Video & Transcript Research : 'tools'

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KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-11-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • uh is another tool that we're utilizing uh with<00:14:38.639> these<00:14:38.959> projects
  • Again, this is merely giving the PSC a tool.
  • intends to do is to give the PSC a tool intends to do is to give the PSC a tool to<00:44:14.480>
  • this is merely giving the PSC a tool. this is merely giving the PSC a tool. they<00:46:19.359>
  • the right but this is a tool in the right direction<00:47:49.119> for<00:47:49.359> us.
Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a prayer, the pledge, recognition of an Energy and Environment Cabinet leadership academy group, a roll call establishing quorum, and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. The main item was Senator Danny Carroll’s presentation of legislation to create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program in Kentucky. He said the bill is intended to help build a nuclear ecosystem in the Commonwealth by supporting early site permits, construction permits, or combined licenses, with the state contributing up to $25 million per project and a total of $75 million for up to three projects. He emphasized safeguards such as refundable funding if conditions are not met, legislative rather than authority-only selection of projects, and oversight by the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (NIDTA). He also described related provisions on cost recovery through the Public Service Commission, tax incentive eligibility for nuclear ecosystem projects, training and consultant support for the authority, and eligibility for fusion projects. Carroll and Rodney Andrews said the proposal is meant to attract utilities, developers, and large industrial users such as data centers, and to spread projects geographically, with particular attention to Eastern Kentucky and other rural areas. They said selection criteria would include site suitability, prior site use, regional economic need and impact, geographic diversity, additional investment, federal funding status, and whether a community has applied to be designated nuclear-ready. They stressed that communities would not be forced to host reactors and could choose which parts of the nuclear ecosystem to participate in. Carroll also said the bill could help Kentucky compete with states like Texas and Tennessee, and Andrews said industry contacts viewed the proposal as a signal that Kentucky is open to investment. Members generally expressed support for the bill and its goals, while asking about taxpayer exposure, site size, permitting, grid needs, national security, and reactor technology. Carroll said the state’s direct commitment would be capped at $75 million, with any additional cost recovery depending on PSC approval and project specifics. He said small modular reactor sites would be much smaller than traditional plants, and described a model in which a utility partners with a developer and a data center, with power contracts helping offset costs over decades. On security and technology, Carroll and Andrews said newer reactors would still be subject to the same standards as larger units, and Andrews explained that next-generation designs may use different fuels and materials such as TRISO and high-assay low-enriched uranium. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair noted time limits and that additional members still had questions, including one witness expected to speak against the measure.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 610 is simply another tool to help us address our state's housing needs.
  • Another tool to help us address our state's housing needs.
  • I am concerned that this bill takes... ...some of those tools out of the toolbox.
  • And so I think that's an important tool.
  • This is a really helpful tool.
Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of housing, water, and local finance bills, with the chair repeatedly reminding attendees about hearing rules and noting that several measures were being heard without a quorum at first. Early items included AB 407, which would broaden eligibility for state-run loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades, and AB 93, which would require data centers to estimate and report water use and follow state best practices. AB 93 drew support from water advocates and local government groups, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it, arguing the bill could be overly restrictive, difficult to retrofit, and raise trade secret or security concerns. The committee also heard AB 650 on housing element review, AB 1044 on creating a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency, and AB 523 on allowing proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board; all drew broad support from local agencies and related stakeholders and no recorded opposition in the room. Several housing bills were presented as part of a broader fast-track housing package. AB 507 would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns with high vacancy; supporters said it would revive urban cores and help meet housing and climate goals, while the League of California Cities and a few cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about one-size-fits-all by-right approval and fee limitations. AB 1294 would create a universal housing application and limit early application requirements; it drew strong support from housing and business groups, with the American Planning Association and League of California Cities seeking more flexibility and input. AB 610 would require local governments to disclose housing constraints in their housing elements and limit new constraints after certification for three years unless disclosed; supporters said it would improve transparency and certainty, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate local policy choices and inclusionary housing requirements. Both AB 610 and AB 698, which would require analysis of the housing and property tax impacts of proposed transfer taxes, were moved out of committee on 7-0 votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also heard AB 1112, which would repeal an outdated Riverside County property tax provision affecting Rancho Mirage; the city argued it was the only qualifying no-low property tax city not receiving the standard minimum and sought equal treatment. After quorum was established, the bill was passed 6-0 with amendments and sent to Appropriations. AB 1021, heard later, would make it easier for school districts and other local education agencies to build employee housing, with the author citing teacher recruitment and retention problems and support from education stakeholders. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance housing production, local fiscal tools, and infrastructure needs, and several authors accepted committee amendments and committed to continued negotiations with opponents.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Fraud risk rating system sought 3/17/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • preclude a potential grantee from receiving the grant, but it does give the granting organization some tools
