Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Finance Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:10 am

Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they're losing their sovereignty in relation to that. So I just want to give you a fair warning.
  • Chair, Senator Padilla, yes, there are five provisions in the bill in which co-pays would kick in.
  • Chair, Senator Padilla, yes, there are five provisions in the bill in which co-pays would kick in.
  • Those in the audience in support will take three. How many do we have on Zoom in support?
  • They have to stay in practice in the state for four years.
Bills: SB241, SB145
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025

Delivery of Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're in El Paso, but the board meetings are in the Valley.
  • In my personal opinion, I think it will cost more than what's in this budget, in the fiscal note for
  • In particular, in a section from the Senate Bill 2205 from 2017 that is in current statute, we feel needs
  • That's a fair goal.
  • In the last year, they were in.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Kettleman City or the ones in our partners in Clean Harbors in Buttonwillow.
  • Kettleman City or the ones in our partners in clean arbors in Button Willow.
  • We have two facilities in the state of California, one in the Central Valley, one in Southern California
  • Academic advisors coming in, experts coming in. Nothing is changing.
  • in 16 years.
Summary: The joint oversight hearing reviewed the five-year implementation of SB 158 and the Board of Environmental Safety’s role in DTSC reform, with members and witnesses focusing on transparency, accountability, fee-setting, permit appeals, community engagement, and the unfinished SB 673 regulations. The chair raised concerns about the board’s effectiveness, including whether it has been too passive, whether its authority is sufficient, and whether a recent board appointment created an appearance of conflict. Testimony from Earthjustice emphasized that DTSC remains too slow and that the board should be more willing to push the department, speak publicly, and use its authority more actively. The California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance supported the board as a forum for transparency and accountability, while also stressing the need for stable funding and cautioning against politicization. Community witnesses described the board as an important improvement because it created a public venue, ombudsperson, and permit appeal process that did not exist before, and because it has at times forced changes to DTSC’s hazardous waste management plan. At the same time, they argued that the board lacks leverage over budgets, staffing, and implementation, and that community input often does not translate into action. One witness urged statutory changes to align the director’s priorities, the hazardous waste management plan, and performance metrics, and to reconsider the current appeals process. Another called for stronger community engagement practices, more accessible public meetings, and outside help to redesign participation processes. Public commenters also asked for youth representation, stipends for participation, and a more direct role for the board in environmental justice matters. Board Chair Andrew Rakestra and DTSC Director Katie Butler said the reforms have produced measurable improvements. They cited greater transparency through public meetings and ombuds services, stronger accountability through public performance metrics and permit appeals, improved fiscal stability, reduced permit backlogs, increased enforcement, and progress on safer consumer products and Exide cleanup. Both acknowledged remaining challenges, including the board’s limited authority over budgets, the need for earlier and more meaningful engagement, delays in completing SB 673 regulations, and the structural deficit in the hazardous waste control account. They also noted that the hazardous waste management plan left major policy questions unresolved and that the board retained oversight of implementation. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.
AK

Alaska 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Jul 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Alaska House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is not inviting investment in our country or in our state.
  • We're in our second and soon to be, actually, just for this, we're in our, technically in our third special
  • Are we trying to stymie investment and growth in opportunities in employment in the state?
  • in the world.
  • I also want to close a major loophole in our tax structure. I want to have a fair system.
Keywords: 905, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Municipal and County Government (02/10/2026)

Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rochester Fair used to bring in $75,000 in non-fair revenues, and then it went to zero when the city
  • :49:40.400><c> it</c> be uh in non-fair revenues and then it be uh in non-fair revenues and then it went
  • <04:54:13.440><c> in</c><04:54:13.760><c> this</c><04:54:14.000><c> state</c> fairs in this state fairs
  • c> we call them county fairs in New we call them county fairs in New Hampshire<04:54:31.280><c> even<
  • Deerfield Fair um in our 150 years has Deerfield Fair um in our 150 years has enjoyed<04:55:55.280><c
Keywords: 1189, house, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Glenn Kagamita in support. Robin Sage in support. L. Oster in support. Cheryl Burkard in support.
