Video & Transcript Research : 'program participant'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 01/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- the opportunity to participate remotely. the opportunity to participate remotely.
- programs and support. programs and support.
- financial program from HR1. financial program from HR1.
- in the program.
- program was designed here in Minnesota. program was designed here in Minnesota.
Summary:
The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed.
The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA, WLA DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The program is modeled on other programs that have been used successfully in states on the continent.
- <00:31:53.440>
or programmed or programmed or planned<00:31:56.080>to <00:31:56.240> - community input community participation community input community participation or<00:58:26.319>
- pilot programs also become permanent. pilot programs also become permanent.
- Appreciate it. worked out and programs um adjusted. worked out and programs um adjusted.
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt.
Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:36 am
House Health & Human Services
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC DEFER, JDC Public Hearings 02-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It authorizes non-injection drug users to participate in the program and modifies liability for program
- users to participate in the program and users to participate in the program and modifies<00:45:10.200
- >
liability <00:45:10.680>for <00:45:10.920>program modifies liability for program - modifies liability for program participant<00:45:12.079>
staff <00:45:12.319>and <00:45 - <00:46:08.040>
for <00:46:08.280>a program participant is not liable for a program
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript.
The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors.
During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- It simply allows faith to be able to be expressed in these programs.
- Programs are voluntary. It's not imposing religious belief, and anybody... Programs are voluntary.
- This is a voluntary program.
- This is a voluntary program.
- in the APD program.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced four member bills. CS/HB 303 would require nurses to complete the existing two-hour human trafficking prevention course before initial licensure, rather than waiting until renewal; the sponsor said this closes a gap for new nurses, and supporters from the Florida Nurses Association and other groups said it would improve early identification and reporting of trafficking victims. Members asked whether the bill changed reporting duties, and the sponsor said it did not. The bill passed unanimously, 24-0.
PCS/HB 1069 would treat independent sanctioning authorities as qualified entities for background screening purposes and allow an unscreened athletic coach to work only if directly supervised by a screened coach. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families and youth sports organizations while keeping children safe, and members discussed how it would apply to Little League and whether disqualifying offenses would still bar work with children. The bill received support from several organizations and passed 25-0.
HB 491 would allow batterers intervention programs to offer voluntary faith-based content alongside required cognitive behavioral therapy, without mandating participation. Supporters argued the bill restores options for clients seeking faith-based counseling and said it does not use taxpayer funds or impose religion; members emphasized the voluntary nature of the program. The bill passed 24-0. HB 569 would change how the Agency for Persons with Disabilities organizes forensic client services by grouping clients based on clinical needs rather than legal charges, which the sponsor said would improve efficiency and reduce duplication. The agency and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported the bill, and it also passed unanimously, 24-0. The committee then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/31/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill simply initiates the secure container replacement program with the understanding that the program
- 42.720>
program <00:10:43.040>will understanding that the program will understanding that - . program. program.
- priority for them to participate in. priority for them to participate in.
- broadening participation. broadening participation.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- and how can we en encourage program and how can we en encourage greater<01:14:01.040>
participation - greater participation for them? greater participation for them?
- Well, if technology is a barrier for a district to participate in this program, if you could let me know
- programs, programming, the innovative programs, the<01:19:56.480>
driver <01:19:56.800>penalty - uh as it relates back to other programs. uh as it relates back to other programs.
Summary:
The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained.
The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- We participated in the task force.
- We participated in the task force.
- The program forwards it they live.
- The program forwards it forwards<02:23:34.960>
participants <02:23:35.600>first <02:23:35.840 - Section six prohibits discrimination against program participants and, in the author's amendment, we
OR
Transcript Highlights:
- , legislative participant, in the appointments process.
- At the same time, we were slashing programs in the schools across the state.
- She's participated in curriculum adoption... ...years of experience in our classrooms.
- She's participated in curriculum adoption, mentored new teachers, taught summer STEAM programs, and worked
- with tribal offices to deliver summer programs for Native youth.
Summary:
The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy.
The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate.
The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas has utilized LPPF programs across the state since 2013.
- The programs are a conservative method of drawing down federal dollars to help fund Medicaid without
- Until recently, small rural communities were unable to participate in LPPFs by nature of having only
- So this local provider participation fund support has been supporting these 3 rural hospitals for about
- funds are reported to the state and provides great transparency in the program.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (05/04/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- register as ISO New England wholesale market participants, which frankly is...
- They don’t have a good site on site, and so we created this program to enable that.
- <00:27:41.800>
in staff here, some of the participants in staff here, some of the participants - So, I'm just grateful for your work. >> And again, we have some of the participants here.
