Video & Transcript Research : 'small modular reactors'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 24th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This highway designation is a small but meaningful way to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten.
- It was so small.
- Members, this is a small measure we can take that could be life-changing for a struggling veteran.
- This is a small measure, members, but I think it's an important one.
- This is a small step, but I believe it will help.
Keywords:
Tuskegee Airmen, commemoration, African American history, civil rights, military recognition, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, defense, grants, local government, economic support, community development, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, state land use
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 11th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- it's honestly difficult to get children on a modified curriculum, so that's actually somewhat of a small
- Chris Doolin, with the Small School District Council Consortium, waving in support.
- Next up, Chris Doolin with the Small School District Council Consortium, speaking for the bill.
- Chris Doolin with the Small School District Council Consortium is speaking for the bill.
- And so we conducted a survey of my 36 small districts. Twelve of them have implemented this.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a small amount of sacrifice, but one I think is necessary to make sure that we are being fiscally
- This is a small amount of sacrifice, but one I think is necessary to make sure that we are being fiscally
- This is a small amount of sacrifice, but one I think is necessary to make sure that we are being fiscally
- our chairs as well too and so this is a our chairs as well too and so this is a a<00:13:10.160>
small - amount of sacrifice but one I a small amount of sacrifice but one I think<00:13:12.600>
is <00
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee, First Extraordinary Session Jan 27th, 2025
Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- So five months seems like a very small window to wait and do this in the regular process, so that's why
- Small dollars but important.
- Again, the Department of Justice, as well as other departments, do have perhaps small amounts of funding
- Small districts can't afford to lose students, and that's going to impact all of our... districts, all
- We're currently in last year's funding cycle, working with a program that's a very small legal services
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AS YOU CAN SEE GENERALLY SPEAKING THERE WAS A SMALL PROPORTION OF SLOTS THAT WERE UNFILLED AND FROM 2015
- SINCE THE UNWINDING BEGAN THE I BUDGET WAIVER RECIPIENT WHICH IS LESS THAN 36,000 IT IS A VERY SMALL
- IS A SMALL NUMBER IN COMPARISON TO THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ON MEDICAID AND FLORIDA. THAT IS IT.
- EVEN THOUGH WE ARE A SMALL SLICE ON THE OVERALL HHS PIE CHART, I LIKE GREEN AND GREEN IS OUR VETERANS
- BUT THIS IS A SMALL SLIVER WITH A GREAT IMPACT. I WANT TO GO TO THE BOTTOM LINE.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- There is also a Health and Human Services component to this bill, a very small one.
- <00:37:55.440>
one component to this bill a very small one component to this bill a very small - And so we would give that type of family a small scholarship.
- Rural and small urban funding that's coming into the state from the Federal Transit Administration.
- <06:16:03.440>
business advertisers uh we're a small business advertisers uh we're a small
Summary:
The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call.
The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work.
Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- disproportionately impact small disproportionately impact small businesses<02:00:26.800>
and< - <02:08:19.440>
Um <02:08:20.000>small Hampshire for small businesses. - Um small Hampshire for small businesses.
- We have a very small division.
- We have a very small division.
Summary:
The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed.
The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:46.640>
churches <00:37:47.040>and <00:37:47.240>small problem for small - churches and small problem for small churches and small religious religious religious organizations<
- pay a property tax so many small pay a property tax so many small churches<00:39:25.480>
are< - It's very small.
- million and that's really a small million and that's really a small portion<01:23:24.639>
of<
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar.
The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So during the time between those two licenses, there was a small gap when we were going to have the LPEI
- But during that small piece of time, many organizations, including the American Psychological Association
- But like I said, there was a small gap of time where Act 656 in 2021 was passed.
- What I would say is, I suspect this is a small community, and you all...
- What I would say is I suspect this is a small community, and you all know one another, and I would encourage
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism.
The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So during the time between those two licenses, there was a small gap when we were going to have the LPEI
- But during that small piece of time, many organizations, including the American Psychological Association
- But like I said, there was a small gap of time where Act 656 of 2021 was passed.
