Video & Transcript Research : 'foundation'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Our bill builds on the foundation established by SB 20 by Senator Menjivar.
- Our bill builds on the foundation established by SB 20 by Senator Menjivar, which introduced strict safety
- Catalina Sanchez with the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, in support.
- Catalina Sanchez with the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation in support.
- Chad Hewitt with the California Community Foundation in support.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- the agency were deposited in our trust funds, and then $10 million was given to the Hope Florida Foundation
- a letter requesting public records related to the Hope Florida Initiative and the Hope Florida Foundation
- We also returned the federal share on the $10 million that was paid to the foundation.
- And are you still counsel to Hope Florida Foundation? Yes, ma'am, I am.
- What's your role with—which I couldn't hear—not the Hope Florida Foundation, but are you on the board
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large slate of appointments, with the main discussion centered on the confirmation of Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Harris testified about her background in state service and outlined agency priorities including Medicaid financial accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, behavioral health redesign, rural health access, workforce recruitment, and use of technology and AI. Senators questioned her extensively about the Hope Florida/Medicaid settlement controversy, opioid settlement-funded advertising campaigns tied to marijuana prevention and the 2024 Amendment 3 election, public records compliance, abortion reporting and enforcement under the Heartbeat Protection Act, managed care denials, value-based purchasing, and Medicaid funding pressures. After debate, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation, with Senator Polsky voting no.
The committee then considered Anna Ortega and Robert Payne for the Florida Public Service Commission. Ortega, a current PSC commissioner and former staff advisor, discussed utility regulation, data center load issues, ratepayer protections, transparency in PSC decisions, and lessons from other states. Payne, a former legislator and longtime utility co-op employee, emphasized his technical background and the need to balance utility returns with consumer affordability. Both nominees were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and recommended favorably to the full Senate.
Next, the committee heard from Jeffrey Aaron for reappointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission. Aaron described PERC’s role in public-sector labor disputes and said his work had been upheld in appellate courts without reversal. Senators questioned him about his law firm’s state contracts, his role as chairman of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s PAC, and his connection to the Hope Florida Foundation matter; he declined to discuss the pending investigation. Public testimony included opposition from Florida Voice for the Unborn. The committee nevertheless recommended his confirmation, with several no votes. Finally, the committee approved the remaining appointees on tabs 5 through 46 in a single vote, postponing Dr. John Littell and DCF Secretary Hatch, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- He's also a former board member of the Texas Southern University Foundation.
- I am involved in what's called the Navy SEAL Foundation.
- The foundation was actually started by a Texan, Robin King, and her husband Bill.
- My I am involved in what's called the Navy SEAL Foundation.
- The foundation was actually started by a Texan, Robin King, and her husband Bill.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing.
The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer.
Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- Your witness affirmation says Texas Family Foundation.
- But I believe that's the Texas Family Law Foundation. That's correct.
- It says you're with the Texas Family Law Foundation and you're... testifying against House Bill 3758,
- So, the foundation sees this as extremely problematic.
- Cox, you're with the Gladney Center and Family Law Foundation, and you are here for the bill.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This is Logan Brandon Braggdon from the Foundation for Florida's Future. And Logan, are you there?
- So it has been an honor to serve either through the foundation or now on the District Board of Trustees
- And I contribute that success to the foundation that I got at PHSC.
- And I contribute that success to the foundation that I got at PHSC.
- foundation for over 25 years.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/SB 270, which would extend Bright Futures eligibility by 12 months for certain students whose parent was serving overseas in public service and then retired, giving military and diplomatic families more time to return to Florida without losing scholarship eligibility. Senator Burgess also explained a late-filed amendment to set the bill’s effective implementation for the 2025-26 school year, and the committee adopted the amendment without objection. The bill received supportive testimony, including from Senator Smith, and was reported favorably by a roll call vote.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmation hearings for appointees to state college boards of trustees, with the chair emphasizing a new process of hearing from each nominee individually rather than taking a blanket vote. Nominees from Tallahassee State College, St. Johns River State College, South Florida State College, Broward College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and Valencia College described their backgrounds and priorities, which largely centered on workforce development, nursing and health sciences, dual enrollment, fiscal responsibility, student retention, and partnerships with local employers and communities. Several nominees highlighted their own educational or professional ties to the colleges, and some noted the importance of serving rural or military-connected communities.
One nominee, John Aloko for Pasco-Hernando State College, was not present because he was attending a conference in Hawaii and was deferred to a later hearing. After hearing all other nominees, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of the remaining appointees in a block vote, covering Tabs 2 through 22 except Tab 8, and the motion passed. Two members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on earlier items.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It directs the board to work jointly with the Foundation for the Museum of Black History, a nonprofit
- I would like to go on record with a second of support from Florida Memorial University Foundation.
- My name is Horace Horde, and I'm the chairperson of the Florida Memorial University Foundation, which
- In November, we established the foundation to support the museum's planning, design, and engineering.
- In November, we established the foundation to support the museum's planning, design, and engineering,
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met and took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with SB 262 on trust law technical changes. Senator Berman explained four clarifications involving trust decanting, successor trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community trust definitions; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SJR 174 and SB 176, which together would prevent certain homestead tax assessment increases when owners elevate flood-prone homes, and SB 180, a hurricane preparedness and response bill that included a strike-all amendment addressing FEMA reimbursement, mutual aid, hazard mitigation, and post-disaster rebuilding issues. Supporters from emergency management, beaches, counties, and local business groups testified in favor of SB 180, and it was reported favorably.
Members then approved SB 608, which renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, despite questions about cost and an appearance in opposition. SB 1002, dealing with utility service restrictions and local government limits on energy-related policies, drew opposition from Earthjustice and Florida for All over possible unintended consequences and fossil-fuel favoritism, but was still reported favorably. SB 466 on the Florida Museum of Black History generated extensive testimony, with strong support from St. Augustine, Florida Memorial University, pastors, local officials, and the museum foundation for locating the museum in St. Johns County; one witness argued for Eatonville instead, but the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also passed SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings after an amendment clarified local zoning review and added insurance and liability protections for design professionals. SB 582, increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, was reported favorably with support from preservation advocates. SB 1202, extending family health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training exercises, also passed without opposition. Finally, SB 1242 on community redevelopment agencies prompted the most debate: supporters argued CRAs can be valuable tools for affordable housing and redevelopment, while opponents warned the bill would effectively end all CRAs by 2045 and block new projects; after extensive discussion, the bill was reported favorably. At the end, senators recorded additional votes on several tabs, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Workforce committee considers HF961 2/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here today to share my support of House File 961, the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation
- I'm here today to express my support of House File 961, the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation
- I'm here today to express my support of House File 961, the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation
- <00:11:06.120>
appropriation <00:11:07.120>which <00:11:07.320>funds Foundation - appropriation which funds Foundation appropriation which funds proart<00:11:08.120>
programs <00
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1 does fully fund current law requirements under the Foundation school program.
- I mean, that's, this is all set by the foundation of school program statutes.
- Uh, it is a, it's a, it's a funding source for the foundation program.
- Uh, so that's the way the Foundation school program, uh, works.
- Now there are components of the Foundation school program that are enrollment-based.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, February 17, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, school foundation another 30 million. And yeah, that's the way I read that. I don't ...
- And<00:05:18.440>
so, <00:05:18.600>school <00:05:18.880>foundation <00:05:19.520 - >
another <00:05:19.760>30 And so, school foundation another 30 And so, school foundation - So, it says the school foundation program will experience an estimated revenue decrease from the 43 mil
- For the purpose of this analysis, the decrease in property revenue to the school foundation program is
Keywords:
landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Allowing these transfers undermines the foundational principles that guide the responsible management
- Allowing these transfers undermines the foundational principles that guide the responsible management
- Allowing these transfers undermines the foundational principles that guide the responsible management
- Allowing these transfers undermines the foundational principles that guide the responsible management
- Allowing these transfers undermines the foundational principles that guide the responsible management
Keywords:
education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The foundational pillars of EAC were taken from... Sorry, Emily, to interrupt.
- The foundational pillars of EAC were taken from the pilot program.
- So, like I said, those foundational goals we borrowed from the pilot program—these are kind of bigger
- The foundational pillars of EAS were taken from the pilot program.
- Housing is such a key foundational piece to successful employment.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination.
A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions.
The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee On Legislative Audits 06/17/2026 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Building on that foundation, OPRD has also initiated a project to replace our outdated asset management
- Accurate identification and tracking of our assets is a foundational element of responsible stewardship
- Building on that foundation, we are currently enhancing our supervisory review processes and reminders
- A new system will also provide an opportunity to reinforce foundational asset management principles during
- staff trainings and ...provide an opportunity to reinforce foundational asset management principles
Summary:
The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Audits met on June 17 for informational presentations. The Department of Administrative Services, through Chief Audit Executive Eli Ritchie, gave an overview of statewide internal audit requirements and the fiscal year 2025 report. He explained the difference between internal and external audit, described Oregon’s statutory and rule-based internal audit structure, and reported that 30 agencies had internal audit functions, with most meeting required standards. He said 73 audits and 49 advisory/consulting engagements were completed statewide, with strong compliance overall, though a few agencies were rebuilding audit committees after vacancies. No committee questions were raised after the presentation.
