Video & Transcript Research : 'remote learning'
Page 17 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Human services committee considers HF973 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And unfortunately, I've been on a few of those runs in which we have had mental crisis and have learned
- With that, I have testifiers, and one right now—well, there's one that's remote and one here.
- With that, I have testifiers, and one right now—well, there's one that's remote and one here.
- With that, I have testifiers, and one right now—well, there's one that's remote and one here.
- I'm learning about 988 on the fly right here, I have to confess.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Emergency personnel were left on hold for 53 minutes as remote operations were overwhelmed.
- It also requires remote drivers to be based in the United States and have a U.S. driver's license.
- Third, if an AV cannot be moved remotely, the bill requires an immediate dispatch of a local incident
- drivers, their own remote assistance.
- things that we're learning and processes, but that things are definitely improving based on not just
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with SB 739 (Arreguín) on the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program for transportation network companies. The author and supporters from Lyft, Uber, and TechNet said the bill would update EV miles traveled and greenhouse gas targets to reflect current market conditions, add flexibility for CARB and the CPUC, and protect drivers from losing platform access while also creating a path for future electrification. Opponents including the American Lung Association, Sierra Club California, and NRDC argued the bill would weaken a program meant to accelerate EV adoption and should retain stronger targets. Members discussed affordability, charging infrastructure, and the need to balance climate goals with feasibility. The committee approved SB 739 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, later recording a 9-0 vote when the roll was completed.
The committee then heard SB 1190 (Grove), the “Safe Passage for Youth Act,” which would regulate private youth transport services used for out-of-state residential placements. The author and sponsor testimony described abusive practices such as nighttime pickups, blindfolds, restraints, and emotional trauma, and said the bill would require CPUC permitting, TrustLine background checks, training, parental consent, and bans on certain practices. Support came from youth and disability advocates, with no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended recommendation and later passed 9-0.
SB 1191 (Ochoa Bogh) would extend the sunset for California High Cost Fund A and B universal service programs that help provide affordable telephone service in rural and high-cost areas. Supporters from rural telecom companies and industry groups said the funds are essential for maintaining service, 911 access, and emergency communications in remote communities. There was no opposition, and the committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation; it later passed 9-0. The consent item, SB 985 (Strickland) on the 911 emergency system, was also approved.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1246 (Cortese) on autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The author and supporters from SEIU California and the California Professional Firefighters said the bill would require AV companies to provide incident response, notify local jurisdictions during system failures, ensure U.S.-based remote drivers, and prevent public safety workers from having to manage AV breakdowns. Industry opponents argued the bill intrudes on federal vehicle standards, gives local governments enforcement authority they should not have, and could create overly broad notification and response requirements. Members raised questions about local control, response times, and whether the bill was premature given existing DMV regulations. Despite those concerns, the committee passed SB 1246 on a due pass as amended recommendation, later recording a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed and returned to complete roll calls before adjourning.
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're conducting this hearing in a hybrid format, with testifiers joining both in person and remotely
- Submitting written testimony is a good practice whether you are testifying in person or remotely today
- I just want to introduce a couple of Senate members who have joined remotely, including Senator D.
- Slide the microphone over so folks in the remote land can hear you, please.
- Next up, remote, we've got Max Page. Good afternoon. Let me just, if I can get my video on.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20.
Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund.
Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- They learn something. Here, it's limitless. It's full of slime, and it goes on for hours.
- That center will support workers who are actually remotely operating the equipment at the mine.
- That central will support workers who are actually remotely operating the equipment at the mine.
- We aren't quite as remote, so we didn't pick up automation as quickly.
- There is no remote sensing method that really can do that today.
Bills:
SB1046
Keywords:
telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security
Summary:
The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would bar critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and cut off state, local, or federal infrastructure funding for violators. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill responds to real national-security risks from China, citing examples such as Huawei, Hikvision, and other foreign-linked technology concerns, and saying states can act where federal efforts are incomplete or slow. Members raised questions about cost, timing, and whether the bill duplicates federal action; Macklin said the bill targets public procurement and that state action remains appropriate. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation.
The committee next received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role as an innovation hub. He described university work on automation, microgrids, critical mineral recovery, tailings remediation, workforce training, and heat-stress protection, and said Arizona can help de-risk new mining technologies through research partnerships, training networks, and policy support. Members asked about microgrids, federal and state law changes, tariffs, workforce decline, AI, and how the Legislature could help; Luxbacher emphasized the need for coordinated training pipelines, incubators for mining startups, and support for pilot projects and processing capacity.
Jeremiah Pate, founder and CTO of Lunisand, then presented on subsurface imaging technology using georadiotomography. He said the system can image deep underground from airborne platforms, helping locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and hidden defense-related threats more quickly than traditional methods. Members asked about archaeological uses, mineral identification, water detection, whether similar companies exist, and defense applications. Pate said the technology is still developing but is unique in its field-practical airborne capability. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair and adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Elect Committee Meeting - 2026-03-11
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Aubrey Dirkson, who is also remote.
- Aubrey Dirkson, who is also remote.
- <00:18:36.640>
We've <00:18:36.960>learned <00:18:37.200>that We've learned - remotely or in person and testified. remotely or in person and testified.
- Beler will be a remote testifier, Dr. Beler will be a remote testifier, Dr.
Keywords:
municipal nondisclosure agreement, NDA, public records, transparency, local government, county, city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment authority, economic development authority, port authority, economic development, land development, public financing, tax increment financing, TIF, abatement, municipal bonds, debt obligations
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:
- I think he may be testifying remotely. Major Josiah Bragg. Is Major Bragg with us remotely?
- Maybe Mark is remote as well, I don't know. Yes, Mark is remote. So, uh... Yes, Mark, it's remote.
- We've got two people who are remote. Let's do it.
- Claire Chang is probably, I believe, with us remotely.
- I think Paula's remote. Thank you, Paula Garcia. I think Paula's remote. I'm right here.
Summary:
The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals.
A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities.
Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers.
No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.
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:
- Is Barnsville County Sheriff Donna Buckley with us remotely? Sheriff, are you with us? Yes, I am.
- I'd like to invite Joe Belial from Easter Seals, Massachusetts, to testify next remotely.
- Now I'd like to invite Megan Corno to testify remotely. Megan, are you with us?
- Now I'd like to invite Megan Corno to testify remotely. Megan, are you with us?
- Is Michael Kennedy from the Center for Living and Working with us remotely? Michael Kennedy? Mr.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed.
The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 3 Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But so is learning how to learn, how to build and strengthen skills, how to adapt, and how to think critically
- And then that leads me to Early Care and Learning.
- The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Olsen.
- Remotely. Olsen. Senate File 2, Olsen votes yes. Olsen votes aye.
- The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Olsen.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 16th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- what you think they will learn.
- Everyone's right to learn.
- I'm gonna learn something from that.
- loss, that amounts to 401 learning hours lost.
- from Rochester and do some experimental learning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 12, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- AI has been the new world for the last three years of our strategic learning in the agency, trying to
- And then those staff can then work remotely. And so this is just one of those things.
- And then those staff can then work remotely. And so this is just one of those things.
- You have to learn.
- And so some folks have been working remotely.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review agency vacancy reports and agency-requested budget reductions, with Chair Lopez framing the discussion around stewardship of taxpayer dollars, agency efficiency, and whether long-vacant positions should be cut or repurposed. Members were given vacancy summaries and asked to focus on how agencies are functioning with current staffing, which positions are mission critical, and whether some vacancies reflect market pay issues, re-engineering of work, or true excess capacity. The chair also noted that agency heads had been asked to provide follow-up information on current openings, average vacancy duration, mission-critical roles, and reasons for vacancies.
The Department of Revenue was the first major agency reviewed because it had the largest number of vacancies. Its leadership said vacancies had improved from pandemic-era highs due to market pay adjustments, but that some areas—especially general tax and audit—still had long-term openings. The department explained that some positions are intentionally frozen while work is restructured, that it hires above minimum salary in some cases to stay competitive, and that it is using automation and process changes to reduce backlogs. Members raised concerns about vacancies outside Leon County, out-of-state auditor positions, salary compression, and whether the department should provide a list of frozen positions and the salaries actually needed to recruit.
