Video & Transcript Research : 'declaration of war'
Page 22 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-26-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- us can credit our success to having of us can credit our success to having war<00:02:53.640>
green - amount of Farmland a minimum amount of amount of Farmland a minimum amount of Farmland<00:20:26.880
- I was one of the few members of my party that voted in favor of this similar piece of legislation last
- >
piece <00:32:50.840>of voted in favor of this similar piece of voted in favor of this - dimunition of the value of the dimunition of the value of the mortgage<00:43:13.240>
by <00
Keywords:
00:00 -- Introduction
00:13 – Attendance Roll Call
08:25 – Discussion of HB 315
23:45 – Roll call vote on HB 315
26:35 – Discussion of HB 356
46:30 – Roll call vote on HB 356, 958, all
Summary:
The House Agriculture Committee first spent much of the meeting recognizing the large number of 4-H and FFA students and guests in attendance, with members from several counties introducing their groups and praising the programs for developing future agricultural and civic leaders. Comments emphasized the value of youth involvement in agriculture, leadership, and public speaking, and several members noted their own 4-H or FFA backgrounds. The committee then took up House Bill 356, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony on the revised measure.
House Bill 356, sponsored by Representative Carney, would create the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, expanding the original urban farming concept into broader agricultural education, agribusiness, advocacy, and work-ready skills. The substitute removed the requirement that participants have access to farmland, lowered the age floor from six to five, broadened participation, and established a pilot program with implementation left to Cooperative Extension. Supportive testimony came from a 4-H student and Kentucky 4-H representatives, who described how the program helps youth explore many interests and removes barriers for urban students. Members from both parties praised the bill as a way to reach more youth and strengthen agricultural education. The committee approved House Bill 356 as amended by the committee substitute on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes.
The committee then heard House Bill 315 from Representative Sharp, a foreign adversary land bill intended to limit certain foreign entities’ ability to purchase Kentucky land. Before member questions, Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified in opposition to one section of the bill, saying banks already screen borrowers through federal systems and that Section 8’s reference to an Attorney General lien for “actual costs” was too vague. He warned the language could create uncertainty for mortgage holders and potentially affect credit availability for farmers. Representative Sharp said he had just learned of the concern and may need to work with the Attorney General’s office to address it. He also said the bill was largely the same as last year’s version, except for the removal of a leasing-related paragraph, and the committee began discussion of the bill after that testimony.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (2-25-25) - Upon Adjournment of both Chambers
Transcript Highlights:
- The project will consist of the installation of approximately 21,500 linear feet of 12-inch PVC water
- The project will consist of the installation of approximately 21,500 linear feet of 12-inch PVC water
- The project will consist of the installation of approximately 21,500 linear feet of 12-inch PVC water
- Local declarations of emergency were issued by both the city and the county. and so Kentucky waters stands
- Local declarations of emergency were issued by both the city and the county.
Keywords:
00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:30 Approval of Minutes
00:59 Information Items
03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet
12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority
21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt
23:27 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions.
The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line.
Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%.
Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Freedom of Information Advisory Council May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Mamie Locke representing the 23rd Senate District, all of the City of Hampton, and part of the City of
- of that.
- The other thing is sort of odd here. We use this concept of a citizen of the Commonwealth.
- of FOIA such that any assemblage of a quorum of the constituent membership of a public body constitutes
- thousands of pieces of paper.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Opening Day Floor Session 01-15-2025 10:00am
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Will the Senate of the 33rd Legislature of the State of Hawaii please come to order?
- of the Senate of the State of Hawaii to the best of my ability.
- my duties as a member of the Senate of the State of Hawaii to the best of my ability.
- state of Hawaii of the Senate of the state of Hawaii of the state<00:25:01.799>
of <00:25:02.000 - of our politics of our melee of our land of our politics of our relationship<01:30:29.920>
to <
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1153 by Hughes relaying the authority of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to take an
- for a declared state of disaster to war water, agriculture, and rural affairs.
- the Office of Inspector General of the Texas Juvenile Bill 1172 by Perry relating to exempting certain
- Senate Bill 1186 by Hughes relating to oversight of certain election procedures by the Secretary. of
- number and certificates of time.