- What I would say is, I suspect this is a small community, and you all...
- What I would say is I suspect this is a small community, and you all know one another, and I would encourage
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed several vacant membership slots, including positions tied to the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian appointments. Members said they would try to fill the vacancies and, if not, include the issue in the legislative report and consider statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
The task force then heard from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association and Civitan Services about DDPA’s role in supporting 80 provider organizations serving more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 75 counties. They described services such as early intervention day programs, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services, and said autism falls within the populations they serve. They also shared survey information on services used by older adults with IDD and offered contact information for providers.
Members also heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to add licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while noting that Arkansas Medicaid already pays for some of these evaluations. Task force members and Dr. Scott discussed the roles of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and the possibility of using training or board oversight to ensure evaluators are properly qualified, with some noting that speech pathologists’ inclusion has historical and clinical roots. The task force also said it still needs a future discussion on fraud, plans to invite the Attorney General’s office, and wants to identify priorities for the 2027 session before adjourning.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 091 Apr 15th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- fact a multipronged assault on the constitutional rights of Colorado's law-abiding gun owners and the small
- registry accessible to state agents without warrant or cause, imposes compliance costs that will drive small
- <02:36:15.110>
owners <02:36:15.565>and <02:36:16.020>the <02:36:16.475>small - lawiding gun owners and the small lawiding gun owners and the small business <02:36:17.224>
owners
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the April 13, 2026 journal, and welcomed former Senator Bob Shafer as a special guest. Committee reports were read from Transportation and Energy, Education, and Judiciary, with several measures advanced to the Committee of the Whole or Appropriations and one item postponed. The chamber also recognized Liberty Common High School’s graduating class of 2026 with a personal privilege statement praising its academic and extracurricular achievements.
On resolutions, SJR 24 (Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month), SR 7 (Second Chance Month), and SJR 23 were all laid over to later dates. On the consent calendar, House Bills 1228, 111, and 1213 were passed, with HB 1213 related to the biomass utilization grant program and its repeal under a sunset recommendation. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills: HB 1126 on firearm dealer requirements drew opposition over gun rights and dealer compliance concerns but passed 20-15; HB 1265 on law enforcement use of the federal eTrace system also drew criticism over data collection and local control but passed 23-12; HB 1302 passed 22-13; HB 1045 on housing protections for individuals with disabilities passed 23-12; and HB 135 on access to inpatient behavioral health services passed 35-0.
The House transmitted a message noting concurrence on Senate amendments to multiple House bills and a House resolution. The Senate then agreed to adjourn over the balance of the day until Thursday, April 16, 2026, after correcting the date during the motion. Several announcements followed about upcoming meetings and events, including committee hearings and a Capitol “Seek Day,” and the Senate ultimately recessed until noon.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- No small boy.
- Just get a small little envelope, put your driver's license, your whatever document you need in there
- Just get a small little envelope, put your driver's license, your whatever document you need in there
- So the lady that came each time to talk to us had two small autistic children that she was afraid they
- So the lady that came each time to talk to us had two small autistic children that she was afraid they
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and reported several bills favorably. SB 646, by President Gates, would allow the use of drug testing tools such as test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine; it was supported by Senator Osgood and others who said it could help prevent overdose deaths, and it passed unanimously. SB 418, by Senator Jones, creates autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it drew strong support from Disability Rights Florida, parents, advocates, and committee members, who emphasized safety, communication, and de-escalation, and it also passed unanimously after extensive testimony.\n\nThe committee then considered SB 132, by Senator Polsky, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed the requirements for restoration of voting rights. An amendment making the database subject to legislative appropriation was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1734, by Senator Martin, would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law, extend training and certification standards, and provide officer-level benefits and protections; it passed without opposition.\n\nFinally, the committee took up SB 820, by Senator Bradley, on problem-solving court reports. A strike-all amendment expanded annual reporting requirements for specialty courts, set a January 31 reporting deadline, and phased in the new data collection. After support from the State Courts Administrator and others, the amendment and the bill as amended were adopted and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- No small boy.
