Video & Transcript Research : 'testimonials'
Page 189 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Testimony and member discussions must adhere to the contents of the bill.
- Please begin your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's so good to be back here.
- Chair, uh, Kelsey, thank you for your testimony.
- I think I, first of all, thank you for your testimony.
- Caroline Palmer: Oh, I'm actually not offering testimony.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Testimony and debate is conducted on the pending amendments.
- Is there any public testimony? We don't have any? Okay.
- Vice Chair, please conduct the public testimony portion on this bill as amended.
- That concludes public testimony on the amendment. We are in debate.
- That concludes public testimony. Is there a debate on the bill? Any debate?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program.
The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill).
The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
SPEED Task Force (STF) - Tue Jan 6, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, testimony is closed.
- Seeing none, testimony is closed.
- Seeing none, testimony is closed. Seeing none, testimony is closed.
- move on to inperson testimony. move on to inperson testimony.
- With no other testimony, the testimony section is now closed.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/12/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, I hereby close the public hearing. for your testimony so anyone Reon to for your testimony
- It's in the written testimony.
- past I don't need to read that testimony past I don't need to read that testimony but<03:55:07.720
- remember the last time but his testimony remember the last time but his testimony went<05:42:26.440
- like that. testimony for you and I also have some testimony for you and I also have some some<05:58:
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you all for being here today, and we're going to start off with testimony from our Kai...
- Today we're going to start off with testimony from our Kai Kloepfer, founder and CEO of Biofire, Biofire
- Again, thank you for your testimony.
- So that's the first portion of my testimony dealing with bias.
- And I appreciate the testimony from the representative from the ACLU.
Summary:
The commission met for its fourth hearing on emerging firearm technology, focused on personalized firearms and related privacy issues. Co-chairs noted the commission’s charge to study personalized firearm incentives, risks from digital manufacturing codes and AI, and the costs of requiring personalized firearm and microstamp technologies, and said the report deadline is being extended to July 31. They also announced the next public hearing for April 17 at 11:00 a.m., limited to Massachusetts residents.
The first witness, Kai Kloepfer of Biofire, described the company’s personalized 9mm smart gun and argued it is designed to prevent unauthorized use through biometric authentication, local encrypted data storage, no wireless connectivity, and automatic disarming when released. He said Biofire opposes any mandate requiring personalized firearms, calling such mandates a de facto gun ban that would stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and burden a still-developing market. He said the company has a patent portfolio, has received thousands of pre-orders, is shipping in all 50 states, and is approved for sale in Massachusetts; he also said the gun costs about $1,500, is currently sold online, and is intended mainly for home defense. Members questioned him about sales, manufacturing, battery life, repairability, transfer of ownership, possible expansion to other firearms, and whether microstamping could be incorporated.
A Massachusetts firearms roster official, Michaela Dunn, explained the state’s testing and approval process for handguns and confirmed that the Biofire firearm is now on the Massachusetts roster and commercially available for retail sale in the state. Kate Crockford of the ACLU of Massachusetts testified only on facial recognition, warning that commercially available systems show significant demographic bias and that Massachusetts lacks comprehensive biometric privacy protections. She urged passage of pending data privacy and biometric privacy bills, including the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and related measures, before any broader use of biometric verification in firearm laws. Commissioners discussed privacy concerns, and Biofire said its system is zero-knowledge and would likely comply with stronger biometric privacy laws. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported beyond the scheduling announcement and the extension effort.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, is there public testimony on this bill? Seeing no public testimony, is there debate?
- Chair: Seeing none, is there public testimony on this bill?
- Seeing no further public testimony, members, any debate?
- Seeing none, are there any public testimonies on this bill?
- Seeing no further public testimony, members, any debate?
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no.
The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for that testimony. Members, are there questions for Ms. French?
- Thank you for your testimony. Members, are there questions for Mr. McDonald?
- Thank you for your testimony. Members, are there questions of this witness?
- There was no testimony there. Have you talked with them? I deal with them all the time.
- For that testimony, members, are there questions for this witness?
Bills:
HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40
Keywords:
power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, we'll move on to testimony. Oh. Yeah, Representative Garcia Hernandez.
- Uh, there being none, public testimony is closed. Thank you, members.
- Uh, there being none, public testimony is closed. Uh, thank you, members.
- There being none, public testimony is closed. Uh, thank you, members. I close.
- Uh, there being none, public testimony is closed. Thank you, members.
Bills:
HB104
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 25th, 2025
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/18/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- , Leah Gardner, welcome to the State and Local Government Committee, and you may begin with your testimony
- Thank you, Miss Gardner, for the testimony.
- Uh, members, any questions or testimony.
- Thank you. are done with their testimony in the are done with their testimony in the other<00:09:54.640
- Magnus, for your testimony. Um, members, any questions or comments on the bill? Senator McCoy.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you very much for your testimony.
- Thank you very much for your testimony.
- Thank you very much for your testimony.
- Thank you very much for your testimony.
- thank you very much for your testimony thank you very much for your testimony uh<01:47:52.920>
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, Vice Chair Sparks moves to limit public testimony in today's hearing to two minutes.
- general guidelines of five to six minutes for their testimony.
- On your page 4, because I heard the testimony, you said 7 out of...
- Anyway, thank you for your testimony.
- Thank you for that testimony, Senator Kochhorst.
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, she really wants to see testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. All right.
- Any member testimony. All right.
- Uh good morning chairs testimony? Yes.
- <01:25:38.560>
All your testimony? Kathy Wheeland. Yep. All your testimony?
