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ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 27th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Education is an important aspect of our state.
  • We dumped in $330 million within the state of Idaho.
  • So isn't it really that... ...in the state?
  • I think our teachers are amazing within our state of Idaho.
  • I think our teachers are amazing within our state of Idaho.
Committee: House Education
Summary: The committee heard testimony from Representative Josh Tanner, the House co-chair of JFAC, on state budgeting and education funding. Tanner argued Idaho has a spending problem driven by policy decisions and supplementals, said education funding should be judged by outcomes rather than inputs, and criticized what he described as declining test results, enrollment shifts, and loopholes in the funding formula, including students allegedly being counted for sports participation without attending class. He also questioned heavy technology spending in classrooms and said many programs should be reexamined for return on investment. Members responded by asking for more information from LSO and the Impact Team on how the school funding formula and support units work, and several suggested the committee should better educate itself before making changes. Tanner agreed that the formula is complicated and supported more analysis, audits, and possible sunset provisions or other mechanisms to force policy review. He also said JFAC analysts can help members understand the budget and that the committee should look backward at existing programs, not just forward at new ones. The discussion broadened to whether the state has a spending problem or a revenue problem, with Tanner pointing to growth in supplemental spending, Medicaid, corrections, and uncertainty around federal conformity costs, while noting education had not been targeted for cuts. Members raised concerns about mental health resources, school climate, and the need to listen to local school boards and parents. The meeting ended with the chair saying he would gather the needed materials for the committee’s upcoming discussion with JFAC, and the committee adjourned without taking a vote.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 2nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Budget request for the colleges and universities, which consists of Boise State University, Idaho State
  • I might just add that Boise State University would receive $2,684,500; Idaho State University, $2,108,200
  • I mean, we have a beautiful Carnegie Library that's boarded up.
  • I mean, we have a beautiful Carnegie Library that's boarded up.
  • State police district two building was canceled.
Summary: The committee took up a series of FY 2027 budget items, beginning with health education programs. Members approved additional general fund support and FTPs for psychiatry residents, a Burley family medicine resident, a family medicine OB fellowship, additional family medicine residents, child psychiatry residents at the University of Utah, and a veterinary education FTP adjustment. They then approved language to shift fellowship funding to the rural health transformation program if available, with debate focused on whether that money should instead be reserved for broader rural health needs; the language ultimately passed despite objections. The Office of the State Board of Education budget was approved with funding for Canvas LMS renewal, transfer of risk managers to institutions, and a federal post-secondary education grant. In the colleges and universities budget, a substitute motion to add general fund support and restore a rescission failed, but the original motion passed, providing dedicated funds for endowment adjustments and restoring the FY 2027 rescission. Community colleges were then considered, and a motion to reduce the Canvas LMS item and leave the rescission unfilled failed; the original motion restoring the rescission passed. The committee also approved a one-time Career Ready Students Fund appropriation for secondary CTE programs, then later approved a separate one-time Career Ready Students Fund increase for Idaho Division of Career Technical Education secondary programs after rejecting a general fund substitute. The Department of Administration budget drew the most debate. Members discussed utilities transfers, new procurement staff for Medicaid managed care contracting, training and administrative support transfers, inflationary utilities costs, IT hardware, and a vacancy adjustment correction. The committee rejected the motion, largely over concerns about the Medicaid procurement staffing request. It then approved the Permanent Building Fund budget, including state match for a Bonneville County National Guard Readiness Center design and replacement items for public works projects, along with standard language and reporting language by unanimous consent. Finally, the State Lottery budget was approved for $25,800 in replacement items for design equipment. The committee adjourned after announcing the next meeting schedule.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • CDTFA administers state and local sales and use taxes, among several other tax and fee programs.
  • The dollars we collect build roads, libraries, and parks, support public education, local police and
  • Just briefly about myself, I've been working in state government approximately 22 years.
  • Well, you know, the state used to have a program for the smaller counties for sheriffs.
