Video & Transcript Research : 'walking'
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VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-12 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd walk home. I used to play the game of, while I walked out through, count cigarette butts.
- I used to play the game I'd walk home.
- Albans in Franklin County there's a group of folks who walk through the parks, walk through the Little
- <01:09:11.480>
through <01:09:11.720>the walk through the parks, walk through the walk - find syringes walking down the street. find syringes walking down the street. Nobody. Nobody.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But I'm curious as to the conversation that I walked into.
- So walk me through the process of an application. A homeowner has a problem.
- So walk me through the process of an application. A homeowner has a problem.
- Walk me through the process of how that starts and finishes.” “Yes, sir.
- When you—I've walked through this; we’ve actually worked on this for two years.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection.
Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor.
The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our constituents are demanding change, and we can do so much better by the folks we walk by every single
- day. and we can do so much better by the folks we walk by every single day, who continue to go without
- and in this room: it is not a kindness to leave people in their despair and in their addiction and walk
- When I walk out of the hotel, there's been a woman who sleeps right near the flower shop almost every
- Colleagues, the well-being of each student begins long before they walk through the classroom door, as
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote.
The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services.
Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Nov 4th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- the specialized interviews, and they manage the coordination of the case from the point the child walks
- They walk families through crisis, healing, and rebuilding, and they are the steady support long after
- So there are conversations about the case happening before the child even walks through the door.
- You can't walk away from the job even when you're off because of the nature of the job.
- Okay, I can walk through the process.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and the related roles of DCF, DOH, and law enforcement. Testimony from DCF, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a Pinellas County CPT nurse practitioner, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant described how the system is intended to work: hotline reports are screened by DCF, mandatory referrals are sent to CPT, forensic interviews and medical exams are coordinated through CPT/CACs, and multidisciplinary teams share findings with law enforcement and prosecutors. Speakers emphasized the value of co-location, telemedicine, multidisciplinary staffings, and trauma-informed practices to reduce repeated interviews and improve child safety and case outcomes.
Committee members focused heavily on communication breakdowns, staffing shortages, and delays in response times. Senators raised Jordan’s Law and asked what had been done to improve coordination among DCF, CPT, and law enforcement. Several members questioned whether the promised 24-hour response standard is being met in practice, citing reports of delayed referrals, delayed forensic interviews, and bottlenecks that can affect medical evaluations and criminal investigations. Law enforcement testimony from Jacksonville described cases where CPT interviews were scheduled one to two weeks out and reports were not received for weeks, while DCF acknowledged average CPI caseloads of about 12 investigations and turnover commonly occurring within 12 to 18 months.
The panel also discussed access gaps and funding concerns. The Florida Network of CACs said Florida has 26 member centers, with some counties lacking CAC coverage and some centers having closed due to funding challenges. Speakers said CACs are voluntary but critical for integrated services, and that workforce shortages in medical and mental health providers limit expansion. DCF and DOH representatives said they would provide follow-up information on the number of CPT medical staff and other requested data. No bills were voted on; the meeting ended with committee members requesting additional information and recommendations for statutory and budgetary changes, and the committee adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Sep 23rd, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Were they walking? Were they being dropped off in the middle of the night?
- We treat it like the gift shop model; everybody who is released has to walk through the doors.
- When you're in there, you'll see it's very inviting, and it's very difficult to just walk out without
- They were walking right out.
- some behavioral health, substance use, and criminogenic screenings that happen as soon as somebody walks
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So if the authors, I don't know which one, want to walk us through, I have a couple of questions.
- So if the authors, I don't know which one, want to walk us through, I have a couple questions.
- If you could walk me through the reasoning about that, because that's where my reluctance comes from.
- I spent an hour yesterday listening to Will Abrams, sitting down with Will, and he walked me through
- I was telling the chair yesterday and hopefully she can walk me through today what the question will
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy convened with a quorum and first heard SB 254, a major utility affordability and wildfire package authored by Senator Becker and coauthored by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris. The bill was described as combining wildfire mitigation reforms, $6 billion in securitized financing for future fire-mitigation capital spending, a public ownership/transmission financing program, tighter scrutiny of utility profits, clean energy permitting streamlining, stronger customer connection timelines, and a successor wildfire fund/continuation account to replace the current fund. Supporters, including the Governor’s office, TURN, labor, clean energy groups, utilities, and public advocates, said the measure would lower bills, stabilize utilities, protect fire victims, and reduce wildfire-related bankruptcy risk. Opponents and some local government groups raised concerns about affordability impacts, the volumetric wildfire fee, strict liability, and provisions they said could affect local control. After discussion, the committee approved SB 254 on a 16-0 vote and sent it to the floor.
