Video & Transcript Research : 'FIRM Act'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/9/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And also it is, we know we have some firms that are huge, that have thousands of acres of land.
- And also, we know we have some firms that are huge, that have thousands of acres of land.
- Chair and members, by statute, the department, in consultation with them and the opposite of that and act
- It's fall-seeded and acts as a cover crop, and it has strong potential to diversify my cropping rotation
- First, there's a solid and use their market its fall seeded in acts as a cover crop and it has strong
Bills:
HF3692
Keywords:
Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, mediation, agriculture finance, debt relief, civil law, 1183, house
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 29th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Bills:
HB1851
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 15th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Bills:
HB1851
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine opportunities to strengthen water infrastructure programs, focusing on the IIJA's successes. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- of 2021, Congress passed the IIJA, which included the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act
- For decades, the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act have recognized that states, not Washington
- community perspective on the water provisions contained in the. infrastructure investment and Jobs Act
- Get out the next act this legislation up holds the polluter pays principal of the superfund law while
- Lead service lines, again, is a huge balancing act. It's incredibly expensive.
Keywords:
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, water infrastructure, lead service lines, federal reauthorization, sustainability, cybersecurity
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/6/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota courts have interpreted the Minnesota Human Rights Act to mean protections based on sexual
- <00:27:31.480>
that uh it also is hard to see an act that uh it also is hard to see an act - Sex has been a protected class in the Minnesota Human Rights Act since 1967.
- Sorry, I keep saying that: Minnesota Human Rights Act. You can see I came from Health.
- Sorry, I keep saying that: Minnesota Human Rights Act. You can see I came from Health.
Bills:
HF1233
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, the INNOVATE Act, a bill to reauthorize and comprehensively reform the SBIR-STTR program.
- It also requires 100% matching funds to ensure that firms have skin in the game.
- That is why my Innovate Act introduces a new definition of foreign risk.
- Two, the use of firm-fixed price contracts for SBIR's default contracting vehicle.
- Many of these firms focus on... ...rather than fielding operational capabilities.
Keywords:
SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer
Summary:
The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, of Oregon, to be Secretary of Labor. - Part 2 of 2 Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The protecting the right to organize act or the pro-act is a significant and controversial piece of legislation
- Let me back up and say a word about what the PRO Act is.
- What do you feel about the Butch Lewis Act?
- Do you still support the PRO Act, or don't you support the PRO Act?
- It's title 7 of the Civil Service Reform Act.
Keywords:
PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization
Summary:
The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
A joint hearing with the House Committee on Small Business to examine prosperity on Main Street, focusing on keeping taxes low for small businesses. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a game-changer.
- It doesn't allow for certain firms. It doesn't allow for this. It's for that.
- That's why the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 was so important.
- The Tax Cut and Jobs Act in 2017. resulted in the deficit growing by $2 trillion.
- And this tax cut and job act Act certainly didn't meet that test, which was a test for me.
Keywords:
joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation
Summary:
In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the STOP CSAM Act. Mar 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- The Stop CCM Act was first introduced two years ago.
- Thank you, and thank you for your leadership, Senator, on the Report Act.
- So should we look at going back into the report act and being specific?
- And I appreciate that and I think the live-streaming is such a heinous act.
- Unanimously, the Takedown Act has unanimously passed, the SHIELD Act passed.
Keywords:
Stop CSAM Act, child exploitation, online safety, reporting requirements, tech accountability, NCMEC, survivor support, legislative testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around the urgent need to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, focusing primarily on the testimony and discussions surrounding the Stop CSAM Act. Several witnesses, including representatives from law enforcement and advocacy organizations, highlighted the significant drop in reports of child exploitation cases despite an alarming increase in actual incidents. Concerns were raised about tech companies' reporting practices, with calls for more stringent requirements to ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspected abuse. The legislation aims to fortify protections for child victims by imposing stricter obligations on tech platforms to report incidents and support law enforcement in investigations.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of The American Legion and multi VSOs: Minority Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A, National Association of County Veterans Servic Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Precision Brain Health Research Act, the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act, and my National
- Under the PAC Act, under all...
- The PACT Act backlog is not going to be helped.
- We're calling on Congress to act, boldly and decisively.
- Notably, Section 302, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, or CVSO Act, marks a historic
Keywords:
veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention
Summary:
This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation and case studies. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Today our focus is on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, one of the foundational components
- The federal funding support through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a lifeline to overcome
- What are the dangers where engineers, planners, designers, and construction firms are climate effects
- Our Department of Transportation... side of flexibilities in the PROTECT Act, but I'd like to hear what
- I introduced the All Aboard Act, which would revolutionize America's rail system.
Keywords:
Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- What act is the solution?
- Texas lawmakers must act. Health care is not a political bargaining chip.
- We need this legislature to act.
