Video & Transcript Research : 'variance'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-AEN, EIG-HOU, EIG Public Hearings 03-11-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There is an ability to get a variance when it warrants it, because of economic reasons or because the
- There are a lot of variances that are getting out there with heat pumps as an option, so I just want
- when it when ability to get a variance when it when it<00:15:59.600>
warrants <00:16:00.000>- to use a he heat pump if they variance to use a he heat pump if they want<00:16:10.600>
and <00- that are getting are a lot of variances that are getting out<00:16:15.720>
there <00:16:16.000 - to use a he heat pump if they variance to use a he heat pump if they want<00:16:10.600>
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050.
The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended.
Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- So we would be at 88 right now with the 10% variance, and we're really going to 99 with the 10% variance
- , then to 99 with the variance.
- So we would be at 88 right now with the 10% variance, and we're really going to 99 with the 10% variance
- So we would be at 88 right now with the 10% variance, and we're really going to 99 with the 10% variance
- carveouts for other particular industries and segments that have different weight limits, different variances
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01
Legislator Comments 00:42
HB 56 Discussion 02:27
HB 56 Roll Call Vote 12:52
HB 258 Discussion 14:03
HB 258 Roll Call Vote 26:15
HB 281 Discussion 27:41
HB 281 Roll Call Vote 30:14, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled opening business, including attendance, guest introductions, and a reminder about the 24-hour rule for bill substitutes. Guests were introduced by members, including an intern from California, a county judge-executive, and the committee’s session intern. The committee then took up House Bill 56, presented by Rep. Dan Fister and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which would update and clarify several agriculture-related regulatory provisions.
HB 56 would require annual inspections and annual inspection tags for amusement rides, exempt certain private-property amusement ride itineraries from the 14-day advance notice requirement, clarify grain program dispute procedures, adjust egg license renewal dates and assessment-fee rules for small producers, and repeal obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board statutes. Members asked about the definition of amusement rides, whether inflatables are covered, and how licensing and inspection work for commercial operators versus private owners. The bill sponsor and agency representative explained that businesses must still register and obtain licenses and permits, while the bill mainly clarifies annual inspection requirements and reduces unnecessary notice burdens. The committee approved HB 56 with favorable expression.
The committee next heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Rep. J.T. Payne, which would raise the weight limit for milk transportation on state highways to 90,000 pounds. Supporters, including a dairy farmer and Kentucky Department of Agriculture counsel, said the change would let haulers carry fuller loads, reduce trips, improve efficiency, and help a shrinking dairy industry. Members discussed the current 80,000-pound limit, the 10% variance, possible effects on other industries, and whether the bill sets a precedent; the sponsor said other carveouts already exist in statute. Several members spoke in support, citing the importance of dairy farming and transportation efficiency. HB 258 also received favorable expression.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Robert Duvall, to streamline food service rules for churches and nonprofits that provide meals to homeless shelters and disaster-displaced people. The sponsor said current rules can require industrial-grade kitchens and restaurant-level plumbing for simple food service, and the bill would exempt churches and nonprofits from those requirements while keeping food safety standards in place. The bill had support from groups serving shelters and disaster relief. HB 281 passed with favorable expression as well.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (2-25-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- supplies and equipment and construction materials, you know, wood, aluminum, steel, so you see some variances
- supplies and equipment and construction materials, you know, wood, aluminum, steel, so you see some variances
- supplies and equipment and construction materials, you know, wood, aluminum, steel, so you see some variances
- supplies and equipment and construction materials, you know, wood, aluminum, steel, so you see some variances
- supplies and equipment and construction materials, you know, wood, aluminum, steel, so you see some variances
Summary:
The committee first approved the January minutes and then received several informational reports on school district tax levies, revenue bonds, lease advertisements, and previously rejected lease transactions. Members were told that one rejected lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Hardin County would be canceled and rebid, while a Perry County lease modification for the Energy and Environment Cabinet would proceed. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority also submitted its quarterly capital projects report, and Eastern Kentucky University reported revisions to asset preservation projects.
Janice Thomas, Deputy State Budget Director, presented four capital project action items. These included a Kentucky State University Betty White Building renovation funded by USDA grant money, a Department of Education state schools dormitory and cottage renovation appropriation increase because bids exceeded estimates, a restricted-funds scope increase for the Elizabethtown CTC science building expansion, and a pool project report for the Department of Corrections’ KCIW kitchen drain line repair and replacement. Representative Petrie asked about how often the statutory authority for midstream project increases is used and whether bids are typically competitive; Thomas said the increases are used often when bids come in above estimates and that bids are generally competitive, though construction costs have been difficult to gauge. The committee unanimously approved the first three action items, and the KCIW project was reported with no action required.
H. Sandy Williams of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and one emergency grant. The items included loans for Frankfort’s East Frankfort Interceptor wet weather facility project, Sturgis wastewater improvements, Scottsville inflow and infiltration work, Morganfield wastewater treatment plant planning and design, Western Pulaski County Water District transmission improvements, and Springfield water system planning and replacement work, plus an emergency Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville following a sewer treatment plant failure and local emergency declarations. After no questions, the committee unanimously approved the seven KIA transactions.
Chelsea Couch then presented a Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for $38.4 million to finance a multifamily rental project in Jefferson County; members asked how the committee participates and were told it was a conduit issuance rather than state debt. The committee approved that item. Finally, the committee heard an informational Turnpike Authority refunding issuance of about $53 million for present value savings, then approved four SFCC debt issues for Henderson, Pulaski, Scott, and Trimble counties to finance school renovations and construction. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and location.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee REVISED: HB4155 (Hasenbeck) added Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- This permit variance would put them at about 41... Would put them at about 41,000 tons.
- At the EPA level, although the volume that has been requested here in the permit variance is just barely
- The states have the capability to approve a variance.
- This would be a new practice, which is why the permit variance from ODEQ is going through the process
- They're asking for a variance. No further questions. I'm still confused.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:09:32.640>
for variances for variances for teacher<01:09:35.120>qualifications <01: - gave out about 700 each year variances gave out about 700 each year variances for<01:09:48.080><
- If you met variance standard, right?
- We want to get out of the a variance.
- the state level. most of the variances the state level. most of the variances at<01:14:39.600>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/25/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- this language covers is that variances this language covers is that the<00:28:48.960>
individual< - for a use variance and go to<00:29:04.080>
the <00:29:04.240>planning <00:29:04.559> - You needed the variance from a zoning.
- in front of the zoning board variances in front of the zoning board or<00:30:07.039>
they <00: - You needed the variance from zoning.
NH
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Information Technology Committee Jul 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So next up, we have the variance report.
- We have the variance report.
- So continuing on with variance over 20%.
- Again, another one that was in our variance report last time.
- They gave a variance report to the committee about how that went.
Summary:
The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated.
The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools.
The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Information Technology Committee Jul 8th, 2026
Information Technology Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So next up, we have the variance report.
- So next up, we have the variance report.
- We have the variance report.
- So continuing on with variance over 20%.
- So continuing on with variance over 20%.
Summary:
The Information Technology Committee approved the March 26 minutes and received a series of reports from NDIT on major IT projects, the annual report, mainframe modernization, and cybersecurity services. The project portfolio was reported at 116 major projects with a baseline cost of $546 million, overall under budget but modestly behind schedule. Several projects that had been in variance status last quarter were said to have closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning. New startup reports were mostly HHS efforts tied to refugee data management, technical debt cleanup, and legacy application decommissioning, while closeouts included HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT projects with mixed budget and schedule results.
In the annual report discussion, NDIT described its service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management reporting, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how revenues and grants flow through the service fund, how NDIT charges agencies for services, and whether customer satisfaction or CSAT scores are tracked and could be reported more regularly. NDIT said it does track service-team CSAT and survey data, and committee members encouraged more regular reporting of those metrics. The committee also discussed application portfolio management, statewide IT planning, and whether agencies should slow new system replacements while the state pursues an ERP system.
The mainframe update focused on the state’s ongoing effort to retire legacy systems by about 2030. NDIT and HHS said the work is being managed as a tech-debt program, but progress is slowed by data cleanup, integration complexity, staff retirements, vendor capacity, and federal requirements. Members asked whether there is a coordinated commitment and whether additional vendor support or consultants are needed; NDIT said it is working jointly with HHS and is seeking an RFP to help accelerate modernization. The cybersecurity presentation then shifted to statewide maturity assessments and services. NDIT said it provides endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that assessments are based on CIS controls. Members raised concerns about low participation in the self-assessment process, the lack of mandatory reporting or audit authority, and whether insurance incentives through Enderf or possible State Auditor involvement could improve compliance. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we've already given variances.
- We want to of the variance business.
- now and where we've set the variance now and where we've set the variance level.<02:12:16.800>
- Uh and again if we adopt variances.
- <02:15:26.000>
level want to get out of the variance level want to get out of the variance
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal government gives us a .3% ABV variance on beer.
- We make sure we stay within the variance.
- That's going to be our variance.
- We make sure we stay within the variance.
- We make sure we stay within the variance.
Keywords:
liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers.
Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels.
Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- a variance for a county state aid highway design project.
- This allows the same level a variance.
- <01:28:51.600>
Slight justification for a variance. Slight justification for a variance. - Section 13 specifies the variance format for municipal state aid design variances.
- Section 14, uh, codifies the advisory committee on design variances.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Finance Budget Briefing (06/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's the variance on the laps.
- So that's the variance on the laps.
- So that's the variance on the laps.
