Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :

Page 280 of 500
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Apr 7th, 2026

State Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is for Republicans to pick their candidates, for Democrats to pick theirs for the general election
  • the opportunity to say I thank you for the opportunity to say I hope<00:33:23.840><c> you'll</c><00:
  • </c> hope you'll oppose this. hope you'll oppose this.
  • /c> moved to Old Miss for a job for eight moved to Old Miss for a job for eight years,<00:34:15.359><
  • I have voted for Republicans because I voted for the person, and I still, as a Democrat, will vote for
Bills: HB541 , HB541
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • for us.
  • </c> had to do what was best for my family. had to do what was best for my family.
  • options for our county.
  • options for our county.
  • </c> I'm grateful for uh you for carrying it. I'm grateful for uh you for carrying it.
Keywords: 1183, house
DE
Transcript Highlights:
  • High School for a time.
  • I was hoping this bill wouldn't run for a while.
  • And so I would hope that in the same way that I would vote for you and your family to continue in that
  • years, I hope and pray that we'll experience for another 250 years.
  • years, I hope and pray that we'll experience for another 250 years.
Summary: The House convened on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, and moments of silence for Gerlindy Lancelotti and Iva Durham. Members then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions, including consent calendar items and several measures related to agriculture, lottery reporting, health care, fire service membership standards, inmate work, telecommunications, rent increases, youth camp licensing, primary elections, respiratory care practice, and marriage equality. The chamber also heard extended debate on Senate Bill 233, concerning removal of snow and ice from vehicles, and on House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary while barring participation in both parties’ primaries. Among the notable actions, House Concurrent Resolution 157 passed as amended, directing the State Lottery to report on options to support traditional lottery retailers. Senate Bill 53, preserving the Delaware Farm to Community Program if federal support declines, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 307, giving the Public Service Commission authority to designate eligible Lifeline carriers, and Senate Bill 339, clarifying advance health care directives, also passed. Senate Bill 235, removing a sunset on manufactured home rent increase calculations, passed, as did Senate Bill 325 after House Amendment 1 narrowed disqualifying offenses for fire service membership and adjusted related background-check rules. Senate Bill 309, discharging remaining incarceration-cost balances, and Senate Bill 324, addressing constable-related firearm permit provisions, both passed. The chamber tabled Senate Bill 233 once to consider a proposed amendment for trucks and other hard-to-clear vehicles, but the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended by the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was tabled pending legal review. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry, passed after extensive floor debate and personal statements from members on both sides. Senate Bill 293, creating a licensure pathway for summer camps to participate in purchase-of-care, passed after House Amendment 1. House Bill 188 on open primary access for unaffiliated voters passed 22-17, and Senate Bill 94, concerning respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery, passed after House Amendment 2. The transcript ends as the House begins consideration of House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • the staff, for the community, for the patients, and for their families.
  • treatment, which is still too long for any individual, for a child, for an adult, for a family to wait
  • And we received over 2,000 calls to our hotline in 2025, which was a record high for us.
  • And we will have some information to provide for you all very shortly on this that I hope will be able
  • And we will have some information to provide for you all very shortly on this that I hope will be able
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a Health and Human Services budget hearing in Clinton, with opening remarks from Chairs Meg Kilcoyne and Robin Kennedy, local officials, and many House and Senate members introducing themselves. The hearing focused on Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS and MassHealth budgets, with repeated themes of rising health care costs, federal funding uncertainty, workforce shortages, and access to care in underserved regions. Members also raised concerns about primary care shortages, rural and regional disparities, behavioral health access, maternal health, food insecurity, and the impact of federal policy changes on Massachusetts programs. EOHHS Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said the FY27 EOHHS budget totals $33.7 billion, reflecting mostly non-discretionary growth from health care costs, labor costs, caseload increases, and provider rate pressures. He highlighted targeted investments in foster care, family resource centers, maternal health, youth services, nutrition programs, immigrant legal services, and human service workforce rates, while warning that federal actions could strip roughly $3.5 billion annually from the state’s health care funding. In response to questions, he defended the administration’s cooperation with federal audits and program integrity efforts, discussed the primary care crisis, and said the state is trying to preserve core services while preparing for a more difficult FY28 budget cycle. MassHealth Undersecretary Mike Levine then described two major FY27 challenges: double-digit cost growth and the expected effects of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He said MassHealth’s proposed $22.7 billion gross budget includes a 7.5% increase and relies on a moratorium on new expansions plus targeted reductions, including a $1,000 annual adult dental cap, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management to peer-state levels, and work groups to slow growth in PCA, adult foster care, and adult day health spending. Members questioned the impact on Boston Health Care for the Homeless, preventive care, and regional access; Levine said the changes are meant to preserve sustainability, that children and certain disabled populations remain protected, and that the administration will continue working with providers, advocates, and the Legislature on implementation and longer-term reforms.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - House Judiciary

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any questions for me? Thank you so much. Thank you for doing that work.
