Video & Transcript : 'abandoned well' :
Page 259 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- in there, or these women are being treated well.
- Better these conditions as well as create avenues to prevent incarceration as well as reduce incarceration
- Well, thank you very much for your testimony.
- Well, it's a lot, and not spending it is nothing.
- It's not possible to heal or get well in a prison.
Summary:
The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations.
A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry.
The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 100 Apr 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, today we rise to recognize and celebrate the Be Well Health and Wellness Initiative, Be Well
- ><c> Well,</c><00:52:15.600><c> for</c><00:52:15.720><c> 23</c> Wellness Initiative, Be Well, for 23
- </c> Be Well Health and Wellness Initiative. Be Well Health and Wellness Initiative.
- . well. well.
- Well, um, Mr.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> with</c><00:06:30.479><c> that</c> >> Well, if it's dealing with that >> Well, if it's
- Well, no. Yes, we definitely >> Okay. Well, no.
- ,</c><00:24:19.440><c> and</c> decision on the health, wellness, and decision on the health, wellness
- Well, Texas did a send to to the EPA.
- </c> was this individual had been doing well was this individual had been doing well had<00:47:14.400
Committee:
House Judiciary
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty One - Monday, February 16
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, Mr.
- “Well.” “Fair enough.
- Well, that’s what I’ve done.
- “Well, that’s true.
- Well, that's true.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal by roll call vote, 115-6. Members then used points of personal privilege to honor Redd Foxx for Black History Month and to remember former Mayor Frank Klipsch, followed by the introduction of a first-grade special guest page for the day. The chamber also received first readings of three bills on mental health efforts in public schools, public labor organizations, and state contracts with certain telecommunications companies, along with committee reports recommending passage of several bills.
The House then debated and passed several measures. A large vehicle-inspection bill, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743, drew extended debate over whether inspections improve safety or impose unnecessary costs; it passed 104-43. House Bill 1917, a Jefferson County water district bill aimed at removing a local obstacle to a long-planned development, passed 148-2. House Bill 261, as amended, was approved 109-21 to require Missouri schools and universities to adopt nondiscriminatory policies protecting Jewish students from antisemitic harassment, using the IHRA definition as a guide while stating it would not limit First Amendment rights.
Members also passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2384, 92-61, which would limit local energy-code mandates and reduce housing construction costs, despite objections that it would preempt local control and roll back newer codes. The chamber then moved into perfection and took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming-regulation bill intended to legalize and regulate video lottery terminals and crack down on illegal machines. Multiple amendments were adopted, including a $250-per-terminal fee dedicated to developmental disability services, local opt-out and operating-hour provisions, a shorter grace period for existing machines, property-tax language, a 21-and-over restricted area requirement, a larger warning label, and a historical funding provision for the steamboat Arabia. Debate continued on the bill and its amendments, with supporters emphasizing regulation, local control, and new revenue, and opponents warning about gambling expansion, enforcement problems, and social harms.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it was outlined well by the director as well as the agenda.
- That are outlined well in the agenda.
- Well, I guess I'm the only one left now in this room, so I'm going to take...
- Well, I want to say thank you to our panelists.
- Well, thank you to our panelists. And seeing no further comments.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- I was in the suspecting top bleachers as well, but it's worked very well and we can show you that.
- So they're using the funding exceptionally well.
- And so we thank the committee for that as well.
- They are strained as well. They are under staffed as well, and it just really is a continuum.
- Well, I think Mandy kind of talked to...
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 15th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, we could do that.
- Well, Mr.
- Well, let's hope that he's back. Yeah.
- Well, Igor and I might have to find our way ourselves. Okay. There you go. Well, Mr. Chair.
- Well, I appreciate your saying so.