Bills:
SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR55, SCR18, SCR19, SCR22, SB27, SB29, SB35, SB1151, SB1152, SB1153, SB1154, SB1155, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1160, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1168, SB1169, SB1170, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, SB1177, SB1178, SB1179, SB1180, SB1181, SB1182, SB1183, SB1184, SB1185, SB1186, SB1187, SB1188, SB1189, SB1190, SB1191, SB1192, SB1193, SB1194, SB1195, SB1196, SB1197, SB1198, SB1199, SB1200, SB1201, SB1202, SB1203, SB1204, SB1205, SB1206, SB1207, SB1208, SB1209, SB1210, SB1211, SB1212, SB1213, SB1214, SB1215, SB1216, SB1217, SB1218, SB1219, SB1220, SB1221, SB1222, SB1223, SB1224, SB1225, SB1226, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1230, SB1231, SB1232, SB1233, SB1234, SB1235, SB1236, SB1237, SB1238, SB1239, SB1240, SB1241, SB1242, SB1243, SB1244, SB1245, SB1246, SB1247, SB1248, SB1249, SB1250, SB1251, SB1252, SB1253, SB1254, SB1255, SB1256, SB1257, SB1258, SB1259, SB1260, SB1261, SB1262, SB1263, SB1264, SB1265, SB1266, SB1267, SB1268, SB1269, SB1270, SB1271, SB1272, SB1273, SB1274, SB1275, SB1276, SB1277, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1281, SB1282, SB1283, SB1284, SB1285, SB1286, SB1287, SB1288, SB1289, SB1290, SB1291, SB1292, SB1293, SB1294, SB1295, SB1296, SB1297, SB1298, SB1299, SB1300, SB1301, SB1302, SB1303, SB1304, SB1305, SB1306, SB1307, SB1308, SB1309, SB1310, SB1311, SB1312, SB1313, SB1314, SB1315, SB1316, SB1317, SB1318, SB1319, SB1320, SB1321, SB1322, SB1323, SB1324, SB1325, SB1326, SB1327, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1331, SB1332, SB1333, SB1334, SB1335, SB1336, SB1337, SB1338, SB1339, SB1340, SB1341, SB1342, SB1343, SB1344, SB1345, SB1621, SJR57
Keywords:
dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- of it. of it.
- We've provided all of you all, and I encourage you to read this kind of a cheat sheet of some of the
- All of us in the coalition, and many of you, have been aware of the chronic underfunding of our mental
- of level of<00:47:00.319>
treatment. - savings of $144. savings of $144.
Keywords:
00:00:06 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:23 - Review of Referred Administrative Regulations
00:02:00 - Discussion of 26RS HB 485
01:00:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 485
01:03:25 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 485, a major mental health measure addressing both KRS 202C and KRS 202A. The committee first adopted a committee substitute and then approved a committee amendment correcting misspellings in the bill. Members and witnesses described the bill as the product of years of work with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, mental health professionals, advocates, and the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health.
Testimony on the 202C portion focused on individuals charged with serious violent offenses who are found incompetent to stand trial. Witnesses, including a circuit judge and a family member whose mother was killed by her mentally ill brother, argued that current timelines require repeated evidentiary hearings and impose unnecessary trauma on victims’ families and strain on courts and KCPC. Supporters said the bill would lengthen review intervals, clarify the role and payment of guardians ad litem, and reduce repeated relitigation while preserving due process and public safety. They noted that 202C cases are few in number but consume a significant share of KCPC bed space.
The committee then turned to the 202A portion, which covers civil mental health commitments for people who may not have committed a crime. Supporters said current law leaves courts with only two choices—hospitalization or release—and that the bill would create a third option by allowing court-ordered outpatient treatment and other guardrails such as medication compliance and follow-up care. Witnesses emphasized that the bill defines terms such as “benefit” and “serious mental illness,” expands the definition of danger, and aims to provide a least restrictive alternative to inpatient hospitalization. No final vote on the bill itself was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued in support of the measure.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:01.680>
of <00:11:02.000>their 75 or 80% there's something of of their 75 or - 80% there's something of of their pay. pay. pay.
- <00:21:54.080>
to <00:21:54.240>to kind of a synopsis sheet sort of to to kind of a - <00:26:36.240>
the of the 100,000 or is the 30% of the of the 100,000 or is the 30% of the - <00:30:09.360>
of For hazardous, it's $50 per month of of For hazardous, it's $50 per month
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:07
Attendance Roll Call: 00:13
Approval of Minutes: 02:28
2025 RS SB 9: TRS Leave Audit Requirements & Process: 03:05
2025 RS SB 10: Overview of Enacted Legislation & Discussion: 28:38
Adjournment: 42:13, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, a quorum was confirmed, and the minutes were approved. The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 9, which concerns TRS sick leave audit requirements and process. Auditor Allison Ball’s staff said the audit is an information-gathering review of how teacher sick leave is accumulated, current balances, how many employers use the sick leave function, and the policies and procedures governing sick leave. Members discussed how unused sick leave affects retirement calculations, the distinction between the state’s financial responsibility and school districts’ responsibility, and whether the audit would also examine related leave categories such as personal leave, annual leave, and leave of absence. Committee members emphasized that Senate Bill 9 was intended to add accountability and standardize reporting, including preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave.
Several members asked for clarification on how sick leave is factored into retirement benefits. Witnesses and members explained that, under the system described, accumulated sick leave can be converted into retirement credit based on a teacher’s daily rate and then multiplied by a percentage, with the school district often bearing the cost. Members also noted nuances in the law, including different accumulation limits by hire date and tier, and that the audit may help the public better understand why some educators retire relatively young. The auditor’s office said it is still early in the process, has met with TRS leadership, and will report back once the audit progresses. The committee also asked whether maternity leave would be included; the auditor’s office said it was not specifically mandated but could be examined if the body requests it.
The committee then received an overview of Senate Bill 10 from KPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Rebecca Atkins. They explained that the bill enhances retiree health insurance benefits for certain CRS members who are non-Medicare participants and meet specified career thresholds, with different rules for hazardous and non-hazardous service. They described the benefit as $40 per month per year of service for non-hazardous service and $50 per month per year for hazardous service, both inflated annually, and clarified that these amounts are not cumulative with prior benefit formulas. Members asked about the interaction between the new amounts and existing benefits, and the presenters explained that the bill also changes current employee health insurance contribution rates effective July 1, 2026, with different impacts by tier and hazardous status. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to affected employees and reviewed example calculations showing how the new contribution structure would work.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government.(6-23-26)
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- KLC and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police are here to discuss one of the most significant
- <00:16:04.960>
times, first line of defense a lot of times, first line of defense a lot of - a lot of money. a lot of money.
- All of our training, all of the time spent, all of our equipment, and all of our travel comes out of
- /4 of the cost of We operate at about 1/4 of the cost of other<00:53:23.800>
agencies <00:53:25.000
Bills:
HB339
Keywords:
Civil Air Patrol, CAP, emergency leave, job protection, employment discrimination, leave of absence, volunteer service, emergency response, Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, state employee leave, military leave, public employees, local government employers, reinstatement rights, seniority protection, unpaid leave, Meeting Start 00:00:03
Roll Call 00:00:14
Discussion of Local Law Enforcement Issues 00:03:08
Discussion of Civil Air Patrol Employment Protections 00:50:46
Adjournment 01:06:07, 958, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have several of them.
- by or under the control of the state or the county of Maui.
- control of the state or the county of control of the state or the county of Maui
- control of the state or the county of control of the state or the county of Maui.
- to the end of that agenda. to the end of that agenda.
Bills:
HB2592
Keywords:
Mauna Kea, MKSOA, Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, University of Hawaii, UH, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 195H, land management, transition period, management plan, administrative rules, rulemaking, lease extension, sublease, public lands, Native Hawaiian rights, cultural stewardship
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met on several decision-making agendas and first considered HB 1696, which would lower the minimum age for commercial driving in-state from 19 to 18 and adjust qualifying criteria. The committee agreed to accept amendments, including changes suggested by the Operating Engineers Union, and voted unanimously to pass the bill with amendments. HB 2333, which would authorize airport special districts and increase penalties for certain aeronautics violations, was deferred after concerns were raised about treatment of people outside airport security perimeters.
