Video & Transcript Research : 'Interstate 12'

Page 206 of 500
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:17.279> I'll<00:12:17.480> close<00:12:17.880> public<00:12:18.279> testimony
  • > to<00:12:26.519> preface<00:12:26.959> my<00:12:27.160> comments<00:12:27.680
  • :10.600> yeah<01:12:10.800> I<01:12:10.880> just<01:12:11.040> have<01:12
  • <01:12:13.840> of<01:12:14.120> children<01:12:15.480> that<01:12:16.480>
  • /c><01:12:21.280> be<01:12:21.480> really<01:12:21.679> hard<01:12:21.960> to
Bills: HF656, HF655, HF633
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh<00:12:39.600> yeah,<00:12:40.000> I<00:12:40.120> renew<00:12:40.360> my
  • 00:12:42.760> to<00:12:42.880> the<00:12:42.960> Ways<00:12:43.120> and<00
  • Means Committee.<00:12:43.960> Let's<00:12:44.720> uh<00:12:44.800> support<00:12
  • Representative<00:12:46.960> Godfrey<00:12:47.440> renews<00:12:47.800> her<00:12
  • <00:12:58.120> You're<00:12:58.360> off<00:12:58.560> to<00:12:58.680> Ways
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Um,<00:12:04.000> but<00:12:04.240> if<00:12:04.399> anyone<00:12:04.800> has
  • >> So,<00:12:13.200> I've<00:12:13.519> got<00:12:13.600> a<00:12:13.839><
  • <00:12:17.920> Um,<00:12:18.880> one<00:12:19.200> is<00:12:19.839> that<
  • :12:45.760> C<00:12:46.880> uh<00:12:47.120> that<00:12:48.000> um<00:12:
  • 12:56.399> than<00:12:56.560> 12<00:12:56.880> hours<00:12:57.200> after<
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. Representative Comtois explained her amendment, saying she tried to address prior concerns by limiting the number processed monthly, adding a registration and disclaimer requirement, and folding beef, swine, sheep, and goats into the bill’s framework. Members discussed whether some sections from earlier language on bison, elk, and red deer had been inadvertently struck, and Comtois said she did not intend to remove those protections and would restore them if needed. Several members raised drafting and policy concerns. Representative Miner suggested the waiver language should be a signed, notarized statement kept on file rather than filed with the Department of Agriculture, and Comtois agreed. Representative Gruber and Representative Scully discussed labeling and wording, including clarifying that the meat would not be “exempt” from federal inspection in the same way as non-amenable species, and adding language that any prosecution would be federal rather than state. There was also discussion about whether ground meat should be included for the amenable species, with Miner and Comtois indicating that excluding ground meat would reduce risk. Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food testified strongly against the bill, saying it was a step in the wrong direction, lacked consumer protections, and could jeopardize food safety and the state’s meat processing system. He argued that the federal exemption for non-amenable species could not simply be extended to new species by state law, warned that USDA could respond by withdrawing federal inspections, and said the bill would not solve the real bottlenecks in slaughter capacity. He also said he did not believe there was a general shortage of inspectors, and that the practical issue was producers not scheduling animals year-round, which forces facilities to scale to the slow season. No vote was taken during the work session, and members continued discussing possible amendments and wording changes.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 05-02-2025 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this<01:12:06.240> is<01:12:06.360> going<01:12:06.520> to<01:12:06.640>
  • For<01:12:22.000> the<01:12:22.120> past<01:12:22.640> year,<01:12:23.120> it
  • > are<01:12:27.360> we<01:12:27.560> going<01:12:27.880> to<01:12:28.040>
  • 12:30.760> our<01:12:30.880> most<01:12:31.240> valuable<01:12:32.080> and
  • And<01:12:34.600> Senator<01:12:35.080> Inouye,<01:12:35.560> as<01:12:35.720>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • motive<00:12:02.800> and<00:12:03.720> a<00:12:04.200> high<00:12:05.200> uh
  • ><00:12:08.040> think<00:12:08.279> is<00:12:08.639> a<00:12:08.880> recipe
  • <00:12:21.920> specific<00:12:23.399> um<00:12:24.399> Market<00:12:24.880><
  • > um<00:12:27.199> that<00:12:27.320> are<00:12:27.600> that<00:12:27.680
  • but<00:12:41.639> that<00:12:41.800> is<00:12:42.120> sort<00:12:42.320>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position. Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program. Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • BEST YOU COULD FOR ALL MISSISSIPPIANS<00:12:02.680> IN<00:12:03.080> THE<00:12:03.680>
  • :12:10.000> CHRIST,<00:12:10.480> WE<00:12:10.640> PRAY.
