Video & Transcript : 'public institutions' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> of the public input that went into that. of the public input that went into that.
  • </c> public input into it.
  • Um we had a public public input into it.
  • health institutions or some schools.
  • health institutions or some schools.
Bills: HF1925
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to just praise the public.
  • It should be a group of legal and mental health, public health, and public safety professionals with
  • It should be a group of legal and mental health, public health, and public safety professionals with
  • </c> public defender said. public defender said.
  • Thank you for the opportunity to comment. public defender. public defender.
Bills: HB1531
Committee: House Public Safety
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Jan 15th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public institutions can be oriented fully toward public goals and can have increased transparency and
  • Public institutions can be oriented fully toward public goals and can have increased transparency and
  • For background, as you heard before, a public bank is a banking financial institution that's owned by
  • Congress has recognized this reality before; it has created four public financial institutions, such
  • A public bank would solve these issues by transitioning the state's current deposits to a public institution
Bills: SB5754
Committee: Senate Ways & Means
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Apr 29th, 2025

Commerce and Small Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know we've got a public hearing. If I could please wrap up at the end.
  • or opportunities for any public hearings or opportunities for input from taxpayers?
  • Under this bill, the public is completely shut out from any opportunity to comment.
  • That will conclude the public hearing. I would ask Senator Roberts to come up and give comments.
  • Wilcox County residents live without access to public water for years.
Bills: SB330
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2025

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, before us we have SB330 with a public We have SB330 with a public hearing on it.
  • It is typical in a public hearing, at least in this committee, to try to hear from the public, right?
  • So, I'm going to let the public speak, So, I'm going to let the public speak, and then get to the members
  • It's a public lynching. And that's what's happening to 200,000 people. It's a public lynching.
  • So, this concludes our public hearing.
Bills: SB330
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Today we stand together, not as an opportunity, not as opponents of change, but as defenders of public
  • We're here to say that public schools are still worth fighting for.
  • And more than anything, we must remind everyone that public schools are not failing, but rather they
  • I've been out as transgender since 2021, and I've... ...of the public eye. I'm transgender.
  • I am a graduate of Katy ISD and a recently admitted student to UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Summary: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy event at the Texas Capitol focused on youth participation in policymaking and opposition to recent education-related legislation. Speakers, including student organizers and SEAT leaders, argued that students should have a direct voice in decisions affecting public schools, curriculum, and school governance. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended to support the group, praised their advocacy, and referenced the idea that if young people are not given a seat at the table, they should “bring your own chair.” Several student speakers criticized the newly passed school vouchers bill as a threat to public education and said it would divert resources from public schools. Others opposed bills such as Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, describing them as harmful to LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education. One speaker also condemned book bans and library censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and truthful, inclusive curricula. The speakers framed these issues as matters of student rights, belonging, and free expression. SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the organization’s history of student-led activism against book bans and exclusion from school policymaking. Samuels said the group had distributed challenged books, pursued legal action over blocked internet resources, and delivered a Student Bill of Rights to superintendents and legislators. The event ended without any formal legislative vote or committee action, serving instead as a press conference and advocacy rally urging lawmakers to listen to students.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Apr 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

Bills: HB1541
Summary: The committee reconvened on April 4 to consider two bills. House Bill 1280, Representative Brandenberg’s bill on election approval of projects, was briefly discussed after the chair said legislative council had raised constitutional concerns and the bill could invite lawsuits. Despite that caution, a member moved a do pass recommendation, it was seconded, and the committee approved HB 1280 by roll call vote. The committee then turned to House Bill 1318. The chair explained that after consulting attorneys, the phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of law” in line 7 was considered problematic and would be removed through a crafted amendment. He also said the proposed sunset clause was not a good idea and indicated the bill would be held until the following Thursday morning to allow further review. A member asked about other lines, and the chair said those provisions remained as previously amended. The committee discussed procedural handling of the bill, including whether reconsideration of a prior motion was needed, and confirmed the bill would remain in committee. No further action was taken before adjournment.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • He is a professor at the University of Chicago, a widely respected institution, but based on his work
  • Briggs also served as the Director for the Office of Public Outreach in the U.S. Environment.
  • I hope to leverage a wealth of institutional knowledge and lessons that will enable me to hit the ground
  • I bring to the role over two decades of public service and private sector experience.
  • Well, nobody, no institution is great at everything.
Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • policing has focused on violent crime, addressing the impacts of drugs and drug trafficking, and public
  • of taken this horrible grief that most people can't even imagine and used it in a way to push for public
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • outcomes. or ensure that our most vulnerable students have a fair shot at accessing a high-quality public
  • Though only about 10% of public education funding comes from the federal government, this investment,
  • the civil rights protections that the department is charged with providing, is critical to making a public
  • My mom was a teacher. a proud public school teacher, and she said that every kid needs to know that they
  • My kids all go to the public school system. My brother was a special ed teacher.
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 18th, 2025 at 08:00 am

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rather than for public school funding and under the controller's office not public education.
