Video & Transcript : 'Texas State Library' :
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, thank you and my state on that.
- It is at each library.
- </c> state procurement office. state procurement office.
- </c> state uh is mandated by state state uh is mandated by state constitution<01:09:58.080><c> and</c
- </c> It would only apply to the state. It would only apply to the state.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance.
County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing.
Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (1-21-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- So states like Now, other folks do this.
- ><c> for</c><00:10:39.200><c> small</c> states make it easier for small states make it easier for small
- </c><00:14:30.639><c> that</c> imports capital to the state that imports capital to the state that imports
- It's our second Commonwealth from Texas.
- I always what we're doing as a state.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:08
Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45
SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50
SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions.
After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/30/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not just the state.
- National Library of Medicine.
- House, United States Congress.
- </c> States House, United States Congress.
- States House, United States Congress. uh<01:33:47.440><c> it</c><01:33:47.679><c> has</c><01:33:47.920
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/30/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are other states, you know.
- Texas went as far as arrest warrants, and that was upheld in the Texas Supreme Court.
- > you</c><00:02:30.600><c> know,</c><00:02:30.720><c> Texas</c> There are other states you know, Texas
- There are other states you know, Texas went<00:02:31.400><c> as</c><00:02:31.520><c> far</c><00:02:31.720
- </c> was upheld in the Texas Supreme Court. was upheld in the Texas Supreme Court.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Bench in the state of Texas for 32 years, and I hope he's looking down here and shaking his finger at
- home state for a physician who then gets licensed in other states.
- The website states that, in general, states see a three percent increase in actual out-of-state physicians
- Practicing out of state.
- can't get it in Texas.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Bench in the state of Texas for 32 years, and I hope he's looking down here and shaking his finger at
- set forth under the Constitution and laws of that state for state officials.
- Of each member state.
- states.
- in another state.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- WE DO NOT HAVE A STATE AGENCY FOR THAT, WE HAVE A STATE AGENCY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT THERE'S CERTAIN
- SO IF WE'RE GOING TO RECEIVE STATE FUNDS, STATE LEGISLATURE MAY REQUIRE STATE THEMES TO RECEIVE STATE
- TEXAS COLLEGE STATION TEXAS WERE NUMBER ONE IN PREPAREDNESS IN THE COUNTRY.
- SOME OF THE SMALLER STATES DO.
- IT'S A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In Texas, did they withhold money?
- And what do other states do? Yes.
- And what do other states do? Yes.
- Just as you've stated, I think so.
- But then Carlo worked in Texas, you know, brought up the fact of the Texas part of this.
Summary:
The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting.
The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later.
A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And for the record, my name is Kirk Watson, and I'm the mayor of Austin, Texas, and I'm also by statute
- supports land conservation, hunting tourism, and the Texas economy.
- The Exotic Game industry is a crucial part of the Texas economy, particularly in rural areas where it
- supports land conservation, hunting tourism, and the Texas economy.
- It does benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters in Texas, and I want to thank the committee.
Bills:
HB135
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 2345, as a committee substitute, which would reform the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund. Senator Schwertner explained that the bill is based on an agreed voluntary funding soundness restoration plan between the City of Austin and the fund, and would create a new reduced benefit tier for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2026, adjust COLAs for current retirees, establish an actuarially determined funding model to address legacy liabilities and 2024 asset losses over 30 years, and add new board seats. Mayor Kirk Watson, city finance staff, the fund executive director, trustees, and retired firefighters all testified in support, describing the measure as an agreed-to, fiscally responsible compromise that protects benefits, supports recruitment, and reduces risk to taxpayers. The committee adopted the committee substitute, but left SB 2345 pending.
The committee also heard House Bill 135, which clarifies tax treatment for exotic game or exotic livestock operations by defining them within agricultural exemptions and stating that sales of exotic livestock are not subject to sales and use taxes. Senator Flores described it as a clarification to provide consistency and fairness, and a witness for the Exotic Wildlife Association said it would resolve a Comptroller-related tax issue and benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters. The committee closed public testimony and reported HB 135 favorably to the full Senate, with a motion to place it on the local and uncontested calendar.
Senate Bill 771, by Senator Hinojosa, was also heard and later reported favorably. The bill would allow diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units or power takeoff units to qualify for the same fuel tax credit or refund already available for gasoline, correcting an inadvertent exclusion from the 2003 motor fuel tax rewrite. A witness supported the bill as a matter of tax equity. The committee then considered House Bill 1109, the House companion to SB 935, which exempts counties from certain motor fuel taxes on fuel used in county vehicles; Senator Hall explained it as simply exempting government agencies from paying the tax on their own vehicles. HB 1109 was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee adjourned after completing its business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- uh, I would ask that, uh, when you ask to be recognized and you recognize that you would also, uh, state
- and across the state.
- Ideas and to try and address the needs of the state of Texas. Finally, I want to thank the LBB.
- Chairman, parliamentary inquiry, please state your inquiry.
- Please state your inquiry.
Committee:
House Appropriations
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Aug 12th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas is doing that.
- They're out-of-state visitors, so we're capturing the out-of-state component.
- sources versus in-state?
- sources versus in-state.
- Texas this year.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- In Texas, did they withhold money?
- And what do other states do? Yes.
- And what do other states do? Yes.
- But then Carlo worked in Texas, you know, brought up the fact of the Texas part of this.
- The reason why we excluded the state funding is because when Carla and I were talking about the state
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The United States Supreme Court state.
- </c> 14th amendments to the United States 14th amendments to the United States Constitution.