  • It's a huge amount of information and for consideration for the court.
  • prison for.
  • Did you sign in for this bill? Yeah. For this bill? Yeah. Okay, come on up.
  • But for these reasons, I vote no. For these reasons, I vote no. Mr.
Committee: House Judiciary
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • ><00:06:18.039><c> members</c> to point out for um um for the members to point out for um um for the
  • </c> very well when your blood sugar is high very well when your blood sugar is high for<00:33:05.279
  • c><01:02:17.720><c> one</c> one for individual one for group and one one for individual one for group
  • you can save out written testimony for you can save it<03:26:09.960><c> for</c> it for it for later<
  • ><c> and</c> on super high computers high speed and on super high computers high speed and trying<03:
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 552, which would remove the “full-time student” requirement for children ages 19 to 25 covered under the state retiree health insurance plan. The prime sponsor said the change would align retiree coverage with state employee and ACA plans, would not cost taxpayers because retirees pay the premiums, and could even reduce administrative burden and possibly state costs. The chair noted the bill simply removes the words “if full-time student” from statute and said the proposal affects very few retirees and has no cost to the state. No opposition was presented, and the chair closed the hearing on HB 552 after no further testimony. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 648, which would require commercial insurance coverage for glucose monitoring devices and supplies for people with diabetes. The prime sponsor, a retired dietitian and diabetes educator, gave extensive testimony describing diabetes as common, costly, and serious, and argued that continuous glucose monitoring is important for managing type 2 and gestational diabetes, preventing hypoglycemia, and improving safety and decision-making. She said CGMs can alert users to dangerous blood sugar changes, help people understand how food, activity, and medication affect glucose, and save lives while offering a strong return on investment. During questions, a committee member asked whether the bill should specify that the monitoring be tied to prescribed treatment, and the sponsor agreed that adding “prescribed” would be appropriate. The member also asked about the proper threshold for coverage and whether the bill should be tied to fasting-test diagnosis; the sponsor responded that A1C is only one measure of control and does not show daily fluctuations, and said she was not prepared to recommend a specific threshold but could provide clinical guidelines later. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the sponsor indicated support for the bill’s general approach to broader CGM access.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope I can keep teaching my heart out for the next three to three and a half years.
  • I hope I can keep teaching my heart out for the next three to three and a half years.
  • But in this bill, I see hope for a step in the right direction to at least safeguard our state's finances
  • We hope they will rise above possible personal commercial advantage by voting for H. 2994 to help end
  • We're hoping that you'll find a fix for this because many educators were We're hoping that you'll find
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and justice for all.
  • college and Tucson for medical school.
  • Thank you so much for being here. Thank you.
  • He is a young man with cerebral palsy who was a cross-country and track runner for Boulder Creek High—go
  • I want to thank you all once again for being here.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Laura Mercer. Members also made several personal privilege introductions, including guests for National Women’s History Month, Father Andres Arango and Interfaith Day participants, Jeremiah Pate, and a proclamation recognizing March 25, 2026, as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Representative Simacek and others highlighted United Cerebral Palsy’s work, early diagnosis, and expanded services for people with cerebral palsy. On the floor, the House announced committee substitutions and bill referrals, then moved into Committee of the Whole. Three Senate bills received do pass recommendations: SB 1092, described as ending probation or early release for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children; SB 1097, the annual claimant bill; and SB 1135, a government-related measure. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred those bills to engrossing. The House then took up SB 1430, a tax corrections bill. Representative Calles raised concern that a provision might remove multiple tax exemptions, while Representative Olson said the measure was a technical cleanup and that any policy-changing language had been removed in committee. The bill passed 51-0, with nine not voting, and was sent back to the Senate. The House also received committee meeting announcements and adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Feb 20th, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Disbursements for personal security measures must be for the usual and normal charge for such goods or
  • If not for you individually, for your female colleagues, for your wives, your daughters, your mothers
  • When I was in eighth grade, Bothell High School shut down for two days due to a gun threat seen on a
  • The responsibility is in your hands, but this bill gives me hope that one day I can walk onto my high
  • I wish that this hope becomes a reality for every student.
