Video & Transcript Research : 'Alabama Code Title 37'
Page 191 of 500
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill No. 21, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code...
- Senate Bill No. 231, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to school social workers,
- Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill No. 342, an act to amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code relating to
- House Bill 460, an act to amend Title 9 of the Delaware Code relating to building permit information,
- 11 and Title 16 of the Delaware Code relating to child sexual abuse material.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened, read committee reports, and assigned House Bill 89 with House Amendment 1 and House Bill 393 with House Amendment 1 to the Senate Finance Committee. It then adopted Consent Calendar 64, which included resolutions recognizing Take Our Children to Work Day, Juneteenth, National Farmers Day, Invisible Disabilities Week, Stonewall Uprising Remembrance Day, National Nonprofit Day, and two property-assessment working group resolutions. The calendar passed by a unanimous roll call, and the chamber heard remarks supporting Juneteenth, Delaware agriculture, invisible disabilities awareness, and the nonprofit sector.
The Senate passed the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates in Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, and approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget in Senate Bill 335 after extended debate on budget growth, recurring costs, health care, education, public safety, retiree obligations, and fiscal restraint. It also passed Senate Bill 336, the one-time supplemental appropriation bill, which includes one-time investments such as a $100 million transition toward a weighted education funding formula, election support, early childhood education, classroom projects, lead remediation, and campaign finance modernization. Several members praised the budget process and staff, while others cautioned against future spending growth.
Among policy bills, the Senate passed House Bill 369 to codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, House Bill 268 to increase penalties for assaulting postal workers, House Bill 374 to require workforce reporting on large public works projects, Senate Bill 253 with House Amendment 1 to standardize school bullying parental-notification procedures, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 342 to modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission, House Bill 402 to extend Clean Air Act Title V permit fees, and Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1 to streamline Environmental Appeals Board timelines. The Senate also began consideration of House Bill 293, which would add hate crimes to the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, but the transcript cuts off before its vote is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:28.440>
the <00:37:28.680>problems <00:37:29.640>and <00:37:29.880> - :37:33.200>
serve <00:37:33.480>us <00:37:33.680>well <00:37:33.880>into < and <00:37:42.160>um <00:37:42.560>I <00:37:42.640>think <00:37:42.839>- 37:50.560>
your <00:37:50.680>testimony <00:37:51.480>thank <00:37:51.720>you - of the committee<00:37:55.240>
thank <00:37:55.440>you <00:37:55.560>for <00:37:- 37:50.560>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1770 reiterates that all arbitration claims be conducted pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure,
- I think the title says a lot, and we're all with you at this point.
- Menopause does not care about your education, your zip code, your job title, duty statement.
- So I did a bill in 2022, Age-Appropriate Design Code Act.
- You may have two separate code sections with similar, though not identical, requirements.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill.
AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations.
The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/03/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And read the resolution, its title, and call on Senator Brisport. >> There will be an immediate meeting
- Read the title and call on Senator Cleare.
- Senate Print 8688A, Cleare, an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
- Secretary will read. >> Senator Rolison moves to discharge from the Committee on Codes Assembly Bill
- Senator Brouk moves to discharge from the Committee on Codes Assembly Bill 7345A and ...
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no.
The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber.
The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators.
Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we're moving the manufactured housing licensees to Title 37, and then the last major piece of
- So it moves it out of title of... have several cards here, present willing to provide information.
- right we've got a couple questions representative Tarver thank you mr. chairman so it moves it out of title
- So it moves it out of Title 37, whatever you said. Yeah.
- If it makes you feel any better, there's only one thing in the Napoleonic Code that fits the definition
Keywords:
bulletproof vests, body armor, peace officers, law enforcement funding, police equipment, officer safety, local police, sheriff's office, municipal police, parish law enforcement, grant fund, special fund, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, criminal justice, protective gear, NIJ standards, USMCA, small agencies, public safety, Act 739
Summary:
The House Committee on Appropriations met on May 18, 2026, and considered four Senate bills. SB 143 would create a special protective equipment fund for bulletproof vests for peace officers, with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement to regulate distribution; an amendment was adopted to standardize fund language, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 367 would create the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund and direct remaining severance tax revenue from sand and stone mining into it; an amendment was adopted to align it with HB 802, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Members discussed the bill as a way to support watershed and flood-related restoration efforts, including the Amite River Basin.
SB 388 would authorize review of state contracts involving foreign adversary nations or terrorist organizations and remove a trigger clause from a prior law; members noted it carried no fiscal note and that the Division of Administration said the review could be done at no cost. The bill was reported favorably. SB 398 would reorganize manufactured housing regulation by moving oversight from the fire marshal’s office to the Contractors Board, consolidating residential housing oversight, moving licensees to Title 37, and increasing inspection rates statewide; an amendment was adopted to conform fund language, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we're moving the manufactured housing licensees to Title 37, and then the last major piece of
- So it moves it out of title of... measure you're pretty good at least when it's cutting up logs present
- right we've got a couple questions representative Tarver thank you mr. chairman so it moves it out of title
- So it moves it out of Title 37, whatever you said. Yeah.
- If it makes you feel any better, there's only one thing in the Napoleonic Code that fits the definition
Summary:
The House Committee on Appropriations met on May 18, 2026, and considered four Senate bills. Senate Bill 143 would create a Special Protective Equipment Fund to finance bulletproof vests for peace officers, with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement to regulate distribution; an amendment standardizing fund language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Testimony and cards in support came from law enforcement groups and the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.
Senate Bill 367 would create the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund, depositing remaining severance tax revenues from sand and stone mining after constitutional allocations; an amendment was adopted to align it with House Bill 802 by adding reporting and appropriation language, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Support was noted from the Louisiana Concrete Association and Chiefs of Police, and members discussed flood-related concerns and broader watershed restoration goals.
Senate Bill 388 would authorize review of state contracts involving foreign adversary nations or terrorist organizations and remove a trigger clause from a prior 2023 law. The sponsor said the review could be done at no cost, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 398 would reorganize manufactured housing regulation by moving oversight from the fire marshal’s office to the Board of Contractors, consolidating residential housing oversight, moving licensees to Title 37, and changing inspection procedures; an amendment to conform fund language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (3-5-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
well <00:37:04.480>I <00:37:04.599>was <00:37:04.720>just <00:37:04.839><- /c><00:37:06.960>
rules <00:37:07.359>give <00:37:07.520>a <00:37:07.720>20%< - 37:12.640>
thank <00:37:12.839>you <00:37:13.040>but <00:37:13.400>my <00: - was<00:37:14.960>
in <00:37:15.440>that <00:37:15.839>situation <00:37:16.839>- 00:37:37.359>
to <00:37:37.520>do <00:37:37.680>it <00:37:38.440>um <00:37 - 00:37:37.359>
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 202, adopting a committee substitute before hearing testimony. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the substitute would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate regulations by January 1, 2026 for intoxicating hemp-derived beverages, direct the University of Kentucky to study manufacturing, testing, distribution, sales, and consumer effects of those beverages, and impose a moratorium on their sale until July 1, 2026. Supporters, including Rep. Matt Cook, said the measure was intended as a consumer-protection step rather than a ban, citing concerns about youth access, inconsistent labeling, and the need for a clearer regulatory framework.
Members asked about the legal status of the products, whether the bill could unintentionally sweep in non-intoxicating hemp beverages, and whether there was evidence of harm. Senators were told the products are legal under the federal farm bill loophole, but that testing has shown THC levels on sampled cans did not match labels and that current regulations do not specifically address intoxicating hemp-derived beverages. Senator Higdon said CHFS had already been authorized to regulate hemp products and was moving forward with regulations and enforcement, while Senator Meredith questioned whether a moratorium would unfairly punish businesses that had already invested in the market and suggested setting a THC standard instead.
Public testimony then shifted to industry opposition. Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp said his company had invested heavily in a beverage line and argued the moratorium would function like a ban and harm small businesses. Dee Taylor of 502 Hemp and the Kentucky Hemp Association also opposed the moratorium, saying existing rules already require age limits, behind-the-counter sales, and licensed retailers, and arguing that a cap on milligrams would be preferable to a shutdown. He said retailers were seeing approved and unapproved products in the market and urged work with the Cabinet and ABC rather than a moratorium.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:37:02.480>
and <00:37:02.720>you'll <00:37:02.960>get <00:37:03.119>just <00:37:09.280>I <00:37:09.520>looked <00:37:09.760>up <00:37:09.920>a - :37:13.359>
up, <00:37:13.680>you <00:37:13.760>know, <00:37:13.920>before <00:37:15.440>morning, <00:37:15.680>just <00:37:15.839>to <00:37:16.000>- to kind of give<00:37:16.320>
you <00:37:16.480>real <00:37:16.720>world <00:37: - :37:13.359>
Keywords:
felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/10/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 37:16.200>
I've <00:37:16.359>seen <00:37:17.000>where <00:37:17.280>either - at<00:37:19.480>
the <00:37:19.599>house <00:37:19.760>or <00:37:19.960>the< - where<00:37:29.880>
the <00:37:30.319>uh <00:37:31.319>message <00:37:31.760>- :37:33.280>
been <00:37:34.280>accused <00:37:34.720>of <00:37:34.960>or - ><00:37:40.359>
our <00:37:40.640>agency <00:37:41.160>and <00:37:41.280>the< - at<00:37:19.480>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I was raised just a few hours north in Birmingham, Alabama, and spent my formative years visiting family
- recruitment and retention of qualified instructional personnel, especially in our rural communities. $37
- million for the Center for Nursing at the University of South Florida, which includes... $37 million
Bills:
S1694
Keywords:
technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (6-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:37:01.680>
their <00:37:01.920>recruiting <00:37:02.560>and <00:37:02.800> - >
things <00:37:03.680>that <00:37:03.920>take <00:37:04.160>place <00:37: - :37:10.880>
to <00:37:11.040>say <00:37:11.520>thank <00:37:11.760>you <00 - :37:16.480>
two <00:37:16.640>of <00:37:16.800>those <00:37:17.040>which - <00:37:17.520>
Oval <00:37:17.920>SK <00:37:18.400>obviously <00:37:19.280>
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00:00
Discussion of Nickels and School Facility Funding 00:02:13
Economic Development Projects in Elizabethtown and Hopkinsville 00:29:33
Correspondence and Reports Received 01:09:25, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Kentucky Department of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission on school facilities funding. Staff explained the main funding sources used for school construction and renovation, including the mandatory “nickel” property tax levy, growth and equalized growth nickels, the equalized facility funding nickel, the Fort Knox/BRAC-related nickel for Hardin County, and the recallable nickel that districts can adopt locally. They also described the state equalization formula, noting that local construction costs have risen and that state support is formula-driven rather than a dollar-for-dollar match.
The SFCC outlined how unmet facility need is calculated through district facility plans, which are developed locally with community, staff, and board input and then reviewed by KDE staff for consistency and reasonableness. The commission said it will update the statewide unmet need report this fall, adopt it in December, and provide the figure to the committee in January 2026. It reported that the statewide unmet facility need was about $7 billion in 2023, with about $951 million in local revenue available, and said its offers of assistance are paid as debt service over eight years. The commission also said the most recent legislative offer of assistance was its smallest since SFCC’s creation in 1985, and requested an additional $60 million for the next biennium.
Members asked about how districts use nickel tax levies, who determines facility need, whether the process includes physical inspections, and how bonding capacity affects offers of assistance. Staff said nickel levies are generally adopted with regular tax rates, that facility need is locally developed but reviewed by KDE, and that KDE project managers and district-hired architects review plans on paper rather than through in-person inspections. They also explained that bonding capacity can affect a district’s ability to use or receive assistance. Questions were also raised about federal funds tied to earlier KIX grants and about districts with zero remaining offers of assistance; staff said most grant-funded projects are underway or complete, and that a zero balance means a district has spent its available assistance. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :01.599>
gets <00:37:01.839>into <00:37:02.079>a <00:37:02.240>car <00:37: - <00:37:20.400>
I <00:37:20.560>do <00:37:20.640>have <00:37:20.720>an - them,<00:37:32.640>
hey, <00:37:32.960>this <00:37:33.119>is <00:37:33.200>< - is what we're looking<00:37:33.839>
at <00:37:34.480>and <00:37:35.119>and <00:37 - <00:37:39.680>
I <00:37:39.839>mean, <00:37:40.000>we <00:37:40.320>have <
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 106 Apr 30th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Code rules relaxed. Mr. Shoffler, please read the title of all the bills on the consent calendar.
- Code rule is abolished. Mr. Schoffler, please read the title to House Bill 1313.
- Seeing<01:37:34.960>
none, <01:37:35.119>the <01:37:35.280>question <01:37:35.360 - >
the <01:37:44.239>title Minister Shofflin, please read the title Minister Shofflin, please - read the title of<01:37:44.560>
House <01:37:44.719>Bill <01:37:44.960>1283.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Amendment to Substitute Amendment, bar code 5-6-3088 by Senator Smith.
- Amendment to substitute amendment, bar code 16178, by Senator Polsky.
- Semino gaming had a 47% rate, and Sands Casino Gaming had only a 37% rate.
- The amendment pertains only to physician specialty titles and does not restrict anyone's use of titles
- by practitioners who are not qualified to use those titles.
Summary:
The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. After routine business, the Senate took up several special-order bills.
The first major bill, transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses. An amendment added penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing and required law enforcement to notify suspects of those penalties. The bill passed 37-0. The Senate then passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours and holiday access to care and setting network standards for Medicaid managed care plans, also by a 37-0 vote.
The chamber next considered a major condominium and cooperative associations bill responding to post-Surfside safety and financial concerns. Senators described the measure as balancing building safety with financial relief, extending reserve-study deadlines, allowing temporary reserve relief after inspections, tightening oversight of managers and inspectors, and adjusting voting, resale, and reserve rules. After extensive debate and praise from members for the bill’s sponsors and staff, the bill passed 37-0.
The longest discussion centered on a constitutional amendments/petition process bill aimed at curbing fraud in citizen initiative petitions. Sponsors argued that the 2024 petition process was plagued by fraud and identity theft and proposed tighter rules for circulators, faster submission deadlines, voter notification, penalties, and limits on petition handling. Senators offered and adopted multiple amendments, including changes to petition-circulator definitions, invalid-signature thresholds, and voter notification procedures. After a substitute amendment was withdrawn, the Senate continued debating the underlying amended bill, with members split between concerns about election integrity and worries that the bill would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizen initiatives to qualify.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the human services finance bill, HF2434 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:12.720>
that's <00:37:13.119>going <00:37:13.280>to <00:37:13.640> - The<00:37:19.200>
reality <00:37:19.680>is <00:37:20.320>I've <00:37:20.720>< - home employees<00:37:24.800>
my <00:37:25.119>entire <00:37:25.440>career <00:37 - And<00:37:27.839>
now <00:37:28.160>in <00:37:28.400>this <00:37:28.640>this< - that<00:37:39.280>
would <00:37:39.440>be <00:37:39.599>disrespectful <00:37:
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :37:48.839>
not <00:37:49.040>restricted <00:37:49.560>funds <00:37:49.880>but - but the but<00:37:50.359>
the <00:37:50.440>funding <00:37:50.720>on <00:37:50.839 - <00:37:53.119>
is <00:37:53.560>is <00:37:53.800>restricted <00:37:54.280>to< - primarily<01:37:40.920>
um <01:37:41.920>and <01:37:42.119>again <01:37:42.520>- <01:37:46.440>
is <01:37:46.960>uh <01:37:47.159>you <01:37:47.280>know <01 - <01:37:46.440>
Summary:
The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process.
A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities.
Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , construction, and forestry with 26 locations throughout the Carolinas and Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
- Our business is Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
- Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and reported favorably several bills. SB 386, by Sen. Trumbull, would create consumer rights and manufacturer obligations for defective farm equipment, modeled on lemon-law concepts, and passed without opposition. SB 528, also by Sen. Trumbull, would strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector through Department of Commerce responsibilities, a chief manufacturing officer role, workforce grants, and reporting requirements; it drew questions about whether it differed from last year’s bill and was supported by several appearance forms before passing favorably. SB 806, a right-to-repair bill for portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most testimony: supporters said it would expand consumer choice and repair access, while dealers and industry representatives argued existing manufacturer agreements already provide access and warned the bill could disrupt dealer/manufacturer relationships and future technology; it nevertheless passed favorably.
The committee also approved SB 696 on trademark registration, which would modernize the trademark classification system, allow online applications, and clarify document verification procedures, and SB 930, which creates a 15-member Florida Retirement Savings Task Force to study retirement coverage gaps and recommend policy options without imposing employer mandates. SB 826, by Sen. Leak, would address reward cards that function like gift cards but expire, while excluding loyalty programs; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association raised concerns about unintended consequences and the need for tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said the language would be refined. SB 874 would expand professional licensure reciprocity for experienced out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, and it also passed favorably.
After a pause, the committee took up CS/SB 838 on electronic payments of retail installment contracts. Sen. Yarbrough said the bill clarifies that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, provided they are disclosed and a fee-free option remains available, to reduce ambiguity and litigation. Members questioned whether the bill could authorize or expand fees and whether the “reasonable” standard was sufficiently clear; the sponsor said the fees are tied to processor costs and are not intended as revenue. An amendment adding the word “retail” was adopted, and the committee substitute was reported favorably. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on bills they had missed, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
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a <00:37:06.720>lot <00:37:06.800>of <00:37:06.880> - <00:37:10.000>
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Keywords:
retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption
HI
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this <00:37:44.720>change <00:37:45.079>would <00:37:45.280>also - <00:37:46.720>
Island <00:37:47.000>lawmakers <00:37:47.480>to <00:37:47.680> - <00:37:53.680>
for <00:37:53.880>four <00:37:54.480>months <00:37:55.480> that <01:37:38.800>I <01:37:38.920>believe <01:37:39.239>is <01:37:39.760- ><01:37:42.000>
I'm <01:37:42.080>going <01:37:42.199>to <01:37:42.480>defer<
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings.
The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.
NH
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