  • Lisa Galloway in support. Lorie Kaiser in support. Daniel Fund in support. Joel Edwards in support.
  • Robert Patrice in support and Jane Aino in support. Nano Lo in support.
  • Jim Kyla Gallapone in Troy in support.
  • Glenn of Hawaii in person in support.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> for them in Nashville? for them in Nashville?
  • All those in favor say I. Richardson. All those in favor say I.
  • </c><00:45:49.280><c> the</c><00:45:49.599><c> in</c> the um primary care physicians in the in the um
  • primary care physicians in the in the<00:45:50.440><c> state?
  • My concern in the past has always been the mitigations that can be $350,000 or more.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for Representative McCool, who was absent due to a family death, then approved the April 14 minutes and noted the agenda contained 482 items totaling about $138.6 million. The first deferred item involved the Office of the Controller and a brokerage services contract. Senators questioned why the new contract was roughly $1 million a year when a prior vendor had been paid about $300,000 annually, why the procurement was rebid after years of no-bid arrangements, and why past performance was not heavily weighted. Agency witnesses said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the new RFP drew more competition, technical evaluators did not see cost until after technical scoring, and AON received the highest technical score despite being an out-of-state vendor with its closest office in Nashville. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action, and the contract advanced to the Finance Cabinet for final decision. The committee then considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment. Members asked what funding was being redirected to cover an increase of about $265,000. DCBS explained that reduced spending on interpreter services, due to more commonly used forms being translated into other languages, freed up funds to support the contract. The committee approved the item. Next, the committee reviewed an initial contract for the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. The board explained that its small legal staff was handling 11 active cases and needed outside counsel with investigators and additional attorneys because of ongoing litigation and disciplinary changes tied to prior legislation and a recent LOIC report. Members asked whether the contract was a not-to-exceed amount and whether the board could afford it; the board said the $50,000 was a ceiling, not an expected spend, and that the board was fully funded through licensing fees and currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing recent reforms in Senate Bills 14 and 22 and the need to help the board work through corrective action. The committee approved the contract. The Board of Pharmacy item was then deferred at the agency’s request until the June 2025 meeting, and the committee approved that deferral.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Agriculture committee hears HF821 3/17/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are a broad range of responses to the issues of nitrates in the groundwater in southeast Minnesota
  • </c> responses to the issues of nitrates in responses to the issues of nitrates in the<00:01:32.880><
  • /c> the groundwater in southeast Minnesota the groundwater in southeast Minnesota this<00:01:34.960><
  • in that part of the state.
  • </c> nitrate now well testing is growing in nitrate now well testing is growing in Southeastern<00:03
Keywords: 1183, house
WY
Transcript Highlights:
  • process in the building.
  • /c><00:01:30.960><c> legislature</c> any time in her time in the legislature any time in her time in
  • Um, because in my conversations with my colleagues in the House, um, I proposed that same amendment.
  • And so on an average, you can say every dollar you spend on mitigating fuels saves $7 in suppression
  • > on on mitigating fuels um save $7 in on on mitigating fuels um save $7 in suppression<00:07:12.000>
Keywords: 916, all
Summary: The meeting focused on resolving a House-Senate disagreement over funding for a new forestry/fire mitigation program. House members explained that their objection was not to the program itself, but to the Senate’s increase from the original $3 million level; they argued the program should start at the lower amount and be expanded later if needed. Senate members responded that the higher amount was based on forest health briefing information showing significant beetle kill, rising fire danger, and the need to act quickly while federal partners and current conditions made treatment work feasible. They cited recent large fire suppression costs and argued the added funding would have a strong return on investment by reducing future suppression expenses. After discussion of possible compromise amounts, including $4 million and then $3.5 million, House members said $3.5 million would be more acceptable to their chamber and suggested supplemental funding could be considered later if the program proved successful. The Senate agreed to the $3.5 million compromise. Members also noted that other amendments in the bill, including repeal of a sunset date and changes intended to speed contracting by removing an attorney general step, were important and appreciated by the House. The committee then took a voice vote on the compromise, and it passed unanimously. Members indicated they would take the agreement back to their respective chambers as part of the conference report and expected the bill to move forward.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Jul 16th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, for example, in Riverside County, the voter turnout in the primary in the last election was 409,000
  • or in support of the change in schedule?