  • The state auditor's report in 2021...
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules convened with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Deborah Garns, Davis Rabbit, Cindy Silva, Vincent Wells, and Lee Herrick as California Poet Laureate, all by 5-0 votes. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, each by unanimous 5-0 votes. The committee then heard testimony on the appointment of Trista Gonzalez as Director of the Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Gonzalez described her 33-year career in tax administration, emphasized taxpayer service, efficient collection, and support for small businesses, and answered questions about lithium extraction tax registration, online sales tax enforcement under Wayfair and AB 147, and CDTFA’s work with illicit cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis activity. Members praised her responsiveness to legislators and constituents, and public commenters from Ryan LLC and the California Society of Enrolled Agents supported her confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to send her nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Aaron McGuire, executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, on his confirmation. He discussed the board’s expanded responsibilities, including annual detention facility inspections, grant administration, and the new in-custody death review division. Members questioned him about grant oversight, audits, implementation of SB 519, access to local agency records, standards for detention facilities, and conditions in Los Angeles County juvenile facilities. McGuire said the board is using inspections, technical assistance, and public reporting to improve compliance and transparency, and that additional trailer bill language clarified access to records. Public support came from nonprofit reentry providers and Giffords. The committee approved his nomination 5-0, and then adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • CDTFA administers state and local sales and use taxes, among several other tax and fee programs.
  • CDTFA administers state and local sales and use taxes among several other tax and fee programs.
  • Sometimes. of state and local sales and use taxes, among several other tax and fee programs.
  • Just briefly about myself, I've been working in state government approximately 22 years.
  • Well, you know, the state used to have a program for the smaller counties for sheriffs.
Committee: Senate Rules
Keywords: 987, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:17:54.720><c> than</c><00:17:54.840><c> there</c><00:17:55.040><c> are</c> parts of the state
  • than there are parts of the state than there are others. others. others.
  • </c><00:24:44.640><c> Engineer's</c> Novak in State Highway Engineer's Novak in State Highway Engineer's
  • And they're for any area of the state.
  • </c> And they're for any area of the state. And they're for any area of the state.
Summary: The committee met for the first interim meeting of the 2025 Budget Review Committee on Transportation and heard from Bobby Jo Lewis, commissioner of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. She reviewed the new County City Bridge Improvement Program, created in the 2024 regular session, reporting that phases one and two are complete, 45 bridges have been funded so far, and about $18.45 million has been authorized. She said roughly $6.549 million remains for phase three in the current fiscal year, with about $26.445 million in bridge applications still pending. For fiscal year 2026, the program will again have $25 million and will use four application phases. She also described a training resource, Local Bridges 101, and said a new executive advisor, Greg Meredith, has been brought in to help with the bridge program. Members asked how rollover applications would be handled, whether they would be re-evaluated with new applications, how the program would account for bridge longevity and load posting, and how isolated communities would be prioritized. Lewis said applicants not funded in FY25 would be contacted and could choose to roll their applications into FY26, and all applications would be evaluated together at the end of each phase. She said preservation projects are assessed for how much they extend a bridge’s life, and isolated community access bridges or closed bridges with no detour access receive priority. She also said the department aims for equitable distribution across regions and plans to produce a map showing where funds have been awarded. Lewis then turned to the County Priority Projects Program and the Local Assistance Road Program established in House Bill 546 and related resolutions. She said the application cycle opened June 1 and closes October 1, with 106 memoranda of agreement being prepared for awards in House Joint Resolution 46. She described updated application and reporting forms, a scoring matrix, and a County City Pavement Evaluation Manual used to rate projects based on preservation of assets, average daily traffic, recent improvements, safety, cost, and district priority. She said projects must be rehabilitation projects designed to restore the original condition of the road, cannot exceed $500,000, and must use local match percentages tied to the economic development grant program formula. She also reported on funding status for prior road projects, including completed, partially completed, pending, and underrun amounts that may be reauthorized. Committee members asked about photo documentation, online access to project materials, how to measure whether projects truly restore roads to original condition, and what happens when project costs exceed estimates. Lewis said the department is still working on how best to store and share the large volume of photos, and that projects are certified through district offices and local sign-off after completion. She said overages are the responsibility of the applicant because the state does not have additional money beyond the awarded amount. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

January 14, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • The State University System includes 12 public institutions across the state enrolling over 430,000 students
  • We're not just present in federal buildings, but also present in state buildings and on state facilities
  • We are the state apprenticeship agency for the state of Florida, which means that we're responsible for
  • Two in the top 20, including Florida State.
  • Every year they've done a ranking for states.
Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm State Senator Candy Spence Zell, District 32.
  • I'm State Rep Joey Garrett, the west side of Albuquerque.
  • Is that a state kind of label state? OK, that was my federal MRI. OK, thank you. Thank you.
  • They looked at states that have soared on the high school exit exam. Here's why. Only 8 states.
  • not just our state.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAM DEFER, WAM, WAM Public Hearings 03-31-2025

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> psychiatric beds at the Hawaii state psychiatric beds at the Hawaii state hospital<00:14:33.199>
  • agencies to address homeless encampments on state lands.
  • agencies to address homeless encampments on state lands.
  • </c> leadership departments and state leadership departments and state agencies<00:18:43.520><c> and<
  • and other state departments page three and other state departments page three lines<00:24:23.400><c>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee met in decision-making only and first took up HB 300, the Senate majority budget package. The chair described the bill as a response to economic uncertainty and reduced revenue forecasts, and outlined a wide range of appropriations and staffing changes across state agencies, including agriculture, education, health, public safety, housing, labor, natural resources, and corrections. The package emphasized one-year funding for many new programs, vacancy reductions, and investments in services such as preschool, mental health, wildfire mitigation, cybersecurity, public access, and workforce development. HB 300 was recommended to pass with amendments and was adopted unanimously, with members voting yes and no reservations noted only as procedural responses. The committee then acted on HB 794 and HB 795, both recommended to pass with amendments by changing the defective date to 2050; both measures were adopted without discussion. On the 101 agenda, HB 400, the Judiciary budget bill, was recommended to pass with amendments. The bill included vacancy reductions, security funding, permanent staffing for several court and justice programs, and support for civil legal services, immigration-related services, and technology licenses. HB 400 was adopted. HB 410 was also adopted with amendments and a defective date change to 2050. On the 102 agenda, the committee passed several bills either unamended or with targeted amendments. HB 3, HB 134, HB 177, HB 237, HB 648, HB 713, HB 735, HB 1391, and HB 1462 were passed unamended. HB 214 passed with amendments expanding eligibility for retired employees to fill labor-shortage or succession-planning positions, including certain management positions excluded from collective bargaining; one member raised concerns about school resource officers and community fit, which the chair said could be addressed in the committee report. HB 441 passed with amendments to direct cigarette tax funds to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund, with a discussion about whether e-cigarettes should be included. Other measures passed with amendments included HB 448, HB 667, HB 727, HB 740, HB 806, HB 1020, HB 1345, and HB 1365, generally involving date changes, blank appropriations, or technical language. HB 1391 was adopted with a reservation from Senator Kim. The meeting concluded with HB 1462 adopted unamended.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 4th, 2026

Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a literacy problem in the state of Missouri.
  • I was thinking of libraries, right?
  • Students across 35 countries, including the United States.
  • I was an elementary teacher for 15 years in the state of Arkansas and the state of Alaska.
  • The challenge is going to be the state is playing a role.
