Video & Transcript Research : 'Testimony'
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LA
Transcript Highlights:
- If you would like to fill out a witness card or wish to give testimony, please fill out one of the cards
- If you would like to fill out a witness card or wish to give testimony, please fill out one of the cards
- Get some testimony. Get some, you know, LDH, get someone from PSC. I don't know.
- Get some testimony, get some, you know, LDH, get someone from PSC, get someone from the companies, get
Keywords:
water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector, tax collector, prescriptive period, prescription waiver, interest suspension, delinquency penalties, estimated assessment, arbitrary assessment, certified mail notice, audit notice, taxpayer rights
Summary:
Yes. This appears to be a meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee, based on the chairman’s roll call, the committee’s tax-related agenda, and the motions to report bills favorably.
The committee first announced that SB 436 by Senator Cloud was deferred. It then heard SB 442 by Senator Stein, which would extend and clarify a local sales and use tax exemption in Calcasieu Parish for repairs, upgrades, and overhauls of certain aircraft at qualifying facilities like Chennault. Testimony from Citadel Completions emphasized the bill’s economic-development purpose, competitiveness with other states, and job retention/expansion in Southwest Louisiana. Representative Orgeron moved favorable passage, and the bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee next considered HR 118 by Representative Wright, which would create a legislative subcommittee to study a possible state income tax credit for certain water utility customers affected by high rates tied to private water system upgrades and brown-water/manganese issues in parts of the Florida parishes and elsewhere. Members questioned the fiscal impact, eligibility, and whether the proposal would merely be a Band-Aid or a fair way to offset costs; Wright said it was only a study and not an automatic trigger for a tax credit. Representative Jackson moved to report the resolution favorably, and it was adopted without objection.
Finally, HB 1039 by Representative Desotel was not presented and was held in committee. The committee then adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Ways and Means Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If you would like to fill out a witness card or wish to give testimony, please fill out one of the cards
- If you would like to fill out a witness card or wish to give testimony, please fill out one of the cards
- Get some testimony. Get some, you know, LDH, get someone from PSC. I don't know.
- Get some testimony, get some, you know, LDH, get someone from PSC, get someone from the companies, get
Summary:
Yes. This appears to be a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee, based on the roll call, the committee chair’s remarks, and the committee’s consideration of bills and resolutions with tax and fiscal implications.
The committee first announced that SB 436 by Senator Cloud was deferred. It then heard SB 442 by Senator Stein, which would provide a local sales and use tax exemption in Calcasieu Parish for repairs, upgrades, and overhauls on certain aircraft at qualifying facilities such as Chennault. The bill was presented as an economic development measure to keep aviation maintenance work and jobs in Southwest Louisiana. After testimony from Citadel Completions representatives describing the company’s operations, local partnerships, and job creation, the committee voted to report SB 442 favorably without objection.
The committee next took up HR 118 by Representative Wright, which would create a legislative subcommittee to study a possible state income tax credit for certain water utility customers facing high rates tied to water system upgrades and brown-water issues in parts of the Florida parishes and elsewhere. Members questioned the fiscal impact, eligibility, duration, and whether the proposal would simply subsidize private utility rates or address a broader regulatory problem. Wright emphasized that the resolution was only for study and would gather testimony and numbers before any credit was considered. The resolution was reported favorably without objection.
Finally, HB 1039 by Representative Deshotel was called but no presenter was present, so the committee held the bill in committee. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We encourage the public to provide written testimony before the hearing by visiting the committee website
- Please note that any written testimony submitted to the committee is considered public comment.
- Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name, organization, if any, and position
- The committee will allow no more than 40 minutes of testimony in total.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures.
The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended.
During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Healing Our Herd: How Horses Help First Responders Recover from Trauma Mar 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- it, when you look at the people that are providing it, and more importantly, when you hear the testimonials
- ;> and more importantly, when you hear the >> and more importantly, when you hear the testimonials
- 48.680>
of <00:03:48.880>those <00:03:49.240>that <00:03:49.960>have testimonials - of the of those that have testimonials of the of those that have been<00:03:50.320>
helped been
Summary:
The transcript describes Abijahs on the Backside, a Minnesota equine-assisted therapy program that helps first responders process trauma and anxiety using retired racehorses. Speakers explain that the sessions are less like traditional talk therapy and more of a full-body, experiential approach that uses the horses’ behavior to help responders externalize feelings, reduce barriers, and work through stress. One horse, Figaro, is highlighted as an example of a retired racehorse finding a new purpose, while another horse, Finn, became a meaningful symbol of faith for a participant.
First responder Angela Casey shares that after a traumatic call, she realized the experience was affecting her mental health, family life, and work, and she sought help through the program. She and others say the therapy helped them remain on active duty and better manage their roles as officers, parents, spouses, and community members. A particularly moving story involved a first responder who had contemplated suicide before a session and later returned to work after the horse’s behavior helped her process that crisis.
Senator Eric Pratt is identified as the author of Senate File 901, which funded the program. He says he sought co-authors with mental health or first responder backgrounds, and that the bill received strong bipartisan support in committee and throughout the legislative process. Supporters argue the program is effective, backed by science and testimonials, and worth funding because it helps keep first responders healthy, on the job, and serving their communities.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a detailed definition in their testimony, and they would amend the data minimization provisions
- There is a detailed definition<00:04:58.479>
in <00:04:58.639>their <00:04:58.800>testimony - <00:04:59.759>
and <00:05:00.000>they definition in their testimony and they definition - in their testimony and they would<00:05:00.320>
amend <00:05:00.639>the <00:05:00.800><
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, criminal offense, natural resources, tree protection, state property, environment, land use, boundary amendment, administrative fines, Land Use Commission, infrastructure compliance, highway safety, driver's license, administrative revocation, alcohol-related offenses
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and considered several Senate bills, generally following recommendations to pass measures with or without amendments. SB 2981 would prohibit minimum off-street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and was adopted unamended, with Senator Awa voting no. SB 2982, which bars foreign entities and foreign-influence business entities from making election-related contributions or expenditures, was adopted with an amendment adopting Attorney General language for required advertisement statements.
The committee also advanced SB 2983, creating a misdemeanor offense for criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property; one member opposed it, suggesting a replanting requirement would be a better environmental remedy, but the bill was still adopted unamended. SB 2986, concerning Land Use Commission authority to amend or revise district boundary amendment decisions when conditions are not met, passed with an amendment addressing a defective effective date. SB 2991, on driver’s license revocations for certain alcohol-related offenses and re-examination requirements, passed with amendments clarifying revocation orders and re-examination procedures.
Members then approved SB 3001, which regulates conversational artificial intelligence services by requiring disclosures and protocols to prevent suicidal ideation, with amendments incorporating AG and OCP recommendations, including a personal data definition and broader data minimization language. SB 3010, allowing officials and in some cases private citizens to enter unattended vehicles to protect endangered pet animals, passed with amendments. The committee also adopted SB 3014 on higher fines for taking or harassing protected turtles, SB 3032 clarifying beach and marine deposit prohibitions, and SB 3033 allowing petitions to review beach structure integrity despite a bad effective date; Senator Awa again voted no on SB 3033. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- SEEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, IS THERE PUBLIC TESTIMONY? NO PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
- WE HAVE A FEW LATE PUBLIC TESTIMONIES.
- WE DO HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences Oct 21st, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- What I had heard from the public testimony was that there was difficulty in compiling the data currently
- I want to check and see if there is anyone who showed up in person for any testimony or questions.
- So then I would like to remind folks that anyone wishing to provide written testimony So then I would
- like to remind folks that anyone wishing to provide written testimony on today's agenda topics can submit
Summary:
The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on October 22, 2025. Members approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and reviewed a draft 2026 meeting schedule, tentatively setting meetings for May 6, August 4, September 15, and October 20, 2026, without taking a formal vote. The commission then worked through its commissioner comments on tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself from the natural gas for transportation and energy sales to silicon smelters items.
The discussion focused on reconciling endorse/endorse with comment/does not endorse positions into final recommendations. The commission adopted comments for the liquefied natural gas preference, the natural gas for transportation preference, the energy sales to silicon smelters preference, several low-income housing and veterans-related preferences, and other reviewed tax preferences. Several comments emphasized reporting burdens, the need for clearer legislative guidance, and in the veterans’ item, the possibility that low use may reflect limited visibility of the preference. Staff also clarified the reporting requirements for the natural gas transportation preference and the rationale for continuing the LNG preference while asking the legislature to consider a Department of Revenue workgroup report.
All commissioner comment packages were ultimately adopted by roll call votes, with the relevant recusals noted. No members of the public testified in person. The chair invited written testimony by email or mail and thanked staff and members for their work. The next commission meeting was announced for May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Appreciate your testimony. It's one of the best investments we can make in Florida's future.
- Appreciate your testimony. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate your testimony.
- Thank you for that testimony. Are there any questions of the appointee? Yeah.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be reviewing our e-omnibus bill, taking public testimony and member discussion.
- They've stepped forward with research, including testimonies in bold. ideas on how to prevent further
- As you heard in testimony, to hear from three students who said the number one bill at Youth in Government
- assignments that I have had, this minibus bill really is an outward display, and I think these testimonies
Bills:
HF1306
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- I invite you to feel free to submit written testimony through the position portal on the committee's
- Thank you for your testimony. Thank you.
- For your testimony on both sides. On the price, I saw two different kinds of expressions.