  • flag of<00:12:22.680> the<00:12:22.720> United<00:12:23.240> States<00:12:23.720
  • and<00:12:25.160> to<00:12:25.520> the<00:12:25.600> republic<00:12:26.480>
  • , with<00:12:31.640> liberty<00:12:32.360> and<00:12:32.440> justice<00:12:32.920
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, during which the guest minister, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gladney, offered a prayer focused on justice, health care, public education, accessible elections, and economic progress across Mississippi. Members then introduced several guests, including a doctor of the day, local officials, former legislators, and visitors in the galleries. On the calendar, the House adopted several blocks of House Concurrent Resolutions and House Resolutions, with the recorded vote on one block showing 120 yeas and 0 nays. The chamber then took up House Bill 325, which removes the sunset repealer from the lottery-funded transportation program so the first $80 million continues to go to transportation and the remainder to the education enhancement fund. The sponsor said the bill does not change the program’s substance and is intended to allow MDOT to keep planning beyond 2028; a question was raised about whether education enhancement funds could later be redirected to PERS, and the sponsor said that could be considered later. The bill passed 121 yeas, 0 nays. Later, members made announcements, including notice of committee meetings and a Mississippi State Medical Association Alliance screening event. The House also observed the death of former Representative Jerry Wilburn and agreed to adjourn in his memory, with the full membership added as co-authors unless they opt out. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Mar 11th, 2026

Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:16.240> So,<00:12:16.560> this<00:12:16.720> is<00:12:16.800> an
  • So, this is an issue<00:12:18.000> has<00:12:18.240> been<00:12:18.399> for<00:12
  • We've been<00:12:19.519> trying<00:12:19.680> to<00:12:19.839> work<00:12:20.000
  • > through<00:12:20.240> a<00:12:20.399> lot<00:12:20.480> of<00:12:20.560
  • industry has.<00:12:23.360> I<00:12:23.519> think<00:12:23.680> this<00:12:23.920
Bills: SB274, HB586
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/24/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:01.440> of<00:12:01.560> what<00:12:01.720> that<00:12:01.840> looks
  • >> I<00:12:10.320> believe<00:12:11.160> uh<00:12:11.360> well,<00:12:12.160
  • <00:12:35.160> uh<00:12:35.440> expected<00:12:36.080> and<00:12:36.240>
  • >> My<00:12:41.120> understanding<00:12:41.800> is<00:12:41.960> that<00:12
  • Who that<00:12:44.880> would<00:12:45.040> be<00:12:45.200> submitted<00:12:45.680
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/08/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:01.040> President,<00:12:01.760> I<00:12:02.000> have<00:12:02.079>
  • of Health,<00:12:15.920> Direct<00:12:16.240> Care<00:12:16.480> and<00:12:16.639
  • :12:35.279> request<00:12:35.600> that<00:12:35.760> the<00:12:35.920> Senate
  • President<00:12:45.360> uh<00:12:45.440> for<00:12:45.600> Senator<00:12:46.000>
  • 00:12:56.639> the<00:12:56.800> part<00:12:56.959> of<00:12:57.040> the<00
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House/Senate DFL Press Conference 3/3/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:20.279> move<00:12:20.480> into<00:12:20.720> the<00:12:20.839> 21st
  • where<00:12:21.920> we<00:12:22.079> can<00:12:22.240> all<00:12:22.440>
  • :12:25.320> born<00:12:25.959> and<00:12:26.040> that<00:12:26.240> nobody
  • > have<00:12:26.839> to<00:12:27.040> choose<00:12:27.440> between<00:12:
  • > a<00:12:28.920> PTI<00:12:29.240> check<00:12:29.839> motans<00:12:30.519>
Keywords: 1183, house
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • /c><00:12:26.680> Mr<00:12:26.920> Fort<00:12:27.240> was<00:12:27.360> a
  • <00:12:28.560> leader<00:12:28.800> in<00:12:28.920> the<00:12:29.199> Georgia
  • <00:12:33.279> advocated<00:12:33.800> for<00:12:34.279> causes<00:12:34.720
  • c><00:12:56.680> he<00:12:56.800> wrote<00:12:57.199> thesis<00:12:57.639> on
  • on the sit<00:12:58.199> in<00:12:58.399> movement<00:12:58.720> in<00:12:59.160
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Finance Division III (02/20/2026)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:23.360> can<00:12:23.519> claim<00:12:23.760> those<00:12:23.920>
  • 00:12:36.480> division<00:12:36.880> director<00:12:37.519> and<00:12:37.839>
  • <00:12:44.160> is<00:12:44.399> to<00:12:44.639> run<00:12:44.800> the
  • :12:45.760> think<00:12:45.920> that<00:12:46.160> question<00:12:46.480> is<
  • <00:12:46.959> bit<00:12:47.120> nuanced,<00:12:48.000> but<00:12:48.240> I