On the next agenda, the committee passed HB 1710 with technical amendments only. That bill would allow the State Historic Preservation Division to conduct phase reviews of certain private-property projects and revise concurrence deadlines. HB 1737, clarifying allowable agricultural district uses related to farm dwellings and farm employee housing, also passed with technical amendments only. HB 1823, dealing with coastal zone management and excluding certain state- or county-funded infrastructure projects in Lahaina from the definition of development, passed with amendments from the Attorney General’s office.
The committee then took up HB 1897, an alternative dispute resolution measure for condominium-related disputes, including facilitated mediation, evaluative mediation, and binding arbitration. Despite noting broad opposition and a reservation from Senator Buenaventura, the committee adopted the measure and moved it forward as is. Finally, HB 2576, which streamlines background check requirements for health care facilities and workers, passed with amendments reflecting input from OHA, HAH, and DOH. The meeting concluded with notice of a later joint agenda and adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 28 (2-17-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- their presence of quorum is declared<00:03:55.120>
in <00:03:55.200>the <00:03:55.360>< - <00:24:11.360>
minutes <00:24:11.679>of a couple of minutes of a couple of minutes - The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, citation of appreciation.
- of three U.S. soldiers held captive during the Kosovo War.
- War. War.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:26
Report of Committees 05:13
Orders of the Day/ HB 6 06:22
HB 480 14:13
HB 562 17:55
HB 136 25:53
HB 257 29:47
HB 490 35:54
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:30
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 52:44
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:49
ConC/Rules Report 57:12
Floor Amendments 58:49
Adjournment 58:59, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from February 13, 2026. The Senate also transmitted Senate Bills 72 and 110 for concurrence. Committee reports advanced several bills, including measures on deputy coroner training, local jail booking procedures, local business tax collection, peace officers, Kentucky National Guard benefits, and first responder mental health.
The chamber then considered House Bill 6 on child care. The sponsor described it as the product of extensive stakeholder collaboration aimed at improving affordability, quality, access, and data in child care, including changes to the low-income subsidy program, employee child care assistance, Kentucky All-Stars, micro-centers, and a military child care pilot program in House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 84-11 with one abstention after supportive remarks from members emphasizing workforce needs, family support, and military families.
House Bill 480, relating to state contracts, was explained as requiring clearer contract terms for appropriated funds, partial payment protections, a 1% penalty for late payment, and semiannual reporting on whether cabinets are paying bills on time. A member noted a planned amendment to limit the bill to state-funded appropriations, but the bill passed 96-0. House Bill 562, relating to alternative high school diplomas, would create a Kentucky alternative diploma for certain students with disabilities and require the Education and Labor Cabinet to maintain employer information for graduates; members spoke in strong support of the bill’s workforce and dignity goals, and it passed 96-0. House Bill 136, relating to campaign finance, was amended to remove a $15,000 cap and allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security costs for candidates; the sponsor cited rising threats to elected officials, and the bill passed 97-0. The transcript ends as the House moved on to House Bill 257.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (6-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- lot of people. lot of people.
- perhaps repurpose of some of the space perhaps repurpose of some of the space no<01:03:45.599>
as part of a of a combined sewer system. as part of a of a combined sewer system. - of the members? of the members?
- of an overview of kind of give you more of an overview of this<01:21:15.840>
transaction.
Keywords:
0:00:07 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:47 Approval of Minutes
0:01:05 Correspondence and Information Items
0:54:15 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
0:56:19 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
1:08:46 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
1:13:00 Rpt from Office of Financial Mgmt - KIA
1:20:00 Office of Financial Management
1:35:50 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure.
The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation.
KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- In the early grades, almost 70% of the kids attend these extra voluntary weeks of school.
- And then by the end of last summer… By the end of last summer, we had 86%.
- reading and all of that.
- Um,... ...educators of the state of Alabama.
- a lot of time with.
Keywords:
HB447, school buses, student transportation, public schools, local boards of education, dual enrollment, career technical education, CTE, community college, trade school, technical college, offsite educational venues, student access, transportation policy, school bus law, Alabama education law, Montgomery County, probate court, judge of probate, will registration
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 21st, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- Both of them? Yes.
