Video & Transcript Research : 'testimonies'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the answer to that is we heard neutral testimony from the insurance commissioner.
- Looking at the testimony, I see there's a great number of local veterans organizations that seem to be
- . is not good for our veterans, and that's why we got all the opposition and testimony.
- We heard lots of testimony on the difference between standard time versus daylight saving time, both
- In fact, when he spoke in front of our committee in neutral testimony, he said that the study is well
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4.
The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote.
The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony.
- OK, thank you so much for your testimony. Are we gonna go?
- Thank you so much for your testimony today. Thank you.
- Thank you so much for your testimony today.
- all testimony be 3 minutes, please.
Keywords:
Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 19, 2025 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Any public testimony? Jason Unger, District School Board of Pasco County, waving in support.
- Seeing no further public testimony, members, any debate on the bill? Any debate on the bill?
- Public testimony.
- So just be mindful of that as we move through public testimony.
- There's a few points from public testimony I want to address.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard HB 6507, a claims bill for Marcus Button, who suffered severe permanent injuries in a 2006 school bus crash. Representative Andrade explained that a jury awarded Button more than $2 million in 2009, but only a small amount was paid under sovereign immunity limits. He said Pasco County later reached a settlement with Button, but believed it lacked legal authority to pay without legislative approval. The bill would give the county that authority. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed unanimously, 18-0.
The committee then took up HB 301, which would substantially revise Florida’s sovereign immunity framework. Representative McFarland said the bill would raise liability caps for state and local governments from $200,000/$300,000 to $1 million/$3 million, with a later increase in 2030, align statutes of limitations with private suits, allow governments to settle above the caps without a claims bill, and prevent insurance policies from conditioning payment on legislative approval. She framed the bill as a way to reduce the need for the claims bill process and provide faster redress to injured people.
Testimony on HB 301 was sharply divided. Local governments, school districts, counties, cities, hospital groups, and insurance representatives opposed the bill, arguing the higher caps would sharply increase insurance and taxpayer costs, especially for small or fiscally constrained entities, and that the claims bill process and special masters provide useful review and leverage. Supporters, including the Florida Justice Association and several members, argued the current system is too slow and political, leaves seriously injured people waiting years for compensation, and should be modernized to better hold government accountable. No vote was taken on HB 301 in the portion of the meeting provided.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 16, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, is there public testimony? There's none.
- Seeing none, we have some public testimony. Daniel Martinez. Waves in support.
- We will now move into public testimony. Taylor Jefferson waves in support.
- And that's all the public testimony. Debate. Does anybody wish to debate?
- Seeing no questions, we have public testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - Part 1 - 04/02/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- , give us your two minutes of testimony, give us your two minutes of testimony, that'd<01:22:52.239
- give us your two minutes of testimony. give us your two minutes of testimony.
- Provides your two minutes of testimony. Provides your two minutes of testimony.
- testimony, and we just press for time. testimony, and we just press for time.
- Any questions much for your testimony.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- To be clear, I am here to provide testimony.
- pets thank you for your testimony pets thank you for your testimony absolutely<00:25:08.840>
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
- Hey, thank you so much for your testimony.
- <02:06:44.639>
that sounding like it by the testimony that sounding like it by the testimony
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- record and then begin your testimony record and then begin your testimony thanks<00:02:58.599>
- Please state your name and begin your testimony.
- and this does conclude my testimony and this does conclude my testimony thank<00:40:59.560>
you - you're with and begin your testimony you're with and begin your testimony chair<00:52:53.480>
- you're with and uh begin your testimony you're with and uh begin your testimony Madam<01:08:43.480
Summary:
The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates.
Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends.
Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 6th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony. Thank you very much.
- Thank you for your testimony. Next up in support. Please state your name and begin when ready.
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Next up in support.
- Saying none, thank you for your testimony.
- Seeing no other questions or comments, thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Next in support.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 916, which would limit contractor liability on Missouri Department of Transportation projects when contractors are following approved plans and standards, and would also clarify that contractors are not required to indemnify the state as a condition of bidding or beginning work. Senator Berger and several supporters argued the bill would align responsibility with control, reduce unnecessary litigation, and lower insurance and project costs for contractors who are sued for conditions they did not create. They emphasized that the bill would not protect negligence, defective workmanship, or concealment, and the sponsor described examples of contractors being drawn into lawsuits before work began or after projects were complete.
Supporters included representatives of construction firms, the Missouri Asphalt Payment Association, the AGC of Missouri, the Missouri Municipal League, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and engineering groups. Contractors described cases where they were sued over alleged design issues or incidents occurring after completion, saying they had no ability to change the design but still incurred legal and insurance costs. One municipal league witness also explained a separate provision clarifying that a public entity does not waive sovereign immunity merely by being named as an additional insured on a contractor’s policy. MoDOT’s deputy director testified for informational purposes, warning that removing indemnification could expose the state to more litigation during construction.