Bills:
HB1012
Keywords:
health and human services, DHHS, appropriations, biennial budget, behavioral health, substance use disorder, opioid settlement, medical assistance expansion, Medicaid, basic care, long-term care, child care assistance, early childhood care, child care provider payments, guardianship, conservatorship, housing loan fund, disability services, extraordinary medical needs, community health trust fund
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Human Services Division met to consider House Bill 1012, the Department of Human Services budget, and reviewed three previously made amendments: correcting a reference to $30 million underfunding, changing “human service centers” to “behavioral health clinics,” and revising section 31 language so the department would review medical assistance services and report findings and recommendations rather than directly implement adjustments. The committee also discussed whether to include funding related to two other bills with fiscal impacts, House Bill 1485 (personal needs allowance) and House Bill 2399 (PRTF reimbursement), noting those measures may go to conference committee and that appropriations could be added there instead of in HB 1012. The committee agreed to proceed with HB 1012 and members noted provider inflation questions would be raised later in full committee.
The division then approved a due pass recommendation on the amendments to HB 1012 and, after a roll call vote, approved HB 1012 as amended on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Mathern voting no. Senator Davison was named as carrier. Members also discussed House Bill 1577, involving wastewater project financing and possible amendments related to a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota for specific projects, and House Bill 1619, for which additional amendments were expected before full committee action. The meeting ended with general thanks and adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> program develops whether it's uh well program develops whether it's uh well it's<01:04:16.000><c
- Well, so I...
- Uh, it's page 38. yeah well is there is there a timeline yeah well is there is there a timeline when<
- Well, they would...
- </c> come back to the state and say oh well come back to the state and say oh well they<03:28:07.040>
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So that can be challenging as well. ...transcripts from. So that can be challenging as well.
- Well, I want to thank you.
- Steiner said it well.
- Well, I don't know.
- We are a bar school as well.
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families.
Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions.
Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (10/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, welcome everybody.
- </c> well. I don't know how those showed up. well. I don't know how those showed up.
- >> Well, go ahead.
- Ford's question as well.
- Well, okay. Yeah. >> From now is still October. >> Yeah. Well, let's see.
Summary:
The commission to study special education costs under SB 57 met for its second meeting, with members introducing themselves and reviewing background materials on New Hampshire special education identification rates, NAEP results, and a Wall Street Journal article about the rise in autism diagnoses. The chair explained that the commission is examining special education aid formulas, including how New Hampshire’s current catastrophic aid threshold works and how changes to that threshold might affect school districts, but noted that the needed data on how many students would shift into the aid system at lower thresholds is not yet available.
The main testimony came from Henry Litman of HHS on Medicaid reimbursement in schools. He explained that school-based Medicaid funding is tied to health-related services, not all special education services, and that federal rules are changing in state fiscal year 2027. Under the new approach, schools will move away from an in-kind methodology to a certified public expenditure model that may also allow recovery of some overhead costs, such as support staff time. He said the state won a federal grant to help build the new system, hired a vendor, and is setting up training and a help center for districts.
Members asked about why Medicaid claims have declined and whether districts are leaving money on the table. Litman said claims are down about 25% from pre-pandemic levels, with declines tied to federal and state rule changes, documentation requirements, provider qualification rules, and the end of temporary pandemic flexibilities. He said some districts adapted better than others depending on local medical-provider access and administrative capacity. He also said the new federal legislation does not directly affect schools, while New Hampshire’s return to pre-pandemic eligibility rules has reduced enrollment somewhat. No votes were taken, and the discussion ended with agreement that the commission needs better data to determine how much special education spending is truly Medicaid-eligible and whether additional legislation is needed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/25/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and also cultural preservation as well. and also cultural preservation as well.
- </c><00:13:04.399><c> Well,</c> have a a bill jacketed. Oh, okay. Well, have a a bill jacketed.
- </c> well as creating arts. well as creating arts.
- </c> bill as well, including Mr. Mark Richie. bill as well, including Mr. Mark Richie.
- Well, then Senator, any block there. Well, then Senator, any closing<01:55:06.080><c> comments?
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> supporting the federal Mission as well supporting the federal Mission as well uh<00:18:59.320><c
- </c><00:35:31.200><c> thanks</c> look at my buddies and say well thanks look at my buddies and say well
- As well as I do, people serve.
- </c> borrow money to replace it um so we well borrow money to replace it um so we well we<01:07:56.760
- </c> state and federal nonprofits um as well state and federal nonprofits um as well as<01:28:20.880>
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Jan 31, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, we'll take whatever we can get.
- Well, we'll take whatever we can get.