- sort of discretion.
- And one of the problems that, and one of the reasons we have a lot of uninsured drivers is that we had
- of dollars of debt.
- of this pileup of debt. ...their license and get their insurance is because of this pileup of debt.
Keywords:
Saint Claude Avenue Bridge, Port of New Orleans, backup motors, infrastructure, traffic management, oversized vehicles, permitting, economic impact, transportation, local regulations, Louisiana economy, Interstate 12, I-12, Interstate 55, I-55 interchange, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, D.R.I.V.E. Initiative, highway infrastructure, transportation planning
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, AEN-WLA-EDT, AEN-GVO, AEN DEFER, AEN, AEN-EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I don't know the exact number of how many of the farms are taking advantage of this, uh, of solar
- list of things also. list of things also.
- of Health Services. of Health Services.
- Agriculture<01:15:51.040>
and of College of Tropical Agriculture and of College of Tropical - c> already as part of one of the DOE already as part of one of the DOE schools?
Keywords:
workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers.
The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG.
The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (7-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:17.519>
our number of Kuckians, nearly 90% of our number of Kuckians, nearly 90% of - year three of that program only one of year three of that program only one of 25<00:04:44.000>
- of it kind of uh over time they kind of it kind of dwindled<00:27:50.320>
away. of uh University of Kentucky College of uh University of Kentucky College of Medicine<01:23:27.360- of the impacts of some of the all of the impacts of some of the Medicaid<01:38:30.719>
issues - of it kind of uh over time they kind of it kind of dwindled<00:27:50.320>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55
Approval of Minutes 00:02:01
Information Items 00:02:10
Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20
A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48
B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21
C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43
D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44
E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56
F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09
G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00
H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52
I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations.
Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows.
KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 9/11/20 1:00pm
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwVWYCflfRI, 2026-07-02T01:22:44+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, The special committee will be meeting with the following:
1:00 p.m. Department of Education
Dr. Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Ms. Deborah Kobayakawa, Chair
2:30 p.m. Department of Health
Dr. Janet Berreman, Kauai District Health Officer
Mr. Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services Administration
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Dr. Victoria Fan, Assistant Professor
Agenda:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/hearingnotices/HEARING_SCOVID_09-11-20_INFO_.PDF
Also streaming LIVE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiSenate/posts/10158193261111141, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the the work of the agency.
- looks like they are now playing political games with the BCA and interjecting them into a political tug-of-war
- looks like they are now playing political games with the BCA and interjecting them into a political tug-of-war
- completely shut out of any of the pieces completely shut out of any of the pieces of<00:35:54.960
- of uh of of understands the complexity of uh of of the<01:20:31.199>
dynamics <01:20:31.679>
Keywords:
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register.
The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Health Services (6-18-24)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLtalKfzrDo, 2026-06-21T07:17:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Roll Call 00:00:29
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:03:41
Update on the Landscape of Substance Use Disorders 00:04:19
Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy Update 00:05:20
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Access 00:22:09
Mapping of Legislation, Policies, Coverage and Resources 00:58:45
Opioid Abatement: Current Programs and Initiatives 01:12:03
Comprehensive Supervised Substance Use Disorder Treatment 01:23:55
Update on the Health Care Workforce
Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship 01:45:11
Healthcare Worker Loan Relief Program of the Commonwealth 02:00:08
Area Health Education Centers Residency Slots 02:06:10
Health Resources and Service Administration 02:23:14, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- of that plan.
- So again, the employee covers 100% of the cost of the plan, 100% of the medications associated with that
- of the concerns that we have in terms of the level of death that we are having in the state.
- And all of us can kind of recognize when there are some inflation or things of that nature that's going
- But I’m just saying it in terms of the logic of it.
Keywords:
registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- You're here on behalf of the Texas chapter of the U.S.
- Some of those include these alert systems and things of that nature.
- Some of the issues that we saw led us to bring in the Department of State Health Services and some of
- And so the rest of the state is covered by Justices of the Peace.
- of things.
Keywords:
emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan