Video & Transcript Research : 'Project 25'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

GVO DEFER, GVO, GVO-EIG, GVO Public Hearings 02-10-2026

Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are you okay with<00:25:29.440> cutting<00:25:29.760> them<00:25:30.000> out?
  • <00:25:31.919> you<00:25:32.159> know,<00:25:32.320> we've<00:25:32.720>
  • 36.960> and<00:25:37.200> so<00:25:37.840> I<00:25:38.080> have<00:25:38.240
  • and<00:25:39.039> we<00:25:39.279> have<00:25:39.360> no<00:25:39.600>
  • <00:25:41.279> be<00:25:42.080> um<00:25:42.240> cut<00:25:42.480> out
Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352
Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
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  • And I<00:25:45.279> believe<00:25:45.440> they<00:25:45.679> have<00:25:45.840><
  • <00:25:49.760> And<00:25:50.000> I<00:25:50.240> understand<00:25:51.200>
  • <00:25:54.880> has<00:25:55.120> to<00:25:55.279> happen<00:25:55.679> both
  • <00:25:58.799> this<00:25:58.960> feels<00:25:59.360> like<00:25:59.600>
Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 26th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, Senate Bill 513 by Senator Fessi provides for public works project delivery methods, and we
  • It really depends on the project type.
  • Why would our state willingly spend more on these pilot construction projects than necessary?
  • The project is awarded based on that bottom-line number, not based on the individual line items.
  • But the projects are awarded on that bottom-line number. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Owen. Yes, sir.
Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Apr 14th, 2025

S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • Before approving a grant, the commission shall require that at least 10% of the total project cost, or
  • Many local governments lack adequate resources to fund essential transportation projects.
  • Project acceleration has been a major topic of conversation in this committee.
  • This can accelerate project delivery timelines. I request the opportunity to close.
  • Pay for other projects. I'm sorry.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/8/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
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  • <00:25:29.640> So,<00:25:30.080> uh<00:25:30.160> when<00:25:30.280> we
  • :25:33.000> to<00:25:33.080> be<00:25:33.200> able<00:25:33.320> to<00:25
  • those<01:25:46.680> types<01:25:46.920> of<01:25:47.000> projects.
  • <01:25:47.880> Um and support those types of projects.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
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  • :25:16.520> of<00:25:16.640> the<00:25:16.799> I<00:25:17.000> 494 I've served
  • <00:25:18.799> for<00:25:19.000> the<00:25:19.240> past<00:25:19.600> five
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  • as the five member<00:25:23.640> cities<00:25:24.080> we<00:25:24.200> see<00:25
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-19-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
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  • > type<00:25:06.240> of<00:25:06.360> a<00:25:06.400> battery<00:25:07.160><
  • :26.560> the<00:25:26.680> fear<00:25:26.920> could<00:25:27.080> be<00:25
  • <00:25:36.720> a<00:25:36.760> motion<00:25:37.280> and<00:25:37.480> a
  • > on<00:25:38.640> the<00:25:38.720> bill<00:25:39.120> as<00:25:39.320>
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-5-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
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  • charges on<00:25:44.760> top<00:25:45.080> of<00:25:45.200> our<00:25:45.360>
  • > bills<00:25:46.480> that<00:25:47.200> the<00:25:47.480> the<00:25:47.640>
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  • > one<00:25:50.320> bill<00:25:50.560> I<00:25:50.640> saw<00:25:50.880><
Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 667, described by the sponsor as a cleanup measure to a 2024 solid waste law. Testimony said the bill would clarify issues involving indirect access to protected information, contractors and consultants, Open Records Act interactions, and remedies when protected material is obtained. The committee voted 13-0 to pass the bill favorably and recommended it for passage on the House floor. The committee then took up House Bill 677, which would establish Kentucky’s legal and regulatory framework for carbon dioxide geological sequestration and help the state seek EPA primacy over Class VI injection wells. Supporters said the bill was the product of 18 months of work among industry, landowner, environmental, and cabinet stakeholders, and argued it would promote economic development, protect landowners, and support carbon-capture investment and related infrastructure, especially in Western Kentucky. An amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill then passed favorably with committee amendment attached. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 535 as amended by a committee substitute. The bill would authorize securitization for certain investor-owned utilities with out-of-state assets, including Kentucky Power, to refinance assets such as the Mitchell plant and certain regulatory assets, with a two-year rate freeze and PSC review for net savings. Sponsors and supporters framed it as an affordability and jobs measure that could finance new natural gas generation at Big Sandy, create several hundred construction jobs, and support long-term economic development in Eastern Kentucky. Members raised concerns about utility fees, PSC discretion, and transparency; sponsors said the proposal would not be approved without overall savings and that applications would also be reviewed by the legislature, the Attorney General, and EPIC. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 535 favorably, with several members explaining their votes and some noting continued reservations for floor consideration.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Families and Children. (2-26-26)

Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:
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  • Changes um calls<00:25:08.640> for<00:25:08.880> service<00:25:09.200> to<00:25:
  • <00:25:14.799> It<00:25:15.039> creates<00:25:15.360> a<00:25:15.520> new
  • 00:25:24.640> neglect<00:25:25.039> and<00:25:25.279> abuse<00:25:26.480> and
  • Would<00:25:33.440> you<00:25:33.600> like<00:25:33.760> to<00:25:33.919> add
Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met to consider three bills. House Bill 418, relating to domestic violence and child custody, was presented by Rep. Neimus with testimony from ZeroV and Greenhouse 17. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would require courts to prioritize family violence in custody decisions, create a rebuttable presumption against unsupervised visitation and custody after two or more acts of domestic violence, require certain offenders to complete parenting or intervention programs before unsupervised contact, require training for paid supervised visitation providers and parenting coordinators, and ensure victim advocates are available in protective order hearings. Members discussed the two-incident threshold, the definition of domestic violence under Kentucky law, fiscal impact, and whether the bill adequately addresses severity and context; the bill passed 14-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 611, also on domestic relations, presented by Rep. Dietz with support from ZeroV. The committee substitute would create a 10-year interpersonal protective order upon conviction for certain felony assaults, sexual offenses, and stalking involving family members, unmarried couples, or dating partners, and would expand reporting requirements related to domestic violence data, legal representation in protective order hearings, and child dependency/neglect/family violence data. Testimony emphasized improved tracking of cases and survivor safety. The bill passed the committee 14-0 with favorable expression. Finally, House Bill 598, relating to guardian ad litem and other appointed counsel, was presented by Rep. Dietz with testimony from Kentucky Youth Advocates. The bill, titled the Family Representation and Advocacy Act, would reorganize how legal representation is provided in child welfare cases by creating a Family Representation and Advocacy Commission under the Supreme Court, allowing the department to hire staff attorneys or contract with private attorneys, nonprofits, law school clinics, and social workers, and aiming to improve quality, accountability, compensation, and support. Testimony cited high caseloads, low compensation, attorney turnover, and delays in foster care cases. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 14-0 with favorable expression.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • and<00:25:03.080> I<00:25:03.279> I<00:25:03.399> vote<00:25:03.720> Yes<
  • 00:25:18.039> 236<00:25:18.880> passes<00:25:19.640> is<00:25:19.960> fa
  • ><00:25:25.480> floor<00:25:26.480> thank<00:25:26.640> you<00:25:26.799> sir
  • c> you<00:25:27.679> members<00:25:27.919> of<00:25:28.000> the<00:25:28.080
  • <00:25:29.320> hopefully<00:25:29.640> no<00:25:29.799> Rising<00:25:30.159>
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up several insurance and health-related bills, beginning with Senate Bill 18, which was presented by Senator Girdler and insurance witness Adam Sheridan. The bill was described as addressing a shortage of garage liability insurance for used auto dealers in Kentucky, which has left many small dealers with only one or two coverage options and, in some cases, unable to obtain the insurance needed for a dealer license. The committee adopted a motion and second, then passed SB 18 unanimously and reported it favorably with the recommendation that it pass on the House floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 24, also presented by Senator Girdler with testimony from Eric DeCampo of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill was framed as an anti-fraud measure that would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover misrepresentations about property damage and repair costs in property insurance claims. Testimony emphasized that insurance fraud raises premiums for consumers and that the bill would help deter inflated or fabricated claims. After a brief question about whether the bill created new felonies, the committee voted to pass SB 24 unanimously and report it favorably. House Bill 524, presented by Rep. Aaron Thompson with officials from the Office of the Controller and State Risk, would extend reinsurance requirements for the state’s fire and tornado/self-insurance fund from July 1 of this year to July 1, 2030, and rename the fund the Commonwealth’s Property and Casualty Insurance Fund. The bill was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps without out-of-pocket cost or prior authorization issues and update colorectal cancer screening coverage rules for high-risk patients by incorporating multisociety task force guidelines. Members discussed the bill’s personal importance and its minimal fiscal impact; it passed unanimously with a committee substitute. House Bill 236, presented by Rep. Adam Moore and Commissioner Sharon Clark, would cap annual out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine at $100. Members spoke in support, including personal remarks about the importance of access to epinephrine, and the bill passed unanimously with a favorable recommendation. Finally, House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Michael “Sarge” Pollock and Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, addressed dental limited benefit plans and direct payment to dentists. Members asked whether the bill also affected vision/hearing arrangements or third-party administrators; the witness said it was intended for non-ERISA dental plans in Kentucky and suggested follow-up with the commissioner for further clarification. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed HB 210 favorably, with 15 yes votes and no votes against. The meeting then adjourned, with a reminder about the Banking and Insurance dinner later that evening.