Summary: The committee first took up a combined substitute for House Bills 2115 and 1876, which would encourage cursive instruction and add a future cursive assessment. Members discussed that the substitute removed an immediate fifth-grade test and instead would phase in an assessment later, with no penalty for failure. Some members raised concerns about teacher training, costs, and added demands on elementary classrooms, while supporters said the measure was only a recommendation and could be improved on the floor. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the House Committee Substitute for both bills on a roll call vote of 13-9, with several members present or absent. The committee then heard House Bill 2776, as amended and substituted, a teacher-certification bill aimed at addressing Missouri’s teacher shortage through a tiered associate certification system for pre-K and elementary grades. Sponsors explained that Tier 1 and Tier 2 certificates would be temporary and nonrenewable, with mentoring, literacy training, and a minimum salary floor, and that Tier 3 would lead to full certification and retirement-system participation. Members questioned the pay differential, the effect on teacher quality, the role of literacy training, and how the bill would treat leaves or incomplete years of service. After adopting an amendment and rolling it into a new substitute, the committee passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2776 by a vote of 12-5 with one present. In open session, the committee heard House Bills 1698 and 2120 together, both anti-bullying measures that would strengthen reporting, parent notification, school-board awareness, and immunity protections for good-faith reporting. The sponsors described the bills as responses to a student bullying case that ended in suicide, and witnesses from the family gave emotional testimony urging immediate reporting and stronger accountability. Committee members raised questions about definitions of bullying, off-campus conduct, mandatory reporting to law enforcement, and the need to avoid sweeping in protected speech or sincerely held religious beliefs. No vote was taken on those bills in the portion provided. The committee then began testimony on House Bills 2230 and 2978, the Hands-on Learning Restoration Act, which would limit screen time and one-to-one device use in K-5 classrooms and emphasize books, paper, pencils, and cursive. Sponsors and supporters argued that heavy reliance on Chromebooks and other devices has harmed literacy, attention, and child development, citing low NAEP scores and research on handwriting and screen exposure. Teachers, physicians, and parents testified in support, while some members noted the bill may be too prescriptive and would need work on implementation, testing, and local flexibility. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge to the United States of America and to the Republic To the United States of America and to the
  • They're huge stakeholders in our state.
  • They're huge stakeholders in our state.
  • This is a policy the majority of the country already does, red states and blue states.
  • And TDTT dollars are used to promote this state. and TDT dollars are used to promote the state day in
Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We thank all state before the board.
  • </c> Western State Hospital and Western State Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing<00:09:
  • KDLA is the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, and the State Records Center provides storage
  • State your name again. Corey Drman, now. State your name again.
  • Uh, new state capital complex.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project. The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations & Revenue. (7-1-26)

Appropriations & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Commission of the States. Commission of the States.
  • period, 2009 to 2019. states and some energy-rich states states and some energy-rich states highlighted
  • </c> your state. your state.
  • > who</c> represents states and state leaders who represents states and state leaders who oversee<01:
  • Governance is different from state to state; delivery is different from state to state.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the State.
  • At the state level.
  • We have seen this at the state level, in a number of purple states, a number of red states, even in a
  • number of blue states.
  • To ending state policies.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC-JHA Informational Briefing 07-08-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • library and pick up a form.
  • </c> or a state library and pick up a form. or a state library and pick up a form. uh<00:13:22.959><c
  • . state. state.
  • . states. states.
  • </c> federal and state law. federal and state law. &gt;&gt; Yeah. &gt;&gt; Yeah. &gt;&gt; Yeah.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 17th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll just say this is our state plan. These will be our state rules, our state regulations.
  • states.
  • Additionally, we have to watch what happened with the Guadalupe River in our neighboring state of Texas
  • state.
  • owned by the state.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Judiciary Committee Aug 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're not comparing states or work. It's a different purpose. We're not comparing states.
  • In nine states, the state constitution mirrors the Eighth Amendment to the U.S.
  • Montana is an example of a state that is currently working to collect this data so that state dollars
  • state, what data do you have that shows how many of these offenses were for out-of-state drivers?