- </c> the whole state. the whole state.
- </c> to the state except to the state except not<02:54:31.359><c> accept.
- </c> principal moving to another state. principal moving to another state.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Because of population changes and shifts, there's a need for additional courts across the state.
- These children are in the care of the state, and the state should never stop seeking their safe return
- Sarah Crockett: The state in these cases is the child's parent.
- Jeff Miller: Jeff Miller, Disability Rights Texas. Thank you, Mr.
- a huge impact in the state of Texas, allowing individuals that need a little more support to have someone
Committee:
Senate Jurisprudence
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- state did.
- member state.
- in each state.
- and I want to have a subpoena against Texas, let's assume they're a member state too, but Texas could
- Mexico, shall be enforceable in Texas, other member states, yes, but only to the extent both states
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, are there other states that require state citizenship cards for naturalized state citizens?
- state statute. state statute.
- </c> United States. United States.
- States.
- States.
Committee:
House Election Law
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that Texas kind of leads the nation in policy development, and a lot of other states replicate
- But the Senate, the state of Texas, had an opportunity today to put together a policy statement and begin
- of Texas.
- on a piece of paper, just hollow words, and that the racism that's existed in many quarters of the state
- courage in terms of putting in place a law that could be replicated throughout the entire United States
Summary:
Senate Democratic Caucus leaders held a press availability to criticize Senate Bill 689, the DEI bill they said had passed and would roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Texas government. Chair Carol Alvarado opened by saying colleagues had raised serious concerns and that the bill would set the state back. Senator Royce West argued Democrats had offered a better approach, including a complaint-review process through the Texas Workforce Commission and real penalties for discrimination, but said the majority rejected meaningful enforcement and left only “hollow words.”
Senator José Menéndez said claims of a purely merit-based, color-blind system ignore systemic discrimination and the need for offices that support equity and inclusion. He said the bill sends a message that Texas does not care about diversity or inclusion and noted that an amendment to create real consequences for discrimination was defeated. Senator Borris Miles warned that DEI had been demonized without evidence that public hiring was based only on DEI rather than qualifications, and said minority- and women-owned business programs and protections for disabled veterans businesses could be put at risk.
Senator Nathan Johnson added that the Senate had just confirmed Justin Berry to the T. Cole position while emphasizing merit, which he called contextually inconsistent. He described the debate as “misdirected passion,” saying lawmakers should focus on more serious problems rather than efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in government offices. No votes or other formal actions were taken during the remarks, which ended with questions from reporters.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The statute states that the Commissioner of State Lands shall not be liable for any monetary damages
- They had moved to Texas with my parents. They had moved to Texas.
- They had moved to Texas with my parents. They had moved to Texas. So, no, no one told them that.
- And then the second point for the dismissal was that there's a statute stating the Commissioner of State
- the Auditor of State?
Committee:
All JBC-CLAIMS
Summary:
The Joint Budget Committee’s Claims Review and Litigation Oversight Subcommittee met to consider two proposed litigation settlements from the Department of Corrections and one appealed claim from the Claims Commission. In the first settlement, Caroline Arnett v. Larry Norris, et al., members asked about the underlying sexual assault allegations, whether policies had changed, and whether PREA audits and other safeguards were in place. The department said audits were underway and that steps had been taken to prevent similar conduct. The committee approved the settlement by voice vote. In the second settlement, Latasha Ridgel v. Arkansas Department of Corrections, members raised concerns about the length of the case and the fact that it involved similar allegations. The department cited attorney turnover, COVID-related delays, and scheduling difficulties; the settlement was approved by voice vote.
The committee then reviewed Sharon Greer and Deanna Hayes v. Commissioner of State Lands, an appeal of a Claims Commission dismissal involving a 2009 tax sale of family property in Crittenden County. The claimants said they did not learn of the sale or the $4,200 in excess proceeds until 2025, and argued that notice was inadequate and that the overage should not have gone to the county. The Commissioner of State Lands’ office responded that notice was sent to addresses on file, certified mail receipts were returned, and a post-sale notice explained the process for contesting the sale and claiming excess proceeds. The office also argued the claim was untimely, that the commission lacked jurisdiction, and that state law bars monetary damages against the commissioner for actions related to tax-delinquent land sales.
Members discussed broader concerns about the tax-sale and excess-proceeds process, including whether excess proceeds should be held longer or routed differently, but noted those issues would require legislative changes rather than action in this case. The committee then voted to affirm the Claims Commission’s dismissal of the claim. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They are wholly within the state of Texas with their interconnect. Same rules apply.
- It's hard to import and export outside of Texas, and Texas is the biggest electrical state in the U.S
- /c><00:24:42.320><c> interconnect</c> state of Texas with their interconnect state of Texas with their
- In Texas, basically, it reports directly to the state legislature and the governor there, so there's
- In Texas, basically, it reports directly to the state legislature and the governor there, so there's
Bills:
HF75
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF75, earned incentive release credit, earned incentive credits, revocation, revocable credits, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, prison discipline, incarcerated persons, inmate misconduct, facility rules, sentence reduction, supervised release, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, public safety, rehabilitation, prison credits, executed sentence, 1183, house
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/21/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> this bill not only as a state this bill not only as a state representative,<00:43:28.000><c> but
- I will mention that of the 50 states, New Hampshire now remains the only state in the entire country
- </c><01:56:18.560><c> It's</c> state. There are a lot of lawsuits. It's state.
- Um, let me state it this way.
- </c> I would state that uh as the free state I would state that uh as the free state uh<02:52:34.479>
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety