Video & Transcript : 'ethical research' :
Page 355 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (3-25-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:33:54.640><c> of</c> um kind of um kind of pieces<00:33:57.000><c> of</c><00:33:57.120><c> research
- that were shared on pieces of research that were shared on uh<00:33:59.080><c> a</c><00:33:59.160><c
- </c> training bringing research-aligned training bringing research-aligned practices<00:48:25.359><c>
- Research by the Annie E.
- Research by the Annie E.
Committee:
House Primary and Secondary Education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/23/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- It invests in the research and analysis to scale this across the state.
- to invests in the research and analysis to scale<00:17:06.240><c> this</c><00:17:06.400><c> across</
- Last year, AgriGrowth convened leaders across the farm, food, logistics, supply, and research sectors
- Last year, AgriGrowth convened leaders across the farm, food, logistics, supply, and research sectors
- of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. guy knows the stuff.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TOU/WAL Joint Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Institute did a Fire Safety Research Institute did a following<00:35:56.280><c> the</c><00:35:56.440
- research they provided the<00:36:03.119><c> state</c><00:36:03.680><c> with</c><00:36:04.280><c> u</
- I need to research that and get back to you, but I'm happy to do that. Not a problem.
- now I I need to I need I'll need to now I I need to I need I'll need to research<01:01:01.520><c> that
- that and get back to you but research that and get back to you but I'm<01:01:02.880><c> happy</c><01
Summary:
The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities.
Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present.
Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> advancing life-saving biomed research advancing life-saving biomed research and<02:45:54.800><c>
- We will increase funding for the National Institutes of Health Biomedical Research by $415 million.
- The package also makes investments in biomedical research and small business development.
- Investments in this bill are directed to where they matter most, into life-saving biomedical research
- The National Institutes of Health would freeze funding for new research grants, including research on
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> to it because I have done some research to it because I have done some research in<01:02:11.640>
- And I put together some tables that I sent to everybody that showed the research of what that is.
- </c><01:24:34.440><c> of</c> everybody that showed the research of everybody that showed the research
- I think that would definitely be helpful research to undertake.
- </c><03:45:29.120><c> from</c> what I saw from the research from what I saw from the research from Virginia
Summary:
The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval.
House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work.
The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Current research and best practices show that teachers and high expectations can do a lot to help all
- Current research and best practices show that teachers and high expectations can do a lot to help all
- So, in short, we have a really strong body of research that shows it's advantageous to take Algebra 2
- </c><00:52:39.559><c> Anthony</c><00:52:40.520><c> corvil</c> according to researcher Anthony corvil
- , maintaining my GPA, and researching various institutions to see if they were the right fit for me.
Committee:
Senate Education Policy
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 12, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that Joe and I research that Joe and I research all<00:47:19.960><c> the</c><00:47:20.400><c> all
- </c><00:55:03.840><c> the</c><00:55:04.440><c> the</c> Joe has some he had researched the the Joe has
- </c> just go do a little historic research just go do a little historic research and<01:16:44.600><c>
- It was part of research and development I'm doing for what my company is.
- Anyway, I just wanted some clarification on that. based on research on the Wyoming based on research
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><04:58:02.320><c> the</c><04:58:02.480><c> Pac</c><04:58:02.958><c> the</c> for Nuclear Research
- , the Pac the for Nuclear Research, the Pac the Pacific<04:58:03.680><c> Islands</c><04:58:04.320><c>
- This is some of the most important and cutting-edge physics research in the world that will hopefully
- ,</c><05:01:15.440><c> is</c> Organization for Nuclear Research, is Organization for Nuclear Research
- Thank you and I scientific research. Thank you and I yield<05:08:17.520><c> back.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Research shows that banning assault weapons leads to a drop in gun massacres.
- Research shows that banning assault weapons leads to a drop in gun massacres.
- Research shows that banning assault weapons leads to a drop in gun massacres.
- Research shows that banning assault weapons leads to a drop in gun massacres.
- Research shows that banning assault weapons leads to a drop in gun massacres.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment.
The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't, but I had sent you and Charlie a NIH strategic plan for disability health research to review
- The NIH strategic plan for disability health research had a few themes that I felt were aligned with
- It raises interesting questions about technology and research translation that may intersect with our
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate.
Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience.
After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't, but I had sent you and Charlie a NIH strategic plan for disability health research to review
- The NIH strategic plan for disability health research had a few themes that I felt were aligned with
- It raises interesting questions about technology and research translation that may intersect with our
Summary:
The Equity Committee meeting of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities began with roll call, approval of the prior minutes, and a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s CATER Center (Care Coordination, Assistance, Training, Education, and Resource Center). Staff described CATER’s role in providing training and technical assistance to MassHealth Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, including e-learning modules, coaching, case review support, and informal virtual drop-in sessions. They emphasized a family-centered, racially and culturally equitable approach, and noted that the program is funded through a MassHealth contract and has been operating for about two to three years.