  • In this case, the election is decided in the primary.
  • Serving families in Chula Vista in support.
  • We are in support. I am in support.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those are concentrated in one area, in transportation primarily, though there's also a great deal in
  • There's actually a fair amount in IT, and you could take a broader lens and actually increase that number
  • And so I would be careful in terms of what we know yet in terms of economic trends in Massachusetts,
  • more sense to do that in June than it does in April.
  • I don't think we're in a position right now to say we need X in cuts, we need X in reserves, we need
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The inaugural hearing of the newly named House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability focused on how federal policy changes could affect Massachusetts, especially in education, health care, research, infrastructure, climate, and business conditions. Chair LaNatra said the committee was created to monitor federal funding decisions and their impacts on state programs and services. Members introduced themselves, then heard testimony from Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Sarah Mills of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Quentin Palfrey, the governor’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. Howgate argued that the Trump administration and new Congress pose ideological, practical, and process-related risks to Massachusetts, citing proposed cuts to Medicaid, education, research, and other domestic programs. He said federal dollars make up about a quarter of the state operating budget and capital plan, warned against using one-time reserves to backfill ongoing federal cuts, and urged the state to prioritize core services while protecting areas where Massachusetts is especially strong, such as higher education and research. In response to committee questions, he said the House Medicaid proposal would still cost Massachusetts hundreds of millions and that international student and NIH-related changes could harm the state’s labor force and innovation economy. He also advised that the state communicate clearly without overreacting to daily federal developments. Mills testified that AIM members are most concerned about uncertainty, tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and NIH reductions. She said tariffs are raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and hurting small and medium-sized businesses, housing construction, and exporters, with AIM’s business confidence index falling to its lowest level since the pandemic. She said Medicaid cuts would raise employer health costs, reduce productivity, and strain the health care system, while NIH cuts would threaten Massachusetts’ life sciences and academic research ecosystem. In questions, she said AIM has increased federal outreach, is coordinating with the U.S. Chamber and the Massachusetts delegation, and is hearing concerns from employers about immigration compliance and workforce disruptions. Palfrey described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to maximize federal funding, including a biweekly interagency council, a municipal partnership effort, and a statewide roadshow. He said Massachusetts has secured nearly $9 billion from major federal laws for projects such as the Cape Cod bridges, Allston Multimodal, grid modernization, clean-energy school buses, and broadband. He also said the administration launched a public website to track federal impacts and is working with municipalities, nonprofits, and the Attorney General on grant changes, legal issues, and litigation. In response to questions, he warned that cuts to NOAA, NSF, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs could affect services and the state budget, and said the administration is tracking changes to federal grant applications and conditions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee Jul 1st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there any primary witnesses in the room in opposition? Thank you.
  • Today, nine in ten Americans believe there's too much corporate money in politics, and eight in ten Americans
  • allies in Congress and in the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • allies in Congress and in the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Anybody else in the room that would like to add on in opposition?
Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity. Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no. The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards. The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 27th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the construction, in our homes, who's working in the restaurants, who's cleaning the rooms, in hospitality
  • She believed in fairness and justice for both animals and people, as she would often volunteer at her
  • And in this moment in particular.
  • It blends fairness with conservation, aligning the best practices in California's fisheries management
  • I rise in support of AB 1376, in part because I've worked in the criminal justice system.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • How capable are y'all in turning it in 48 hours?
