Video & Transcript Research : 'background studies'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And I emphasize all backgrounds.
- Enabling students from all backgrounds, and I emphasize all backgrounds, to grow into civically engaged
- They support individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
- I'm a second-year student at UC Davis studying political science. On behalf of...
- I'm a second-year student at UC Davis studying political science.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students.
Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines.
A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, we'll have Aaron Dome from LC cover the background memorandum regarding our study. Erin?
- More details on those forms of machine learning are in the background memo.
- Those are all detailed within the background memo.
- That concludes my overview of the artificial intelligence background memo.
- That concludes my overview of the artificial intelligence background memo.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, establishing its purpose as a study and policy-development body rather than one aimed at producing many bills. Majority Leader Hogue urged members to move quickly, focus on federal and other states’ AI laws, consider possible federal preemption, child protections, and the siting and economic impacts of data centers. Committee leadership echoed that the goal is practical, balanced governance that protects North Dakota while allowing innovation to continue.
Legislative Council staff provided a background memo and NCSL presented a detailed overview of AI concepts and the current state legislative landscape. The presentations distinguished narrow AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and theoretical AGI/ASI, and summarized major state policy themes: comprehensive AI laws in states such as Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois; targeted laws on deepfakes, chatbots, health, education, notifications, and digital likeness; and growing use of appropriations and agency inventories. Members asked about Colorado’s repeal and reenactment, Texas’s sandbox and training provisions, oversight structures, and whether AI regulation is bipartisan; presenters said most issues cut across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfakes but more division on broader regulatory approaches.
The federal update focused on executive orders, preemption, and congressional activity. NCSL described a White House framework favoring a single federal standard, a DOJ litigation task force, Commerce Department review of state laws, and possible funding conditions tied to state AI policy, though no formal state-law challenge had yet occurred. The presentation also covered a recent executive order creating a voluntary federal vetting process for advanced frontier models after safety concerns, and congressional proposals including a failed 10-year state moratorium, Senator Blackburn’s child-safety bills, the Kids Online Safety Act, a House-passed children’s digital safety package, a Senate data center moratorium proposal, and a House ratepayer/data-center bill. The committee took no formal action beyond receiving testimony and asking questions.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- not request or conduct a background not request or conduct a background check<00:43:45.280>
and - background checks for firearm purchases. background checks for firearm purchases.
- the court will not conduct a background the court will not conduct a background check,<00:47:27.280
- >> so the judge orders um the background >> so the judge orders um the background check
- <04:26:38.159>
on think there have been some studies on think there have been some studies
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Technology and Science, Joint Commission on May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Studies and research, if you will, on those technology issues.
- My academic background is in computer science.
- In addition to that study, we voted the study that we voted on last year, eight bills were sent to us
- Lark is also charged to study the same thing?
- There is a tremendous amount to be studied.
Summary:
The commission opened its first 2026 meeting by calling the roll, confirming a quorum, welcoming new members, and reelecting Delegate Cliff Hayes as chair and Senator Barbara Favola as vice chair. Members also adopted the commission’s annual virtual participation policy, which allows remote participation but does not permit virtual attendance to count toward a quorum.
The commission then heard an introductory presentation from VITA CIO Mike Watson, who outlined the agency’s mission and structure, including cybersecurity, infrastructure, governance, and procurement. He emphasized VITA’s role in protecting state systems, managing statewide technology contracts, overseeing major contract recompetes, and developing an approach to artificial intelligence that keeps a human in the loop. Members asked about AI executive orders, cybersecurity support for localities, and what the General Assembly could do to help VITA serve state and local partners; Watson stressed the need for clear policy direction, process modernization, and guardrails that allow innovation without reckless deployment.
Executive Director Jody Coon presented the 2026 work plan, including a schedule of meetings, a broader focus on science topics, and planned presentations from Virginia Sea Grant, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, and a health-tech company. She reviewed prior commission recommendations, noted that several AI-related bills were not introduced in 2026 because of the federal executive order, and outlined this year’s studies and deliverables, including workgroups on .gov domains and caller ID accuracy, a study on age verification, a brief on companion chatbots, and a major study on independent verification organizations. The commission discussed whether the AI study would duplicate work by another legislative body and agreed to proceed with coordination and to include best practices and other-state comparisons in resource briefs; the work plan was then adopted.
Dr. Kira Allman and Steve Wimmer provided presentations on federal and state AI policy. They described recent White House executive actions, including an executive order and national framework that seek to preempt burdensome state AI laws, and explained how those actions have chilled some state legislation, especially where BEAD broadband funding could be affected. They also reviewed how different states have responded—some pulling back, others moving ahead with AI bills on chatbots, deepfakes, transparency, and child protections—and suggested Virginia focus on carve-outs, state-specific applicability, regulatory sandboxes, and coordination with other states. Members debated the balance between innovation and guardrails, the risks of federal retaliation, and the need to protect children and address AI harms while avoiding unnecessary conflict with federal policy.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Government Finance Committee Jun 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Government Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll go on to the next item: 10:30, fixed route city transportation network study.
- And maybe that's a study parameter. I'm not asking for any changes in the bill.
- We do background checks, and so we do collect a fee on those types of services.
- So the committee was created and the study was assigned.
- We had the building official on site studying that plan at the time of the fire.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I don’t come from a clinical background, so I think it’d be very helpful to understand, one, in layman
- The DPH memo contained a bunch of background information on...
- The DPH memo contained a bunch of background information on what is being done in this area.
- Yeah, there was a lot of information in terms of looking at different types of studies.
- Jawa who was talking about the study...
Summary:
The Working Group on Education and Training of the Special Commission on Xylazine held its first meeting to begin developing findings and recommendations on education and training for first responders, the medical community, the substance use treatment community, and people who use drugs. Members discussed the need for baseline information on what xylazine is, its clinical effects and harms, signs of exposure or poisoning, wound care, and immediate response steps, while also noting that training should be tailored by audience, geography, and role. Several members emphasized that the training should be practical and action-oriented, helping people recognize xylazine exposure and know what to do next, including whether naloxone is relevant and how to reduce risk and mitigate harm.
A major theme was whether the group should recommend a needs assessment or survey to identify what different audiences already know and what they still need to learn. Members suggested that BSAS, DPH, local public health departments, licensing boards, and other stakeholders could help gather this information, and that existing resources such as DPH materials, MADS data, Brandeis materials, and trainings already being funded at BMC should be reviewed. The group also discussed the importance of using plain language for non-clinical audiences while still including clinical detail for providers, and of distinguishing between clinical and non-clinical training tracks.
The working group agreed to divide into subgroups: Senator Keenan will focus on first responders, Dr. Simon on the medical community, and Millie Batiya on the substance use treatment community, while Chair Domb will focus on people who use drugs. Staff will send meeting notes, an early draft PowerPoint framework, and a shared Google Drive folder for materials. Members were asked to gather sources and ideas by November 25 ahead of the December 11 public meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous thanks to staff and participants.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Postsecondary Education Feb 10th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- With your permission, I'd like to give a little bit of background if I may.
- Then, the questions can occur as to type of background, how long ago it was, based it was.
- There's also studies that look that at this population that means less recidivism if they have purpose
- What would be best as far as application of study in which avenue?
- Members, House Bill 3315 was its language to direct a targeted feasibility study by the state regions
Keywords:
education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We will now take up HB 531 relating to child care facility program background screening requirements.
- This bill is House Bill 531, which expands background screening requirements for child care facilities
- Additionally, the bill establishes a statewide background screening public awareness campaign through
- The study of residential treatment capacity: DCF will conduct a study to assess our current and future
- The study of residential treatment capacity: DCF will conduct a study to assess our current and future
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably by unanimous votes. HB 355, by Rep. Jay Alvarez, would allow public K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions to purchase, use, and maintain FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists rather than being limited to naloxone. The bill was described as giving schools more flexibility and a lower-cost option for overdose response; it received supportive public testimony and passed 18-0.
HB 531, by Rep. Hanchowski, expands background screening requirements for child care facilities and programs to include certain recreational enrichment programs, and creates a statewide public awareness campaign about screening requirements. An amendment narrowed the definition of recreational enrichment programs to in-person dance, gymnastics, and martial arts lessons and conformed a statutory cross-reference; the amendment was adopted without objection. The bill then passed 18-0, with support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and some discussion about strengthening enforcement against bad actors.
HB 1127, by Rep. Weinberger, addresses child welfare by creating a treatment foster care pilot program for high-acuity children, directing DCF to study residential treatment capacity, and improving data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill also includes recruitment and funding proposals for foster parents and workforce strategies for DCF. Members praised the bill’s focus on difficult cases and system gaps, public testimony was supportive, and the bill passed 18-0. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- For background, I'm Jewish. My father was a Holocaust survivor. For background, I'm Jewish.
- I am a professor in Holocaust studies and Jewish culture. I’m Professor Tanzer.
- I am also at the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
- Good luck with your rabbinical studies. Thank you.
- I come from an academic background.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met for its 11th meeting and approved the minutes from its August 7 meeting. Co-chairs said the commission had recently completed preliminary K-12 recommendations and would continue work on higher education, with additional topics such as workplace issues, the medical sector, and the arts to be addressed before the November 30 reporting deadline. They also said another public comment meeting would be held this fall.
The first testimony came from Dr. Mark Posnansky of Harvard Medical School, who described anti-Semitism affecting STEM, research, and higher education. He said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty reported ostracism, gaslighting, intimidation, discrimination, and hiding Jewish identity, and he urged clear leadership statements, mandatory anti-Semitism education, and stronger reporting and discipline procedures. Commissioners asked about Harvard training, spillover into teaching hospitals, and whether anti-Semitic climates were causing students to leave; he said some students had turned down opportunities because of the environment and that concerns also affected healthcare settings.
Lindsey Gabbo, a Harvard Law student and mother, testified that campus discourse after October 7 had made Jewish and Zionist students feel isolated and unwelcome, with protests, defaced hostage posters, and a student council BDS vote contributing to the climate. She said Harvard had sent some emails acknowledging anti-Semitism but that she had not seen meaningful steps to restore dialogue, and she argued the school needed more structured venues for conversation. Commissioners also asked about campus security, the effect on students’ mental health, and the impact of chants and protests that she said many Jewish students understood as calls to violence.
A panel of concerned Jewish faculty and staff then offered contrasting views. Professor Jeremy Menchick argued the commission should use data carefully, include non-Zionist Jews in its analysis, and avoid reinforcing divisions within the Jewish community. Professor Hilary Lustick described restorative-practice approaches and said structured dialogue could address conflict without immediate punishment. Professor Jonathan Feingold warned that anti-Semitism was being weaponized by the Trump administration and right-wing groups to attack universities and DEI, and he urged the commission not to adopt approaches that could be used to undermine civil rights institutions. Commissioners pushed back on claims that the problem was being exaggerated or reduced to a “problem” rather than a “crisis,” and the discussion ended with continued debate over data, context, and how to balance anti-Semitism concerns with broader civil-rights protections.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Commerce committee approves bill to eliminate prohibition of cadmium in some products 3/5/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Keys uh and there was a a study done uh Keys uh and there was a a study done uh by<00:24:18.559>
the - We have a ban first with no studies, and now we have to conduct studies after the fact in order to trim
- We have a ban first with no studies, and now we have to conduct studies after the fact in order to trim
- and now we have to conduct studies and now we have to conduct studies<00:26:40.080>
after <00: - <00:31:16.159>
uh study uh study uh regarding<00:31:18.320>um <00:31:19.120>Keys
Summary:
The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs.
Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Jan 29th, 2026 at 01:50 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- House Memorial 7 is requesting a study and report on the use of employment classifications that result
- We would like this memorial and this study to produce concrete data and policy options.
- This is, in essence, what we're asking in the memorial for the study to conduct at this time.
- Madam Chair, so would your, in theory, would this study help?
- This seems a little convoluted to me. ...this study help? This seems a little convoluted to me.
Summary:
The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first heard House Memorial 7, which asks Legislative Council Service, the State Personnel Office, DFA, and GSD to study the use of temporary, term, seasonal, casual, on-call, and other non-regular classifications in state government. The memorial was presented as a response to concerns that some workers are repeatedly terminated and rehired, sometimes after a one-day break, to avoid regular status and associated benefits. Testimony from CWA and AFSCME described long-term temporary workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other agencies who allegedly do full-time work without health insurance, retirement, leave, or consistent pay progression, and who in some cases were denied union coverage. Committee members questioned the scope, definitions of temporary employment, and whether the issue should instead be referred to the state auditor; the sponsor said the study would gather data and recommendations first. The committee voted due pass, and House Memorial 7 passed unanimously.