- Just get a small little envelope, put your driver's license, your whatever document you need in there
- Just get a small little envelope, put your driver's license, your whatever document you need in there
- So the lady that came each time to talk to us had two small autistic children that she was afraid they
- So the lady that came each time to talk to us had two small autistic children that she was afraid they
Keywords:
voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 646, relating to drug paraphernalia, was presented by President Gates as a narrow measure to allow drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants and help prevent overdose deaths. Senator Osgood spoke in strong support, describing the bill as important for people in recovery. The bill had one support appearance and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
The committee then heard SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Jones explained that the bill requires autism awareness and communication/de-escalation training for officers and creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Multiple advocates, including Disability Rights Florida, an Autism Society representative, parents, and a retired federal officer, testified in support, emphasizing safety, communication, and the need to avoid tragic misunderstandings during police encounters. Senators also discussed whether broader disability training should be considered in the future. SB 418 was reported favorably unanimously.
Next, the committee considered SB 132 on restoration of voting rights, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create and maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed sentence requirements for rights restoration and to publish clearer instructions for eligible individuals. An amendment was adopted to make the database subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1734, which recognizes juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extends training, certification, and certain benefits, and CS/SB 820, which strengthens reporting requirements for problem-solving courts and sets annual reporting deadlines. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support appearances.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And when it comes to hygiene and who regulates that, if someone were to start that small, low, as you
- if they choose to go see someone in an unregulated business, that's going to happen outside of this small
- And I think, in a way, too, it would also legitimize these small businesses.
- So he then said to me, 'If only we could get a small portion of those incentives at least, that would
- but if they happen, what we're asking for is that the TIF or the TID put forth a percentage of very small
Keywords:
municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
General Government REVISED: Links added Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But as far as I said, as far as having local elections in a small community like mine, a bond election
- already is somewhere around $10 to $12,000 for that, for that particular election in that small school
- to mayors, city councilors, local folks who are trying to bring jobs and economic opportunities to small
- You know, we're talking about a small town, but we're talking.
- And so, to pay a small amount upfront to have the voter educated about where their money is going and
Keywords:
purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, unclaimed property, service charges, property fund, accountability, government transparency, local development, economic impact, voter approval, tax increment financing, review committee, public finance, blight, salary increase, bonus limits, job performance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And these can be small 18-inch culverts to larger-sized culverts.
- one thing that we're always concerned with on the culverts across the state, is even if it's, say, a small
- And so it's these small assets here, the small, relatively inexpensive asset that we struggle to stay
- So we're doing what we can to do small fixes to try and extend that service life as much as we can.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee devoted its meeting to a presentation from Troy Suing of the Department of Transportation on state highway preservation needs. Suing said DOT is a leader in asset planning, but that current funding is not enough to keep up with the condition of highways, bridges, and other assets. He distinguished operations and maintenance from preservation, and described the preservation program’s main parts: pavements, bridges, and other highway facilities such as slopes, rest areas, signal systems, retaining walls, and culverts.
Suing reported that about 40% of state roads are already overdue for preservation and that, with current funding, as much as 85% could need preservation within 10 years. He said there are more than 7,900 lane miles currently due, and that delaying work past the “lowest life cycle zone” increases risk and can cost three to five times more later. For bridges, he said the state has about 3,400 bridges, an average age of 52 years, and roughly 10% are over 80 years old; the share of bridges in poor condition is about 9.9%, near the federal threshold that could trigger more federal oversight. He also highlighted culvert failures, including one on SR-510, and the closed Carbon River Bridge on SR-165 as examples of how deferred preservation can lead to closures and community disruption.