  • In Bexar County alone, the increase in young people under the age of 18 has tripled in the last decade
  • In Oklahoma, a similar campaign led to a hundred... ...an 85% increase in volume.
  • In over 18 million here in Texas.
  • In this cadet class in Houston, I know there are probably a dozen.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Aug 11th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the U.S.
  • We take pride in having the highest number of Ph.D.s in the state, in a particular region.
  • We take pride in having national labs in our state.
  • We had a hole in the ground in Las Cruces in the 1970s. Why now is it? What changed?
  • In many places in New Mexico, we don't.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Committee Jun 11th, 2025

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • To make sure that our population is stable in good times and in bad times.
  • I represent the wealthiest county in the wealthiest state in the wealthiest nation in the history of
  • We have more people that sleep in their cars and tents in the street than anywhere else in the country
  • this moment in time.
  • We've made investments in our highway system across the country, in our public libraries, and in public
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • lost his life in Mosul, Iraq, in 2000.
  • lost his life in Mosul, Iraq, in 2000.
  • My son was killed in the Civil War, lost his life in Mosul, Iraq, in 2004.
  • And so there was a pretty sizable chunk in there for environmental mitigation.
  • And so there was a pretty sizable chunk in there for environmental mitigation.
Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 29th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's join in prayer as we talk about truthing in love.
  • People in public service and in politics.
  • Brooke Elementary in my district in the 1960s and graduating from the former Johnson High School in
  • water losses, all in order to mitigate the potential for future violations.
  • To invest in real property over 10 acres in an urban area in a limited partnership interest?
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • In summary, Mr.
  • In states like Massachusetts, where we have attempted to create a fair, legal, and safe cannabis market
  • In fact, in some cases, it was well north of 10%.
  • about that risk, we are in a bad spot here in the Commonwealth.
  • In a second.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held a hearing on a broad set of cannabis and hemp bills, with the chairs opening by emphasizing unfinished work on equity, public health, safety, and market stability. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 146, which would create more efficient cannabis testing standards by increasing batch sizes, reducing or eliminating some environmental testing, standardizing lab reporting, and requiring annual scientific review and public data reporting. Industry witnesses, including a representative of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, cultivators, and a testing lab owner, said current testing rules are overly burdensome, costly, and inconsistent, and argued the bill would lower compliance costs while preserving consumer safety. A testing lab witness also said some operators switch labs to obtain higher THC results or pass contaminated batches, and urged greater transparency and better sampling protocols. A major portion of the hearing focused on intoxicating hemp and related bills that would bring hemp-derived intoxicating products under a stronger regulatory framework. Legislators and industry witnesses described products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores as often untested, not age-gated, and sometimes mislabeled or far above the federal hemp THC threshold. Testimony from attorneys and cannabis business leaders said states can regulate these products more strictly under the Farm Bill’s non-preemption language, and pointed to New Jersey and other states as possible models. Some witnesses and committee members stressed that any new rules should avoid harming non-intoxicating CBD businesses or lawful hemp farmers, while others argued that the products are effectively cannabis and should be regulated like cannabis for licensing, testing, age limits, and taxation. The committee also heard extensive public-health testimony in support of bills S. 95, S. 96, S. 97 and their House counterparts H. 191, H. 192, and H. 193. Parents, advocates, and public health professionals urged stronger warning labels, THC potency caps, and improved data collection on cannabis-related harms, citing cannabis-induced psychosis, addiction, anxiety, and youth exposure to high-potency products. Several witnesses said Massachusetts has not done enough to track health outcomes or warn consumers, and referenced other jurisdictions such as Connecticut, Vermont, Colorado, Canada, and Quebec as examples of stronger limits or warnings. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Governments may opt in. That's what I want to stress. They may opt in.
  • Then why put it in a university? Why put it in a university?
  • We lead in semiconductors, we lead in AI, we lead in space, we lead in defense.
  • We're doing many more in recent years than we've done in years past.
  • In addition, it makes the following changes: In Section 1, it changes "shall" to "may" in order to provide