Bills:
HF604, HF1972, HF578, HF1951, HF629, HF864, HF874, HF1155, HF884, HF2365, HF643, HF234, HF2655, HF2637, HF2535, HF2530, HF2344, HF584, HF524
Keywords:
airport funding, bonds, transportation, capital investment, Karlstad, community center, Breckenridge, state bonds, economic development, HF578, Faribault, River Bend Nature Center, bonding bill, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR grant, nature center, visitor center, environmental education, multicultural center
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 18, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Public testimony. Chair Koster: Tripp Hunter, Florida Farm Bureau, in support.
- We do have some public testimony. Benjamin Stearns, Florida Insurance Association.
- Seeing none, no public testimony. Debate on the amendment or are we debating on the bill?
- Public testimony. Amy Diaz, Business Law Section of the Florida Bar, in support.
- You guys always do a great job, especially when people don't want their 30 seconds of testimony to be
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Nov 5th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be taking public testimony after the presentation.
- If not, we would at this point proceed to public testimony.
- If not, we would at this point proceed to public testimony.
- However, we have nobody signed in to give public testimony.
- that's been heard today, you can provide written testimony and you can send those comments online to
Summary:
The JLARC I-900 Subcommittee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on special education services, focused on comparing student needs, district identification practices, and funding. Auditors said Washington does not appear to under-identify any particular population for special education, though districts face ongoing challenges with identification, documentation, staffing shortages, and inconsistent referral tracking. They explained that their analysis used statistical models because the true prevalence of disabilities is unknown, and found Washington districts generally clustered near the national average, with little evidence that any demographic group was systematically under-identified.
The audit also found that special education funding has historically been insufficient, with districts collectively covering about $500 million in costs not paid by state or federal sources, and that districts spent about 26% more per student than they received in funding. Auditors noted recent legislative changes that removed the special education enrollment cap and changed the safety net process, but said it was too soon to assess their effects. Their recommendations to OSPI included clarifying what counts as an official special education referral, requiring districts to report referral data even when no evaluation follows, and ensuring the new statewide data system is developed with district input, training, and possibly a mandate for uniform use.
OSPI staff said they concurred with the report and appreciated the work of the auditor’s office and JLARC. During member questions, Representative Paulette raised concerns that the audit did not directly examine prevalence of specific disabilities, such as autism and dyslexia, in vulnerable populations or compare Washington’s identification practices to medical and peer-reviewed prevalence data. Auditors responded that medical prevalence is not known in a systematic way, that educational eligibility differs from medical diagnosis, and that the report’s conclusions should not be read as proving no populations are under- or over-identified. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency May 7th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- have registered to testify, there will be a time limit of two minutes per witness during the public testimony
- Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony, I appreciate it.
- We'll proceed to testimony. The chair calls Steve Kennard. Thank you for being here today.
- Thank you for your testimony. Members, do you have any questions of the witness?
- Parker helped co-lead that council, where the benefits of AI use in Texas were showcased in previous testimony
Keywords:
HCR 141, House Concurrent Resolution, NASA, Houston, Space City, Johnson Space Center, Mission Control, Apollo 11, moon landing, aerospace, commercial space, space exploration, Texas Space Commission, space policy, federal resolution, memorial resolution, Congress, Washington D.C., headquarters relocation, space industry
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:05:05.880>
of um and you heard testimony of um and you heard testimony of of<01:05:07.760 - I know it's always better to have in-person testimony.
- So, with that, I will entertain any public testimony here.
- And again, I appreciate your testimony.
- Kudos to Director Shannon and appreciate your testimony. Thank you.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- You know that the testimony is limited to three minutes.
- You can always send written testimony to us, and I also want to just acknowledge and thank my committee
- So I recently provided written testimony in support of those bills.
- Next, we're going to switch over to virtual testimony from Dr. Miriam Kamaromi.
- Chair, I first just wanted to thank you for your testimony.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities.
Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts.
Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon.
Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee heard testimony from AP of Vermont.
- The committee did hear testimony from the sole crypto kiosk operator in Vermont.
- <00:17:50.720>
from The committee did hear testimony from The committee did hear testimony - <00:54:19.680>
This <00:54:19.920>amendment, to take testimony. - This amendment, to take testimony.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reading by Theo Novak, a student and Vermont Poetry Out Loud finalist, followed by several announcements, including a welcome for the guest speaker and a reminder about a freshman legislator gathering and the day’s corporate cup road closures. The House then postponed action for one legislative day on Senate Bill 208, relating to law enforcement identification; Senate Bill 212, relating to portable water supply and wastewater system connections; and House Bill 639, relating to genetic data privacy.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 648, banking, insurance, and securities. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee presented Senate amendments and its own further amendments, including clarifications to consumer reinvestment reporting and a proposal to extend and then effectively end the moratorium on new cryptocurrency kiosks in Vermont. The committee described extensive testimony and data on crypto kiosk fraud, money laundering, and consumer losses, and also added a new licensing framework for merchant cash advance providers. Ways and Means reported the fiscal impact would be very small. After a brief question about the $1 million exemption threshold for commercial financing, the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with further amendment thereto.
The House also passed Senate Bill 243, distributing funds to the Vermont Language Justice Project, in concurrence with proposal of amendment. It then took up Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee described updates to the definition of tobacco substitutes, creation of a wholesale licensing system under the Department of Liquor and Lottery, tighter controls on online sales, and bans on deceptive products that resemble school supplies, food, smartphones, inhalers, or video games. The committee heard testimony from health, enforcement, industry, and advocacy witnesses and voted 11-0 in favor. Human Services then proposed a strike-all amendment to the committee report, with further consideration to continue.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Tart, please introduce yourself for the tape and proceed with your testimony. consideration.
- Tart, please introduce yourself for the tape and proceed with your testimony. Okay.
- . testimony. testimony.
- <00:31:57.880>
of <00:31:58.000>our testimony might answer some of our testimony might - Did I take your testimony correct? Did I take your testimony correct? Mr. Radovich.