The Secretary of State’s Audits Division then presented its Government Waste Hotline annual report. Director Steve Bergman and audit manager Olivia Rekhed described changes made to align the hotline with statute, including renaming it the Government Waste Hotline, creating a review panel, improving anonymity protections, removing fraud reporting from the hotline’s scope, and adjusting reporting timelines. They said hotline volume increased modestly in 2025, most reports were referred elsewhere or closed for insufficient evidence, and two reports were substantiated, including questioned costs of about $856 for personal use of a state vehicle and about $2.9 million tied to the Preschool Promise program. Committee members asked about hotline staffing, cost, anonymity, and follow-up on findings; staff said the hotline is lightly resourced, uses a contracted intake service, and referrals or recommendations are followed up through management letters and later reviews.
The committee also heard an audit of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s safety inspections and asset tracking. The Secretary of State’s office reported that OPRD had not consistently conducted or documented quarterly OSHA safety inspections and had incomplete asset records, including missing acquisition dates and costs for many assets. The audit made eight recommendations covering safety inspection policies, asset management guidance, tagging, reconciliations, disposition controls, training, and a new asset management system; OPRD agreed to all recommendations. OPRD officials said they had already begun training staff, improving inspection procedures, and working toward a replacement asset system, while noting operational challenges from a large, dispersed park system and manual processes. Committee members asked about what kinds of assets are tracked, how tagging works, whether items were actually being lost, and how much tracking is necessary for low-value tools; OPRD said the main issue was inconsistent classification and documentation rather than widespread loss. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Joan Kinetti, VET Fund Foundation, in support, and California Spanish Chambers of Commerce in support
- Vet Fund Foundation in support. Vet Fund Foundation in support. Thank you.
- Here we today to testify on behalf of the bill, this is the chair of the Vet Fund Foundation, Julian
- Conte, and Tom Agostino from Aaron Reed and Associates, who represents the Vet Fund Foundation, VFW,
- Joint Kennedy, chairman of the Vet Fund Foundation, I also serve as President and CEO of the California
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Fox Foundation, our state government, research institutions, and many of our districts are committed
- Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Patrick LaSaso, President of Parkinson's Community Los Angeles
- Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Welcome. Welcome to the California Assembly.
- Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Patrick LaSaso, President of Parkinson's Community Los Angeles
- Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Welcome. Welcome to the California Assembly.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims.
On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes.
The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Dec 9th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- There's another branch of the FPCA, which we are very proud of, and that's our foundation: the Florida
- Police Chiefs Education and Research Foundation.
- And in 2020, the Board of Trustees for the foundation decided that they would focus on programs that
- The Board of Trustees for the foundation decided, again, that they're going to focus on our officers
- The foundation launched a campaign called Save a Hero’s Life, and through this campaign we support the
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on domestic security and public safety priorities from Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison and Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Rebel. Sheriff Harrison outlined Florida Sheriffs Association priorities, including reclassifying xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance with a veterinary-use exemption, expanding enforcement of pretrial release violations beyond domestic violence cases, providing tuition-waiver benefits for sheriff’s office personnel, advancing the Jason Rainer Act to increase penalties for violent offenses against law enforcement, extending sex-offender residency restrictions, improving access to mental-health-related databases, and continuing support for fusion centers and Florida model jail standards. Members asked questions about xylazine’s veterinary use, canine detection, and public records burdens on small agencies; no votes were taken on these items.
Chief Rebel focused on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s role in disaster response, officer training, and wellness. He described the association’s coordination through the state EOC and regional deployments during hurricanes, then emphasized officer suicide and the need for statewide wellness resources, peer support, and accessible behavioral health care for first responders. He also referenced prior PTSD benefits legislation and urged continued support for the PCIS program and other wellness initiatives. Committee members discussed related resources such as dispatcher support, the Restore program at UCF, hyperbaric chamber treatment for PTSD, and canine support organizations.
On domestic security funding, Rebel said FPCA does not have a specific bill package but wants to preserve the Domestic Security Oversight Council and regional task forces, protect limited SHISGAP funding for new projects, and shift ongoing successful programs to state funding. He also supported fixing the long-gun carry loophole, continuing the Jason Rainer Act effort, allowing ethical law-enforcement use of AI with human review, addressing monetization of public records and body-camera footage, and maintaining the ability to investigate anonymous complaints. The committee adjourned after discussion; no formal action or votes were recorded.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/17/25 - Part 4
Transcript Highlights:
- two maintains the position in Senate offer number one to fund the University of Minnesota Mayo Foundation
- partnership at 50% of the base level and remove eligibility for the Mayo Foundation.
- Foundation partnership at 50% of the Foundation partnership at 50% of the base<00:12:15.760>
level - remove um, eligibility for<00:12:19.920>
the <00:12:20.079>Mayo <00:12:20.480>Foundation - for the Mayo Foundation. for the Mayo Foundation.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- Who is testifying for the bill from the Texas Family Law Foundation. Yes. My name is Chris Muse.
