Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :
Page 189 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We are asking for the same consideration for retired state employees.
- I worked for the Texas State Comptroller's Office for 31 years.
- Thank you for considering it, and thank you for having a hearing.
- We are not asking for more, but we are asking for the same.
- The same loan amount for California, for Florida, for all of these other states, and my math that I have
Bills:
HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737
Keywords:
retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm also continuing to advocate for the High-Quality Charter School Act, a bill I've introduced that
- You'd then have to get off and hop on to the high-speed train. Probably have to wait for it.
- At Gilroy, you'd have to get off, wait for another train, a non-high-speed one that would then take you
- And Nome is completely for spending billions and billions on high-speed rail.
- I am also strongly advocating for a similar measure, the High-Quality Charter School Act, to be passed
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Psilocybin therapeutic use program established 3/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for allowing me to speak and hear me out today, and I very much hope that this bill passes
- Well, thank you for allowing me to speak and hear me out today and I very much hope that this bill passes
- Thank you for the veterans for being here because I really feel for them.
- Thank you for the veterans for being here because I really feel for them.
- high.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please join me in renewing our pledge to the flag and for all that it stands for.
- So I thank you for your friendship. I thank you at times for your debate.
- And we'll continue to advocate for our people and for our values.
- Do you wish for the first roll to be open for co-authors?
- For me and for so many others, Rita was a role model and an inspiration.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and handled a number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for adjournments in memory and guest introductions, rescinding prior action on SB 493, and re-referring several Senate bills to different committees. Members also recognized guests on the floor, including family members, interns, firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team, which was honored for its historic championship season.
The main floor action was on AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage and set clearer insurance claim practices. Supporters said the bill would help wildfire survivors return home safely and urged science-based standards and a rebuttable presumption that contamination after a wildfire was caused by the fire; opponents warned the bill could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed on a 54-6 vote, including the urgency clause.
Members also adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with remarks praising her role in advancing gender equality and equal rights. The resolution was adopted after 65 co-authors were added and then approved by voice vote. The consent calendar, including SJR 11, was adopted 71-0.
A large portion of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory, including tributes to Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel. The Assembly also honored departing Member James Gallagher, who gave extended farewell remarks before leaving for Congress. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I thank you for your time, Mr. President, and for all, I respectfully thank you for listening.
- Sierra Pacific High School has only been open for 17 years.
- So with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote, and I do hope he gets to the Hall of Fame.
- ask for an aye vote.
- So thank you, Luis Valdez, for your presence here today, for your art, artistry, for what you mean to
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, including a remembrance of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 87 by Senator Archuleta, which recognized April 24 as the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and emphasized historical remembrance, support for Armenian communities, and concern over ongoing threats and humanitarian issues affecting Armenians. Several senators spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote. Senator Archuleta then introduced members of the Armenian community in the gallery.
The Senate also adopted several other resolutions honoring communities and causes. Senator Cortese presented SR 93 honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and his role as a trailblazing Latino athlete; senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl wins, and pending Hispanic Football Hall of Fame recognition, and the resolution passed unanimously. Senator Wiener presented SCR 124 on transportation access for Californians with epilepsy, focusing on how seizure-related driving restrictions can limit employment, education, and medical care; it was adopted unanimously. Senator Allen presented SCR 158 declaring April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and marking the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks celebrating the state’s arts economy and longtime arts leaders; it also passed unanimously.
Later, Senator Alvarado-Gil presented SCR 159 designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month, describing the history, cultural significance, diversity, and economic role of rodeo in California. Supportive remarks followed from another senator, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. The author then introduced rodeo guests, including athletes and rodeo association leaders. The Senate also heard multiple privileges-of-the-floor introductions, including arts figures such as Luis Valdez, Cheech Marin, and Ruth Asawa’s son Paul Lanier, as well as student and community guests. The chamber approved the consent calendar by a 38-0 vote, noted committee meetings for Human Services, Military and Veterans, and Privacy, and adjourned with the next floor session scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/16/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> high high-strength winds. high high-strength winds.
- this for for this be very useful for this for for this report.<01:06:50.440><c> Um,</c><01:06:51.240
- The key to the high rate of success for this program is that it wraps around a family and offers them
- </c> The key to the high rate of success for The key to the high rate of success for this<04:42:27.120
- And New Fast Forward is New Hampshire's high-fidelity wraparound program for children and youth who have
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts.
Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised.
Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:41:52.400><c> ammonia</c> high and unpredictable cost for ammonia high and unpredictable cost
- If you could please introduce yourself and present your testimony, hoping for two and a half minutes,
- We're hoping for about two and a half minutes, if that's all right. It's all right with me.
- </c> testimony we're hoping for about two and testimony we're hoping for about two and a<01:15:36.600
- </c><01:21:46.560><c> for</c> give your testimony we're hoping for give your testimony we're hoping for
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- education for our youngest Floridians. ...and professional life advocating for education for our youngest
- It is to help ensure access to high-quality education for our students and our community.