- This is Assembly Bill 708 by committee member Valencia, and when you are ready, you may begin your testimony
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (05/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- He said, “So, um, I think that’s my testimony.”
- <02:06:49.119>
on Representative, for your testimony on Representative, for your testimony - I have um written testimony from Lavell.
- your testimony. your testimony.
- <04:08:07.520>
That's that that's my testimony. That's that that's my testimony.
Summary:
The committee opened hearings on SB 69, including a germane amendment on school board votes to accept or reject gifts and donations, and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Prime sponsor Rep. Glenn Cordelli said the literacy program was modeled on earlier HB 671, would be funded through gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements to the governor and legislature. Members questioned changes from the earlier bill, including the move away from center-based language, the lack of a dollar threshold for school board action on donations, anonymous gifts, and whether the amendment preserved enough evaluation data.
Testimony on the donation provisions raised concerns about broad language, timing, and public-meeting requirements. Rep. Timothy Han and Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association both noted that school districts already have policies and asked how the bill would work for routine donations, anonymous gifts, and situations that might require non-public discussion under right-to-know law. Wilson cited examples such as field-trip scholarships, backpack drives, and sports uniforms, and said the association was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails. Rep. Han said school boards may need to discuss some gifts in non-public session and that the bill should better address those circumstances.
On the early literacy amendment, Wilson and others questioned whether the program was sufficiently developed, whether it was appropriate to rely on a primarily online model for very young children, and how it would interact with special education services and IEPs. A representative from Waterford.org, Rob Riley, testified in support, saying the program would be supplementary, adaptive, and family-engagement based, and that Waterford could provide devices and internet access for families who need them. He said the program would work alongside school districts and IEP teams rather than replace existing services. No vote was taken during the hearing; the chair said the committee would later exec the bills and try to get reports in for the calendar.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Speaker, may I quote from the testimony of Dr.
- <01:19:55.120>
Jennifer from um the testimony of Dr. - Jennifer from um the testimony of Dr.
- We also heard testimony that surgeries.
- Um, and we heard testimony on that previously in our own committee.
Summary:
The House began with several announcements and recognitions, including a lengthy tribute to Representative Carolyn Brangan of Georgia on her retirement and years of service, followed by remarks from Brangan explaining that she is leaving to care for her husband during cancer treatment. Additional members offered brief reflections, including one on the end of the session and another welcoming students from Founders Memorial School to the gallery, and a member from Brattleboro highlighted a collaborative mural in the card room titled “These Green Hills, Vermont State Symbols and Personal Reflections.”
The body then took up its calendar. It adopted Joint House Resolution 12, authorizing limited remote voting in joint committees through the remainder of the calendar year, with an ADA-related accommodation for members physically present but unable to access a meeting room. The House also suspended rules to take up and concur in the Senate amendment to House Bill 935 on emergency management. The committee report described grant programs for emergency response and technical rescue, new definitions and shelter-planning language centered on “whole community,” a wildland fire response task force, and an emergency rulemaking provision requested by the Agency of Natural Resources; the committee approved the Senate proposal on an 8-3 straw poll, and the House concurred.
The House next adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 952, the capital construction and state bonding budget adjustment bill. The report explained changes made in conference, including shifting funds to cover a higher-than-expected bid for the St. Johnsbury facility, restoring some funding for maintenance at the women’s correctional facility in Chittenden County, and setting aside $750,000 toward planning for Wi-Fi installation in correctional facilities. It also noted a lease-related language change for a Vermont Huts project at Little River State Park, with notification to the institutions committee chairs. The House then took up Senate Bill 64 on optometrists’ scope of practice; the committee presentation supported allowing specially credentialed optometrists to perform certain minor surgical, laser, and injection procedures, citing improved access, safety, cost, and workforce development, and the bill was read for second reading with committee recommendations for concurrence.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The<00:28:43.160>
committee <00:28:43.480>heard <00:28:43.680>testimony <00: - 28:44.400>
from The committee heard testimony from The committee heard testimony from Commissioner - Through<01:35:44.040>
testimony, <01:35:44.680>we <01:35:44.880>understood <01:35 - :45.600>
the Through testimony, we understood the Through testimony, we understood the differentiation - And I was just curious if the committee took any testimony to navigate to kind of explore that.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters.
Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations.
The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team.
On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If you'll identify yourself for the record and then proceed with your update and testimony. >> Yes.
- If you'll identify yourself for the record and then proceed with your update and testimony. >> Yes.
- Uh, and we will get into that in our testimony.
- I'll save that for for my testimony.
- pages, um we had really good testimony. pages, um we had really good testimony.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Although I have to say there are a couple things that I'll talk about in my testimony that were mistakes
- <00:45:36.960>
about <00:45:37.599>uh back to some of the testimony about uh back to - testimony on this. testimony on this.
- Um, on lines 5 discuss in my testimony.
- Thank you for your testimony. testimony. testimony. >> Thank<02:02:48.800>
you.
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on CACR 30, a constitutional amendment that would make Public Utilities Commission members elected rather than appointed. Representative Thomas Opel testified in support, arguing that rising energy costs and the utility rate-setting structure make the PUC too insulated from ratepayers, and that elected commissioners would be more accountable. He also said the proposal should ideally include a ban on contributions from regulated utilities to PUC campaigns, and acknowledged the draft had errors and needed work. Representative Lane questioned whether a contribution ban would be constitutional, and Opel said there may be ways to structure one to survive legal challenge. The hearing closed with five online supporters and two opponents reported, and no one else testified.
The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 1062, authorizing the Secretary of State to conduct random audits of voters’ citizenship qualifications. Representative Newsome offered an amendment to clarify how voters with no evidence either way would be treated and to require a public report on audit results, including referrals, costs, and databases used. Representative Aqua opposed the amendment, saying the bill should pass as written. The amendment failed 9-7, and after further debate over privacy and the purpose of audits, the committee voted 9-7 to recommend ought to pass on HB 1062. Representative Barry was assigned the majority report and Representative Newsome the minority report.
The committee next considered House Bill 1388, which would clarify the form of ballots for constitutional amendments. Representative Weary said the bill simply provides clarity for voters and imposes no hardship on the Secretary of State’s office. The committee unanimously voted 17-0 to recommend ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar.
Finally, the committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 1125, enabling school districts to adopt partisan school district elections. Representative Weary said partisan labels would help voters understand candidate positions and address low turnout in local elections. He emphasized the bill is enabling, not mandatory. Members questioned why the change was needed if few municipalities have used existing authority, and whether it would increase divisiveness. Weary said many voters are unaware of the option and that partisan labels would give them more information. The hearing closed with five online supporters and 184 opponents. The committee then began executive session on House Bill 1187, concerning the filing deadline for special-election candidates for state representative, but discussion was still ongoing in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/11/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- or take up members to testimony or take up members amendments?
- And so, um, thank you again, and that concludes my testimony.
- And so, um, thank you again, and that concludes my testimony.
- again and that concludes my testimony. again and that concludes my testimony.
- <01:31:04.239>
just Lur, in listening to the testimony just Lur, in listening to the testimony
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/13/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Miss Severson, and Miss Laugher for your testimony.
- Next is testimony from the DNR.
- Um, Miss Severson, and Miss Laugher for your testimony.
- Next is testimony from the DNR. If Miss Thelen can come over... Next is testimony from the DNR.
- I'm happy to be here, so thank you for allowing me to have this testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you want to provide written testimony, you must also register at a kiosk, turn in your written testimony
- You've just heard amazing testimony about saving lives.
- You heard testimony from Chancellor J.B.
- I'll be doing a combined testimony, and we offered written testimony which roughly parallels my comments
- Okay, we're going to open public testimony.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, so we'll just take testimony in the order which we see on the agenda.
- Welcome to the committee, please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony. Thank you.
- Please introduce yourself and then proceed with your testimony.
- The testimony that you're hearing today has more to do with the administration.
- an reflection on them uh the testimony an reflection on them uh the testimony that<00:31:24.799>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate File 285, a bill to shift MnDOT highway project cost participation away from local governments and onto MnDOT. The bill’s author and several city representatives said current cost-share policies force cities to spend local aid, property taxes, or debt on state highway projects they do not control, leaving less money for local streets and maintenance. Testifiers from Richfield, Elk River, Faribault, Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Association of Small Cities all supported the bill, describing the policy as one-size-fits-all, financially burdensome, and especially harmful to smaller cities and cities with major state highways running through them.
Witnesses gave examples of large and sometimes changing local cost-share obligations, including Richfield’s spending of most of its MSA funds on projects it does not own and a small-city project where the estimated local share rose from about $2.3 million to over $3 million. Several testifiers said cities often have little practical ability to refuse MnDOT projects because the projects are valuable and MnDOT can move on if a city declines. One witness also raised concerns about money being paid upfront and held in an account during construction, causing cities to lose interest earnings while funds sit unused.
Members asked whether cities truly have a say in these projects and whether there are limits on how much the local share can increase. Testifiers said MnDOT does engage cities, but the cost participation policy largely dictates the outcome, and they described the municipal consent statute as too narrow in practice. Senators expressed concern about fairness and the burden on local budgets, while one member noted the bill may not fully address the broader consent issue. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Hampshire um and given the testimony of Hampshire um and given the testimony of the<01:00:11.440>
- And for your testimony.
- Thank you for this testimony.
- Thank you very much for your testimony. Thank you very much for your testimony. Any questions?
- <07:03:18.878>
any very much for your testimony any very much for your testimony any questions
Summary:
The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility.
Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability.
Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.