- I have you, Chris Muse, Texley's, uh, Family Law Foundation.
- I'm here with the Family Law Foundation and we are in support of House Bill 2495.
- Um, I think that, that legal clarity is the driving force that, um, has the foundation supporting this
- Representing the Texas Family Law Foundation is registered to vote, and I'll show you, sir, is for the
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-EIG DEFER, EIG-HOU, HOU-EIG-WLA, WLA-EIG, EIG-TRS-AEN, EIG Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we have uh Tax Foundation Thank you. Um, we have uh Tax Foundation on<00:29:31.600>
Zoom. - Tom Yamachica from<00:29:45.279>
Tax <00:29:45.600>Foundation. - Uh, we have from Tax Foundation.
- Up next is Surf Rider Foundation of Hawaii on Zoom. Thank you.
- the folks weighing in uh tax foundation the folks weighing in uh tax foundation and<00:43:54.960
Summary:
The committees first took up SB 3322 relating to law enforcement. Chairs recommended adopting amendments from the Department of Law Enforcement that would exempt plainclothes officers from identification requirements, limit conspicuous agency markings to vehicles used in immigration enforcement operations, and allow a plainclothes officer to wear a mask when within eyesight of an unmasked officer from the same agency while performing official duties. Although there was an initial quorum issue, both committees ultimately voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation and advance the bill as amended.
The next major item was SB 3333 relating to property tax treatment for certain housing. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from a Maui County real property tax board member and a representative of Nali Maui, who described homeowners in affordable housing being taxed at much higher rates when exemptions were missed or when resale restrictions kept values below market. The committees recommended passing the bill with amendments, including a deferred effective date of April 19, 2042, and the recommendation was adopted.
The committees also heard SB 2422 on a pro housing score program for counties, SB 2981 on eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements in urban districts, SB 2007 on county land use boundary amendments, SB 3028 on restructuring the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system, SB 3033 on public petitions for review of beach structures, and SB 2434 on electric vehicle infrastructure. SB 2422 drew support with a request for flexibility and an appeals process for counties facing extraordinary circumstances; the chair’s recommendation was to pass it with amendments and note a $200,000 implementation study request, which was adopted. SB 2981 received strong support from housing and transportation advocates and was advanced unamended, while SB 2007 drew opposition from the Sierra Club and discussion about the Land Use Commission’s limited enforcement tools and the number of approved but unbuilt units. SB 3028 received mixed testimony, with support for the marginal-rate change but concerns about earmarking and blanks in the bill, and SB 3033 was supported as an early-warning mechanism for erosion-threatened coastal structures, though OPSD said it should not be the regulatory decision-maker. SB 2434 prompted concern about whether utility capacity can support EV infrastructure goals, with the chair citing a recent report suggesting transmission and distribution constraints.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- support purple Maya Foundation support purple Maya Foundation submitting<00:14:28.440>
testimony - is Jade McMillan from the TA Foundation is Jade McMillan from the TA Foundation of<00:35:24.359>
- McMillan on behalf of the tax Foundation McMillan on behalf of the tax Foundation of<00:52:54.119
- <01:46:35.520>
of Zoom not present and tax Foundation of Zoom not present and tax Foundation - McMillan on behalf of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing.
The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 016 Jan 30th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Colorado Lifted Foundation.<00:27:50.000>
This <00:27:50.159>is <00:27:50.240>a< - /c><00:27:50.480>
foundation <00:27:50.880>that Foundation. - This is a foundation that Foundation.
- This is a foundation that gives<00:27:51.360>
kids <00:27:51.919>academic <00:27:52.480>
Summary:
The House convened, led the pledge with students from University Prep in Denver, and established a quorum with 56 members present and nine excused. The journal from January 28, 2026 was approved as corrected. Members then made a series of announcements and introductions recognizing visiting students, educators, school board members, and the Colorado Forest Health Council.
Committee notices were given for several upcoming hearings: Education would meet in room 107 to hear House Bills 1016, 1027, and 1050; Finance would meet upon adjournment in room 112 for the sunset review of the Colorado Securities Act and House Bills 1032 and 1059; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs would meet 15 minutes after adjournment in LSBA to hear House Bills 1068 and 1022; and Business and Labor would hear the sunset review of the Barber and Cosmetology Act and the sunset review of the Business Intelligence Center and Advisory Board.
The chamber also heard brief remarks highlighting advocacy day and recognizing school-related guests from Denver and Aurora, including educators and school board representatives. No substantive floor votes beyond journal approval were taken. The House then adopted a motion to stand in recess until later in the day.