- But the Care No Matter What Act is the solution.
- Legislators must act. Texans can't wait.
Keywords:
Texas, healthcare, reproductive health, Care No Matter What Act, Planned Parenthood, maternal mortality, teen pregnancy, funding cuts, community health
Summary:
The meeting addressed critical health care concerns in Texas, highlighting the consequences of funding cuts on access to reproductive health services. Key speakers emphasized the urgent need for the Care No Matter What Act, which aims to restore funding to healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood. They underscored the alarming statistics of maternal mortality and the rising rates of teen pregnancies, particularly in Black and Latina communities. Testimonies shared during the meeting illustrated the real-life impacts of healthcare access issues on individuals and families across the state, illustrating the necessity for legislative action to ensure comprehensive reproductive health services.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Financial Services Committee Feb 19th, 2025
Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- automatically jumped in, like other states, when they passed that law in 2022, the Federal Jobs Cut Act
- , whatever... ...2022, the Federal Jobs Cut Act, which made you amortize.
Bills:
HB163
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And the question that I asked them was that, in light of legislation that passed last year in Act 474
- It really builds off of Act 474 from last year that said that a PBM must pay at least the pharmacy's
Bills:
SB25, SB250, HB22, HB27, HB33, HB47, HB233, HB290, HB308, HB324, HB382, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB980, HB1157, HB1207, HB1236, HCR45
Keywords:
registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (10-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- heard from Jaylor Perry, long-acting heard from Jaylor Perry, long-acting injectable<01:31:20.000
- ><01:38:35.119>
if <01:38:35.360>someone long-acting injectables is if someone long-acting - And we even have acting injectables.
- and and finally we have the long acting and and finally we have the long acting injectables<01:40
- The benefit with the uh long acting The benefit with the uh long acting injectable<01:57:54.239>
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:05
25 RS HB 534 - AN ACT relating to actions for forcible entry and detainer: 00:01:45
25 RS SB 111 - AN ACT relating to juvenile justice: 00:23:46
Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky: 01:13:26
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment in State and County Correctional Facilities: 01:25:28, 958, all
Summary:
The committee approved the September 18 minutes and then heard testimony on House Bill 534, which would automatically seal dismissed eviction filings and protect youth from public disclosure in forcible detainer cases. Rep. Susan Tyler Whitten and George Ecklan of the Coalition for the Homeless said the bill is aimed at reducing housing barriers for Kentuckians, especially those with dismissed cases, while preserving landlords’ rights to pursue rent, collections, damages, and other legal remedies. They said the proposal was developed with input from landlords, clerks, judges, AOC, and service providers, and noted that similar laws exist in other states. Several members, including Sen. Neimes, Rep. Deetsz, Rep. Cole Carney, and Sen. Thomas, expressed support while emphasizing that the bill is narrowly tailored to dismissed cases and should not affect legitimate landlord claims; Sen. Wheeler raised concerns about cases involving settlements or delays and whether future landlords should know about them. The sponsors responded that the bill only covers dismissed actions, that dismissals require a judge’s order, and that the goal is to remove barriers created by records that remain publicly visible even when a case is resolved.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 111 on juvenile justice. Commissioner Randy White, Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvanny, and Dr. Clark Lester of the University of Kentucky said the bill would require a secure state-run facility for youth with high-acuity mental health needs in detention and, until that is built, create a process with incentives for private hospitals to provide inpatient treatment with safeguards and increased compensation. They argued that detention is not an appropriate setting for severely mentally ill, violent youth and that private psychiatric hospitals often refuse these referrals or discharge them early. Dr. Lester cited recent referral data showing high denial rates for juvenile justice youth in private hospitals in August and September, often due to aggression, and described a case in which repeated placement attempts failed because of violent and self-harming behavior. The presenters said the bill is intended to fill a service gap and improve safety and outcomes for youth, staff, and hospitals, but no vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business REVISED: SB1873 - Link added Mar 31st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Business
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1534 is a charity enforcement act working with the AG's office to strengthen protections
- Just was trying to imagine what if you could just give me like an example of how a bad actor might act
- Just like my good friend and colleague before me, this is a compacting licensure act for occupational
Keywords:
roofing, contractor registration, continuing education, endorsement, construction industry, fireworks, consumer safety, local governance, emergency declaration, public safety, Occupational Therapy, licensure, interstate compact, telehealth, SB1061, Oklahoma Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act, SAFE Act, mortgage licensing, mortgage broker, mortgage lender
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Jonathan Gould, of Virginia, to be Comptroller of the Currency for a term of five years, Luke Pettit, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Paul Atkins, of Virginia, to be Mar 27th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Before I continue, let me thank Rodney Hood, the acting OCC controller of the OCC.
- Hood has removed references to reputational risk consistent with my firm act from the OCC Bank Examination
- Economic Growth Act of 2018.