The committee then heard House Bill 177, which appropriates funds to the Veterans Services Department to contract for shelter and care of service and companion animals so veterans can access housing, medical care, and other services without fearing separation from their pets. Support came from the Veterans Services Department, Animal Protection New Mexico, and the Veterans and Military Families Caucus/Veterans Integration Center, all of whom said pets are often a barrier to veterans seeking care and that existing community-based animal boarding models could be used. The bill received no opposition, and the committee voted due pass with no opposition.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill intended to update and clarify the Public Employees Retirement Act and align it with administrative practice. Testimony focused on a provision allowing PERA to use licensed physicians, including out-of-state physicians who can be licensed in New Mexico, to serve on the disability review process when needed so disability cases are not delayed. Committee members raised concerns about ensuring medical expertise and avoiding abuse of the licensing flexibility, but PERA explained the change was meant to address recruitment difficulties and maintain timely review. The committee voted due pass on House Bill 43.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for allowing me to share some background on AB 428 to allow water utilities like mine to join
- While prospective producers will still need to study and pass the state's licensure exam, removing the
- While prospective producers will still need to study and pass the state's licensure exam, removing the
- There was a study that was done by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, specifically
- This actually, from my science background, inspires different composites that could actually inhibit
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee and heard several bills focused on insurance transparency, wildfire mitigation, market access, and workforce issues. AB 75 would require insurers to give homeowners 30 days’ notice before collecting aerial images of their property and allow homeowners to review those images; supporters said it would improve privacy and prevent inaccurate non-renewals, while consumer and industry groups both sought amendments. AB 234 would add the Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem, or designees, as non-voting members on the California FAIR Plan governing committee; the Department of Insurance supported it as an oversight measure, while Consumer Federation of California said it was only a small first step toward broader transparency reforms. AB 428 would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance, with supporters citing rising insurance costs for small water systems and no remaining opposition after amendments. AB 943 would streamline producer pre-licensing education by removing the 20-hour per-line requirement while keeping ethics training; industry sponsors said it would reduce barriers to entry, while consumer advocates warned it could lower professional standards. AB 1209 would create a pathway for cannabis employers to secure workers’ compensation coverage and related services through a state-coordinated network; supporters said it would help bring the industry into compliance, while one member raised concerns about creating a special carveout for a federally restricted industry. AB 1 would require periodic review of the state’s Safer from Wildfire regulations every five years, and it drew broad support from the department, insurers, local governments, and industry groups as a way to keep wildfire mitigation incentives current.
The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 69, AB 487, and AB 570, all of which were sent to Appropriations. The committee approved AB 75 to Privacy and Consumer Protection, AB 234 to the Assembly Floor, AB 428 to Local Government, AB 943 to Appropriations, AB 1209 to Business and Professions, and AB 1 to Appropriations. Most measures passed on strong or unanimous votes after members added coauthor requests and expressed support for the bills’ consumer protection, transparency, or wildfire-related goals.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, we've got to stop studying and start moving forward. So, Mr.
- I move the Governor's recommendation and ask... ...to study future reporting systems.
- of the history and social studies standards of learning and curriculum framework report.
- House Bill 614, as it passed, ensured that there was a review. to study future reporting systems.
- Legislation directed to the Department of Education to comprehensive study, the history and social study
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And do you remember where that study came from, Unidentified Representative: Mr.
- Speaker, generally, as far as funding goes, because we've discussed background checks.
- Speaker and gentle lady, who does those background checks you're talking about?
- All I'm hearing is a background check, Mr. Speaker, gentlemen.
- It's the Milliman actuarial firm that did the study. And Mr.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- No, it was $55,000, and that study just completed.
- We're still pursuing some kind of a wage and salary study, comp and class study, because the SPO study
- And seeing if we should pay for the study. I mean, we've already done a study across the board.
- Then the other question on this study, Mr.
