Video & Transcript Research : 'Sergeant Mark Butler'
Page 179 of 428
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to toughen penalties for impersonating police 4/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are prohibitions on the markings that a car can have and would a reasonable person assume that
- But most importantly, if he thinks that he won because he killed Mark and Melissa for even one fraction
- But most importantly, if he thinks that he won because he killed Mark and Melissa for even one fraction
- But most importantly, if he thinks that he won because he killed Mark and Melissa for even one fraction
- This bill that we have today won't bring Mark and Melissa back.
Summary:
The House took up House File 3404, a public safety bill to increase penalties for impersonating a peace officer. The author explained that the bill raises the base offense from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, creates tougher aggravated offenses for impersonation involving unauthorized access, misleading orders, or a vehicle resembling a squad car, adds a new aggravated offense for impersonation while armed with a firearm, and establishes sentencing consequences when a person commits another serious crime while impersonating an officer. The bill also includes a duty-to-identify requirement for Minnesota peace officers, with an exception for undercover work.
Several members spoke in support, tying the bill to the June 14, 2025 events and emphasizing the danger of using police impersonation to gain trust and access. Supporters said the measure is needed to protect the public, restore confidence in law enforcement, and deter pranks or deliberate deception that could lead to serious harm. Testimony from law enforcement groups and 19 suburban cities was cited as backing for the bill, and the author thanked stakeholders and staff for helping shape the final version.
After discussion, the author requested a moment of silence before the vote. The House then took a roll call vote and passed the bill 134-0, with its title agreed to.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- He brought on Mark Sol's as its first and only salesman two years later.
- In 2010, Mark Sol's and John Sol's Jr. took the mantle of co-chair.
- Moreover, its 50th anniversary marked its transition to being called Soul's Food, reflecting its new
- John Jr. and Mark for almost as long. A lot we could say. About them. The resolution that Ms.
- John Sowell Jr. and Mark, of course, Mr. Sowell is now the chairman and co-CEO.
Bills:
HB2, HB6, HB18, HB43, HB138, HB180, HB300, HB581, HB647, HB748, HB762, HB1240, HB1393, HB1397, HB1584, HB1734, HB2011, HB2254, HB2286, HB2434, HB2467, HB2468, HB2495, HB2516, HB2518, HB2529, HB2564, HB2712, HB2713, HB2715, HB2765, HB2898, HB3146, HB3161, HB3348, HB3800, HB4044, HB4341, HB4370, HB4384, HB4386, HB4396, HB4490, HB4809, HB5057, HB5323, HB5534, HB5668, SB203, SB317, SB719, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB1071, SB1232, SB1798, SB2082, SB2363, SB2603, SB2607, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2919, SB3038, SJR5, SB4, SB9, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB34, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB458, SB482, SB493, SB647, SB648, SB840, SB841, SB843, SB912, SB1241, SB1253, SB1350, SB1388, SB1423, SB1535, SB1559, SB1709, SB1789, SB1951, SB2037, SB2143, SB2155, SB2544, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2308, HB2525, HJR133, HB1393, HB26, HB388, HB2712, HB1633, HB685, HB2286, HB1606, HB1458, HB1240, HB2791, HB3146, HB1397, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB581, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB1734, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB2495, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB3348, HB120, HB6, HB1533, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB2011, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HB3424, HB2715, HB2564, HB2765, HB2898, HB3800, HB4396, HB4341, HB43, HB5686, HB2467, HB2468, HB2518, HB4310, HB4386, HB4490, HB180, HB5323, HB2, HB149, HB4945, HB2434, HB2529, HB3161, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB4996, HB2697, HB2492, HB2355, HB2282, HB2001, HB1902, HB1866, HB1445, HB1443, HB1306, HB1024, HB908, HB305, HB285, HB449, HB171, HB47, HB3464, HB2637, HB4263, HB5436, HB4429, HB3986, HB3966, HB3510, HB2560, HB2026, HB2688, HB4076, HB5246, HB3487, HB3486, HB4226, HB216, HB742, HB2402, HB143, HB5033, HB4413, HB4042, HB2440, HB4426, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB5515, HB3627, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3421, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB3153, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB823, SB3062, SB3074, SB1380, HB6, HB581, HB1393, HB1734, HB2286, HB2467, HB2468, HB2495, HB2529, HB2564, HB2765, HB2898, HB3146, HB3348, HB3800, HB4341, HB4386, HB4490, HB5057, HB5323, HB5534, HB5668, HB2, HB2715, SR530, SR552, SB482, SB493, SB841, SB912, SB1241, SB1350, SB1388, SB1559, SB1951, SB2143, SB2155, HB205, HB220, HB561, HB2078, HB2300, HB2652, HB3335, HB3441, HB4212, HB4879, HB5228, HB5616, HB205, HB220, HB561, HB2078, HB2300, HB2652, HB3335, HB3441, HB4212, HB4879, HB5228, HB5616
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm joined by my colleagues, Dan Linari, the Division of Health Improvement Director, Mark Reynolds,
- Uh, Dan Lennard, the director of the Division of Health Improvement, and Mark Reynolds, general counsel
- It's a mark of. Actually, we do have a response from Mark, who is Mark Reynolds, general counsel.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Today marks seven years that then Colonel Greg Knight started his journey with this body.