- Gould, a few weeks ago, I introduced the FIRM Act, which would eliminate reputational risk from the Consideration
- Do you support the Acting Comptroller's decision to remove references to reputational risk?
Keywords:
financial regulations, SEC, Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Transit Administration, nominees, Empowering Main Street in America Act, capital formation, economic growth
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several nominees within key financial institutions, including discussions surrounding the SEC, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency. Notable dialogue included concerns over regulatory balance, with various members emphasizing a need to streamline regulations to foster innovation while ensuring accountability and safety for investors. The importance of the proposed 'Empowering Main Street in America Act' was highlighted as a means to facilitate access to capital for small businesses, underlining the current administration's approach towards financial regulations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 7 is the Texas Women's Privacy Act. This is common sense.
- This bill is called the Texas Women's Privacy Act.
- Act and not hide stuff. Good cops aren't afraid of sunshine.
- Act and not hide stuff. Good cops aren't afraid of sunshine.
- or an omission of an act.
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with the author and committee substitute explaining that the bill would require public facilities to designate multi-use private spaces by biological sex, restrict access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping quarters, shelters, and correctional facilities, and create civil penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Members asked about how the bill would apply to family violence shelters, children in mixed-family settings, venue layout, and venue for lawsuits; the author said the bill was similar to prior legislation but with stronger penalties and the 15th Court of Appeals as the exclusive intermediate appellate court for challenges, while clarifying that trial venue should generally be local except for state agencies. The committee also heard that the bill would be amended to better address local venue concerns and shelter-related issues.
Invited testimony was largely in support of the bill from witnesses who described personal experiences in women’s sports, prisons, shelters, and public facilities, arguing that single-sex spaces are necessary for privacy and safety. Supporters included parents, former incarcerated women, a Republican county chair, a legal advocate, and a prison educator, who cited incidents involving transgender-identifying individuals in locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and restrooms, and said the bill would restore sex-based boundaries and protect vulnerable women and girls. One witness from Texas Values said the bill was needed despite the recently enacted Women’s Bill of Rights, and another ADF witness said the measure would protect privacy in schools and shelters.
Opponents testified that the bill would harm transgender and intersex Texans, create harassment and “gender policing,” and expose cisgender women and children to invasive enforcement. Several witnesses argued there is no evidence that transgender women pose a restroom safety threat, while others said the bill would worsen mental health, employment, and school conditions for trans people and could conflict with prison standards and federal law. Family violence advocates urged changes to protect shelter operations and clarify that children can stay with parents, while other witnesses said the bill would create barriers for victims seeking help. The hearing featured extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Accountability is only scary if you're not acting up in a way that stands up to scrutiny.
- The second sentence appears as if it's restricting the Michael Morton Act.
- They're not specifically the Michael Morton Act and the Sandra Bland Act.
- I serve as the Executive Director of Act for SA Action, Friends from San Antonio.
- The public must be able to trust that their public servants are acting properly.
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 14, which would create a confidential department file for law enforcement officers and jailers and limit public access to records involving unsubstantiated misconduct, while preserving access for hiring agencies, TCOLE, and certain criminal justice uses. TCOLE’s Gretchen Grigsby explained the current rollout of law enforcement recordkeeping reforms, including the distinction between the public personnel file and the confidential G-file, and answered questions about when TCOLE would request files during investigations. Senator Perry and other members focused on how the bill would interact with existing personnel-file rules, public transparency, and criminal discovery obligations.
Public testimony was largely opposed. Critics argued the bill was drafted too broadly, could sweep in records beyond misconduct files, and would reduce transparency for the public, journalists, oversight bodies, and families seeking answers in cases such as Uvalde and jail deaths in Tarrant County. Several witnesses said the bill could allow small or single-officer agencies, including elected constables, to shield their own records, and some warned it could chill reporting and oversight. Supporters, including law enforcement representatives, said the bill would protect officers from false or unsubstantiated allegations, align agencies without civil-service protections with those that already have G-files, and preserve confidentiality for records that should not be public. Dallas County prosecutors and Harris County deputies supported the general policy but asked for clarifying amendments, especially to separate language they said could affect the Michael Morton Act and to preserve existing protections through in-camera review or protective orders.
Committee members spent significant time questioning witnesses about how substantiated versus unsubstantiated allegations would be handled, whether body camera footage and case files would remain public, and how the bill would affect discovery in criminal cases. After hearing all registered witnesses, the chair closed public testimony. Senate Bill 14 was left pending, and the committee recessed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- dive into Representative Clardy's bill on the READ Act.
- Act Literacy Incentive Aid, which I just covered.
- It talks about what was happening Prior to the READ Act, what's being done through the READ Act, and
- To build capacity to implement the READ Act.
- But again, the purpose of this is to fund teachers in training for the READ Act.