Video & Transcript Research : 'appointment process'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/20/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • These provisions add greater transparency about the background studies process.
  • uh it updates some of studies process uh it updates some of the<00:19:53.919> uh<00:19:54.080
  • So this is just clarifying that they are appointed separately.
  • So this is just clarifying that they are appointed separately.
  • So this is just clarifying that they are appointed separately. Thank you. Any discussion on the A1?
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Finance (02/10/2026)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:47:58.960> uh<00:47:59.040> that process Medicaid pendings. uh that process Medicaid
  • Chairman, I'd like to invite Lance Turjan, the court-appointed receiver for New Hampshire Interlocal
  • Vance Turjan, the court-appointed receiver for New Hampshire Interlocal Trust.
  • <01:13:51.280> of to tr I started beginning process of to tr I started beginning process of
  • And it would require this process.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 5/5/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate respectfully requests that a conference committee be appointed.
  • The Senate has appointed to such committee Senators Latz, Urdahl, Utke, Bigham, and Limmer.
  • <00:10:07.920> The conference committee be appointed.
  • The conference committee be appointed.
  • > such<00:10:09.880> committee Senate has appointed to such committee Senate has appointed
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and approved the previous day’s journal. It then moved through routine business including second reading of Senate File 4612, first reading of House Files 5112 through 5118, and a Senate message stating the Senate would not concur in House amendments to Senate File 4760, a public safety bill, and requested a conference committee. Representative Novotny moved that the House accede to the Senate’s request, and the motion prevailed. The Speaker appointed Representatives Novotny, Witty, Moller, and Feist to the conference committee on Senate File 4760. The House also approved non-controversial motions on the desk. During member announcements, Representative Buck marked National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day, citing state data on missing Indigenous persons and homicides and noting Minnesota’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and related license plate funding. Members were encouraged to wear red in recognition of the day. Representative Long announced Democratic caucus plans after session, and Representative Niska announced the Rules Committee would meet after adjournment and moved to adjourn until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026; both adjournment motions prevailed.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Education Policy and Administration (03/10/2025)

Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you. transparent informed process for all of transparent informed process for all of our<01:03:
  • The rules were passed through the proper process, but the process left out the key voice of educators
  • The rules were passed through the proper process, but the process left out the key voice of educators
  • The rules were passed through the proper process, but the process left out the key voice of educators
  • The rules were passed through the proper process, but the process left out the key voice of educators
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislation provides a clear and consistent process. This is backwards.
  • So this bill streamlines a lot of that process and reduces some of the cost.
  • go forward as it is, not take up these bills, and not delay the process anymore.
  • , the process that I just described that takes almost two years takes three to six months.
  • But the pole attachment process has to be fixed for that investment to benefit end users.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session May 2nd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • to that process.
  • subject to that process.
  • HB 5238 by Lopez, relating to the criminal offense of disrupting a meeting or procession.
  • This ensures fairness and transparency in the handgun license application process.
  • And that’s what your investment trustee or your investment manager is appointed to do.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others. Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Sep 11th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We need these processes. Mr.
  • Process for each program.
  • So how long does that process take? Is it a three-month process? Is it a six-month process?
  • So the revision process.
  • Commission appointments.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Confirmations Committee Feb 19th, 2025

Confirmations

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, we're going to take it slow today, and Kelly and Vicky are going to walk through the process.
  • Do any of you have anything that you would like to say to the committee or about your confirmation process
  • ...confirmation process to the Board of Trustees at the University.
  • have to say anything, but if you have anything that you want to say to the committee about your appointments
Keywords: 923, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-02 (11:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And what is that process? Does your bill speak to that process? Response: Yes, it does.
  • Is that what you're saying is going to happen in this process?
  • We don't know how long that process is. And you know what?
  • It doesn't even matter how long that process is because the school...
  • How long that process is, and you know what?
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage. The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur. The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 28th, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • They can make a call in that process.
  • I'm talking about the exemption process, the process which is what this bill is about.
  • Through the birth certificate process.
  • They are going to start that process.
  • We actually left most appointments; we left three pediatric appointments from three different pediatricians
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/25/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • Why would a commissioner who's appointed by a governor go after another that's appointed by a governor
  • Why would a commissioner who's appointed by a governor go after another that's appointed by a governor
  • Why would a commissioner who's appointed by a governor go after another that's appointed by a governor
  • to ensure due process.
  • under the process.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor & Commerce Dec 5th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • As they’re being drawn through that process, we lose momentum.
  • And also, is there an appeals process?
  • Is there an appeals process? Yes, there is an appeals process. And how does that work?
  • Is the problem with the self-insured process, or is it also the state-insured process?
  • . members, those who gave all their time to this process.
Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And ultimately, I and other people with disabilities were appointed to the committee that wrote the third
  • On the positive side, though, we did get a much more accessible vaccination process as a result of community
  • sure some of the ones that we have with us today—but some health care policymakers, elected and appointed
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process. Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support. In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 25 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Calendar item number 441, the third reading of the bill: An act regarding the appointment of special
  • but in nearly all of our districts, afraid to leave their homes to attend work, school, doctor's appointments
  • And it's a hundred million dollar commitment for the billions of dollars that have been processed through
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF. The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3. The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Human Services Committee Mar 25th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, when counsel is appointed to represent minors in dependency proceedings, they are expected
  • the legal rights of a nonminor dependent are fully respected by clarifying the responsibility of appointed
  • Also during the process, my mom got ill.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of foster care, benefits, housing, and poverty-related bills. AB 373 would require appointed counsel for nonminor dependents in dependency proceedings to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute counsel’s judgment; supporters said it would respect autonomy for foster youth ages 18 to 21, and the bill passed 4-0, later updated to 6-0 and then 7-0 as absent members were added. AB 42 would exempt merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, and fellowships from income calculations for CalWORKs and CalFresh and align the two programs’ exclusions; student and anti-poverty advocates said it would prevent students from losing benefits when they pursue education, and it passed 6-0, later updated to 7-0. AB 534 would encourage transitional housing providers serving foster youth to move from leasing to owning properties by extending contract terms and improving access to financing; witnesses said ownership would improve stability and reduce landlord barriers, and it passed 4-0, later updated to 7-0. AB 562 would require counties below the state average for family placements to use a family-finding checklist and best-practice support; supporters emphasized family-first placements for foster youth, and it passed 6-0, later updated to 7-0. AB 661 would direct the Department of Social Services to develop an implementation plan for a permanent statewide guaranteed basic income program; supporters described positive results from pilot programs and the bill passed 5-2, later updated to 7-0. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all without opposition.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 25th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • session I ask the advice consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments
  • Koch for appointment to the advisory committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on offenders with
  • work in a legislative office during the session and are able to gain insight into the legislative process
Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • RECENTLY SOMEONE WAS APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA.
  • HOW ON EARTH THIS IDIOT GOT APPOINTED TO BE ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY IS A QUESTION
  • LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING THROUGH THIS IN THE PROCESS.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, nearly 76% of claims are processed within 30 days.
  • Today, nearly 76% of claims are processed within 30 days.
  • And part of the change has been to the eligibility process.
  • We've streamlined the process.
  • Application processing times will slow as capacity is strained.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing. Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity. The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hereby appoint the I hereby appoint the honorable Michelle Fischbach to act as Speaker pro tempore
  • And it's why many Americans have lost confidence in our electoral process.
  • You have reminded us all that education truly is a lifelong process. Mr.
  • The Court returned the power to protect the unborn to elected officials and not to an appointed court
  • are living the indignity and the trauma of... ...living the indignity and the trauma of inhumane processing
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • The application process begins in early November, usually ending in mid-December.
  • Appointments are available for those who are working individuals.
  • > in<00:06:37.600> early The application process begins in early The application process
  • Appointments<00:06:50.600> are<00:06:50.760> available<00:06:51.880> uh<00:06:51.960
  • > for<00:06:52.160> those Appointments are available uh for those Appointments are available
Summary: The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide. Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify. After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.