The committee then held an informational hearing on AB 825, which would enable California to participate in a West-wide electricity market. The authors said the proposal could save ratepayers up to $1 billion annually, improve reliability by allowing California to draw on a larger regional supply, reduce curtailment of renewable power, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Support came from environmental organizations, labor, utilities, community choice aggregators, large energy users, and the Public Advocates Office, all emphasizing cost savings, reliability, and cleaner energy integration. TURN opposed the measure, warning that last-minute amendments removed safeguards against subsidizing out-of-state fossil generation and could expose California ratepayers to unwanted costs. Members questioned governance, exit rights, CPUC oversight, and local control, and the authors responded that the bill includes multiple safeguards, legislative reporting, the ability to exit without penalty, and continued local consultation. No vote was taken because the hearing was informational only.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- went, even though her trafficker was in prison, she thought that every time a door opened or someone walked
- into a room, the person walking in was going to be her trafficker.
- You know, what if my family is walking down and, you know, my kids are older, so it's not like it'd be
- Ten of us who look like adults are walking because we want to take a walk, but we're wearing balaclavas
- We want to take a walk, but we're wearing balaclavas.
Bills:
HCR3028
Keywords:
human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it.
The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The island also hosts meaningful Juneteenth Freedom Walk, along with numerous celebrations and events
- But more than that, as a citizen of Galveston, When I walk on the brick streets on the Strand.
- I can walk on the same bricks that slaves walked on and that were later set free on.
- director of Parks and Rec for the city of Pflugerville, and if you want to understand Pflugerville, just walk
- We just decided, let's go walk over to the archives and like show us the Travis letter.
Bills:
HCR6
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- kitchens, uh, areas... ...because we did allow last... we passed another bill that allows people to walk
- But they still have to come back to the bar to get their drink, correct, and walk around.
- and before they let the customer walk and before they let the customer walk around<00:52:47.480>
- <00:55:37.400>
in or anything like that just to walk in or anything like that just to walk - <01:43:35.920>
in <01:43:36.080>the day you walked in the day you walked in the door
Summary:
The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring.
Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments.
The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- especially with the influence of walking especially with the influence of walking outside<03:35:
- communities where a lot of our kids walk communities where a lot of our kids walk to<03:41:18.960
- house and pick they all walking house and pick they all walking together.<03:41:27.200>
The <03:45:52.319>- They walking together. like marijuana. They walking together.
out <03:45:52.720>walk sibling then when that kid walk out walk sibling
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So now you've got people walking in the street if they want to walk. Things are farther apart.
- I walk to work every day.
- I walk to work every day.
- I walk to work every day.
- I walk to work every day.
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns.
Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency.
A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'll walk you through.
- an education subcommittee, so I'm Representative McFarland: hoping to do that work there and I'll walk
- Thinking about the coordination, the multiplication of services, maybe the Pinellas County folks can walk
- Micah 6 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.
- And this can happen to any family who walks into an emergency room with their child.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Sep 22nd, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're really working to try to build them up instead of just disciplining them and walking them out
- I really appreciated just getting to walk around and see.
- I think that just, you know, my first thought when I Walked in, there was this looks like the East Gateway
- When I walked through there, and I saw APS, and I heard what you all said, and I actually saw some of
- Any discussion about that while we were walking through there? And I just wonder, Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-12 (3:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Just walked in.
- Just walked in.
- It's a dear friend that I remember from when I was a returning senator to the chamber just walked in.
- I would like to recognize the city of Groveland and all the folks that came up here to walk the halls
- Carlos Ray walked over there himself and made sure that tomorrow the Governor issued an order to fly
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including representatives from Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and local visitors from Groveland and Polk County. The chamber also noted the doctor of the day and later adopted Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration.
The main floor action was on Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell explained that the bill is aimed at improving autism diagnosis, early intervention, and services by expanding screening and referral grants, extending Early Steps services, designating the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, creating grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establishing a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Several senators spoke in support while raising implementation concerns, especially about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, and the need for more research and technology support.
In closing, Senator Harrell said the bill is a first step in a broader effort to improve services and research, and she addressed concerns by stating the services would be covered under new contracts and Medicaid, subject to a federal waiver, and that the microcredential would be developed online by the University of Florida with a stipend to encourage participation. The Senate then voted 38-0 to pass the bill. Afterward, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify the bill to the House, which was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That have helped level the playing field, to give children of every walk of life in every corner of this
- The history that we've celebrated from all different walks of life and very soon Washington on the Brazos
- Every time I walk by my children's elementary school, I tear up now, and I know, I know that I...
- I walk by an elementary school, so I rise in support. of your needed resolution, and I will join you
- And therefore, give no chance to the ordinary person walking into a. store to buy a lottery ticket.
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- And I want the record to reflect it was 1027 when I walked in. So, I was not late to this meeting.
- reflect it was 1027. record to reflect it was 1027. when<00:01:22.479>
I <00:01:22.720>walked - 23.680>
was <00:01:23.840>not <00:01:24.000>late <00:01:24.240>to when I walked - So, I was not late to when I walked in. So, I was not late to this<00:01:24.560>
meeting.
Keywords:
emergency medical services, military training, licensure, public health, veterans, health benefits, nonprofit organization, agriculture, insurance regulation, taxation, hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, HB462, chiropractic, chiropractor, State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, professional licensing
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <04:27:47.920>
disability you have a walking disability you have a walking disability application - already have it it's a matter of walking already have it it's a matter of walking over<04:40:11.080
- I forgive me in case I missed it, but could you walk through what the need is?
- We walk up to them, hey, you okay? Or the police wave off the ambulance because nobody's hurt.
- <04:44:03.840>
through it but could you walk through it but could you walk through um<04:44
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness.
Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate.
Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to fund enhanced security at State Capitol, courtrooms 5/6/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Not only when they're walking the halls of the Capitol, but when they're walking the halls of our schools
- Not only when they're walking the halls of the Capitol, but when they're walking the halls of our schools
- Not only when they're walking the halls of the Capitol, but when they're walking the halls of our schools
- I I walked is is priorities matter.
- And I I walked So, priorities matter.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill focused on removing identifying equipment and insignia from emergency vehicles sold to the public, and first adopted a House language amendment to bring the Senate file into the House form. Representative Mhler and co-chair Noatne described the bill as part of a broader security package covering judicial security and courthouse grants, Capitol grounds screening and security hardware, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, reimbursement for Department of Public Safety costs, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to examine threats statewide. They emphasized that the measures were intended to protect not only legislators but also staff, visitors, and the public, and the amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Representative Schultz then offered an amendment to expand Capitol grounds protections by making destruction of permitted displays on the grounds automatically count as felony-level property damage. He argued that current enforcement is inconsistent and that the change would better protect First Amendment displays and ensure accountability. Schultz later withdrew that amendment after discussion.
Schultz next offered another amendment aimed at school safety, proposing an increase in safe schools revenue and extending funding to charter, nonpublic, and tribal schools. He said the money could support school resource officers, mental health staff, counselors, and building security improvements, and argued that school safety should be prioritized alongside Capitol security. A point of order was raised that the amendment was not germane because it introduced a new subject and education funding; the Speaker agreed, ruled the point of order well taken, and the ruling was appealed, prompting a roll call. Representative Long supported the ruling, saying the amendment belonged in a different bill and committee, while Schultz argued the chamber should still address school safety. The transcript ends during the appeal process.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- up and made a difference in our community by providing opportunities for kids to get to school, by walking
- them to school, by driving by walking them to school, by driving them<00:03:19.280>
to <00:03: - You were out there on bitterly cold January mornings walking students across the street, and we very
- You were out there on bitterly cold January mornings walking students across the street, and we very
- and that is at what point when you walk and that is at what point when you walk in<01:41:54.239>
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:
- Make sure that as you're walking in, you don't block them. And thank you.
- She can walk short distances but uses a wheelchair for longer travel.
- These parents and these children are not going to walk into our offices.
- The doctor said, 'You may never walk again.'
- The lifeguards walk by and they see the lifeboat.
Summary:
The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides.
Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.