After the committee established a quorum in executive session, a motion was made to vote Senate Bill 916 do pass. The committee approved the bill unanimously, 8-0, and then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative, thanks for your testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. All right. Thank you. Any other questions from the committee?
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Anyone else here in opposition to House Bill 2250?
- Thank you for your testimony.
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Anyone else here in opposition?
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2250, which would require insurers, beginning in 2027, to pay for full siding replacement when storm damage affects only part of a home and matching siding is not reasonably available. Sponsor Rep. Jaclyn Zimmermann said the bill is intended to codify existing Missouri case law and address complaints from constituents who were left with mismatched siding after hail damage, especially in older homes where the original materials are no longer made. Committee members generally expressed support for the consumer-protection goal, while also discussing possible changes such as limiting the requirement to certain elevations or adding clearer policy disclosures.
Opposition testimony came from the Missouri Insurance Coalition, which argued the bill could raise premiums for all homeowners and noted that consumers can already buy more comprehensive coverage if they choose. Coalition witnesses said insurers should repair direct physical damage but warned against requiring full-house replacement for cosmetic mismatch, citing a prior St. Louis-area experience where a similar requirement reportedly increased premiums. Members and witnesses also discussed related issues such as consumer understanding of policy terms, the availability of different policy products, and whether contractor payroll or fraud concerns should be addressed separately. No vote was taken on HB 2250.
After the hearing, the committee established a quorum and moved to executive session on House Bill 3328. The committee adopted a House Committee Substitute that removed the IBHS certification requirement in favor of a non-biased third-party testing lab and removed the adjuster cap, while otherwise keeping the bill’s stronger home program framework. The committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 3328 do pass by a vote of 9-0, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- standard time aligns better with the human biology than daylight saving time, and you have written testimony
- If you would like to come and keep your testimony brief.
- Please introduce yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony. Good morning.
- Uh please introduce yourself for the record. time, and you have written testimony time, and you have
- written testimony reflecting<00:02:12.200>
that.
Summary:
House File 1944, authored by Representative Freiberg, was heard and then laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would move Minnesota to permanent standard time until Congress authorizes states to adopt permanent daylight saving time, at which point the state would make a one-time switch. An A1 amendment updating the years was adopted without opposition. Freiberg said his broader goal is to eliminate the clock change, and he noted the proposal has bipartisan support.
Testimony was strongly in favor of the bill. Dr. Roxanne Pritchard, a University of St. Thomas psychology professor and neuroscientist, said permanent standard time better aligns with human biology, supports sleep and mental health, and could reduce insomnia, heart attacks, and car accidents associated with the spring time change. J.P., president of Save Standard Time and a co-chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, argued that daylight saving time causes chronic sleep deprivation, increases accidents and illness, and does not actually save energy or improve productivity. He said standard time provides a more balanced and honest clock, especially for children, commuters, outdoor workers, and service personnel.
Members asked a few brief questions, including whether the bill would be laid over for inclusion in another bill and whether it would align Minnesota with other places to avoid travel oddities. The chair confirmed it would be laid over, and no votes were taken beyond approval of the A1 amendment. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To do so, if you've got written testimony, please provide 20 copies.
- Not seeing any questions, we'll begin public testimony on House Bill 23.
- All right, seeing none, public testimony is now closed. Well, not on the glass. Right.
- Before we go to testimony, it's quite ironic that we're doing a public input bill.
- Hearing none, testimony is now closed.
Keywords:
property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections May 30th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
Legislative Operations and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- To provide public comment or testimony telephonically, please dial the following number.
- To provide public comment or testimony telephonically, please dial the following number.
- And just to lay out the, for support, testimony and opposition in neutral, because we do have to get
- I had very extensive testimony that I was not expecting to come forward. ...extensive testimony that
- Thank you very much for your testimony, Ms. Gomez.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As a reminder, testimony from each witness will be limited to 2 minutes, and we will save questions for
- OK, we will proceed with testimony. Thanks.
- OK, we will proceed with testimony. Thanks.
- We will proceed with testimony.
- You gonna go get it. here today and providing their testimony.
Keywords:
SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction
Summary:
The Committee on Human Services met with a quorum and first voted out Senate Bill 1589, relating to contract requirements between a single-source continuum contractor and DFPS. The motion to report the bill favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed prevailed on a 7-0 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 500, which would set deadlines for providing foster care adoption records, including health, social, educational, and genetic history reports, to speed adoptions. The bill’s author and witnesses from Addie’s Hope Social Services supported it, saying delays in redacted files can take months, slow permanency for children, and increase costs to the state. Members asked about redactions and sibling/family information, and witnesses explained the bill would mainly speed the preliminary file used to decide whether to proceed with placement. SB 500 was left pending.