- These are high-skilled, high-demand, and high-wage positions, many of which do not require a four-year
- These are high-skilled, high-demand, and high-wage positions, many of which do not require a four-year
- I'm currently up for reappointment for the Board of Trustees for New College of Florida.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reform for long enough, so I hope you'll join me in voting no.
- So for that reason, Madam Speaker, I hope you'll vote no.
- So for that reason, I'm voting no, and I hope you will also vote no.
- I hope you join me in voting for this amendment tonight, yes. You know, Mr.
- High-risk pool insurance for their kids.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope it happens for you. Sadly, same principle as the other one in a couple of minutes.
- So I'm hoping that we'll have some addressing of HURF issues in the budget. For now, I vote yes.
- So I wish you all well and I hope you vote yes. Thank you for your time.
- government and the state for transportation improvements in high-growth areas.
- Between local government and the state for transportation improvements in high-growth corridors.
Summary:
The committee took up several appropriations, transportation, naming, and education measures. It first approved SB 1035, which provides a FY27 General Fund appropriation for a 5% salary increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees; an amendment set the appropriation at $34 million and extended the raise to private prison employees under contract. Testimony from corrections advocates emphasized severe staffing shortages and pay gaps with other law enforcement employers, while some senators objected to including private prisons. The bill passed 6-3. The committee then approved SCM 102 and SCM 1006, which rename stretches of highway in honor of L.F. Quinn and PFC Michael Nolan, respectively, after emotional testimony from family members and local supporters; both memorial measures passed 9-1. SB 1065, appropriating $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, also passed 6-4 after supporters described HBOT as a promising, drug-free treatment for veterans, while opponents questioned the evidence and FDA approval for the claimed uses. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, passed unanimously 10-0 after county school officials said it would prevent double-counting students and separate funding streams properly.
The committee also advanced transportation bills focused on the fast-growing West Valley corridor. SB 1204 appropriates $5.5 million to ADOT to design and conduct environmental analysis for interchange improvements at U.S. 60 and SR 303; supporters from the City of Surprise described severe congestion, safety risks, and economic impacts, while some senators argued the project should be funded through HURF rather than the General Fund. It passed 8-1, and the chair invited members to discuss broader HURF funding issues later. SB 1207, a smaller $150,000 study bill to examine financing mechanisms for development tied to U.S. 60/SR 303 infrastructure, also passed 7-1 after local officials said it would help align growth with transportation funding. SB 1274, creating a Police Foundation specialty license plate and fund for Phoenix Police Foundation programs, passed 6-2; the foundation said proceeds would support officer wellness, remembrance, and community/youth outreach. Finally, SB 1001, a $1 million appropriation for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after blind seniors and advocates testified that the services preserve independence and prevent more costly institutional care. The committee also heard SB 1161, which would make non-lapsing a prior $750,000 DPS appropriation for the Yuma County Family Advocacy Center, with the sponsor explaining it was intended to allow the funds to be spent over multiple years; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- But what we are hoping for today, at least me, and I would appreciate if you could provide us some follow-up
- But what we are hoping what we were<00:35:57.760><c> hoping</c><00:35:57.920><c> for</c><00:35:58.160
- for today, at least me, and were hoping for today, at least me, and and<00:36:00.000><c> I</c><00:36
- cost, very high cost, and granted that's what you're built for.
- Uh, I think the demand for your products might be or will be less. I hope will be less.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Nov 12th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We hope that we can provide a guideline for all other agencies, not only the executive but also to judicial
- I just want to thank you very much for the presentation and really for highlighting for the members and
- I just did it in phases to find out, like, oh, that's way too high up off the ground for you and you're
- First, for any really important high-dollar project, when risk is a big concern, legislative staff can
- work for them.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Oct 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- for sure.
- And so we also drive... we also have an HSE program here for students that are in a high school equivalency
- Our thoughts, our prayers, you know, our hopes and dreams are that we find a cure for that terrible disease
- like to tell people: if it's good for autonomy, it's good for human drivers, and if it's good for human
- We've asked for more: five for the barrier.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- more for.
- vans, one for Miami and the other for Tampa.
- We set a very high standard for ourselves because all of us on staff— Even those who didn't have the
- They were all powered by Hope Florida this year for the first time.
- And that's appealing for... ...participating in hands-on training for high-paying careers.
Summary:
The committee took up SB 116 by Senator Burgess, a veterans bill aimed at several FDVA-related changes. The bill would reduce annual nominations to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame from 20 to 5, expand FDVA’s survey work to assess veterans’ awareness of available programs and their health literacy, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot, strengthen coordination and reporting between Veterans Florida and FDVA, direct FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities statewide, and allow the Florida Veterans Foundation to use a portion of Gadsden flag plate proceeds for administrative costs. Senator Burgess said the measure builds on prior “Forward March” efforts and helps close service gaps for aging veterans and others who may not know about available benefits.