- Today<00:08:03.120>
marks <00:08:03.680>seven <00:08:04.000>years <00:08:04.400 - >
that <00:08:04.720>then Today marks seven years that then Today marks seven years that
Summary:
The House met to take up a special action item: reading HCR 196, a concurrent resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General and Vermont Adjutant and Inspector General Gregory Knight for his service to Vermont and the nation. The resolution recounted his career in the Coast Guard, Burlington police, Vermont Air National Guard, and Vermont Army National Guard, including his deployment to Iraq, later promotion to major general, and his appointment as adjutant and inspector general in 2019. It also noted his military honors and leadership during his seven-year tenure, and directed the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Knight and the Vermont National Guard.
Several members offered remarks praising Knight’s leadership, humility, humor, and commitment to service. Speakers highlighted his role in strengthening the Vermont National Guard, building accountability and institutional capacity, and supporting needed change within the organization, including for women in uniform. One member recalled first meeting Knight during his campaign for adjutant general and described him as a strong, detail-oriented leader and collaborator.
The House also welcomed Knight, his family, and guests to the State House. A member announced that a reception would be held later in the Cedar Creek Room in his honor. No vote on the resolution was described in the transcript, and the House then recessed until later in the day, with instructions to return for the joint assembly with the Senate.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of myself, Delegate Mark Chang, and the AAPI caucus, uh, please uh, welcome them to Annapolis
- On behalf of myself, Delegate<00:02:49.280>
Mark <00:02:49.599>Chang, <00:02:50.000> - and<00:02:50.160>
the <00:02:50.319>AAPI Delegate Mark Chang, and the AAPI Delegate - Mark Chang, and the AAPI caucus,<00:02:52.080>
uh, <00:02:52.319>please <00:02:52.879><
Summary:
The House of Delegates met with 131 members initially present, opened with the pledge and prayer, and then approved the previous day’s journal. The main floor recognition was for Korean American Day, with Delegate Mark Chang and the AAPI caucus honoring Linda Han and Alana Lee and reading a resolution congratulating Global Han Yundai for its leadership in celebrating Korean American Day and assisting Korean immigrants in Maryland.
Committee announcements followed, including an Appropriations briefing on the effects of federal budget cuts on Maryland health and nutrition, an Economic Matters briefing on seasonal and migrant farmworker housing, and an Environment and Transportation energy briefing series. Ways and Means announced bill hearings, while Government, Labor, and Elections, Health, and Judiciary said they would not meet that day; Health subcommittee chairs were scheduled for analyst training.
During personal and caucus announcements, members noted upcoming meetings for the Howard County delegation, the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, and the Veterans Caucus, and introduced the doctor of the day, Dr. Padmei Ransani Rana Singh of Johns Hopkins. The House also adopted a committee change appointing Delegate Susan K. McComas to the Judiciary Committee. After a final roll call showing 132 members present, the House remained in session and the majority leader moved adjournment until Wednesday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/1/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas May 1st, 2025 marks the 74th consecutive observance of the National Day of Prayer in cities and
- Whereas May 1st, 2025<00:08:36.479>
marks <00:08:36.880>the <00:08:37.120>74th <00 - :08:37.760>
consecutive 2025 marks the 74th consecutive 2025 marks the 74th consecutive observance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Jimmy Sylvia, County Commissioner Jimmy Gore, County Commissioner Mark Mark Tice, County Commissioner
- Chambers County as a game warden for over nine and a half years and my daughter Christina and her husband Mark
- Charles Archer and Mark Olson. Thank you so much for visiting with us.
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Opening of the 2025 legislative session in Minnesota House 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You are making a mark today that no one can ever take away from you.