- We have implemented all the Deloitte study positions.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY WHO SHOULD HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK ABSOLUTELY RECEIVES A BACKGROUND CHECK
- , IS THAT SOMETHING THAT'S AN ANNUAL BACKGROUND CHECK OR BIANNUAL?
- WHEN SOMEONE HAS IDENTIFIED THEIR FLAG BY WAY OF NOT PASSING THE BACKGROUND, LEVEL II BACKGROUND CHECK
- I'M HAPPY TO SHARE THOSE STUDIES WITH YOU. I DO HAVE A QUESTION.
- WHAT IS A STRUCTURED WORK-STUDY?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm here to present House Memorial 4, which is requesting the Legislative Finance Committee to study
- He conducted an extensive study throughout the summer and has been associating this study with other,
- I study drought in the western U.S. That's my regular job.
- Teacher background, but why are teachers having to parent at school?
- I'm going to give you a little bit of background on what we've seen in high school videos.
Keywords:
graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we studied it and we've learned about it.
- A lot of teachers already are studying it.
- It's about $350,000 for every study, every time we do a study to find out if we need X or if X is needed
- And have we done a feasibility study, Mr.
- Speaker, Representative, a feasibility study, much like the housing or sorry, the water study that you
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We recently completed the Hawaii housing planning study.
- And according to that study, the need has grown even more.
- I mean, my background is in urban planning. I worked as a planner for many years.
- We recently completed the Hawaii housing<00:03:54.159>
planning <00:03:54.560>study. - We it's going to housing planning study.
Summary:
The Committee on Housing heard two resolutions. STR 48 SD 1 called for a comprehensive strategy to adopt updated building codes, with testimony listed from several groups but no one appeared to testify. The committee later deferred the measure, noting it was very similar to House Concurrent Resolution 67 House Draft 1.
The committee then took up STR 6D1, which urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to develop a plan to produce enough housing to meet state demand. HHFDC testified that the resolution misstated the scope of low-income housing tax credit units and emphasized that the state’s housing need is much larger than previously cited, with a recent study showing about 33,000 units needed for households at or below 60% AMI statewide. HHFDC supported planning but said any plan must be realistic and account for private land constraints. A member raised concerns about rising leasehold costs and affordability for homeowners, and HHFDC responded that rental affordability can be maintained more readily than for-sale housing.
The committee adopted HHFDC’s proposed amendments to STR 6D1, including deleting a clause about overbuilding, revising the shortage figures, and adding language referencing Senate Bill 26 and the affordable housing land inventory task force. The committee also amended the resolution to focus on density and timing of development for projects identified by that task force. The measure passed with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit Commission - Evaluation Subcommittee 10/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- background information on those as well. background information on those as well.
- Snail pace is what I am detecting. we actually have some background we actually have some background
- <00:46:50.560>
on know, because for you to do a study on know, because for you to do a study - We don't know what's going on. implementing some pilot study of camera implementing some pilot study
- <01:08:24.319>
Um background paper. Um background paper.
Summary:
The Legislative Audit Commission Evaluation Subcommittee met on October 6, 2025, to choose additional program evaluation topics for the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jody Mson Rodriguez explained that the commission had previously selected seven topics from an initial list of 11, with background papers already prepared on five of those items, and that the subcommittee was now being asked to select five more topics for background papers before narrowing the full set to four recommendations later in the fall or early spring.
Members discussed several possible topics, especially emergency medical services, non-emergency medical transportation, MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, medical assistance fraud prevention, and U.S. Bank Stadium. David Kersner of OLA said emergency medical services and non-emergency medical transportation are distinct programs, and noted the EMS topic was evaluated in 2022 while non-emergency medical transportation had not been reviewed since 2011. Auditor Judy Randall said MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, and medical assistance fraud prevention are better suited to OLA’s financial audit division or special review unit rather than program evaluation, and that financial audits and special reviews do not require Legislative Audit Commission nomination.
On process, Mson Rodriguez said the subcommittee had already met its minimum required selections under the commission’s policy and was free to choose additional topics. The discussion also covered whether to broaden the stadium topic beyond U.S. Bank Stadium; staff said the U.S. Bank financing structure alone would be a major undertaking, but they could help craft a future topic focused on maintenance across multiple facilities. No final vote or motion was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue nominations and discussion.