Video & Transcript : 'dependency' :

Page 193 of 500
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • gratitude for having known such an extraordinary young man, Dominic was someone his teammates could depend
  • Every home, school, hospital, and business depends on reliable water depends on reliable water infrastructure
  • She has been a dependable source of kindness and joy for Hoosier students.
  • Speaker, we need to ensure that we are not dependent on our adversaries for our national security.
  • Um, depending where revenues are, it could be 21. That's this year. So, let's just use 20%.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • His mother, Andy, says he's always been dependable.
  • SNAP benefits were held hostage politically in November for working families who depended on that money
  • being business-oriented, we're going to suffer greatly because they depend on those SNAP monies for
  • being business-oriented, we're going to suffer greatly because they depend on those snap monies for
  • Again, it changes depending on your district and depends on the exact kid, but the average per pupil
Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, received an invocation focused on grief and remembrance, and heard several special presentations recognizing a brave child, visiting groups, and multiple student-athlete teams and school groups in the galleries. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. The main business was consideration of the Joint Committee report on Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriations bill, presented by Chairman Caldwell-Trey. Most of the floor time was spent on extended questions about the budget’s major features. Caldwell-Trey explained the bill as a largely flat or modestly increased budget that includes a $200 million transfer to a new sovereign wealth fund, $225 million in set-asides, a $12.5 million “dream accounts” program for newborns, and funding tied to teacher pay, education, workforce, public safety, agriculture, and health agencies. Members questioned the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses, the reduction in state contributions to the OPRS pension system, Medicaid assumptions, emergency management funding, veterans’ services, child care, school counselors, and the lack of funding for some requested items such as National Board Certified Teacher stipends and veterans’ facility maintenance. Caldwell-Trey defended the budget as transparent, early, and designed to preserve cash reserves while supporting core services. No final vote on the appropriations report is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The House also heard explanations that the limits bills would be run later in committee, and that the budget negotiations were still ongoing with the Senate and governor on some related items. The session ended with the queue closed after the budget questioning, and the transcript cuts off during additional remarks from Representative Timmons.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

March 11, 2026 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let me say that again: members, the right to vote should not depend on whether someone can afford to
  • And members, this just says that we should depend on the accountability of human judgment rather than
  • So why are we, again, I'm not getting the answer, I guess I'm looking for why are we not depending on
  • Broward County, like most areas, depends on tourism, real estate, transportation, health care systems
  • So the answer to the question would be, it would depend upon the university or the college.
Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections. The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4. The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Policy - 03/02/26

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So who do they have to depend on? People. People who can read it.
  • So who do they have to depend on? People. People who can read it.
  • So who do they have to depend on? People. People who can read it.
  • So who do they have to depend on? People. People who can read it.
  • Activities can range from 10 to 50 points depending on the depth of the activity.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Education Policy Committee Feb 25th, 2026

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • on the funding so that we can depending on the funding so that we can keep<00:27:35.279><c> making</
  • Their income and future prosperity depends on how well we do in K-12 education and get them set up.
  • Workforce demands depend on the students that we're producing here.
  • Economic long-term growth depends on how well we prepare students here.
  • The future of Alabama and social stability depends on how well we prepare students here.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:52 am

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bless our state, our communities, and the families who depend on us and the decisions that we make here
  • Speaker and generally, I guess it all depends on the circumstances around that contract.
  • Speaker and generally, I guess it all depends on the circumstances around that contract.
  • on additional general fund... ...for members, really that that depended on additional general fund,
  • Communities depend upon it. Mr.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • sustainability was to explore the opportunity to have this generate some income so it’s not grant dependent
  • sustainability was to explore the opportunity to have this generate some income so it’s not grant dependent
  • It will also depend<00:42:31.520><c> on</c><00:42:31.839><c> what</c><00:42:32.079><c> type</c><00:42
  • :32.240><c> of</c><00:42:32.480><c> existing</c><00:42:32.960><c> supports</c> depend on what type of
  • existing supports depend on what type of existing supports that<00:42:34.160><c> they</c><00:42:34.319
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee to study long-term managed care met to approve the prior meeting minutes, with a clarification that “OB3” referred to the “one big beautiful bill.” The minutes were then approved. Chair Jim Kofalt outlined the day’s agenda, which included testimony from the Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, the New Hampshire Association of Counties, and later DHHS. He also noted that future meetings were expected soon and that the meetings were being livestreamed on YouTube. Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, represented by Kellyanne Totten and Amy Moore, urged inclusive planning and a cautious, phased approach if managed care is considered. They emphasized that home care providers are not uniform, with different licensing and service models, and said any pilot should include varied provider types, rural and southern regions, and agencies of different sizes. They warned that workforce shortages, inflation, and a possible 9% CMS cut to Medicare home health payments could force agencies to reduce service areas or service types. They also said the 2023 Medicaid CFI rate increase has begun to lose its effect. In response to questions, they said the rural health transformation fund may help with planning and telehealth but likely cannot be used directly for rates or recruitment/retention. They also described the New England Home Care Nurse Residency Program, a Department of Labor grant, as a way to bring new registered nurses into home care with added training and school partnerships. The New Hampshire Association of Counties, through county nursing home administrators Craig Labore and David Ross, revisited the earlier Step Two managed care discussions from 2016-2018. They said prior consultants found the long-term services and supports system was underfunded and needed investment to stabilize providers and expand community-based care. They argued the same concerns remain today and said a managed model would jeopardize the Medicaid quality incentive payment program and, for county nursing homes, the proportionate share payment program. Their testimony was generally opposed to moving forward with managed long-term services and supports without significant additional funding and safeguards.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • But<00:21:28.000><c> u</c> But u But u depending<00:21:30.000><c> on</c><00:21:30.159><c> what</c><00
  • on what you plan to do with depending on what you plan to do with the<00:21:31.679><c> bill</c><00:21
  • And depending on how many children were inside there, you would have a corresponding number of junior
  • on how many children were depending on how many children were inside<00:51:03.680><c> there,</c><00:
  • So, it sort of depends upon the nature of the camp.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit municipal amendments to the state building code and move New Hampshire toward a more uniform statewide code. Senator McConi and several supporters, including the Josiah Barlo Center for Public Policy, the State Fire Marshal, the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, argued that local variations create confusion, raise housing costs, and make compliance harder for builders operating in multiple towns. The Fire Marshal said the goal is a single state building and fire code with only limited administrative amendments at the local level, not technical changes, and noted that municipalities could still seek exceptions through the Building Code Review Board if needed. The chair explained that a similar House bill was already moving forward with fire code and administrative amendment language, and members agreed that retaining SB 94 would avoid conflicting bills. The committee then voted to retain SB 94 by roll call, 13-0, with no minority report. The committee then took up Senate Bill 30, which would designate the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s state marsupial. Senator Fenton presented the bill as a light-hearted measure inspired by Chesterfield School fourth graders, who had submitted written testimony and supported the idea. Members discussed the bill in a humorous but mostly supportive way, with one member objecting that it trivialized the legislature, while others said it could help engage students in the legislative process. The committee voted ought to pass on SB 30, 11-2, and agreed to place it on consent with no minority report. Later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, concerning youth camp cabins and state fire/building codes. Senator McConi said the bill would exempt new residential cabins in youth recreation camps from sprinkler requirements and allow them to omit electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, while requiring any such systems that are present to comply with state code. He said the measure was intended to resolve recurring interpretation problems that have caused expense and uncertainty for camp owners, and he praised work with the Fire Marshal’s office to reach a workable compromise. Representative Schmidt asked about cabin sizes and whether larger cabins with multiple occupants would still be safe; the senator explained that camps typically use counselors, drills, and supervision, and that the people behind him could answer more detailed questions. The transcript cuts off before the hearing concludes or any vote is taken on SB 95.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Legislative Administration (04/16/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • It depends on what means by which anything is coming to the state.
  • It depends<00:54:46.480><c> on</c><00:54:46.880><c> what</c><00:54:47.200><c> means</c><00:54:47.440>
  • depends on what means by which anything is<00:54:48.559><c> coming</c><00:54:48.720><c> to</c><00:54
  • </c><00:56:37.520><c> again</c><00:56:37.760><c> on</c> member because um it depends again on member
  • because um it depends again on who's<00:56:38.319><c> chairing</c><00:56:38.640><c> it</c><00:56:38.880
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Legislative Administration Committee opened with Senate Bill 197, which would remove the Department of Health and Human Services commissioner’s supervisory role over the legislative facilities committee nurse and instead place the nurse under the Board of Nursing’s scope of practice. The sponsor’s aide and DHHS legislative director explained that the change updates outdated language last amended in 1995, aligns the statute with current practice, and was reviewed with legislative staff and nursing regulators, who were said to be comfortable with the proposal. Members asked why the change was needed and whether the commissioner had actually been supervising; the response was that the language no longer reflected how the position functioned. The chair said the bill might still be a simple consent item, but additional modifications were being discussed, so the hearing was closed with no vote taken at that time. The committee then heard Senate Bill 186, authorizing the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display a portrait of former Senator Jeb Bradley in the State House. The sponsor’s aide described Bradley’s legislative and congressional service and urged the committee to move the bill ought to pass. Members asked practical questions about whether the portrait was completed, its size, and where it would be hung. The witness said the portrait was not yet completed and that size and placement had not been determined, though the committee was told the historical committee would decide placement. A committee member noted that portrait sizes and locations are already being reviewed because of space concerns, and the hearing ended without a vote. A work session followed on the portrait bills, with the chair using them as a vehicle to discuss broader problems in the statutes governing portraits and the historical committee. He said the committee had gathered information from other states and suggested possible policy ideas such as portrait moratoriums, waiting periods after death, size limits, and clearer placement rules. Members discussed the need to update the RSAs and better define the historical committee’s authority. The committee did not take final action during the work session, but the discussion indicated that the portrait bills may be held while broader statutory revisions are considered.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/25

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • crops such as corn to reduce a dependent crops such as corn to reduce a portion<00:27:05.640><c> of<
  • Representative Anderson, I think that depends on your side.
  • Representative Anderson, I think that depends on your side.
  • Representative Anderson, I think that depends on your side.
  • Representative Anderson, I think that depends on your side.
Bills: HF1704
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge you to support these services like people's lives depend on it, because they do. Thank you.
  • Hi, my name is Judy Kegg and I am an unpaid family caretaker, and I have three dependents. ...that depend
  • Folks, well-being and quality of life depend on your decision.
  • And he also puts them in a category that makes them dependent on the... Correct. Correct.
  • My success, safety, and health are dependent on the decisions you make.
Bills: SB1, SB 1
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Informational Briefing 01-07-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Depends on what you need, but yes, it does offer, uh, like a minimal of some people in there go there
  • Yep, just kind of depends on what they are, but it's just for the day.
  • It's 20 now with qualifications, and then they would provide that service, just depending on what depth
  • Each assessment can last from about an hour and a half to roughly 2 to 3 hours, depending on the need
  • on the need and the type of um depending on the need and the type of discussions<00:52:16.440><c> having
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • coverage for vulnerable Californians, and providing time to find better solutions for communities that depend
  • We supported food banks, legal services, and critical safety net programs that many Californians depend
  • disastrous policies, and it's taking steps to defend the medical infrastructure that Californians have depended
  • Renewing this tax is critical to keeping Medi-Cal intact for the nearly 15 million Californians who depend
  • This is critical to keeping Medi-Cal intact for the nearly 15 million Californians who depend on it for
Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • coverage for vulnerable Californians, and providing time to find better solutions for communities that depend
  • We supported food banks, legal services, and critical safety-net programs that many Californians depend
  • disastrous policies, and it's taking steps to defend the medical infrastructure that Californians have depended
  • Renewing this tax is critical to keeping Medi-Cal intact for the nearly 15 million Californians who depend
  • This is critical to keeping Medi-Cal intact for the nearly 15 million Californians who depend on it for
Keywords: 988, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • in a wide spectrum, ranging from intellectual disability to severe life-threatening conditions, depending
  • Almost all patients will live a life completely dependent on others for their care and safety.
  • “And that would be primarily dependent on the rate of utilization?”
  • “It would…” “Primarily depending on the rate of utilization? It would.
  • It just depends on what we're trying to address now: the cost, the affordability of it.
Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 23 with a quorum present and first deferred HB 1142. The committee then heard HB 1187, which would direct any excess Louisiana Citizens emergency assessment funds, after related debt is paid, toward the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program or future Citizens debt. Representative Sawyer and Commissioner Tim Temple said the bill would likely redirect about $50 million in one-time surplus funds and would help expand a popular roof-mitigation program that has already awarded more than 4,600 fortified roofs. The bill drew support from several witnesses and was reported as amended without objection. Next, HB 1210, dealing with insurance claim disputes and a pre-suit review process for Louisiana Citizens claims, was discussed. Representative Dana Henry said he was voluntarily deferring the bill and instead pursuing a study resolution after hearing concerns from members and stakeholders. Department and Citizens officials said the proposal was modeled on Florida’s process and could help resolve disputes faster and cheaper, but the bill was ultimately voluntarily deferred after testimony and some opposition cards were noted. The committee then took up HB 1199, which requires coverage for genetic testing and treatment related to SCN2A-associated disorders. Representative Jordan and the Diedon family gave emotional testimony about their daughter Emily’s diagnosis and the importance of timely genetic testing. The bill was amended to require that testing be ordered by a provider and deemed medically necessary by the health plan, with discussion about whether a neurologist should be involved; members said that issue could be refined later. HB 1199 was reported as amended. Finally, the committee considered HB 880, the Louisiana Artificial Intelligence Insurance Fairness Act, which would regulate AI use in underwriting, rating, and claims. After a lengthy discussion about state insurance regulation, McCarran-Ferguson, and concerns that the bill could jeopardize federal broadband funding, Representative Jordan voluntarily deferred HB 880, and HB 920 was also deferred. The committee then heard HB 1221, which would limit the policy data collected for the Louisiana Fortified Program Fund. Former Representative Bowler argued the bill was needed to protect policyholder privacy, while the Department of Insurance and Commissioner Temple said the data is needed for surplus-lines premium tax audits, fraud detection, and consumer assistance after disasters. The discussion continued with questions about what data would be visible and how it would be used, but the transcript ends before a final action on HB 1221 is shown.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • But if the microbial environment and then everything up the food chain to the apex predators all depends
  • We have some cities and counties that depend on private water companies, investor-owned, some that are
  • We have some cities and counties that depend on private water companies, investor-owned, some that are
  • They disrupt union jobs and the technical capacity California depends on.
  • California's ability to protect the environment, respond to contamination, and steward natural resources depends
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Rural Issues Mar 25th, 2026

Special Committee on Rural Issues

Transcript Highlights:
  • The fact is, much of the infrastructure we enjoy today and depend on has been built on the backs of rural
  • The fact is, much of the infrastructure we enjoy today and depend on, has been built on the backs of
  • "I think it depends, because it's a disparate set of questions.
  • "I think it depends, because it's a disparate set of questions.
  • I think it depends, but in general, yeah, I think they avoid that.
Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues heard House Bill 3375, sponsored by Rep. Koslow, a broad eminent domain reform measure aimed at protecting landowners, especially farmers and ranchers. The bill would create protections for beginning farmers and ranchers, require 15 days’ notice before surveyors enter property, extend the response period in eminent domain cases from 10 days to 60 days, bar eminent domain for wind and solar facilities, require land restoration and maintenance after construction, increase compensation to 125% of fair market value in certain cases, add tax-liability compensation, change treatment of heritage and blight-related compensation, and allow attorney’s fees when a landowner wins a higher award than the condemning authority offered. Members raised concerns about the bill’s scope, its effect on energy development, and several drafting and implementation issues, including surveyor access, maintenance standards, and whether the bill could create conflicts with existing attorney-fee provisions. The sponsor said he was open to changes and noted that an HCS would address some drafting errors and feedback. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, a landowner/banker, and attorney Brent Hayden, who argued that landowners are often pressured into quick, low offers and should be treated as partners rather than obstacles. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency, due process, compensation, and restoration standards, and that it would not stop infrastructure development. Hayden described current eminent domain practice as giving landowners little leverage over route selection or restoration and said the bill would create needed discipline for condemning authorities. Several supporters also defended the wind-and-solar restriction as a response to the amount of land those projects can require and to concerns about using eminent domain for generation projects. Opposition came from the Missouri Energy Development Association, municipal utilities, and MoDOT. Opponents said they agreed some reforms may be reasonable but warned the bill, as written, could increase costs, delay projects, and create litigation risk that would ultimately be passed on to customers and taxpayers. MoDOT said the fiscal impact could be substantial, potentially doubling annual right-of-way spending. Utility representatives also cautioned that the bill could conflict with existing attorney-fee rules and should be aligned with compromise language from other legislation. The hearing ended without a vote or committee action, with the sponsor and witnesses indicating further negotiations and possible revisions were expected.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • the entire fleet and the vehicle is fully autonomous and the human has no role, in some respects, depending
  • on the facts of the case, it can be simpler than having then a human driver... ...depending on the facts
  • If these vehicles depend on remote assistance to function properly, then that support must be reliable