- you<00:00:46.600>
are <00:00:46.800>making <00:00:47.160>a <00:00:47.320>Mark - <00:00:47.640>
today part of it you are making a Mark today part of it you are making a Mark
Summary:
The Minnesota House was called to order by the Secretary of State at noon for the opening of the session, with remarks welcoming both returning and newly elected members and emphasizing the significance of their service to Minnesota. Representative-elect Peggy Scott was appointed Clerk Pro Tem.
Pastor Ben Mayatt of Watermark Church in Stillwater, identified as the son-in-law of Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth, delivered the opening prayer. His prayer asked for blessings on members, their families, and staff, and stressed unity, wisdom, discernment, mercy, and truth as the House begins its work.
After the prayer, members and guests stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, and then were seated. No bills were debated and no votes were taken in this portion of the proceedings.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- :05:33.400>
the Attorney General Mark Takata the Attorney General Mark Takata the department.< - Deputy Attorney General Mark Ton for the department.
- Next we have Mark >> Thank you very much. Next we have Mark Ton. Ton. Ton.
- >> Deputy Attorney General Mark Ton. >> Deputy Attorney General Mark Ton.
- :18.720>
for <01:17:18.800>the Attorney General Mark Ton for the Attorney General Mark
Summary:
The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion.
The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments.
The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:14:56.880>
the does not require the voter to Mark the does not require the voter to Mark - What was required was that they would verify that the ballot wasn't pre-marked.
- The person helping you vote absentee confirms your ballot isn't pre-marked.
- thing they would do is uh uh you'd mark thing they would do is uh uh you'd mark it<01:36:19.360>
- Absolutely, I've already marked up a copy, so it's not going to be good.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The witness said the statute should be changed so that only protective orders marked as military-involved
- been a total, it looks like the numbers I was given, and I believe this is for TROs that have been marked
- been a total, it looks like the numbers I was given, and I believe this is for TROs that have been marked
- been a total, it looks like the numbers I was given, and I believe this is for TROs that have been marked
- have been marked as military involved. have been marked as military involved.
Keywords:
protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP
Summary:
The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court.
The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We ask that folks stay within the three-minute mark because there's somebody behind you who wants to
- names, Ryan Feynman, Amber Patel, Joshua Gladstone, Sadie Simone, or Simone, if you're French, and Mark
- Peter Pan, Greyhound, also support of people like Nicole Sweeney at Union Station in Springfield, Mark
- Would Mark Dempsey be here from that organization? Mark Dempsey. We’ll come back.
- Sadie or Mark Dempsey? Okay, we're going to move on to testimony for House Bill 2568.
Summary:
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable.
The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures.
Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But there are a lot of different markings and signage to— But there are a lot of different markings and
- They're clearly marked, and I understand your concerns, but in Hillsborough County the signage is there
- We go over and above to ensure that it's clearly marked. Senator Graal. Thank you.
- They're clearly marked, and I understand your concerns, but in Hillsborough County, the signage is there
- We go over and above to ensure that it's clearly marked. Senator Graal. Thank you.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum and considered five bills. Senate Bill 628, naming a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor three Navy sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, drew supportive remarks from senators and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 382 addressed electric bicycles and scooters by requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, limit speed near pedestrians, and use audible signals, while creating an e-bike safety task force and reporting requirements; witnesses from law enforcement, local government, and school boards supported the bill but urged clearer inclusion of e-scooters and better data collection, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 880 created a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate to fund scholarships and school programs, and Senate Bill 696 authorized online trademark registration applications and updated trademark classification and verification procedures; both were reported favorably with little opposition.
The committee also took up Chair DeSigley’s CS for SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement cameras for red-light running, school-zone speeding, and school-bus violations. The bill aimed to increase consistency, transparency, and fairness by limiting data use, requiring records retention, authorizing virtual hearings, restricting commissions, and adding school board approval and reporting requirements for school-bus camera programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify several provisions, including the definition of careful and prudent driving, limits on camera data use, contract timing for commission prohibitions, and reporting on violations outside authorized enforcement periods. Members raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, school-zone notice, and whether all-day school-zone enforcement should continue; Hillsborough County law enforcement testified in support of all-day enforcement based on crash data, while the sponsor said he would continue working on clarifications. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Mark Boblitt. Are you the other gentleman? Yeah, and Jeffrey Tohawal. I know.
- My name is Mark Boblitt.
- As Mark, my member reference, you know, only applies to buildings that are remodeled.
- Mark Holloway, and in relation to the fiscal note that's on this bill, we're confident, as it relates
- Mark Holloway, and in relation to the fiscal note that's on this bill, we're confident, as it relates
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard several tax and economic development bills. SB 935 would exempt counties from the motor fuels tax on fuel used exclusively in county vehicles; Sen. Hall and Cass County Judge Travis Ransom argued it would save counties money without changing fund allocations, and the bill was left pending while the committee waited for the House version. SB 2206 would extend and revise Texas’s research and development incentives by tying the franchise tax credit more closely to federal law and changing the program’s effective date; supporters from business, manufacturing, and tax policy groups said it would protect innovation jobs and help startups, while the Comptroller’s office explained the fiscal note and said the committee substitute was no longer needed. The committee later withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending before ultimately voting it out favorably.
The committee also heard SB 2020, which would repeal the “rehab tax” on nonresidential remodeling. Sen. Campbell said a large fiscal note led him to delay a full presentation, but builders, architects, and contractors testified that the tax raises remodeling costs, complicates audits, and discourages reuse and reinvestment in existing buildings. The bill was left pending. SB 2018 would create a two-year “strong families” tax credit for businesses donating to nonprofits that provide family support services; supporters from Family First, Buckner International, and Texas Baptist said it would strengthen families, father engagement, and upstream prevention, while the author said the Comptroller and HHSC were still working on administration details. That bill was also left pending.
After a quorum was established, the committee heard and later reported several bills favorably. SB 1030 would exempt certain aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul parts from sales tax for general aviation; industry, airport, and local economic development witnesses said it would keep high-wage aviation work in Texas and improve competitiveness with neighboring states, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 214 would create a temporary sales tax holiday for qualifying residential HVAC systems; it was laid out and left pending. SB 1901 would make administrative and ethics changes to the Opioid Abatement Fund Council, including staggered terms, conflict rules, and fund reallocation procedures; it was reported favorably. SB 266 would repeal the Texas Research Incentive Program and use the appropriation to address the existing backlog of unmatched donations; the chair and Sen. Paxton said the state should honor past commitments, and the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got a list of witnesses, uh, set up for today, and the chair calls Mark Williams, uh, Brandy Hender
- Thank you, Mark, uh, members of the committee, chairman.
- But we talk about what Mark Williams noted was a world-class transportation system.
- Text out executive director Mark Williams appeared on our historic 100th episode that is in circulation
- , uh, right now was a conversation between Mark and myself.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- B-83, B-61, Mark-21. Where does Los Alamos play in that, and do you see growth up there? Thank you.
- several people who signed up in organized support, and I'll let them have a couple of minutes each: Mark
- Fidel, Mark Saavedra, Dr.
- My name is Mark Fidel, and I am the chair of CNM Ingenuities, Board of Directors.
- Thank you, Mark. Mark had a medical issue this morning, so he was going to try and call you.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/4/26 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas 2026 also marks the 30th anniversary of... Oh, sorry.
- Uh, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a milestone reflecting the nation's
- And whereas 2026 also marks the 30th anniversary of...
- And whereas 2026 also marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first presidential election, underscoring
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then recognized guests from Taiwan, including the Director General of Taiwan’s Midwest office and a vice consul. Members then read a resolution honoring Minnesota’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan and highlighting trade, agricultural exchanges, cultural ties, and Taiwan’s support for Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution reaffirmed support for the Taiwan Relations Act, encouraged continued negotiations toward a bilateral trade agreement and a tax agreement to avoid double taxation, and supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC, and INTERPOL. It also emphasized shared democratic values, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and support for Minnesota businesses referring to Taiwan as Taiwan.
Several members participated in reading the resolution, including Representatives Lee, Vang, Lee XP, Presnell, Nash, and Mueller. After the resolution reading, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker for photographs, and the motion prevailed, sending the House into recess.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair recognizes Mark Stevenson. Good morning, Dean Kratick and members of the committee.
- For the record, my name is Mark Stevenson with Val Mark Chevrolet in New Braunfels, Texas.
- TxDOT is instructed to design and install road signs marking the beginning and end of the portion of
Keywords:
transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- She married our very own Mark LaHood in 2015. And together.
- Why would Mark do such a hideous thing? I know exactly why.
- On April 1st, Mark went to the VA for help. He left. He texted. in me.
- Mark sent me a picture of Sarah Quill that the VA A doctor gave him.
- Mark is gone, but his message is here. is not.
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Moral, I hope you guys aren't marked as absent. I'm sorry.
- I hope you guys aren't marked as absent.
- Okay, virtually Mark Batchley. Thank you. Okay, virtually, Mark Batchley.
- Mark Batchley, are you here virtually? Okay, how about Maureen Marshall?
- I certainly am here today to support additional funding for rural schools, the $60 million mark that
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements.
The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock.
Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.