Keywords: 904, all
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026

Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, so is it for a provider? It's for certain groups and for blanket health policies. So, sorry.
  • It's for certain groups and for blanket health policies.
  • Is the exemption for me?
  • for education.
  • That's it for in-person comment. Lauren, do we have anyone in the queue for Senate Bill 319?
Summary: The committee met with roll call attendance and took up two bills. First was Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which would allow the Division of Small Business to add state funding to existing federal small business programs, including the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. There was brief public support from one in-person commenter, no virtual comment, and the committee voted to release the bill, though it did not yet have enough signatures for immediate release and was left open for absent members to sign. The second item was Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, a women’s health insurance mandate requiring coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause diagnostic and treatment services, including FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and related care. Representative Smith presented the bill as a response to gaps in menopause care and insurance coverage, and Department of Insurance witness Kennedy Cook explained the religious exemption as applying to certain religious employers and blanket health policies. Committee members asked about the scope of that exemption, and some expressed concern about religious carveouts, while others praised the bill as important women’s health legislation. During public comment, one speaker supported the bill but warned that expanding mandatory health benefits can raise insurance costs. The Department of Insurance then testified in support, saying the bill would align Delaware with other states, many insurers already comply, and the department did not expect a meaningful premium impact. The committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 from committee.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education May 19th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • First off, I hope your child's doing well. And thank you, Senator, for bringing this bill.
  • For everyone listening and for everybody on this committee, please encourage your high schoolers to apply
  • And for me, I think it's something that is unfortunately a necessity, at least in my high school and
  • But like I said, I think high schoolers are willing to tolerate inconvenience for the sake of security
  • Thank you for having me again. I'm John Parker of Covington High, a LIAC member.
Bills: HR249 , HR251 , HB395 , HB902 , SB83 , SB132 , SB157 , SB338 , SB450 , SB484 , SB501 , SB507
Committee: House Education
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Health and Mental Health Feb 26th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • When we were in high school, we didn't have elevators in our high school.
  • for health.
  • It clarifies that we deserve access to the devices required for work, for safe showering, and for the
  • A Place for Mom is a free informational platform for families, A Place for Mom is a free informational
  • Thank you for that.
Keywords: 959, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 23rd, 2026 at 09:13 am

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, I think that's high for rural school districts.
  • I hope we have the $4 million for the following year.
  • For line number three, this is an existing project for TRD.
  • There is also a separate $500,000 recommendation in the executive for Section 5 for service for the office
  • There is a reauthorization for prior-year funding for the department for this.
Keywords: 996, all
Summary: The meeting began as an informal education budget work group focused on reviewing a revised House Appropriations and Finance Committee scenario and flagging concerns rather than taking votes. Staff outlined the main changes from the LFC recommendation, including moving the statewide student information system appropriation, adding funding for the Black, Bilingual, Multicultural and Hispanic Education Act, universal school meals overrun costs, an evidence-based CTE pilot with a 50% local match, STEM network funding, wellness room pilots, Martinez-Yazzie action plan items, and changes to innovation zone and out-of-school time appropriations. A separate handout on the seven-year CTE pilot explained spending patterns, reversions, and possible federal maintenance-of-effort concerns if the state continues funding beyond a true pilot. Members then debated CTE extensively, with several arguing it improves attendance, graduation, and career readiness and should be sustained or expanded, especially in rural areas, while staff and others emphasized that much of the current funding has gone to general operational costs rather than intentional program design and that regional or matched funding models may be more effective. Members also discussed STEM and math initiatives, the need for more industry involvement, and whether the proposed match requirements would be too burdensome for smaller districts and BIE schools. The discussion also covered the Black, Hispanic, and Multilingual Education Acts and the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit. Some members stressed that the acts should be explicitly named in the budget language and not merely implied, while staff said the scenario reaffirms prior commitments by building the costs into agency operating budgets. Members raised concerns about charter school hold-harmless funding, declining enrollment, and the need to align spending with the needs of at-risk students. The work group ended the education portion without any votes, with staff noting they would incorporate the feedback and return with clarifications, including on CTE funding, the educational acts, and the charter hold-harmless item. The meeting then shifted to the child well-being and early childhood work group, where staff presented a revised Early Childhood Education and Care Department scenario. The proposal moved money toward child care assistance and early pre-K, kept the FIT program funding level unchanged, and used a mix of trust fund, TANF, federal, and operating-budget adjustments to close part of the gap between the executive and LFC recommendations. Members questioned the policy direction, especially the shift toward infant and toddler care and pre-K expansion, the impact on school-age child care, and the implications for continuity of care and provider costs. Staff explained that the scenario prioritizes younger children and at-risk families, includes language for a wage and career ladder, and would require legislation to raise the early childhood trust fund distribution cap from 500 to 525. Members also discussed a separate proposed CYFD pilot bill (HB 65), which would be distinct from ECECD funding. No votes were taken, and staff said they would return with more cost information on full pre-K plus wraparound care. A final work group reviewed C2 and Department of Information Technology-related appropriations. Staff compared the LFC and executive recommendations for new funding and reauthorizations, noting that the LFC generally limited new projects while the executive funded more. Members discussed several IT modernization requests, including the Secretary of State’s voter registration and election management systems, the Spaceport Authority, Game and Fish, the State Engineer’s WATERS system, ECECD’s FitKids and EPIC replacement discovery, and Aging and Long-Term Services’ enterprise system modernization. The main themes were whether to fund planning versus full replacement, how to avoid piecemeal spending, and whether new systems should wait for incoming leadership. The Secretary of State’s office said its system is nearing end of life and the planning funds would help prepare a realistic replacement request, while other agencies described aging infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and the need for modernization. The work group did not vote on any of the items and ended with staff noting additional follow-up on funding needs and reauthorization details.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • for that.
  • program and for the High Road Training Partnership-funded building trades pre-apprentices?
  • program and for the High Road Training Partnership-funded building trades pre-apprentices?
  • for CWOP.
  • What CROP has done for me is provide me with a very high level of growth mindset and leadership training
Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard presentations on labor and public employment issues from the Employment Development Department (EDD), the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The committee first focused on EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on online claims, call center upgrades, language access, fraud prevention, and the Integrated Claims Management System (ICMS). The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged closer legislative oversight, especially as the project moves into the most difficult phase. Senators asked about the revised timeline, total cost, fraud reduction, stress testing, transparency around change orders, and the decision to phase in disability insurance and paid family leave before unemployment insurance. EDD said the overall project cost remained about $1.2 billion, that it had no major cost overruns, and that it had saved more than $20 million by shifting some shared customer portal work into ICMS. The subcommittee then considered CWDB’s request for additional operational resources and trailer bill language to streamline reporting. CWDB and the Department of Finance said staffing had been expanded during the pandemic-era surge in grant funding and should now be reduced as one-time grant programs wind down. Senators questioned the proposed staffing reduction, arguing that workforce development needs remain strong and that the board’s policy role still requires adequate capacity. The committee also discussed a proposal to consolidate multiple annual and interim reports into a single biennial report, with LAO supporting the streamlining. Members asked about reporting for specific programs and the cost savings from reducing duplicative evaluations. A major portion of the hearing addressed DIR’s proposed reforms to the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and related workload funding. DIR and LAO described rapid growth in applications, a large and growing backlog, and sharply rising liabilities and employer assessments. The administration’s trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply reforms to open cases, and use contemporaneous evidence and QME reports to document preexisting disabilities. LAO said the proposal largely matched its prior recommendations and would help return the program to its original intent. Senators raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, the effect on workers with undocumented preexisting conditions, and whether the QME system could absorb the added workload. The committee also heard DIR’s request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, with members objecting that some vacancies reflect unmet enforcement and safety needs rather than excess capacity. The hearing continued with DIR proposals for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff, permanent changes to Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition deadlines, and apprenticeship-related funding increases. DIR sought 14 permanent positions for its Bureau of Investigation to handle serious workplace fatalities and injuries, and members emphasized the importance of timely investigations and family communication. The WCAB requested making permanent a 2024 change that starts the 60-day reconsideration clock when a case is transmitted rather than when the petition is filed; the board said this had reduced the number of cases awaiting decisions from 637 to 460. Finally, DIR proposed increasing apprenticeship training grants from $3 million to $20 million annually using the Apprenticeship Training Contribution Fund, citing an $80 million fund balance and workforce demand tied to rebuilding and infrastructure needs, and then began discussion of a separate request to expand pre-apprenticeship programs.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We're not hoping that we are requiring low-income families to struggle to pay for the bus.
  • , sale, offer for sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of a high-speed electric
  • , sale, offer for sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of a high-speed electric
  • , sale, offer for sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of a high-speed electric
  • He hopes that testifying in support of public transit serves as a gateway for children to a lifetime
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Apr 8th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR CS FOR SP 462 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
  • AND TODAY WE ARE FILLED WITH HOPE THAT THIS YEAR FLORIDA LEADS THE NATION IN RESPONSIBLE FOR RETHINKING
  • CS FOR SP 268. >> Sen.
  • THANK YOU FOR THIS.
  • CHAIR FOR THANK YOU.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • reimbursements for three very high-volume products like feeding tubes and accessories and tracheostomy
  • <00:13:45.600><c> for</c><00:13:45.920><c> three</c><00:13:46.320><c> very</c><00:13:46.639><c> high<
  • /c> reimbursements for three very high reimbursements for three very high volume<00:13:47.360><c> products
  • </c><00:43:38.880><c> for</c> the reimbursement rates for for the reimbursement rates for for protected
  • Uh, I'm going to keep advocating for SUD services wherever I can, and I hope to have the committee support
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Energy Resources Mar 3rd, 2025

Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, we're also responsible for updating building energy codes and high-performance building standards
  • for, for being a part of a project.
  • I certainly hope to be helpful. Thank you. They forgot to ask for money.
  • And, uh, given this progress, our hope for this session is that, um, market stability will be prioritized
  • Texas received the DOE, Department of Energy, um, award for a high velocity hub.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-28 - 10:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Consideration will be given for payments Consideration will be given for payments for specific medical
  • This will be transparent for our hospitals, transparent for insurers, most importantly transparent for
  • This bill for reference-based pricing for our hospitals. This bill allows the for our hospitals.
  • And so for me...
  • I'll be voting for this bill, and I'll be voting for many more.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • As we think about how to do energy and our electrical systems in schools, just was hoping for some flexibility
  • Thank you for this opportunity to testify on a substitute for SB 6171.
  • For what?
  • This ensures new high-demand customers are accountable for the impacts they have on the system.
  • And even if these high standards... ...less incentive for builders to follow these standards.
Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 5941, which would exempt certain school districts from a Washington State Energy Code requirement for onsite renewable energy systems on large new commercial buildings or additions. The committee adopted Senator Short’s amendment narrowing the eligible school district definition from 1,000 or fewer students to 500 or fewer students, then approved the bill as amended and sent it to the Rules Committee with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6171, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, primarily data centers. Staff explained that the bill would require utilities serving such facilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts and full cost recovery, allow curtailment during emergencies, add reporting and sustainability requirements, create a fee to fund energy assistance, weatherization, and higher education programs, and impose new clean energy and labor-related requirements. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to protect affordability, reliability, transparency, and the public interest as data center demand grows. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including community action groups, environmental organizations, some utilities, Ecology, and student representatives, argued the bill would prevent cost shifting, improve transparency, support low-income energy assistance, and help manage grid and climate impacts. Opponents, including data center representatives, public utility district and business groups, and some local government and port officials, said the bill was too prescriptive, could raise costs, threaten competitiveness, duplicate existing utility practices, and interfere with existing CCA/CETA provisions and local flexibility. No vote was taken on SB 6171 during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after public testimony.