The Department of Financial Services said its long vacancies were concentrated in risk management, law enforcement, and the general counsel’s office, where salaries and competition from private employers and other agencies make hiring difficult. DFS said it was using outside vendors in some areas, had reduced vacancies in its general counsel office significantly, and was willing to identify positions that could be cut, including some from treasury and OAT. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported progress in lowering vacancies through statewide recruiting, centralized legal hiring, automation in service operations, and leadership changes in alcoholic beverages and tobacco; it said one recommended cut could be achieved by combining two half-time positions. The Florida Lottery reported a low vacancy rate, said all positions were critical, and explained its longer onboarding time due to extensive background checks; members discussed sales reps, incentives, and the agency’s field-office structure. The Office of Financial Regulation said many of its vacancies were already in the hiring pipeline, with recent vacancies tied to promotions, a death, and internal moves, and noted that it often serves as a training ground for federal agencies. The Office of Insurance Regulation, which had a high vacancy rate concentrated in Leon County, said it had been reducing vacancies from a much higher level and was still working through hiring and administrative constraints.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- He's not testifying, but he's listening remotely. Oh, he's just listening.
- Is Senator Rauch, who's appearing remotely, logged on? Senator Rauch? Is he logged on?
- Moving on, we'll now hear from Senator Michael Moore, who is appearing remotely.
- I just wanted to learn a little bit about that from you guys.
- Sarah Charamita is here in person and Liz Murphy, who had joined remotely.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing.
On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals.
Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- or participating remotely.
- remotely remotely Gander<00:17:05.919>
you're <00:17:06.120>ready <00:17:07.039>Gander - remotely remotely Gander Gander Gander yes<00:52:22.839>
go <00:52:22.960>ahead <00:52: - names of the members voting remotely names of the members voting remotely Gander<01:11:15.320>
- We are talking about the past, but we have to learn from the past.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health & Human Development Committee Meeting Jun 18th, 2026
Health & Human Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I would ask that we begin to collect remote comments.
- So imagine my surprise last year when I learned that my hospital...
- Can we move to remote comments?
- Can we please begin to collect the remote comments?
- We begin to collect remote comments.
Keywords:
Delaware Health Fund, healthcare access, preventive care, tobacco settlement, public health initiatives, grant program
Summary:
The House Health and Human Development Committee met and considered a series of health, human services, and related bills. The committee heard and advanced House Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 13, which standardizes hospital charity care and financial assistance statewide, and Senate Bill 296 with Senate Amendment 1, which restructures the Delaware Health Fund grant process with a more formal, transparent competitive rubric. Both measures received supportive testimony from DHSS, the Delaware Healthcare Association, and the Delaware Nurses Association, and both were released by committee on roll-call votes.
The committee also released Senate Bill 313 with Senate Amendment 1, which places a temporary moratorium on acquisitions of nonprofit acute care hospitals by for-profit entities and expands notice/review requirements for sales of hospital real estate; Senate Bill 340 with Senate Amendment 1, which requires long-term care facilities to carry specified liability insurance, with questions raised about the exemption for state-owned facilities; Senate Joint Resolution 20, which directs DHSS to study independent assessment tools for Medicaid home- and community-based services; and Senate Bill 341, which updates Delaware Health Information Network law and formally recognizes DIN as the state’s health data utility. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with some discussion on constitutional concerns, insurance coverage, and the rationale for the state exemption in SB 340.
Later, the committee advanced Senate Bill 257, which requires new animal shelters to be licensed and inspected before operating and removes a prior exception for certain rescue organizations; and Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 278 with House Amendment 1, which allows earlier pre-authorization for summer child care enrollment and lowers copays for half-day care. Public testimony on these measures came from animal welfare advocates, YMCA representatives, and other stakeholders, all largely in support. Each bill was released by committee, with several votes walked for absent members, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were addressed.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- There's telehealth for some of our remote areas like in Lānaʻi and Maui.
- areas that don't have access remote areas that don't have access currently<00:25:17.480>
coming <00:25:38.240>- There's telehealth for some of our remote areas like in Lānaʻi and Maui.
there's <00:25:38.799>teleah um work online learning there's teleah - :25:41.960>
like health for some of our remote areas like health for some of our remote areas
Summary:
The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands.