- So, I'm just grateful for your work. >> And again, we have some of the participants here.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass.
Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0.
Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/17/26 - Part 4
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely per call.
- So this bill is specifically requiring like all universities to come up with their own type of program
- So the programs that are being given by the university are all science-based. That is a program.
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. >> Kawhi Bercow vote.
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating The clerk will close the roll. >> There being
Summary:
The House first considered a motion to take House File 2133 from the table, described as the tax vehicle bill. Representative Law opposed the motion, saying it was last year’s tax vehicle and not the agreed-upon bill for this year. The motion was nondebatable, a roll call was taken, and it failed on a 67-67 tie.
The chamber then received a Senate message returning House File 4492, a veterans-related bill, with Senate amendments. Representative Bliss moved concurrence, and Representative Mueller explained that the amended bill included REACH Act and literacy-related provisions, including technical changes, expanded disability access language for the deaf and hard of hearing community, revisions involving the dyslexia community, and transparency around literacy material review. Representative Clardy described the bill’s teacher-preparation and early literacy components, and Representative Jordan noted it also provides high school diplomas to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars who were unable to complete them because of service.
The House concurred in the Senate amendments, then took up third reading and final passage of House File 4492 as amended. The bill passed unanimously, 134-0, and its title was agreed to. Afterward, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, and the House recessed.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Jul 7th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- He became a leader in his program.
- People in those programs.
- Haven for Hope, we have over 5,000 participants who enter the program as homeless, and then almost 5,000
- program.
- And as you stated, we transferred our programs over. Do we have any ongoing programs?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a Federal Farm Service Agency program.
- community grant program. community grant program.
- , under the program, under the program, uh<00:30:04.560>
requiring <00:30:05.240>in-person - , to the status of the program, to the status of the program, the<00:32:18.760>
DNR <00:32: - We currently have um there is program.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (04/09/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- in Medicaid to schools program.
- in Medicaid to student participation in Medicaid to schools<00:05:31.880>
program. - . program. program.
- They participate in the Medicaid to Schools program because there is a severe lack of behavioral health
- in the Medicaid to schools participate in the Medicaid to schools program<00:33:27.919>
and <00
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 34, which would require parental consent for each new service provided to a student through the Medicaid to Schools program and require reports to legislative policy committees. Senator Ruth Ward said the bill was intended to increase transparency, protect parental involvement, and ensure continuity of care, especially for students with disabilities. She also noted a proposed amendment she received shortly before the hearing that would change the bill’s focus from a “new service” to a “new care plan.”
Representatives from the New Hampshire Primary Care Association and Amoscake Health testified that they opposed the bill as written but would support it with the amendment. They explained that tying consent to individual diagnosis codes or services could be burdensome, could delay care, and could create compliance problems if a diagnosis changes during a visit. They said the amendment would better align consent with the overall care plan and avoid interrupting treatment mid-appointment. Committee members raised questions about how the bill would interact with IEPs, individualized health plans, homebound services, telehealth, billing, and whether the amendment would still require parental involvement after a care plan changes.
The deputy Medicaid director from the Department of Health and Human Services testified that the amendment was more operationally feasible because Medicaid billing involves many ICD-10 codes that can change or overlap, and consent should be tied to the care plan rather than to each code. He said the current law already requires parental consent for participation in the Medicaid to Schools program and annual consent for billing, but the bill would make explicit consent for care-plan changes. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and the committee appeared to continue discussion with DHHS after the testimony.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1016 is not about people who choose not to participate.
- I still believe in Care Act as a voluntary program.
- The program already has low utilization rates.
- Maybe they need to get into a different outpatient program.
- , a program that is unique in the nation.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (10-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a large program.
- It's a large program. Every about. It's a large program.
- the program. the program.
- . participate. participate.
- agriculture programs. agriculture programs. >> Representative<01:07:08.240>
Evans.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:24
Approval of September 18, 2025 Minutes: 00:02:03
Discussion on the Condemnation of Agricultural Land: 00:03:12
Discussion on the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative: 00:50:00
Adjournment: 01:19:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value.
Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict.
Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- , and our one-of-a-kind scholarship programs.
- Our work has a profound impact on the community programs that we assist.
- It would establish the player health program.
- . $18,000 of their personal wealth as a government program.
- Have you participated in any gambling event?
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/12/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We have before you today a similar program called Continuous Living Cover, which is a program that works
- <00:03:55.079>
that living cover which is uh a program that living cover which is uh a program - is an uh an economic development program is an uh an economic development program uh<00:04:58.240
- operate the S Tech internship program operate the S Tech internship program sech<00:21:19.080>
- or competitive grant programs.