Committee members asked about which providers participate, how many families are served, how CATER coordinates with other regional or grassroots programs, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-based hospitals. The presenters said they currently work with five providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate, but do not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth. Members also raised concerns about workforce shortages, funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts, and the need to share the curriculum and connect with other networks such as ACOs, DDS contacts, case management organizations, and the Health Equity Compact. The presenters said the work remains a priority and that they are open to growth and broader partnerships.
After the presentation, the committee agreed to have the CATER slides and curriculum circulated to members. The only other agenda item was a lengthy NIH strategic plan for disability health research, which members had not yet reviewed; they agreed to defer discussion to a future meeting and add it to next month’s agenda. No votes beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after thanking the presenters and attendees.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- incredible, from navigating us on streets we've never been on, to a country song, to helping us research
- The research has shown that recess improves focus and attention in academic performance, reduces disruptive
- Again, the research has shown that recess improves focus and attention in academic performance, reduces
Committee:
House Education
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Valerie Rensiga, and I live in Twin Falls, where I do research and development for maybe a dairy nutrition
- The more you see, and the research that’s going on about potatoes—” “The more you see, and the research
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
Summary:
The Senate Agricultural Committee met with a quorum and approved the February 5, 2026 minutes. The meeting was devoted to presentations and introductions rather than legislation. The committee welcomed Leadership Idaho Agriculture Class 46, introduced by Rick Waitley, and members briefly identified themselves and their agricultural and related professions. The committee also recognized and thanked page Charlie Butler for his service, and Butler shared his experience working with the committee and his plans to return to school, serve a two-year LDS mission, and later pursue college and chiropractic school.
The Idaho Potato Commission then presented on its mission to promote and protect the “Grown in Idaho” seal, its financial status, and current industry conditions. Speakers said the commission remains financially healthy, but the potato industry faces low prices for non-contracted product, high input costs, increased competition in processed potatoes from India and China, labor and succession challenges, disease pressures, water concerns, and urban encroachment on farmland. They also discussed marketing and policy issues, including the potato’s place in dietary guidance, an agreement with the American Diabetes Association recognizing Idaho potatoes as a healthy carbohydrate source, and the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on food consumption. Committee members asked about potato classification, farm succession, the fresh-versus-processed market split, imports, freight costs, and strategies to increase consumption, and commissioners said their outreach focuses on younger consumers and health messaging.
The commission also highlighted its national advertising, including a new commercial and the launch of the 14th Big Idaho Potato Truck tour at Micron, emphasizing the connection between Idaho agriculture and technology. Finally, the Idaho Grain Producers Association briefly introduced its executive director, Amaya Yerlanda, who noted that the board was in Boise for legislative meetings. No bills were heard or voted on, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Valerie Rensiga, and I live in Twin Falls, where I do research and development for maybe a dairy nutrition
- The more you see, and the research that's going on about potatoes...
- The more you see, and the research that's going on about potatoes, it is a powerhouse of nutrients and
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- There is research supporting the link between savings and post-secondary success.
- But again, I haven't researched that specifically.
- they could be included in any efforts that are provided through the fund, but again, I haven't researched
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 1225, which would codify a more standardized, partially public process for university and higher education presidential searches. The bill requires a search committee, periodic public updates, and a 10-business-day public comment period after a sole finalist is named, while aiming to protect applicants’ current employment from being jeopardized by early disclosure. The sponsor said the bill passed the Senate 34-0. The Idaho Press Club testified in opposition, arguing the measure reduces transparency under the Public Records Act, though it acknowledged the search committee structure itself was reasonable. Members discussed whether alternative approaches, such as releasing multiple finalists, might preserve more public input, but the sponsor said that would still deter applicants. The committee then voted to send the bill, as amended, to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
The committee also received an informational update from Dawn Hall, executive director of IDEAL, Idaho’s 529 education savings program. She reviewed the program’s history, tax advantages, investment options, recent app updates, and expanded uses under federal changes, including broader K-12 and credentialing expenses. Hall said IDEAL accounts are growing, new accounts were up 11% over the prior year, and the program is working to increase awareness, employer participation, and contributions statewide. Members asked about the relationship between savings accounts and later educational attainment, and Hall said the accounts help start family conversations about higher education and are especially valued by lower-income families.