- So that's the variance on the laps.
- So that's the variance on the laps.
Summary:
The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed.
The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility.
On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 7th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- It would not suspend the variance process.
- That's when you would go and get a variance. Okay.
- I don't know necessarily needs to be easy to get a variance.
- To be easy to get a variance.
- If the doctor's asking for a variance, they don't want to have a...
Summary:
The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote.
The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Powell was asking for, you can apply to any city and ask for a variance right now.
- Powell can apply for a variance to do something like that.
- So here's my rebuttal: variances. You don't just go to town and get a variance.
- So here's my rebuttal: variances. You don't just go to town and get a variance.
- Variances. You don't just go to town and get a variance.
Bills:
HB2211, HB2229, HB2389, HB2403, HB2445, HB2502, HB2620, HB2813, HB2872, HB2889, HB2960, HB4028, HCR2007
Keywords:
contractors, subcontractors, resident preference, public contracts, materials supply, Arizona Revised Statutes, local businesses, pregnancy resource center, pregnancy center, crisis pregnancy center, DHS, Arizona Department of Health Services, state appropriation, general fund, nonprofit grant, women's health, maternal health, reproductive health, abortion funding, pro-life
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2211 only for discussion, not a vote. The strike-everything amendment would make it unprofessional conduct for certain health care licensees to submit an independent dispute resolution offer above 300% of Medicare or 300% of the qualified payment amount. The chair said he wanted more stakeholder meetings and broader consensus before moving the bill. Testimony was split: an ARMA representative opposed the measure, arguing it reflected insurer concerns, QPA data lacked transparency, and licensing discipline was the wrong tool for billing disputes; a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative supported it, saying a small number of private equity-backed providers were driving up surprise-billing costs and abusing the No Surprises Act. No action was taken on HB 2211.
The committee then considered HB 4028 on accessory dwelling units. The bill would remove the 1,000-square-foot cap as an absolute limit, change setback rules, bar municipalities from requiring an administrative use permit and certain elevation criteria, and extend the deadline for cities to adopt ADU regulations. Rep. Kyle Powell said the bill was meant to give homeowners more flexibility and help address housing shortages. Supporters framed it as a property-rights and housing issue, while opponents from neighborhood and city groups warned it would allow oversized ADUs, increase density, create safety and parking concerns, and weaken local zoning control. After extensive debate, the committee voted 8-9 with one present, and HB 4028 failed.
The committee next passed HB 2620, as amended, by a 17-0 vote with one member not voting. The bill appropriates $300,000 per year for five years to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to emergency shelters serving veterans. An amendment removed age and non-congregate-setting limits for eligible shelters. Rep. Blackman said the bill was intended to help homeless veterans, and shelter advocate Nathan Smith supported it, saying targeted resources could help veterans exit homelessness and stay housed. The committee then took up HB 2960, which would create a veterans specialty court grant program. The bill was amended to have the Office of the Courts administer the fund and to allow support for expansion of existing veterans courts. Testimony highlighted the success of the Lake Havasu veterans court and the need for more standardized programs and data collection; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 2960.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's intended to allow for flexibility or what we would otherwise see come through as a variance on a
- The idea is that they're going above and beyond the code in exchange for what would typically be a variance
- So when can they still use this Planned Unit Development as a tool to avoid the variances?
- Rather than issue a variance, they'll go into PUD, and if that's the request of the builder, then that's
- But again, tools are needed, whether it's a variance, as Representative Scrabo was talking about, or
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 01/28/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- In my world, that's called the variance. Variance used to be a very negative word in my world.
- In my world, that's called the variance. Variance used to be a very negative word in my world.
- in my world that's called the variance in my world that's called the variance variance<01:25:14.760
- The variance process was not easy.
- The variance process was not easy.
Summary:
The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state.
Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits.
Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- they adopted one of these tools, though, would someone not still have the ability to apply for a variance
- <00:52:36.559>
or <00:52:36.960>to force people to get a variance or to force people - to get a variance or to allow<00:52:37.440>
it <00:52:37.680>even <00:52:37.839>if< - strict as trying to get a variance. strict as trying to get a variance. Rep. Rep. Rep.
- So then it's to have to get a variance.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And in these cases, a business, a builder, can ask for a variance, like we do for other things, and they
- get variances.
- A variance, like we do for other things. And they get variances.
- They had a variance which said that within one, they'd have 10 of these other sinks on hand and be able
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed.
The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- um or you know special special variances um or you know special special use<01:34:34.400>
permits - or how they do going to Grant a variance or how they do you<01:40:00.320>
know <01:40:00.480>< - <01:40:20.800>
um why they deny or approve a variance um why they deny or approve a variance - so then it they had the grant a variance so then it could<01:40:25.480>
have <01:40:25.599> - It would require variance in the few municipalities that actually do regulate congregate living.