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The work session was limited to House Bill 1750, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services’ SNAP administration. Before testimony, Representative Terski distributed a written statement from Representative Priest for the record. Department officials Karen Heert and Nathan White then walked the committee through a chart showing SNAP participation, federal benefit dollars, and state administrative costs, emphasizing that the benefits themselves do not flow through the state budget. They explained that the reported administrative cost includes overhead and cost-allocation methods used to maximize federal reimbursement, and that the current participant count is about 75,000 with the trend steady in recent years. Members questioned whether the reported costs were stable, how much of the administrative expense was directly tied to SNAP, and whether reducing overhead would lower the need for the appropriation. The department said the cost per participant and per dollar distributed would be lower if SNAP were isolated, but that the broader allocation system also supports federal claiming across multiple programs. Officials said SNAP eligibility is redetermined every six months, that the department processes nearly 50 eligibility programs with about 250 field staff, roughly 70 unfunded positions, and a vacancy rate around 25%. They also said most errors in the program are unintentional and can come from either staff or participant mistakes, and that the department reviews errors to identify systemic fixes. The committee discussed the fiscal impact of the bill and related budget issues. DHHS said the current adjusted authorization for 2026 is about $31 million, but actual spending is expected to be closer to $25–26 million because of vacancies and unfilled positions. Members asked whether the $4.4 million shortfall identified in the fiscal note would come from the rainy day fund; staff said it would not be taken directly from that fund, but would reduce the amount available to flow into it at the end of the biennium. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 603 FN, which was described as an alternative approach that would require DHHS to transfer funds within its existing budget rather than provide new money; officials said it would simply codify an option the department already has. No vote or final action on House Bill 1750 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN Public Hearing 03-30-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • 12 12 to 15 probably utilizing about 12 12 to 15 acres<00:05:44.240> of<00:05:44.400> land
  • :33.280> And<00:12:33.640> you<00:12:33.760> know,<00:12:33.920> as<00:12
  • what we've<00:12:40.800> learned<00:12:41.160> from<00:12:41.360> our<00:12:41.520
  • > know,<00:12:43.200> and<00:12:43.320> put<00:12:43.480> it<00:12:43.600>
  • <00:12:47.960> we<00:12:48.080> can,<00:12:48.320> you<00:12:48.400> know,
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process. Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process. After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Mar 7, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 27

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:12:06.839> Miss<00:12:07.440> Taki<00:12:08.440> here<00:12:09.200> Mr
  • <00:12:28.360> are<00:12:28.600> present<00:12:28.839> for<00:12:29.279>
  • > item<00:12:31.360> number<00:12:31.560> two<00:12:31.800> reading<00:12
  • 35.040> may<00:12:35.199> this<00:12:35.399> matter<00:12:35.680> be<00:12
  • matter be deferred so ordered<00:12:37.279> item<00:12:37.519> number<00:12:37.760>
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House was called to order with 47 members present. After the journal reading was deferred and there were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications, members offered several introductions recognizing visiting guests, including tourism and hospitality representatives, Kahakai Elementary School students and staff from Kona, a Portuguese delegation from the Luso American Development Foundation, and other constituents and aides. The chamber then moved to floor presentations. House Resolution No. 84 was presented, commending the United States Air Force Reserve Command 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron Medical Operations Flight for humanitarian service providing mental health support after the Maui wildfires. Representative Perck moved adoption, Representative Cochran seconded, and the resolution was read into the record describing the unit’s work with state and nonprofit partners to distribute supplies and support survivors’ emotional recovery. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote, and the motion carried. Following the presentation, the House recessed briefly so members could congratulate the honorees. When the House returned, there were no resolutions for action, and announcements included the Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter basket drive, recognition of Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund visitors, birthday greetings, and a reminder that substantive resolutions were due by 6:00 p.m. The House then voted to keep the journal open until 6:00 p.m. for resolution introductions and adjourned into recess until 12:00 noon Monday.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 03-19-2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><00:12:02.520> concealed<00:12:03.200> right<00:12:03.400> to<00:12:03.520>
  • to carry a firearm<00:12:04.200> in<00:12:04.320> public,<00:12:05.040> I<00:12