  • I think we need to prioritize the public. their safety and the use of their public places and the use
  • It has to do with during the public health emergency.
  • The public health emergency. There's no doubt about that.
  • The lieutenant governor appoints five senators and one public member.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • the department is eliminated, where specifically does the funding that we do have that comes to our public
  • If we eliminate the Department of Education, I'm very confident that our public education system will
  • resources and professionals exist to hold schools accountable for delivering a free, appropriate public
  • And I'll tell you, if they go to a school that is not within our public school with a lot of that oversight
  • I've heard of parents leaving other schools that aren't in the public system.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Each of whom represents something vital about our institution. First, Mr. Sherman Lewis. Mr.
  • As a proud product of Lawton Public Schools, the teacher walkout was very emotional for me.
  • First, I owe my brother-in-law a public apology.
  • I am sorry it has taken me over a decade to make this public apology, but I am sorry.
  • She is on the Edmond Public School Native American Challenge Owl Team.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • the department is eliminated, where specifically does the funding that we do have that comes to our public
  • If we eliminate the Department of Education, I'm very confident that our public education system will
  • resources and professionals exist to hold schools accountable for delivering a free, appropriate public
  • And I'll tell you, if they go to a school that is not within our public school, with a lot of that oversight
  • I've heard of parents leaving other schools that aren't in the public system because their rights were
Summary: The House convened in quorum call and first took up several Joint Committee reports on appropriations and tax measures. HB 4028 extended the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments and passed 54-27. HB 4075 appropriated $26 million in interest funds to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water and wastewater projects and passed 84-4, with the emergency clause also approved. HB 477 appropriated up to $10.58 million to the Department of Emergency Management for the Emergency Response and Relief Grant Program and passed 84-5, with the emergency clause approved. HB 476 appropriated up to $21.64 million to the Department of Commerce for rural economic impact grants tied to water and wastewater needs at rural industrial parks and ports; it passed 79-11 and its emergency clause also passed. HB 474 closed out ARPA funds for health care workforce training and passed 79-12, with emergency approval. The House then considered several Senate bills. SB 1221 would add tracking numbers for mailed Real ID cards and offer expedited delivery; members raised concerns about voting access and possible poll-tax issues, but the bill passed 82-9 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1921, an OSBI request bill, raised fees for criminal history/background checks and passed 84-8. SB 2118 expanded the use of sheriff commissary funds for sheriff duties and jail operations and passed 87-4. SB 1932 allowed motor carriers to represent themselves in Corporation Commission administrative hearings without an attorney and passed 92-1. SB 2134 required wreckers responding to livestock transport accidents to contact local emergency management for humane handling of livestock and passed 71-20. A lengthy floor debate centered on HCR 1025, which supports eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Supporters argued education is a state responsibility and that federal bureaucracy and mandates add red tape; opponents warned that federal oversight is essential for special education, Title IX, IDEA, and civil rights enforcement. After extended debate, the resolution passed 72-17. The House also passed SB 1432, which removes pilot and sunset language from a successful alternative teacher certification program in Tulsa, making it a permanent pathway; supporters said it has helped career changers enter teaching and could be replicated statewide. It passed 85-3, and the emergency clause passed. The session ended with announcements, including recognition of a special-needs advocate, a rural caucus notice, and adjournment until April 22, 2026.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • in the nation. most productive research institutions in the nation.
  • have been, currently am, and always will be a strong advocate for public schools.
  • First, I owe my brother-in-law a public apology.
  • It has taken me over a decade to make this public apology, but I am sorry.
  • She is on the Edmond Public School Native American Challenge Bowl team.
Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 9th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 1071 by Representative McFarland, Public Records, exception for public records, critical infrastructure
  • House Bill 1078 by Representative Freiberg, tuition fees at public post-secondary education institutions
  • Genitalia and other parts of the human anatomy in any public place or place open to public view or in
  • I'm just curious here, and the public would like to know, too.
  • official or hold public office, people get attacked all the time.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer by guest minister Reginald Tate, and adopted the journal and several leave requests. The chamber received Senate messages, including concurrence in HCR 44 and Senate adoption of SCRs 19 and 26, and referred a number of Senate resolutions and bills to committee. It also reported and adopted several House resolutions honoring individuals, schools, and organizations, including H.R. 112, 113, 114, and 52, and referred HCR 51 to Appropriations for a study of assessor and clerk compensation. The House then processed many bills on second and third reading, with numerous measures reported favorably or amended and advanced without objection. Topics included criminal justice and public safety (including hit-and-run as a crime of violence, video voyeurism, intentional exposure to HIV, bail conditions for human trafficking defendants, and post-conviction custody rules), health and insurance matters (AI disclosure in health care, hearing aid coverage, anti-cancer medication parity, pharmacy benefit managers, Medicaid/SNAP integrity, and rare cancer treatments), education and governance (special education due process, school funding, campaign finance, public records, and legislative website transparency), and natural resources and transportation items. Several bills were substituted or renumbered, and many were engrossed and passed to third reading. Two floor debates drew extended discussion. HCR 15, urging Congress to pass the SAVE Act and require voter identification in federal elections, passed 65-32 after questions about voter roll purges and documentation requirements. HCR 14, supporting federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, prompted extensive debate over federal education funding, Title I, special education, student loans, land-grant institutions, desegregation oversight, and whether federal functions could be shifted to other agencies; it was adopted 59-28 with 23 coauthors. Later, HB 108, barring persons convicted of violent crimes or sex offenses from jury service, passed 68-32 after debate over jury pool size, second chances, and whether the bill would apply to civil and criminal trials. The House also passed HB 98 on penalties for unlawful release of victim information, HB 131 on custody pending appeal, HB 161 on bail conditions for human trafficking defendants, and HB 288 requiring “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical records and billing.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 9th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 1071 by Representative McFarland, Public Records, exception for public records, critical infrastructure
  • House Bill 1078 by Representative Freiberg, tuition fees at public post-secondary education institutions
  • place ...or place open to public view or in any prison or jail.
  • My incoming sheriff supports it as good public policy.
  • I'm just curious here, and the public would like to know, too.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate SessionReading and Referral of Bills Mar 17th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SJR 4 , SCR 36 , SCR 37 , SCR 38 , SCR 39 , SCR 40 , SCR 41 , SCR 42 , SB 7 , SB 30 , SB 31 , SB 32 , SB 33 , SB 34 , SB 36 , SB 37 , SB 38 , SB 39 , SB 1851 , SB 1852 , SB 1853 , SB 1854 , SB 1855 , SB 1856 , SB 1857 , SB 1858 , SB 1860 , SB 1861 , SB 1862 , SB 1863 , SB 1864 , SB 1865 , SB 1866 , SB 1867 , SB 1868 , SB 1869 , SB 1870 , SB 1871 , SB 1872 , SB 1873 , SB 1874 , SB 1875 , SB 1876 , SB 1877 , SB 1878 , SB 1879 , SB 1880 , SB 1881 , SB 1882 , SB 1883 , SB 1884 , SB 1885 , SB 1886 , SB 1887 , SB 1888 , SB 1889 , SB 1890 , SB 1891 , SB 1892 , SB 1893 , SB 1894 , SB 1895 , SB 1896 , SB 1897 , SB 1898 , SB 1899 , SB 1900 , SB 1901 , SB 1903 , SB 1904 , SB 1905 , SB 1906 , SB 1907 , SB 1908 , SB 1909 , SB 1910 , SB 1911 , SB 1912 , SB 1913 , SB 1914 , SB 1915 , SB 1916 , SB 1917 , SB 1918 , SB 1919 , SB 1920 , SB 1921 , SB 1922 , SB 1923 , SB 1924 , SB 1925 , SB 1926 , SB 1927 , SB 1928 , SB 1929 , SB 1930 , SB 1931 , SB 1932 , SB 1933 , SB 1934 , SB 1935 , SB 1936 , SB 1937 , SB 1938 , SB 1939 , SB 1940 , SB 1941 , SB 1942 , SB 1943 , SB 1944 , SB 1945 , SB 1946 , SB 1947 , SB 1948 , SB 1949 , SB 1950 , SB 1951 , SB 1952 , SB 1953 , SB 1954 , SB 1955 , SB 1956 , SB 1957 , SB 1958 , SB 1959 , SB 1960 , SB 1961 , SB 1962 , SB 1963 , SB 1964 , SB 1965 , SB 1966 , SB 1967 , SB 1968 , SB 1969 , SB 1970 , SB 1971 , SB 1972 , SB 1973 , SB 1974 , SB 1975 , SB 1976 , SB 1977 , SB 1978 , SB 1979 , SB 1980 , SB 1981 , SB 1982 , SB 1983 , SB 1984 , SB 1985 , SB 1986 , SB 1987 , SB 1988 , SB 1989 , SB 1990 , SB 1991 , SB 1992 , SB 1993 , SB 1994 , SB 1995 , SB 1996 , SB 1997 , SB 1998 , SB 1999 , SB 2000 , SB 2001 , SB 2002 , SB 2003 , SB 2004 , SB 2005 , SB 2006 , SB 2007 , SB 2008 , SB 2009 , SB 2010 , SB 2011 , SB 2012 , SB 2013 , SB 2014 , SB 2015 , SB 2016 , SB 2017 , SB 2018 , SB 2019 , SB 2020 , SB 2021 , SB 2022 , SB 2023 , SB 2024 , SB 2025 , SB 2026 , SB 2027 , SB 2028 , SB 2029 , SB 2030 , SB 2031 , SB 2032 , SB 2033 , SB 2034 , SB 2035 , SB 2036 , SB 2037 , SB 2038 , SB 2039 , SB 2040 , SB 2041 , SB 2042 , SB 2043 , SB 2044 , SB 2045 , SB 2046 , SB 2047 , SB 2048 , SB 2049 , SB 2050 , SB 2051 , SB 2052 , SB 2053 , SB 2054 , SB 2055 , SB 2056 , SB 2057 , SB 2058 , SB 2059 , SB 2060