders, and the need for education because fentanyl is often unknowingly ingested or mixed into other drugs. Gerwig also described a personal example involving a child exposed to fentanyl in a vacation rental. HB 259 was reported favorably by a vote of 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We respectfully ask those of you testifying to keep your testimony limited to three minutes, and the
- So keep up the good work, and thanks for your testimony today. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
- So keep up the good work, and thanks for your testimony today. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chairman.
- We'll include that data with our written testimony.
- And we are going to move to a remote testimony from Jessin Beck. Testimony from Mr.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hearing on House 5188, a late-filed bill to establish a special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in Massachusetts. Representatives Hadley Luddy and Joshua Tarski, the bill’s sponsors, said they filed it after seeing many constituent cases involving delays, unresolved claims, and difficulty navigating the unemployment system, especially for seasonal workers and others facing financial instability. They argued the commission should review claim data, gather stakeholder input, and identify gaps in the process so the system is more efficient, equitable, and transparent.
Greater Boston Legal Services testified in support, describing numerous client cases in which claimants waited months for determinations or were stuck in limbo after the launch of a new online benefits system. Attorneys said DUA’s backlogs and timeliness metrics had worsened, citing large increases in non-monetary, separation, and hearings backlogs, and they urged the committee to consider systemic fixes, including better notice about paid family and medical leave and possibly more funding or staff for DUA. Committee members generally praised the bill and the sponsors’ collaboration, and one suggested the commission’s reporting deadline might need to be extended.
No vote was taken during the hearing. After testimony and brief discussion, the chair closed the hearing and concluded the committee meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no questions, do we have public testimony? First up we have Dr. Tracy Jensen as a proponent.
- All right, we do have public testimony.
- We do have public testimony. We have Jason Mayne from StormSmart Industries as a proponent.
- That is it for public testimony. Members, we're in debate on this bill as amended.
- We do not have any public testimony, and there is no debate on this bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you wish to give public testimony today, please provide written testimony or register a position on
- We'll have invited testimony limited to five minutes.
- We'll establish a time limit for public testimony of two minutes per person.
- Senator Nichols moves that public testimony be limited to two minutes per person.
- Then we'll open it up for public testimony on both the Senate bill, SB 23, as well as the H.J.R.
Keywords:
homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes.
Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs.
The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-LBT DEFER Public Hearing 03-14-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Content including the hearing notice, copies of the bills, and testimony can be found on the legislature's
- Decision-making will occur after we hear from those offering testimony.
- We're going to accept the Attorney General's proposed amendments in their testimony, with the exception
- We're going to accept the Havi Insurance Council's proposed amendments in their testimony.
- uh beginning on January 1st testimony uh beginning on January 1st 2026<00:03:12.560>
there <00
Summary:
The joint Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Labor and Technology met on March 14, 2025, to consider House Bill 1064, House Draft 2, relating to fire protection. The bill was described as implementing recommendations from the Phase 3 report by the Fire Safety Research Institute on the August 2023 Maui wildfires, clarifying the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriating funds. Members also discussed structural changes to the State Fire Marshal’s office and whether the office should remain under the Department of Defense rather than the Governor’s office.
The committee heard from a senior adviser from the Governor’s office, who said the administration would support creating a State Fire Marshal selection commission and did not object to Senate advice-and-consent involvement for some commission members. He also agreed that placing the office under the Department of Defense made sense. In its decision-making, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including accepting proposed amendments from the Attorney General and the Hawaii Insurance Council, with one exception to the Attorney General’s proposal.
The adopted amendments would establish a seven-member State Fire Marshal selection commission beginning January 1, 2026, with authority to appoint and remove the State Fire Marshal, receive complaints, and conduct annual performance reviews. The commission would be attached to the Department of Defense for administrative purposes, be subject to the Sunshine Law, and include both voting and non-voting members, with some appointments made by the governor, House speaker, and Senate president. The committee also made technical changes, deleted several pages and lines, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The chair’s recommendation was adopted by both committees, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have one speaker for public testimony, John Johnson from AdventHealth, in support.
- And there's no public testimony. Members will move into debate. Any debate on the bill? No debate?
- We're going to move into public testimony then.
- Appreciate your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Okay, that concludes public testimony.
- Okay, that concludes public testimony. Members, we're moving into debate on the bill.
Summary:
The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met and heard three bills, all of which passed favorably. HB 229 by Rep. Oliver would update the Health Facilities Authority Act to reflect modern health system structures, allowing not-for-profit LLCs and not-for-profit parent corporations of health systems to use the financing authority, and clarifying that authorities may use loan agreements as well as lease financing. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the not-for-profit definition was adopted without objection. AdventHealth testified in support, and the bill passed 17-0.
The committee then heard HB 527 by Rep. Trabulsi, which creates a public records exemption for current and former AHCA personnel who investigate complaints, Medicaid fraud, abuse, waste, or inspect licensed health facilities. The sponsor said the exemption is intended to protect investigators and their families from retaliation. There was no public testimony, and members discussed balancing transparency with safety. The bill passed 17-0.
