Video & Transcript Research : 'small modular reactors'
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AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- We also support several small clarifying amendments, which we'll submit in writing, to ensure consistency
- I've been a small animal practitioner for over 33 years.
- During the live exam with me, the dog's skin was actually full of petechiae, those small little bruising
- During the live exam with me, the dog's skin was actually full of petechiae, those small little bruising
- During the live exam with me, the dog's skin was actually full of petechiae, those small little bruising
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Jun 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For the PowerPoint presentation, we only included a very, very small snippet of the actual report.
- It's a small amount of money. It looks to me these districts are getting..."
- amount of money it looks to me these districts are getting It's a small amount of money.
- It's a very small amount of money that I know is going to these school districts, but I was just kind
- Again, it was a small number. It's a small amount of money, but attention to detail matters.
Summary:
The committee first received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors explained the report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants to school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, with most funding coming from the Public School Fund and federal sources. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance grants. Department of Education staff clarified that the audit report only shows distributions, not how recipients ultimately used the money, and noted that some funding declines reflected the end of one-time federal COVID relief dollars. Senators also asked about the special-language appropriation for Economics Arkansas and the use of public school fund revenues.
The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, followed by a detailed adequacy-study update on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. The teacher report covered teacher counts, education levels, experience, shortages, preparation pathways, licensure exceptions, survey results, and salary trends. Key findings included about 32,800 teachers statewide in 2025, an average retention rate of 87%, and 30% of surveyed teachers saying they were considering leaving the profession. The report also noted shortages in special education, math, science, and other areas, growth in alternative preparation pathways, and the phaseout of several licensure exceptions under Act 304 of 2025.
Members asked extensively about survey methodology, teacher satisfaction, preparation for classroom environment and special education, the cost and return on investment of alternative licensure routes, and whether exit-interview data exists statewide. The presenters said they could follow up on several questions, including details on alternative programs, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and comparisons to other surveys. On salaries, the report said the statewide average teacher salary in 2025 was $60,254, with districts averaging slightly higher than charters. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average salary in 2025, though 36th when adjusted for cost of living, and average district salaries had declined 8% in inflation-adjusted terms since 2016. Members also discussed the LEARNS Act minimum salary floor of $50,000, salary disparities among districts, and whether the state should focus more on retaining experienced teachers as well as raising starting pay.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Fraud Committee Members Press Conference 5/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, a bunch of small-government Republicans, aren't you kind of growing government here?
- Well,<00:22:41.160>
a <00:22:41.200>bunch <00:22:41.360>of <00:22:41.440>small - <00:22:41.720>
market Well, a bunch of small market Well, a bunch of small market small<00 - government<00:22:44.040>
Republicans, <00:22:44.640>aren't <00:22:44.800>you small - government Republicans, aren't you small government Republicans, aren't you kind<00:22:45.040>
of
Summary:
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee Chair Kristen Robbins opened the meeting by explaining that the committee’s majority report had been released after the minority declined to file a minority report, though the minority later issued a statement. She said the report reflects two years of work aimed at exposing fraud, strengthening internal controls, and creating a whistleblower portal, mnfraud.com, which will remain open during the interim to receive and review tips.
Robbins and several Republican members described the report as documenting how fraud in Minnesota began with earlier CCAP-related schemes and then expanded into Feeding Our Future and other programs, including housing stabilization, autism services, sober homes, adult day care, assisted living, non-emergency medical transportation, and interpretive services. They argued that fraud was enabled by weak oversight, a culture of inaction, and retaliation against whistleblowers, and said the report includes findings and recommendations for future reforms. Members also highlighted bipartisan bills already passed to strengthen whistleblower protections, internal controls, and fraud reporting.
Representative Pam Altendorf and others praised the report and said it exposed widespread misuse of public funds, citing housing stabilization and autism services as examples of programs with rapidly growing costs and weak oversight. Representative Isaac Schultz said the committee had uncovered “industrial-scale” fraud and that the state had failed to hold agencies accountable. He and Robbins said the new Office of Inspector General, created by legislation passed this session and set to begin in January, will have broad authority to investigate public dollars and, later, police powers; they also noted a salary-setting provision for the office would be added to a state government bill. The members said the next governor will need to change the culture of state agencies and enforce accountability.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-19-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We have struggled over at least the last seven, eight years with a labor pool that is so small for fire
- This bill would allow us to bring those people back into the fire service, especially for small communities
- We have struggled over at least the last seven or eight years with a labor pool that is so small for
- This bill would allow us to bring those people back into the fire service, especially for small communities
- service, especially for small service, especially for small communities,<00:32:36.960>
and
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 220 00:02:49
Consideration of HB 467 00:09:50
Consideration of HB 516 00:19:50
Consideration of HB 589 00:27:16, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 220, sponsored by Rep. John Blandon, addressed pension spiking for Kentucky Public Pension Authority systems by extending the effective date back to July 1, 2022. Blandon explained it was intended to correct a gap left by last year’s legislation affecting retirees who received across-the-board raises during the court period. A retired Kentucky State Police captain testified in favor but asked that the retroactive date be moved back to 2021. Members asked about fiscal impact, and Blandon said the bill would have only a very small percentage impact on CERS. The committee approved HB 220 unanimously, 17-0, with favorable expression.
House Bill 467, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson, dealt with the disposal of surplus or underutilized state-owned real property. A committee substitute was adopted first. Johnson said the bill would let local governments and private citizens identify abandoned or dormant state property earlier in the process, while preserving existing fair-market-value disposal procedures. Committee members clarified that the bill concerns real property, not personal property, and asked about pricing and the current disposition process. Johnson and others explained that the bill would not change fair-market-value requirements but would move local involvement to the front end. The committee approved HB 467 as amended by the substitute, 17-0.
House Bill 516, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would allow probationary police officers and firefighters in certain retirement systems to purchase service credit for up to 12 months of probationary employment and would extend line-of-duty death and disability coverage to probationary employees. Lewis said the bill was developed with the FOP, Professional Firefighters, and input from the Kentucky League of Cities, and that any retirement cost would be offset because both employee and employer contributions would be paid. Committee members confirmed the bill had been heard in PPOB and discussed the cost structure and the six-month window for purchasing service credit. The committee passed HB 516 favorably, 18-0.
House Bill 589, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Deetsz, created a framework for cities and chapter 75 fire districts to rehire retired firefighters under strict conditions, similar to existing rules for retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted that required minimum employer retirement contributions, required a CPAT retest after a one-year separation, and expanded eligibility to chapter 75 fire districts. Deetsz said the bill was aimed at staffing shortages and preserving experienced personnel while protecting the retirement system. A city official and a Kentucky League of Cities representative testified in support, describing labor shortages and the value of bringing back experienced firefighters to mentor younger staff. The committee approved HB 589 as amended by the substitute, 18-0, and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 2/4/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I want everyone in this room to also know that this is not a small number of people.
- <00:08:28.879>
number <00:08:29.120>of that this is not a small number of that this - It is painful to see the lengths the Trump administration will go to destroy our small community.
- It is painful to see the lengths the Trump administration will go to destroy our small community.
- It is painful to see the lengths the Trump administration will go to destroy our small community.
Summary:
State lawmakers, the attorney general, advocates, and parents held a press event responding to Children’s Minnesota’s announcement that it would pause some gender-affirming care for minors. Speakers, including Rep. Lee Finke, Hannah Edwards of Transforming Families Minnesota, and Jess Braverman of Gender Justice, said the pause was driven by federal pressure and threats from the Trump administration and HHS, not by medical best practice. They emphasized that gender-affirming care remains legal in Minnesota under the state’s Human Rights Act, Trans Refuge law, and insurance protections, and argued that interrupting care harms trans youth and families, especially those who moved to Minnesota for protection.
Testimony focused on the emotional and practical impact on families: loss of trust in providers, delays in treatment, travel and intake wait times, and the stress of having to scramble for continuity of care. Speakers described the care as evidence-based, medically necessary, and life-saving, and said the federal government was using coercion and misinformation to intimidate hospitals and doctors. The attorney general said his office and coalition partners are litigating related federal threats, including a separate RFK Jr. declaration and proposed federal rules, and that Minnesota officials are working to preserve access and enforce state protections.
In response to questions, speakers said the state’s legal tools are strong but limited against federal action, so they are relying on court challenges and enforcement of existing state law. They said Children’s Minnesota had been specifically targeted by federal officials and that the hospital’s pause was tied to that pressure. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for continued public and institutional support for trans youth and for Children’s to resume care as soon as possible.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:36 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair and Madam Floor Leader, to benefit the most, the working families, but also provide a small
- dollars that come in from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development are pretty small
- for New Mexico because we are such a small state population-wise, and they don't really consider that
- Some numbers that I'll throw out to you, and it's very small, so I apologize.
- So I don't know how many are in little small counties like mine. Well, we're not small.
Keywords:
Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:35 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's why you see that small difference.
- We receive a very small amount of federal dollars for that program, consisting currently, and that's
- It's a small staff.
- And finally, if it's a small sibling group, all the kids under 14 will get one attorney.
- Since the FY25 budget, as you can see, our base budget has seen a small increase of 3.7%.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Education REVISED Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- If you'll see that orange highlight below in AR dollars, a small increase to CDL truck driver training
- And I believe the increase has been pretty small percentages.
- So offering a cosmetology or an automotive or a welding within a very small school, as you mentioned,
- We actually did this with a small instance in Beaver County when that was the newest technology center
- But we believe we are one small part of that solution.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Dec 9th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We can have all of you all come down and frag these corals, make them into these very small pieces.
- We can have all of you all come down and frag these corals, make them into these very small pieces.
- having grown up in Sarasota and been very familiar as a child with Mote Marine when it was a very small
- staging areas that may limit county deployments, a limited pool of marine contractors that can undertake small
- And in testing, it's come down to high levels of PFAS, or you can have very small levels of PFAS, and
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects.
The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis.
Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Nov 3rd, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The Small Business Recovery Loan Fund was very high volume.
- We had to break it down into small pieces to spread the work across the country.
- A couple of things we've done since the evolution of the Small Business Recovery Loan programs include
- Throughout the state, we commissioned a small business capital landscape study.
- One objective is to effectively deploy the funds from the State Small Business Credit Initiative.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 20th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- up a lot through your travels throughout the state, but I'd like to discuss how it affects us as a small
- Of Big Pharma to help us defend this, but we're just a small community hospital trying to serve, and
- I don't know what the rates are now, but simplifying that and allowing small hospitals to participate
- and see them, and they're not responsible for malpractice, the EMR, or any of this stuff. ...that a small
- This is just a small snapshot of some of the work that we've commenced with our partners.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is small but powerful, a way to say that every life, every neighborhood, and every street matters
- These districts are small, rural, and disadvantaged, and they don't have extra budget dollars for the
- This is an area of the state where the districts are largely small, rural, and even frontier.
- I, too, have small rural areas, and again my concern is with the mandate.
- But we also allowed for some flexibility for our small and rural districts.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several transportation-related bills, beginning with AB 431 on advanced air mobility. The author and supporters from AUVSI, Joby Aviation, United Airlines, Wisk Aero, the City of Long Beach, and Archer said the bill would create a statewide plan and technical framework for eVTOL/advanced air mobility infrastructure, public outreach, and local implementation. No opposition testified, and the bill passed the committee as amended to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call.
Members then took up AB 630 on abandoned or hazardous RVs. The author and supporters, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office, argued the bill would curb a cycle in which inoperable RVs are towed, auctioned cheaply, and returned to the streets by predatory buyers, while adding notice, recovery, and reporting requirements. Opponents from Western Center on Law and Poverty and ACLU California Action warned the bill would destroy RVs that serve as shelter for unhoused residents and could worsen homelessness. After discussion about the bill’s focus on dismantling rather than towing, the committee passed AB 630 as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also approved AB 314, which would support transit-oriented development around planned and existing high-speed rail stations; AB 1223, which gives Sacramento County communities more flexibility to use local transportation revenues for related infrastructure supporting infill development; AB 1111, which adds flexibility to the zero-emission school bus transition for rural and disadvantaged districts; AB 1190, which caps fees charged by DMV business partners and requires clearer disclosure of the official DMV site; AB 987, which limits unreasonable towing fees and related charges; and AB 911, which creates a narrow exemption from Advanced Clean Fleets rules for telecommunications bucket trucks and sail-on-wheels used in emergencies. Most bills drew support from local governments, industry, or consumer groups, while AB 1111 and AB 911 drew opposition from clean transportation and environmental advocates concerned about weakening emissions goals. All of the bills were reported out as amended to the Committee on Appropriations, with recorded roll-call votes and several members adding their names as co-authors or supporters.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the PBM uses small clerical error to claw back that full amount.
- and have to worry about getting it clawed back because something's left off the label or there's a small
- Um, it's amazing how just a few small words can turn into a multi-session struggle.
- What it is number 1, it's very thin and small. You can read it, but number 2, it's very good.
- Provisions where replacement cost doesn't deduct depreciation on small values like $5000 or like contents
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-TCA, EDT Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- security measures here in Hawaii that will protect not only our defense forces but also our local small
- Making sure that we equip our local small businesses, not parachute companies from the mainland to come
- Making sure that we equip our local small businesses, not parachute companies from the mainland to come
- Making sure that we equip our local small businesses, not parachute companies from the mainland to come
- Making sure that we equip our local small businesses, not parachute companies from the mainland to come
Summary:
The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions.
Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused.
Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products.
The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And because we have a small school, we have prom every year for all kids in high school.
- is still a high level of flexibility with how they implement the policy, and it will differ between small
- is still a high level of flexibility with how they implement the policy, and it will differ between small
- is still a high level of flexibility with how they implement the policy, and it will differ between small
- Qualifications of judges, and ability for municipal court and small jurisdictions to combine or abolish
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4.
The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote.