Members also heard Senate Bill 1266, which would require regular reevaluation of the Medicaid provider support team and add written notice of provider disenrollment at least 30 days in advance. There were no witnesses, no questions, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1522, concerning continuing care retirement communities, was then laid out and supported by LeadingAge Texas and counsel, who said it updates outdated definitions, clarifies licensing and disclosure rules, and strengthens consumer protections for seniors. It was also left pending.
After a brief recess, the committee heard Senate Bill 1137, which would prohibit group home consultants from referring people to unlicensed or unpermitted group homes except in limited circumstances, require disclosure of complaints, and create a Class B misdemeanor for violations. Members discussed whether consultants are regulated and noted concerns about unlicensed referral practices. The bill was left pending, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Testimony and discussion today will be on the Delete All Amendment, not on the language of the bill as
- Seeing none, we'll move to testimony.
- I want to remind testifiers that the testimony is limited to the provisions in the delete all amendment
- Please state your name so I don't have to butcher it anymore before you start your testimony.
- Please come to the table and state your name before your testimony. Thank you.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I have written testimony. Thank you. I'm Dr.
- <00:24:12.240>
Deborah testimony. Thank you. I'm Dr. Deborah testimony. Thank you. - I<00:37:13.040>
have <00:37:13.440>testimony. - I don't know copies of my testimony.
- Watson um did actually provide testimony Watson um did actually provide testimony on<01:18:14.560
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 01/29/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- answered to me by any of the testimony answered to me by any of the testimony that<00:13:23.839>
- You could make your testimony for both bills.
- Thank you, Chair Green and members of the committee, for hearing my testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony.
- thank you thank you for your testimony thank you thank you for your testimony and<01:51:13.719><
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Energy Committee heard Senate File 426, authored by Senator Icorn, which would remove the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower for purposes of qualifying as an eligible energy technology under Minnesota law. Supporters said hydropower is carbon-free, reliable, flexible baseload power that can help Minnesota meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Testifiers from Missouri River Energy Services and Minnesota Power described existing hydropower resources, including allocations from federal Missouri River dams, Minnesota hydro stations, and Manitoba Hydro, and argued that the bill would preserve and expand options for clean energy development.
Several members raised concerns about the bill’s purpose and potential environmental impacts. Senator McEwen questioned why the size limit should be removed without specific proposed projects or more information about the need for larger dams, citing concerns about fisheries, water resources, and land use. Senator Port and others asked about costs, environmental effects, and where new projects might be built. In response, supporters said the bill is intended to open the door to future projects and allow agencies to review proposals through existing permitting and environmental processes, rather than approving any specific dam.
Committee members offered mixed reactions. Senator Frentz said he supported the concept but recommended laying the bill over for further discussion and possibly sending it to the Environment Committee, noting environmental concerns and the need for more conversation. Senator Gruenhagen strongly supported the bill, arguing that it merely lifts a cap while leaving permitting and review requirements in place. Senator Hoffman also supported the bill, saying current policy blocks consideration of new projects and that the change would allow regulators to evaluate proposals on their merits. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left open for further consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/18/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:16.360>
when record and commence your testimony when record and commence your testimony - :32:35.840>
for <00:32:36.160>your your testimony, but also for your your testimony, but - We're looking at two to three testimony.
- Senator Maye Quade or her testimony? Senator Maye Quade or her testimony?
- <01:29:46.960>
when <01:29:47.160>you're commence testimony when you're commence testimony
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:29:13.200>
and You can hand your written testimony and You can hand your written testimony - So that's it in a nutshell, and I have not read my testimony.
- I'll end my testimony there and take any questions.
- I'll end my testimony there and take any questions.
- ,<01:18:56.159>
but And um I'm not reading my testimony, but And um I'm not reading my testimony
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Mayor Wasi, please introduce yourself and go ahead with your testimony.
- Please go ahead with your testimony, or describe your bill.
- Any further testimony? No? Okay, thank you. Are there any questions from the committee?
- Stark, please introduce yourself and go ahead with your testimony. Yes, thank you.
- Thank you very much for your testimony. Uh, Miss Barton, moving now to member discussion.
Keywords:
Oakdale, tax increment financing, local government, funding, urban development, tax increment, St. Paul, redevelopment, housing authority, housing trust fund, low-income housing, property taxation, Minnesota statutes, vacant property, housing, commercial to residential conversion, Minneapolis, urban redevelopment, public parks, tax capacity
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank and proceed with your testimony.
- Well, thank you so much for your testimony, Director Ferguson.
- ,<00:27:35.600>
Director you so much for your testimony, Director you so much for your testimony - My name is Emily your testimony. Sure.
- I find this testimony.