Testimony on SB 116 was uniformly supportive. FDVA leadership said adult day health care could be added at existing facilities such as Port St. Lucie and Lake City, and that the state would need authority and funding to move forward. A veterans legal collaborative, AARP Florida, and Endeavors all voiced support, with speakers emphasizing the importance of better outreach, mental health awareness, and care options that allow veterans to remain at home. The committee then voted favorably on SB 116.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to agency and stakeholder presentations. Florida National Guard officials described a high operational tempo, deployments at home and abroad, hurricane response efforts, and the need to grow the force and infrastructure. FDVA’s adjutant general reported Florida now has the nation’s second-largest veteran population, rising in-migration of younger veterans, a large and aging Vietnam-era population, strong claims and outreach activity, declining veteran homelessness, and improved suicide prevention outcomes. The Florida Veterans Foundation outlined its emergency relief, dental, transportation, and license-plate-funded programs, while Veterans Florida and CareerSource Florida detailed workforce, apprenticeship, SkillBridge, entrepreneurship, and job-fair programs for veterans and spouses, along with efforts to expand recurring funding and better protect customer information.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So the estimated completion for this project is the spring of 2027, and we hope that it stays on track
- mental health facility for high acuity youth in detention.
- various phases of design for that facility, and it was going to be a co-ed facility, high and low risk
- If we fail to create these two additional facilities for young women and also the high-acuity treatment
- Uh, but we reviewed 233 juveniles for high-acuity needs.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But they would not qualify for that. For the top 10%.
- So we have a separate population for automatic admit. for non-automatic admitted Texans, one for international
- That's for sure.
- What it does is unique, not just for El Paso, but for the state.
- those things. designed for for the programmatic and curricular things.
Bills:
HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125
Keywords:
higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- For those aids? Thank you for the question.
- , but there is flexibility within that term for high-impact targeting support.
- I would like to thank Senator Cory Simon for leading the way with this bill and the Florida High School
- Michelle, please call the roll on CS for CS for CS for SB 1070.
- And by your vote, CS for CS for CS for SB 1070 is reported favorably.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably.
Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope these numbers demonstrate the high stakes of investing in STEM education.
- </c> graduate from high school and go on for graduate from high school and go on for further further
- Thank you for your time, and I hope you will consider supporting House Resolution 9.
- I work for a school that we do high school, and we can't pay for tests when funding falls down because
- do high school y we for a school that we do high school y we can't<04:59:11.680><c> pay</c><04:59:11.840
Summary:
The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read.
Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671.
After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 5th, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill could support repurposing facilities for high cost, high-demand CTE pathways and fostering
- Um, we hope to have a, uh, full-time instructor for both high schools and have well over 100 students
- are prepared for high-demand jobs.
- Grades a high school grade if it's counting toward a high school graduation requirement and a grade for
- course that is part of a cert certificate pathway for high-wage, high-growth jobs.
Keywords:
fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations, higher education, LGBTQ studies, DEI studies, program prohibition, educational policy, HB120, Texas, Texas Education Code, public universities, public colleges, queer studies, gay studies, lesbian studies
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, at $5 a transaction, that seems really high for the use of it.
- The ones that I'm aware of, everybody's been offered hurricane property insurance for an extremely high
- I thank you for your time, and I just hope that you can kind of dial it back and look at this from a
- I thank you for your time, and I just hope that you can kind of dial it back and look at this from a
- they get scheduled in 2026 those hope they get scheduled in 2026 those are<00:50:20.040><c> for</c><
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing support from state boards, agencies, and industry groups. SB 102 (restaurants) had one supportive testifier and no questions. SB 1367 SD1 (installment loans) drew support from DCCA and other boards, but the chair raised concerns about a proposed $5 debit-card convenience fee, saying it seemed high and suggesting it might be amended downward; DCCA said it would check with industry on the likely impact. SB 1373 SD2 (administrative licensure action against sex offenders) received broad support from DCCA and multiple professional licensing boards, including psychology, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, nursing, optometry, barbering and cosmetology, the Hawaii Medical Board, and HPD.
The committee then heard SB 1142 SD1 (insurance proceeds), which was supported by DCCA, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, while State Farm offered comments and the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed. Testimony focused on insurance access after the Lahaina wildfires and the need to address underinsured homeowners. The committee also discussed SB 144 SD2 (stabilization of property insurance), with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, and comments from the Attorney General and DCCA Insurance Division about revising the financing structure and correcting bill language. Opponents and reservationed supporters argued the bill may not help if applicants can still obtain coverage at very high prices, while supporters said it would expand market capacity and provide a safety net as climate-related losses continue.
Finally, SB 253 SD2 (condominium reserves) received support from Hawaiʻi Realtors, CI, and several individual testifiers. Supporters said it would enforce existing disclosure requirements under Act 199 and improve reserve funding transparency, while one individual argued stronger enforcement and an ombudsman-style office would be more effective. The chair reminded testifiers to stay on the bill at hand. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.