  • We ran into things like in Texas, if you pay an extra $50, they won't release that record to your state
Keywords: 908, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:14:20.800><c> has</c> mentioned, theou with the state has mentioned, theou with the state has
  • </c> take this throughout the state. take this throughout the state.
  • </c><00:16:48.000><c> Being</c> region and the and the state. Being region and the and the state.
  • Workers' comp in the state of Ohio was a monopolistic system set up by state government.
  • :58:42.640><c> Texas,</c> Colorado, California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, California, Arizona, Texas,
Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> and and and do what's best for our state and and and do what's best for our state and<00:19:31.840
  • is state um State services for the blind is also<00:35:46.880><c> part</c><00:35:47.040><c> of</c><00
  • 49 states.
  • They play a very important role in our state. jobs throughout the state of Minnesota jobs throughout
  • state money for this program.
Keywords: 1183, house
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 107 May 1st, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, so today we do have Energy and Environment Committee at 1:30 at the Old State Library, and we're
  • ,</c> our state, our state, thank<00:37:05.040><c> you</c><00:37:05.200><c> for</c><00:37:05.440><c>
  • </c> lifetime of service in the United States lifetime of service in the United States Army<00:43:50.400
  • </c> by the state. by the state.
  • fiscal year 2024-25 of state revenues in excess of the state fiscal year spending limit under section
Keywords: 981, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Commission on Data Practices 11/20/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> redacted to be in compliance with state redacted to be in compliance with state law.<00:56:16.480
  • </c> particularly um residents in the state particularly um residents in the state of<01:31:30.719><c
  • Furthermore, the state should require that motorists' data collected by both state and local governments
  • </c> security breaches by non-state actors. security breaches by non-state actors.
  • Uh state law to utilize that opt out.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee approved the October 15, 2025 minutes and then held a broader discussion on current challenges with data retention and government transparency. Judy Randall of the Office of the Legislative Auditor said historical data is essential for post-audits, which often look back three to five years, and that retention decisions must balance audit needs with the burden of separating public and nonpublic data. She described the records-retention panel process as informal and largely based on individual judgment, noting she had objected to a proposed 60-day email retention period and generally uses a three-year guideline, though she said that standard is not grounded in a formal rule. Members discussed whether auditing standards should set retention periods, with Randall saying auditing is a good starting point but other offices, including the attorney general, also have needs, and that some agency discretion is unavoidable because of the gray area between official records and non-records. Representative Elkins raised the related principle of data minimization, arguing that government should not keep data longer than needed and citing a University of Minnesota legacy data warehouse breach as an example of the risks of retaining unnecessary sensitive information. Randall agreed that data no longer needed is a liability and said her office purges workpapers after five years. Representative Scott pressed whether three years is enough for fraud investigations and financial records; Randall responded that a reasonableness standard is needed and that longer retention can produce diminishing returns, though she said she would follow up on whether financial records should be treated differently. Tanya Tacker of the Rum River Special Education Cooperative testified in support of updating Minnesota’s data-retention laws for schools. She said districts want to protect student information and maintain transparency, but the current general retention schedule dates to 1985 and 2000 and does not reflect digital records, modern systems, or the volume of special education data. She urged modernizing the schedule, clarifying what must be kept in paper versus digitized form, aligning state rules with IDEA and other federal requirements, and providing practical guidance and tools. Members praised the specificity of her recommendations. Dr. BB Newman testified that retention failures in St. Anthony Village have made it difficult to obtain routine municipal and police data, with records delayed, missing, or inconsistently produced and no clear explanation of what systems were searched or whether records were destroyed. Newman argued these gaps undermine statutory access rights and force residents into costly litigation, and recommended stronger retention auditing, documentation of destruction, mandatory disclosure of systems searched, and consequences for noncompliance. In response to questions, Senate counsel said there is generally no direct penalty, but affected parties may seek mandamus, Data Practices Act claims, or informal mediation/opinions from the Data Practices Office. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards and possible legislative updates to improve compliance and transparency.