Finally, Representative Pickett presented RS 33205, a cleanup bill for the public school facilities cooperative fund. He said the proposal would clarify interest calculations, update language about when the state can step in on unsafe school buildings, and ensure any remaining funds are properly returned or redirected. A member asked who would pay a state-appointed district supervisor’s salary and whether the district would have input, but Pickett said he had not researched that specific point and would follow up. The committee voted to introduce the RS.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Feb 2nd, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- Mertens, who taught AI and computer science and put together a 20-page dissertation, which our House researcher
- Let's say you asked AI to do some, write a research paper on something... ...asked AI to do some, write
- a research paper on something, and then you presented it, and then you ended up looking like a fool
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bills 2404 and 2172, then voted the substitute do pass by a roll call vote of 10-2. The bills were not discussed in detail, but the action advanced them out of committee. The committee then took up House Bill 2989, a large gaming-related bill sponsored by Representative Hardwick. Hardwick described numerous changes in the substitute, including removing references requested by the Highway Patrol, clarifying tax reporting, extending local opt-out time, changing the effective date from August 2027 to August 2028, reducing a felony penalty to a misdemeanor, increasing a casino-related fee from $2 to $4 with the extra amount going to the Missouri Veterans Commission, and adding non-severability language. Members adopted three committee amendments, including language barring previously illegal gambling machines from being licensed as video lottery terminals and requiring games to be out of line of sight from the front entrance, then adopted the revised substitute and voted HCS HB 2989 do pass by an 8-5 vote.
The committee then moved to public hearing on House Bills 1746 and 1769, both related to artificial intelligence. Representatives Miller and Amato presented the bills as an effort to establish that AI has no personhood and to create a framework for responsibility and accountability. They said the legislation was informed by outside experts and other states’ efforts, and Miller emphasized using the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI risk management framework as a baseline. Members questioned how liability would work, especially for developers, deployers, and users, and raised concerns about undefined terms such as “harm” and about possible conflict with federal policy discouraging a patchwork of state AI laws. The sponsors said the bill would be cleaned up further and that liability should generally rest with the person using or deploying the AI, not the AI itself.
During public testimony, one witness spoke in favor of the AI bills, arguing that states should act proactively rather than wait for problems and noting concern about prior federal efforts to limit state AI legislation. No witnesses spoke in opposition during the hearing. The committee then closed testimony and adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (7-30-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and the territories all the services that are listed on this slide, including nonpartisan policy research
- and the territories all the services that are listed on this slide, including nonpartisan policy research
- Territories, all the services that are listed on this slide, including nonpartisan policy research and
Summary:
At its second meeting on July 30, 2025, the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board approved the minutes from its June 25 meeting and received housekeeping materials, including follow-up information on provider taxes, mandatory and optional Medicaid services, and the 1115 community engagement waiver. The chair noted that members should hold general questions until the end of the meeting.
The main presentation came from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislators, who gave a nonpartisan overview of Medicaid provisions in HR1. She explained that the bill contains more than 20 Medicaid-related provisions, with major changes affecting provider taxes, state-directed payments, eligibility and enrollment rules, work or community engagement requirements, and the frequency of eligibility redeterminations for expansion populations. She emphasized that five provisions account for most of the federal savings, that the fiscal effects are backloaded into the final years of the 10-year window, and that expansion states and provider payment changes make up a large share of the impact.
Castanza also highlighted that the Medicaid provisions would take effect either upon enactment or before October 1, 2029, creating roughly a five-year implementation period. She noted that some states may not realize the same savings as the federal government because of financing changes and implementation responsibilities, and she cited estimates that the enacted Senate provisions could reduce hospital payments by 18.2%, or more than $660 billion over 10 years. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final actions beyond adoption of the minutes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- faculty affiliate of the Sandra Rosenbauer Foundation, the School of Social Work, the Institute of Research
- Research shows lowering interest rates work.
- Alarmingly, the Elder Justice Roadmap, research funded by the U.S.
Committee:
Senate Jurisprudence
Keywords:
child support, interest accrual, family law, delinquency, financial judgment, statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Commission on Unemployment Compensation Jul 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also with the Division of Legislative Services, Summer Research Associate.
- I'm also with the Division of Legislative Services, Summer Research Associate.
- I'm also with the Division of Legislative Services Summer Research Associate.
- So we are more than happy to assist this commission and its members in any way that we can with research
- Doing some quick research, in '23 we were at 66%. In '24, we're 65.2%. So we've had a decline.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- that I understand the intention behind some of these bills, but I urge you to please do some more research
- and research.
- But I urge you to please do some more research and realize that these bills are destructive, not only
- It's no different, and they have done so many technology researches and developments against that.
- After extensive research, our office has not found this language in federal law or regulations as a definition
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses.
The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications.
Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.