The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Safety Committee Meeting - 2025-03-28
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the other things we do, we're a small team.
- The other is a little more boring: we had to hire a small agency researcher.
- So, this small staff of seven people efficiently facilitates the functioning of Minnesota's statewide
- Additionally, we have a small but busy training section providing training for Minnesota law enforcement
- As part of that, there's a small budget recommendation to fill a couple of gaps that still exist in that
Bills:
HF2432
Keywords:
HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- That young man is currently in Miami recovering from a small bowel transplant.
- And you cannot compare a small stack of medical malpractice premium rates that is actually optional here
- I'm also a member of the Small Business and Consumers Alliance.
- not pursue legal action, but on the other hand, I'm deeply opposed to using the courts to bully a small
- As a small business, what concerns me about Senate Bill 734 is that if we make it easier to sue health
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't, there's some small hamlet villages that have no business talking about cranes.
- We are originally formed for the benefit of small water and wastewater systems. Association.
- We are originally formed for the benefit of small water and wastewater systems. Presented.
- We are originally formed for the benefit of small water and wastewater systems throughout Florida.
- We now serve systems small and large around the state.
Summary:
The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief debate and roll call votes. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it had support from Americans for Prosperity. SB 606 clarified when nonpaying guests may be removed from public lodging establishments, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from Florida Realtors, the Asian American Hotel Association, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. SB 202 addressed a long-running dispute between Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach over a water utility surcharge, requiring the utility to charge residents in the city where the plant sits the same rate as its own residents; supporters argued it was a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach opposed it as a burden on its residents. All three bills were reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 570, which updates and clarifies the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and CS/SB 928, which targets non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display visible to minors, increasing inspections and penalties, and adopting an amendment to clarify the bill does not cover fully unlawful products and to add a 500-foot school buffer for smoke shops. SB 346, dealing with state preemption of local regulation of hoisting equipment, was reported favorably after testimony about the St. Petersburg crane collapse during Hurricane Milton; supporters said local governments need authority to address hurricane-related crane safety, while builders and contractors warned against patchwork regulation and urged a more targeted approach.
The committee then considered SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks under veterinarian supervision, including limited surgical procedures after an amendment clarified those procedures are limited to spay/neuter and non-cavity surgeries. Supporters said the bill would expand access to veterinary care and help shelters, while some veterinarians expressed concern about training and safety; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 354 on the Public Service Commission, adopting a substitute amendment that would expand the commission, require stronger financial expertise and more detailed rate justifications, set rate-filing schedules, tighten storm-hardening review, and add transparency rules for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the bill drew support from consumer advocates and AARP, while Florida Rural Water warned of unintended consequences for nonprofit systems. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 354 is still underway, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So currently in a small mine, 20% of your workforce on an active production shift has to be certified
- So<00:11:00.399>
currently <00:11:00.959>in <00:11:01.120>a <00:11:01.320>small - Many of these mines are very similar to an ordinary small business, although working underground can
- Many of these mines are very similar to an ordinary small business, although working underground can
- Many of these mines are very similar to an ordinary small business, although working underground can
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:12
Attendance Roll Call: 01:12
HB 19 (Rep. Hodgson): 01:41
HB 54 (Rep. Banta): 04:01
HB 313 (Rep. King): 06:24
HB 473 (Rep. Branscum): 08:04
HB 196 (Rep. Wheeler for Rep. Blanton): 10:01
Adjournment: 28:08, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met for its fifth meeting of the 2025 session, took roll, established a quorum, and considered several bills. The committee first heard House Bill 19, which would create protections against unauthorized drone surveillance of people and private property and allow injunctive relief and civil actions. Representative John Hodgson said the bill was intended to protect privacy while preserving legitimate drone uses, and the committee reported the bill favorably on a 10-0 vote.
The committee then considered House Bill 54, which would allow work hours earned through dual credit programs to count toward apprenticeship or licensing requirements in certain trades. Representative Banta and witness Brian Miller said the measure had been worked out with labor interests and would help students in career pathways. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. House Bill 313, a cleanup measure related to last year’s consumer data privacy legislation, was also presented and passed unanimously with a favorable expression.
The most extensive discussion centered on House Bill 196, which would change the number of mine emergency technicians required on coal mine shifts, especially for smaller mines. Senator Philip Wheeler presented the bill in place of Representative Blandon, arguing that smaller mines were struggling to meet current staffing requirements and that the UMWA was neutral. Stella Morris and Courtney Rhoads opposed the bill, with Morris describing the 2005 death of her husband in a mining accident and Rhoads arguing the change would reduce mine safety and roll back protections adopted after that tragedy. Several senators explained their votes, citing the balance between coal jobs and miner safety. The bill passed 7-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.