  • I also have handled<00:12:25.920> a<00:12:25.960> number<00:12:26.200> of<00:12:
  • > a<00:12:30.640> seizure<00:12:31.040> of<00:12:31.160> gambling<00:12:31.560
  • I<00:12:35.480> have<00:12:35.760> the<00:12:36.000> Haiku<00:12:36.320> Stairs
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association. Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification. Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • 12:06.600> in<00:12:07.040> that<00:12:07.560> area<00:12:08.560> um<00:12
  • c> am<00:12:26.680> not<00:12:26.880> a<00:12:27.000> hunter<00:12:27.800>
  • > but<00:12:28.000> I<00:12:28.160> have<00:12:28.360> talked<00:12:28.639><
  • > there<00:12:30.279> and<00:12:30.480> it<00:12:30.600> is<00:12:31.199>
  • ><00:12:35.519> to<00:12:35.720> address<00:12:36.040> it<00:12:36.240> as
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 11, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • for<00:12:02.560> the<00:12:02.720> working<00:12:03.040> men<00:12:03.279>
  • <00:12:05.600> He<00:12:05.839> understood<00:12:06.240> the<00:12:06.399>
  • <00:12:07.600> a<00:12:07.760> resource,<00:12:08.079> but<00:12:08.240>
  • as a way<00:12:08.639> of<00:12:08.800> life<00:12:08.959> for<00:12:09.279>
  • <00:12:23.440> He<00:12:23.680> led<00:12:23.920> with<00:12:24.160> grit
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Coast<01:12:18.159> Guard,<01:12:18.560> TSA,<01:12:19.280> FEMA,<01:12:20.239><
  • ><01:12:34.640> on<01:12:34.880> on<01:12:35.280> in<01:12:35.520> our<01
  • And that's going<01:12:38.320> to<01:12:38.400> be<01:12:38.480> a<01:12:38.640>
  • <01:12:40.880> the<01:12:41.120> overhaul<01:12:41.840> as<01:12:42.159>
  • <04:12:00.960> They<04:12:01.199> are<04:12:01.359> raising<04:12:01.760>
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (04/13/2026)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • :04.800> you<02:12:04.960> know<02:12:05.040> I<02:12:05.280> said<02:12:
  • 12:07.440> that<02:12:07.679> it<02:12:08.000> it<02:12:08.560> the<02:12
  • <02:12:17.679> And<02:12:17.840> then<02:12:18.000> I<02:12:18.239> I
  • <02:12:43.280> So<02:12:43.440> that<02:12:43.679> you<02:12:43.840> might
  • :47.679> you<02:12:47.840> plug<02:12:48.000> it<02:12:48.159> in,<02:12:
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Education Funding (02/25/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:12:47.000> what<01:12:47.159> it<01:12:47.320> meant<01:12:48.000> in
  • :53.760> um<01:12:54.760> I'm<01:12:54.880> not<01:12:55.239> sure<01:12:
  • :12:57.440> is<01:12:57.639> behind<01:12:57.920> me<01:12:58.280> Mark<01
  • :12:58.480> do<01:12:58.560> you<01:12:58.719> have<01:12:58.840> a I know
  • c><01:12:59.480> you<01:12:59.639> come<01:12:59.800> up<01:12:59.960> and
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to review a large package of bills, with the first four—HB 717, 742, 773, and 603—focused on special education aid, formerly called catastrophic aid. Chair Ladin explained that the committee needed to move a special education bill forward by March 4 and was trying to determine which bill would serve as the vehicle. He described the current formula and the difficulty of estimating the fiscal impact of lowering the threshold from 3.5 times the statewide average cost per pupil to a lower level, noting that DOE did not have reliable data on how many students would fall into the lower-cost bands. The committee also noted that several other bills in the package addressed SWEP and adequacy issues, and that HB 510 dealt with due process rather than funding. Mark Mello of the Bureau of School Finance testified that the department only has reliable data for special education expenditures above $70,000 per student, since claims are submitted for reimbursement at that point. He said the bureau was trying to estimate how many students might fall between 2.5x and 3.5x or 3x and 3.5x the average cost, but that the basic answer was they did not know and that any estimate would be difficult. He explained that moving the threshold from 3.5x to 2.5x would create a minimum additional cost of about $13.6 million based on existing claims, not counting new students who would enter the range. Members discussed whether districts already had the underlying data, whether a survey should be required, and how districts know when to begin tracking costs for reimbursement. The committee also discussed proration and the state’s share of special education aid. Mello explained that the current 80% state share is modeled in the formula, but the actual payment has been prorated because appropriations have not matched the statutory liability; he said the state liability was about $50 million, while the budget had provided $34 million, resulting in a 68% payment rate. HB 742 was described as a bill that would eliminate proration by paying the liability directly from the education trust fund with an overflow mechanism. Members also discussed possible alternatives such as changing the state share, using a lower threshold in a transition period, or requiring districts to submit data. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the committee was still in discussion and considering which bills to advance.