The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula.
After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Heather Keeler departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was [snorts] confident in my brown brilliance, my love for lifelong learning, and my vision to lead
- We took the things we learned, the real life stories, and we took them to new tables, and we have done
- ,<00:07:14.560>
the <00:07:14.680>real >> We took the things we learned, the - Make sure you keep that remote testimony. Because that matters. It matters that our voice is heard.
- Make sure you keep that remote<00:15:24.040>
testimony. remote testimony. remote testimony.
Summary:
Representative Keeler delivered an emotional farewell speech reflecting on her six years in the House, describing her experience as part of the “Corona Class,” her first day in the chamber, and the challenges of campaigning and governing during the pandemic and after George Floyd’s murder. She emphasized that she came to the Legislature as a mom and community member committed to doing good, and said her work focused on representation, Indigenous visibility, mental health, homelessness, and helping families and children who lacked stable housing or support.
She thanked colleagues, staff, and allies for their support, especially Chair Gomez, Melissa, her legislative staff, and others who helped advance work such as the Pathway Home Act and efforts to prevent homelessness. She also spoke about the importance of allyship, tribal-state relations, and the need for more Indigenous and queer voices in public office, saying Minnesota is better because of their presence and urging others to make room for more diverse leadership.
Keeler closed with advice to colleagues and future legislators to care for themselves, find common ground across party lines, keep greater Minnesota and remote testimony in mind, and continue working together. The speech ended with thanks to her family, including her children, and a statement that it was time to rest, followed by applause.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 10th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Gander. Gander present.
- Paul for a week of service and learning.
- A future shaped by the students who have come to serve and to learn.
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Gander votes aye.
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely.
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:
- Is Representative Cruz with us remotely, perhaps, to join Councillor Cohen?
- Perhaps they’re with us remotely from Worcester?”
- I'm remote. Is that okay? Hi, Patty. How are you?
- Yes, with us remotely, perhaps? Yes, I'm here remotely.
- Are they here remotely? Remote. Chair Barrett. Hi, Mark. How are you?
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.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government. (6-23-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- [Applause] So, you'll learn a lot here.
- Maybe a lot of things you don't want to learn, but you will learn a lot, and we appreciate you coming
- Maybe a lot uh you'll learn a lot here.
- ,<00:02:28.959>
but of things you don't want to learn, but of things you don't want to learn - more availability of remote work today. more availability of remote work today.
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:
- Are there other legislators who wish to testify remotely? Oh, and here's Senator Brady.
- And do we have a colleague of yours that we're going to hear from remotely?
- I'm here remotely. Can you hear me okay? Yeah.
- So I'm interested in Section 5 and in learning more.
- I've been learning a lot this afternoon. All right. I live in the town of Pelham.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative.
The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs.
Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to cut wait times for prescribed opioid addiction treatment drugs Apr 27th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- What we have learned in recent years, buprenorphine is the evidence-based holy smokes, where has this
- "The chief clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. >> Momanyi-Hiltsley.
- the member voting remotely. the member voting remotely.
Summary:
House File 4493 would authorize pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense certain drugs for opioid use disorder, especially buprenorphine/Suboxone. Representative Baker said the bill is intended to save lives by giving people immediate access to treatment at the moment they seek help, rather than making them wait for a doctor’s appointment or navigate more cumbersome methadone access. He emphasized that pharmacists are widely accessible, including in greater Minnesota, and that optional training would support safe prescribing.
Representative Bierman spoke in strong support, calling the measure a life-or-death step forward for people with substance use disorder and noting that many people do not receive treatment when they need it. He said he initially had concerns but Baker listened to his suggested changes and worked with him and bill drafters, which helped address those concerns. Bierman also referenced the ongoing fentanyl crisis and encouraged members to learn more from displays honoring overdose victims.
Baker closed by sharing personal remarks about losing his son to addiction and describing how limited treatment options were at that time. He said the new federal change allowing pharmacist training makes the bill timely and urged members to support it. After discussion, the House took a roll call vote and passed the bill 134-0, with the title agreed to.