- <00:55:42.000><c> General</c> governor as well as the Attorney General governor as well as the Attorney
- We have your written testimony. that in mind as well this was overruled that in mind as well this was
- </c> actually asking for more all right well actually asking for more all right well maybe<01:15:11.840
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 410, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ biennium operating budget. OHA asked for a modest increase over its base budget, including $1.2 million to fund 13 new full-time positions for a strategy and implementation team tied to its long-term plan, with emphasis on housing, education, health, and economic resilience. OHA also described a broader effort to work directly with executive branch departments to improve outcomes for Native Hawaiians. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals speaking in favor and one testifier expressing strong frustration about Native Hawaiian rights and access to resources. The chair noted there were 38 additional written/supporting testimonies and three in opposition. Members asked about OHA’s funding sources and public land trust revenues; OHA said it is not receiving the full 20 percent share, described a public land trust working group and system issues, and said a related bill would seek funding to begin an inventory. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then considered House Bill 304, which would make the Hawaiian version of a law binding when the law was originally drafted in Hawaiian and later translated into English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language and looks to the original language for legislative intent. The Attorney General supported the intent but recommended narrowing the bill with a proviso to avoid ambiguities, limiting it to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were not later amended, codified, recodified, or reenacted in English. Public testimony was generally supportive, though one speaker raised broader sovereignty concerns. Members questioned how many laws would be affected and whether the proposed amendment would undercut the bill; the Attorney General said the amendment was meant to address uncertainty in interpretation. No final action was reported.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 603, which would direct OHA to administer a Native Hawaiian business marketing program to promote Native Hawaiian-owned businesses through marketing and technical assistance. OHA supported the concept, saying a label or branding program could help consumers identify and support Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, but requested that funding be redirected to a working group to study program design, implementation, enforcement, and long-term viability. The chair noted four supportive testimonies had been received, and a member asked OHA to confirm that its programs serve all Hawaiians, not only those eligible for homelands; OHA said it serves all Hawaiians in the state. The transcript ends before any vote or further action on HB 603.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, good morning.
- sure when something is working well that it's becoming the new norm.
- I want to get clarification if you're accepting the committee's amendments as well on page five.
- And I am working with Assembly Member Gabriel and Assembly Member Irwin on their bills as well.
- And so for me and for us, protecting our students... ...on their bills as well.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, thank you. Thank you.
- Well, thank you. Thank you.
- Well, thank you. Thank you.
- Well, thank you. Thank you.
- Well, thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation.
The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, well, we appreciate it. Committee, we do have a motion before us. All those in favor?
- I mean, I think you just stated the exact way I would have answered it as well. So, yeah.
- Chairman. comment on it as well.
- And then as well, you can dig into individual agencies. So we were talking about DOPL.
- That is an overview of Idaho's economy, as well as pertinent budget details.
Committee:
House Business
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I appreciate...
- Well, Well, Well, >> but<02:11:46.960><c> again,</c><02:11:47.360><c> they're</c><02:11:47.760>
- </c> and geography as well. and geography as well.
- </c> >> Well said. Thank you. >> Well said. Thank you.
- </c> marijuana as well. marijuana as well.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:12:24.800><c> as</c> well as well as classrooms<01:12:27.040><c> uh</c><01:12:27.199><c> so</c><01
- </c> it's my understanding though that well it's my understanding though that well um<01:13:00.480><c
- How well do we market and how well do we execute that?
- Development how well do we market and Development how well do we market and how<04:53:22.160><c> well
- </c><05:21:51.878><c> current</c><05:21:52.200><c> well</c> purchasing of uh Wells current well purchasing
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We worked well together.
- Do you object to that as well?
- Well, Mr.
- Well, it's about to close.
- As well.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-LBT, HOU DEFER, WTL-HOU, HOU, HOU Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, other about government projects.
- </c> they do in the the areas outside of well they do in the the areas outside of well we<00:37:51.599
- </c><01:38:15.920><c> Thank</c> language as well in SB 102. Okay. Thank language as well in SB 102.
- ,</c> through." through and I was like, well, through." through and I was like, well, you<01:41:26.320
- Well, I think it. Yeah. Response.
Summary:
The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well.
The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted.
HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.