  • whatever it takes to get from the... and it's usually, those contracts are usually five to ten minutes, depending
  • Curtis, and hear what you have to say, and then depending upon when the chair gets back, he may have
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with the chair emphasizing that all panel testimony would be heard before public comment. The first panel included an industry representative from AVIA, a George Mason University professor, a Dawn Project representative, and a crash survivor. Testimony sharply divided between supporters who said AVs and driver-assist systems can reduce crashes and create jobs, and critics who argued that current systems are unreliable, rely on unsafe remote assistance, and are being deployed without enough transparency or accountability. Committee members questioned witnesses about safety data, the distinction between Level 2 and Level 4 systems, remote operations, liability, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger reporting requirements. The second panel focused on first responders and workers. A retired San Francisco Fire Department official described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access, and said remote hotlines have been too slow to resolve incidents, urging a public-safety manual override for police, fire, and paramedics. A San Jose police deputy chief said law enforcement sees AV safety potential but needs clear authority, training, and standardized protocols to handle traffic violations and emergency interactions. A San Francisco rideshare driver described near-collisions, red-light violations, and congestion caused by robotaxis, calling for fines, permit suspensions, and better public access to incident data. A Teamsters representative criticized DMV’s proposed heavy-duty AV rules as too permissive, especially for 80,000-pound autonomous trucks, and argued for independent validation, operational limits, and legislative action if regulators do not act. In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials described California’s existing AV regulatory framework and defended the state’s oversight. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings, and is now developing a fourth package that would expand reporting, strengthen enforcement, and require AVs to respond to emergency geo-fence messages and law enforcement direction. DMV also noted current permit counts and past suspensions and revocations, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC began outlining its role in regulating passenger service for hire. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only, and the committee chair indicated the testimony would inform future policy and legislation.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • the entire fleet, and the vehicle is fully autonomous and the human has no role, in some respects, depending
  • Depending on the facts of the case, it can be simpler than having a human driver and trying to ascertain
  • If these vehicles depend on remote assistance to function properly, then that support must be reliable
  • whatever it takes to get from the... and it's usually, those contracts are usually five to ten minutes, depending
  • Curtis, and hear what you have to say, and then, depending upon when the chair gets back, he may have
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, focusing on safety, regulation, first responder impacts, and the state’s evolving oversight framework. The chair said the committee would hear all panels before public comment, with witnesses limited to five minutes and public commenters to one minute. The first panel featured an industry representative, a safety academic, and victims/advocates who described sharply different views of AV safety and accountability. Ariel Wolf of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that fully autonomous vehicles are distinct from driver-assist systems, said AVs are already reducing crashes and fatalities, and urged clear, uniform standards. Dr. Missy Cummings countered that remote operations and computer-vision failures show the technology still depends on human intervention and can be unsafe, especially when remote assistance is done from abroad. Robert O’Dowd and Dylan Angulo, both tied to Tesla crash cases, described fatal and serious injuries involving Autopilot/Full Self-Driving, criticized limited transparency and data access, and called for stronger disclosure, preservation of crash data, and mandatory fixes or disabling of defective software. Committee members questioned witnesses about data comparing AVs to human drivers, the role of remote operators, liability, and whether California should create clearer standards for the human element behind AV systems. Several members and witnesses discussed the need for “guardrails,” black-box-style data access, and accountability for the remaining crash risk. The hearing then shifted to first responders and road users: a San Francisco Fire Department representative described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access during emergencies and urged a public safety manual override; a San Jose police representative said officers need clear enforcement authority, training, and reliable ways to stop or redirect AVs; a rideshare driver described near-collisions and congestion caused by robo-taxis; and a Teamsters representative opposed proposed heavy-duty AV truck rules as too reliant on manufacturer self-certification and lacking independent validation. In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials defended California’s regulatory structure. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings and permit types, and is developing a fourth package that would add reporting, enforcement tools, emergency-response requirements, and rules for heavy-duty AVs. DMV said it has revoked or suspended permits when needed, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC said its authority covers passenger service only, requires safety plans and ongoing reporting, and continues oversight after permits are issued. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Neonicotinoid insecticide and insecticide-treated seed ban 3/11/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Neonics are devastating to soil macroinvertebrates as well as the avian population, which we all depend
  • It's a win for pollinators, pollinator-dependent farmers and beekeepers, Minnesota's environment, and
  • <00:41:50.480><c> pollinator</c> win for pollinators, pollinator win for pollinators, pollinator dependent
  • <00:41:51.359><c> farmers</c><00:41:51.680><c> and</c><00:41:51.920><c> beekeepers,</c> dependent farmers
  • and beekeepers, dependent farmers and beekeepers, Minnesota's<00:41:53.440><c> environment,</c><00:41
Keywords: 1183, house