  • preclude a potential grantee from receiving the grant, but it does give the granting organization some tools
  • preclude a potential grantee from receiving the grant, but it does give the granting organization some tools
  • give the the the granting organization give the the the granting organization some<00:02:04.079> tools
  • to say, you know what, we'd some tools to say, you know what, we'd like<00:02:06.000> to<00:02
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House File 3682 and first adopted an A1 author’s amendment that would extend the implementation date to 2027. The bill was described as applying vendor risk management concepts from cybersecurity to state grant management, creating a scoring system for grantee internal controls, compliance, and related practices so agencies can identify risk, require remediation, and better prevent future fraud. Supporters said the measure would give granting organizations a tool to evaluate applicants upfront and work with them to improve weak controls rather than automatically disqualify them. Chair Cleburn encouraged support, noting the delayed implementation would give the administration time to do the necessary work. The Department of Administration was said to be neutral on the bill and to recognize potential taxpayer benefits. Chair Nash then renewed his motion to re-refer House File 3682, as amended, to Ways and Means. The committee approved the motion by voice vote, and the bill was referred to Ways and Means.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Border Security (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Border Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we always support an additional charge, an additional tool, second-degree felony for somebody that's
  • comments is that I concur with you, what you're saying, and there we have a lot of, you have a lot of tools
  • So I guess we just want, again, I think the chairman is looking at, you know, a potential another tool
  • And, uh, given the tools that you have already, uh, in your toolbox, which are substantial, including
  • So yes, it's another, it would be another great tool in the toolbox in some of these cases.
Bills: SB36, SB2202
Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking. Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending. The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mass Save is one of the Commonwealth's most powerful tools for achieving both our energy affordability
  • For businesses, Mass Save really is an economic development tool.
  • For businesses, Mass Save really is an economic development tool.
  • As I mentioned, energy efficiency really is one of the only direct tools that customers have on hand
  • “So, virtual power plants, or VPPs, are really powerful tools for reducing costs for ratepayers.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

December 9, 2025 - 03:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • And finally, we have several closed AI tools for learning and operations designed that show.
  • This is also the case was scaling additional operational tools so that we can create efficiencies to
  • So AI tools run securely across the institution along with faculty and cluster hiring in high demand
  • culture, that appreciates where we are today and we want to go in the future. >> I think this this tool
  • The next question aside, there are a lot of tools and resources you have for your students that they
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • This tool—I call it a tool because it's more valuable than just data. It's invaluable.
  • <00:09:31.279> This<00:09:31.440> tool land development and land use.
  • This tool land development and land use.
  • tool<00:09:32.800> tool<00:09:33.120> because<00:09:33.440> it's<00:09:33.680
  • > more I call it a tool tool because it's more I call it a tool tool because it's more valuable
Summary: The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings after a motion and second, then heard a presentation from Kent Annis and Boyd Sheerer of the Kentucky Division of Geographic Information on the state’s “KY from Above” aerial imagery and elevation program. The presenters described the program’s goals of creating openly accessible statewide imagery and elevation basemaps, reducing duplicative local and state spending, and supporting uses such as transportation, emergency response, utilities, broadband planning, property taxation, economic development, and education. They said the data is owned by the Commonwealth, distributed in the public domain, and has strong return on investment, with statewide ortho imagery coverage completed in 2022 and elevation phases completed or underway in multiple stages. The witnesses emphasized that the program relies on cost-sharing among state, local, and federal partners and that a small state “seed” appropriation is needed to leverage larger federal contributions. They said about $300,000 a year in seed money could help secure additional federal funds, while a three-year imagery refresh cycle would cost about $5.7 million annually and storage/processing about $150,000 a year. They also noted that no subscription fee is charged for access, opposed charging for use of the data even by for-profit users, and said the program is intended as an economic development tool that avoids multiple entities paying for the same geography. Members asked about the funding request, the potential federal match, and whether the state should charge private companies for access. The witnesses explained that the requested amount was for aerial photography and LAR seed money, that federal funds would not cover aerial photography directly, and that the program already uses a cost-share model with 28 partners rather than subscriptions. They also clarified that imagery is refreshed every three years and elevation data on a longer cycle, with elevation prioritized because it supports accuracy for roads, water lines, and broadband planning. The presentation concluded with no formal vote on the program itself; after questions ended, the chair thanked the witnesses and adjourned the meeting.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on Workforce Apr 29th, 2025

S/C on Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • tools, or AEDT.
  • These tools use algorithms and data to help decide who gets hired.
  • But these tools are far from perfect.
  • tools or AEDT.
  • But these tools are far from perfect.
Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-15 (4:30PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Having all the tools and the tool belt available to a veteran in their time of need to help them get
  • Having all the tools and the tool belt available to a veteran in their time of need to help them get
  • Because I’ll tell you what. ...and ensure that our veterans have every single tool possible because I
  • And that’s what we’re trying to do with this bill and provide those opportunities and those tools to
  • The tools they have, whether it’s health care or in transition, are not enough.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • One survey is tools here in Kentucky.
  • patients and provide them with the tools patients and provide them with the tools that<00:41:23.839
  • What sort<01:06:42.319> of<01:06:42.480> tools sort of tools sort of tools are<01:06:44.400
  • And this is a tool.
  • And this is a tool. And this is a tool.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The task force opened with a moment of silence for the Louisville UPS plane tragedy, approved the October 15 minutes, and reminded members to submit policy recommendations before the December 16 meeting, when the group will discuss its report to LRC. The first informational presentation, from the Department for Public Health, focused on youth vaping. Elizabeth Good and Julie Brooks cited a recent Surgeon General report warning that youth vaping can harm brain development, mental health, lungs, asthma, and hormones, and noted Kentucky survey data showing 8.7% of students reported daily vaping and 19.7% used vaping products in the prior 30 days. They described prevention and cessation resources including Catch My Breath, I Can End the Trend, Not on Tobacco, My Life, My Quit, Quitline services, and the Kentucky TRUST retailer education program, which trained 3,371 individuals in 2024 and distributed 253 Tobacco 21 toolkits. The next presentation came from Kentucky ABC on implementation of SB 100, which created the division of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing. Commissioner Scotty Tracy and Jamar Carter said all retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products must be licensed, regulations were filed October 31, 2025, and the online application portal is live. In response to questions about sales to minors, they said violations carry escalating fines for clerks and owners, with a fourth violation resulting in no license renewal for two years and unpaid fines also blocking renewal. They said complaints can be submitted through the portal, by phone, or on the ABC website, and enforcement investigates tips and may use underage compliance checks. The committee then heard from Kim McKenna Johnson of One Cross Community Health, who argued for a “deficiency-first” and holistic approach to care centered on nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation. She said her clinic serves more than 7,000 patients in Taylor and Marion counties and described a model that includes primary care, behavioral health, functional medicine, addiction recovery, and chronic care. She cited Kentucky health rankings, claimed nutritional deficiencies cost the state billions, and said many children are overprescribed while undernourished. She urged broader insurance coverage for nutritional testing and supplements, rural demonstration grants, and Medicaid pilots for clinically prescribed supplements. Members asked about testing costs, dietitian support, long-term cost savings, compliance, and whether medications are often used to prevent damage from noncompliance; the presenter said the lab tests are generally covered, supplements are the main cost barrier, and seeing lab results can improve family buy-in. No votes were taken during the meeting.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Public Safety Committee Jun 9th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • passed last year, can be implemented, and that local agencies within these counties can have these tools
  • But California law already provides those tools.
  • But California law already provides those tools. Vehicle, safety hazards.
  • But California law already provides those tools.
  • Diversion programs are an important public safety tool.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The committee first heard AB 647, a cleanup bill to AB 630 that would clarify that local agencies in Los Angeles and Alameda counties can use a pilot program to remove and dismantle certain abandoned, inoperable RVs valued at $4,000 or less. Supporters, including the author and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s representative, said the measure would help address public health and safety hazards tied to dilapidated RVs and homelessness. Opponents argued existing abandoned-vehicle laws already provide tools, and warned the bill could be used to remove vehicles occupied by unhoused residents without offering services. AB 647 was later approved on a due pass to Appropriations vote. The committee then considered AB 1656, which would give courts discretion to consider a prosecutor’s scheduling conflict when deciding whether to continue a human trafficking case, with amendments making the continuance discretionary and limited. Supporters said the bill would help preserve vertical prosecution and continuity for traumatized survivors; opponents raised speedy-trial and due process concerns. After discussion about balancing victim support and constitutional rights, the committee voted AB 1656 out on a due pass as amended to the floor. Members also heard AB 917, which would require prosecutors to file a motion to reinstate charges dismissed at a preliminary hearing rather than simply adding them back, with amendments clarifying procedures and violent felony refiling. Supporters said it would protect due process and respect judicial decisions; district attorneys opposed the bill as procedurally unnecessary and burdensome. The committee approved AB 917 on a due pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2636, which would require courts to consider loaded-firearm possession when deciding whether a juvenile is eligible for deferred entry of judgment, also passed on a due pass to the floor after supporters emphasized public safety and opponents argued it would reduce rehabilitative opportunities for youth. Finally, the committee heard AB 1632, which would replace the notarization requirement for 602 trespass authorization letters with a statement under penalty of perjury. Supporters said the change would reduce administrative burden and help property owners and police address trespassing more efficiently; opponents warned it could weaken safeguards and be misused against tenants or unhoused people. The bill passed on a due pass as amended to the floor. The hearing also began consideration of AB 1974, a voluntary firearm safe-storage bill inspired by Pierce’s Pledge, with the author and a survivor advocate presenting the measure, but the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • There are good players using this tool to bring desperate. needed affordable housing to market.
  • Since 1979, HFCs have been a local organization, a local tool that works within the municipalities and
  • It's a tool for the vast majority of counties across the state, and I believe that there's sufficient
  • I think that that's an important tool that we have as chief budget officer.
  • Thank you; I appreciate the support there. cases we have utilized the unused increment tool.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a tool in our tool belt in case any of you hear from your local constituents who are part of this
  • New tools like the Minnesota Forward Fund are great examples of relatively new, highly effective tools
  • Uh, new tools like the Minnesota states.
  • relatively new, highly effective tools relatively new, highly effective tools that<00:48:11.599>
  • Um and there might be tools upstream.
Bills: HF4862, HF4598
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a believer that diversion is a tool that can work. I've seen it at work.
  • A protective order is one of the few but critically important tools available...
  • The only current tools are basically code violations for land use.
  • AB 1810 provides the DOJ an important tool to nudge toward 100% compliance.
  • tool, not a measure of dealer misconduct.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • For community members who may be participating virtually in this meeting, please use the raise hand tool
  • Article 5 of the Constitution gives us this powerful tool for change. We've had it all along.
  • We have the tools. Now we need the courage to speak louder than the fear.
  • The convention process is simply not the tool for that.
  • The convention process is simply not the tool for that.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia. Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books. A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025

Delivery of Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • We use many quality tools to evaluate our work from our Plan to Study Act, our plus deltas, but also.
  • With taking into account limited resources, one of the tools that we choose to use to meet our goal of
  • So you have the job, but you don't have the tools and that it would be very much to your advantage to
  • have tools to provide more clarity.
  • We'll talk about tools that might clarify all that.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • economy and to equip all students and workers, regardless of background or circumstances, with the tools
  • Certainly, cradle to career is one that has been mentioned as the one tool that would give us access
  • Up of the CCGI tools.
  • We've also created a designated communication tool called the CCGI Flash, through which we communicate
  • So it is a longstanding California tool.
Keywords: 988, house, all
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Taxation REVISED Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're allowing that tool available to the tax assessor. Correct? That is correct. Thank you.
  • Currently, that's not a tool in their toolkit. Correct? That is my understanding. Yes.
  • This is specifically to address one tool to address our housing shortage in this state.
  • We need as many tools in our toolbox as possible.
  • So this is just one tool to reduce the housing shortage.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (01/09/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • We look at it as one more tool in the toolbox to address the housing situation.
  • So I personally think this is probably the single best tool you will have an opportunity to pass this
  • <00:10:37.480> you<00:10:37.600> will probably the single best tool you will probably
  • the single best tool you will have<00:10:37.880> an<00:10:38.079> opportunity<00:10:38.639
  • anything we think this is a great tool anything we think this is a great tool but<00:12:45.800><
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Jun 24th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so those tools exist. Those are tools that the state provides.
  • I will tell you that the Public Education Department is using the tools that we have.
  • We are utilizing all of the tools that we have.
  • And if you don't have the tools in your tool chest to fix that, then I guess our only choice is to look
  • and the limitations of some of the tools that OCD currently has to meet the moment.