Finally, the committee heard HB 431 by Rep. Trabulsi, which extends by one year the requirement for athletic coaches and similar youth sports volunteers to complete Level 2 background screening through AHCA’s clearinghouse, with the sponsor saying the delay would give the system time to expand and reduce costs over time. Public testimony from youth sports organizations supported the goal of screening but raised concerns about cost, implementation details, and age thresholds for screening. Members generally supported the bill as a child-safety measure, and it also passed 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- We welcome your testimony. >> That's great.
- I sent it in as written testimony. >> Um, okay.
- <00:20:29.360>
So, written written testimony. Um, okay. So, written written testimony. - . testimony. testimony.
- testimony of folks from<01:36:16.639>
Annunciation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 01/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- your testimony. your testimony.
- Uh, we you very much for your testimony.
- Schindler, if you can present your testimony and introduce yourself, and then present your testimony.
- and present your testimony, please. and present your testimony, please.
- And members, uh, present your testimony.
Summary:
The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed.
The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/25/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair your testimony. Sure.
- your testimony.
- I'm happy to take any testimony.
- <01:37:37.440>
Thank and give some brief testimony. Thank and give some brief testimony. - choice board uh present her testimony. choice board uh present her testimony.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, this completes my testimony.
- I think we, I think Representative Hanson directed us to that testimony.
- So I was having difficulty reconciling those two pieces of testimony myself.
- I've gone back and I've listened to all the testimony.
- The testimony, you'll see it's footnoted throughout my slides today.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Mar 27th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Public testimony and call it.
- If not, we'll close public testimony. We'll leave the bill pending.
- All right, with that, we're going to open up public testimony.
- With that, we're going to open up public testimony.
- I look forward to hearing the testimony and working with you.
Bills:
SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706
Keywords:
insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If there are no further questions, we'll Chairman Metcalfe: Proceed to testimony.
- As you'll hear from some of the testimony, it's something that's really quite passionate Representative
- You'll hear some testimony, but currently, residents in our district are self-funding this.
- Seeing none, we're going to proceed to public testimony. Thank you.
- Tomlinson, for your testimony. Members, any questions for this witness?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Your testimony is much appreciated. Well, thank you very much. Your testimony is much appreciated.
- So, first of all, thank you for your testimony.
- “Yeah, thank you for your testimony.” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- The calculations will be in my written testimony.
- The calculations will be in my written testimony.
Summary:
The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies.
A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives.
The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Carter's testimony?
- Thank you all for your testimony. No further questions. Also in favor, wishing to speak.
- I know the testimony was emotional and difficult. The time is now to do something.
- Let's get some testimony, or do we have some cards?
- I think under the testimony, I'll just voluntarily defer. Okay. All right.
Keywords:
tax credits, higher education, workforce development, brain drain, economic incentives, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, SB49, Louisiana elections, party primary, primary elections, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, school board elections, election law, candidate qualification, ballot access
Summary:
The House and Governmental Affairs Committee heard Senate Bill 123 by Sen. Morris, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a legislative-address process for removing certain judges for cause, with the governor certifying removal after a legislative vote and Senate trial. The bill was presented as a way to address perceived gaps and ambiguity in the current Constitution between impeachment provisions and the Judiciary Commission’s authority over judicial discipline. The committee also adopted a technical amendment (Amendment Set 4708) that renumbered paragraphs for clarity.
Sen. Morris and supporters argued the measure is needed because current mechanisms have not adequately held judges accountable in serious cases. They cited several criminal cases, especially involving juveniles and electronic monitoring failures, and said the bill would provide a last-resort remedy for gross misconduct, incompetence, or malfeasance. Multiple family members of murder victims testified in support, including Anna Carter, James Carter, and Tracy Carter, who described the death of Jacob Carter and said the case showed a failure of oversight and accountability. Reverend Rodney Wood also spoke in support, describing another case he believed reflected a grave injustice.
Committee members raised concerns about separation of powers, due process, political misuse, and whether the bill would reach beyond judges to district attorneys. Some questioned the mechanics of the proposed process, the role of the governor, the Senate trial, and whether the Judiciary Commission and existing impeachment provisions should instead be strengthened or clarified. The ACLU testified in opposition, saying the bill had technical inconsistencies in its vote threshold language, could be addressed by testing existing impeachment authority first, and should not single out judicial discretion while excluding DA discretion. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/20/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- referring to is some pre-filed testimony referring to is some pre-filed testimony that<00:06:28.479
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
- , So, um, as I understood the testimony, So, um, as I understood the testimony, House<00:46:33.040
- Seeing none, thank you for your<00:46:55.119>
testimony. - Anybody else that would your testimony.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We welcome your testimony.
- The<01:14:44.560>
testimony The testimony The testimony and<01:14:46.240>frankly < - <01:15:23.280>
and um, public testimony and um, public testimony and without,<01:15:25.360 - And then, if there are any, uh, we really didn't have any public testimony.
- It was just a presentation testimony.