Committee members questioned the comparison to national asset management leadership, liability risk as roads deteriorate, the cost and regulatory burden of bridge projects, and whether DOT is relying more on its own crews for bridge work because of cost and urgency. Suing said the department is underfunded to fully implement its asset plans and is forced to focus on risk, emergent needs, and the most critical bridge work first. He said DOT’s 2026 supplemental budget identified preservation as one of five unfunded critical priorities and estimated a 10-year preservation need of $8 billion to address the backlog and become proactive again. Members discussed whether targeted funding in the next biennium could help move the state back toward the “green zone,” and the chair closed by emphasizing the real-world impacts of bridge and road failures and the need for legislative action.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Growing Minnesota’s Economy – Senator Rich Draheim May 5th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if you have a small community, especially like this bill was geared towards, uh, the lower tax base
- And so if we want to maintain our small communities, we have to make sure that they have daycare and
- And so if we want to maintain<00:03:18.560>
our <00:03:18.879>small maintain our small - maintain our small communities,<00:03:21.200>
we <00:03:21.440>have <00:03:21.599>to
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- looked into the funding that Science pays, Train ND, Northeast pays, and they also receive rent from a small
- And they also received rent from a small amount of rent from NDSU that comes to a total of somewhere
- Bob's not going to be happy because the font is small. Alex, does Levi have bigger ones?
- Actually, we moved funding for the Native American Small Business Grant.
- from the general fund for their discretionary funds, with $600,000 to be used for a Native American small
Bills:
SB2003
Keywords:
higher education, student loans, scholarships, capital projects, workforce development, funding, North Dakota university system, 908, all
Summary:
The committee first reconsidered Senate Bill 2003 in the higher education budget and adopted several changes. It removed $3 million for enterprise resource planning, struck $2 million for a grant program for students who are pregnant or recently gave birth, and then added $3 million back into workforce education and innovative grants, restoring that line to $12 million. Members also discussed a possible purchase of the 19th Avenue building in Fargo for the State School of Science, but the motion was withdrawn for later consideration. Other higher ed items were briefly noted, including tribally controlled community colleges and a state magazine funding line, but no final action was taken on the building proposal during this segment.
The committee then moved to Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce budget, and reviewed a long list of funding items. It restored a vacant workforce FTE, increased tourism marketing to $10 million and Find the Good Life to $5 million, raised Operation Intern by $1 million, removed a $100,000 infrastructure study, increased autonomous agriculture grants to $15 million, and set the Regional Workforce Impact Program at $10 million. It also kept or adjusted several other items, including the uncrewed aerial vehicle replacement program, the global talent office, tribally controlled community colleges, Native American small business grants, and technical skills training grants.
A major new provision would transfer $50 million total, split between SIF and Bank of North Dakota profits, to the Theodore Roosevelt Library Museum Endowment Fund, matching a private fundraising challenge; members expressed both support and concern, and said they would revisit it later. The committee also discussed language to allow commercialization of Vantis and to permit the Turtle Mountain gaming compact proposal to move forward with required federal approvals, while clarifying that a previously discussed $100,000 study had been removed. Commerce officials said the workforce language was intended to centralize data and strategy, and they noted Operation Intern would need an emergency clause because applications begin in May. No final vote on the Commerce budget was taken in this segment, and the chair said the committee would return later to finish both budgets.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Financial Services Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- today to urge you to oppose House Bill 297 due to the unintended outcomes it will produce for Alabama small
- out of state in order to avoid the tax that will reduce the monitoring of financial crime and also small
- Most importantly, this hurts Alabama small businesses and Alabamians.
- tax would impose costly burdens on all businesses, from large big box stores and grocery chains to small
- Small businesses rely on foot traffic.
Bills:
HB297
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Agriculture and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- And downstairs, you talk about pet deer, putting them in a small pen, and someone shooting them.
- that you cannot sell animals but... you that you cannot sell animals but sell your product within a small
- point. that I don't want to belabor the point, but um, when it talks about placing those pet deer in small
- We have a breeding facility that consists of small one or two-acre pens, and that's where the breeding
- don't want to put an... want to put an economic burden on these people that are in business, even small
Bills:
HB509
Keywords:
HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock