Video & Transcript : 'first grade' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/25/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion prevails. do the A1 first? Or request moving the do the A1 first?
- </c> Any preference who goes first? Any preference who goes first?
- The first step is a study.
- The first step is a study.
- The first step is a study.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll now begin with our first panel.
- We'll now begin with our first panel.
- First, hunger and homelessness will rise.
- I'm sorry, I missed the first part of your question. What was the first part?
- First, on behalf of Fullwell.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the discussion around major federal changes to work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, immigrant eligibility, and financing rules, while noting the state’s own structural budget deficit and the need for a second hearing later in March on county and safety-net impacts. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center.
LAO and Finance described H.R. 1 as driving major enrollment losses and cost shifts. LAO estimated that Medi-Cal work requirements and six-month redeterminations could affect 3.5 million people, with 1 to 2 million potentially disenrolled, while CalFresh changes could subject more than 800,000 people to work requirements and cause over 600,000 to lose food assistance. They also highlighted new ineligibility for certain non-citizens, reduced federal matching for emergency Medi-Cal services, tighter provider tax rules, and higher state and county administrative costs for CalFresh. Finance said the governor’s budget reflects about $1.4 billion in new General Fund costs in 2026-27 and a $2.4 billion reduction in federal funds, with larger out-year impacts and up to 2 million Medi-Cal disenrollments by 2029-30.
The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, though it said the state could limit losses by choosing not to apply some new requirements to state-funded populations and by keeping some immigrants in full-scope state-funded coverage. The Food Research and Action Center argued that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, homelessness risk, and health costs, while also hurting local economies and increasing administrative burden. Committee members from both parties questioned the fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal growth, the 11% CalFresh error rate and possible $2 billion penalty, county indigent care costs, and the effect of work requirements; several Democratic members argued the federal changes and state cuts would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color, while Republican members emphasized program growth, work incentives, and the need for budget restraint. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Congressional Redistricting, Select Jul 24th, 2025
Congressional Redistricting, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- The first three that I would like to have, or first four I'd like to have on deck, so please be ready
- In fact, when I first...
- I'm going to read the first one.
- That is the very first question.
- Got it right on the first time. Mr.
Committee:
House Congressional Redistricting, Select
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> operations through becoming the first operations through becoming the first professional<00:05:32.800
- Uh this is the um first France.
- Thank you for my up first. Thank you.
- Members have the uh A4 amendment first.
- It is a first-class caliber stadium.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, we have HB 1881 relating to land use. First we have Wimalo Neighborhood Board in support.
- </c> since it's her first question. since it's her first question.
- The first draft first iteration of 343.
- First up, we have support.
- First<01:15:04.800><c> up,</c><01:15:05.120><c> we</c><01:15:05.360><c> have</c> First up, we have First
Bills:
HB1881 , HB2218 , HB1956 , HB2151 , HB1845 , HB1844 , HB2103 , HB2424 , HB1650 , HB376 , HB2599 , HB1861
Committee:
House Water & Land
Keywords:
land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly.
On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement.
HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings.
For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President Washington completed his two terms as our indispensable first president, first in war, first
- President Washington completed his two terms as our indispensable first president, first in war, first
- President Washington completed his two terms as our indispensable first president, first in war, first
- President Washington completed his two terms as our indispensable first president, first in war, first
- </c> was in fact first in war, first in was in fact first in war, first in peace,<02:55:14.240><c> and
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Republicans will caucus in the first-floor caucus room. Thank you.
- Attention all Republican Senators, please report to the first-floor caucus room immediately.
- First bill on the calendar, Senate Bill 49. The Chair recognizes Senator Pittman. Thank you, Mr.
- The first bill on the calendar is Senate Bill 1182.
- The first bill on the calendar is Senate Bill 1303. Will the Senate agree to the bill?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 97 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First question is on the amendment. All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay.
- First item passed over. Page 13, calendar 117, third reading of the bill.
- When I first sponsored this bill, I heard from several transit workers.
- First Division, 17.
- First Division, 26. Mr. No.
Summary:
The House opened with ceremonial business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the Copernicus Institute and honoring October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month. Members also concurred in Senate petitions and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several new petitions to be referred, including proposals on employer notice of I-9 records, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, and the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm. The chamber then advanced several local and administrative bills, including legislation authorizing MassDOT to convey land in Stoneham and bills on child welfare protections, transit-worker assault penalties, and other local matters.
The most substantial debate centered on House No. 4645, a substitute bill addressing assault and battery on transit workers. Supporters argued that transit employees face rising violence and deserve protections similar to other public employees, citing MBTA assault statistics and testimony from workers describing threats, spitting, weapons, and serious injuries. The House accepted the substitute bill and passed it to be engrossed by roll call, 116-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a child welfare bill, House No. 4644, after debate on expanded DCF reporting, discharge planning, the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, education coordination for children in care, and child fatality review reforms; amendments were adopted, including one adding a Department of Social Services social worker to the fatality review team and another creating a commission to study a digital education portfolio for foster youth.
The House also adopted an emergency preamble for a bonds bill and passed several engrossed local bills, including measures affecting Hull, Lanesborough, and Norton. The session included a formal visit from a Hokkaido, Japan delegation marking the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, with remarks entered into the Journal. Members observed moments of silence for Bernard Fang and former Representative Thomas George, and the House later adopted a special adjournment in memory of Mark Haren before adjourning to meet the next day.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senator from First Worcester, Ms.
- Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
- The Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
- Oh, the Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
- The Senator from First Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Summary:
The Senate took up floor debate on H. 4206, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth Cannabis Laws, with repeated amendment votes focused largely on cannabis regulation, transparency, youth access, and the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Early motions included suspending Senate Rule 38A to continue past 8 p.m., which passed by standing vote. Most amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on possession limits, CCC executive director appointment and removal, legislative control over medical marijuana licenses, a multi-agency task force on illegal cannabis, annual CCC hearings and reports, an ombudsman, a legislative liaison, a youth-cannabis study commission, supply-and-demand study, and increased penalties for distribution to minors. Amendment 33 by Senator Driscoll, directing the CCC and other agencies to study regulation of intoxicating hemp products, was adopted. Amendment 7 by Senator Brownsberger, allowing cannabis discount and loyalty advertising to existing customers and opt-in email lists, was also adopted. Amendment 29 by Senator O’Connor, allowing the CCC to temporarily suspend or revoke medical marijuana licenses during investigations of illegal sales, was adopted as well.
Several other amendments were debated and defeated, including Senator O’Connor’s billboard advertising restriction for cannabis and Senator Tarr’s proposal to increase penalties for selling marijuana to minors. The chamber then took up the bill’s corrective and Ways and Means amendment, adopted both, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The final vote showed the bill advancing despite some opposition, including from several senators who voted no on engrossment.
After the cannabis bill, the Senate considered and passed two land-related bills by roll call: H. 4772, authorizing easements in Lowell, and H. 4362, authorizing release of agricultural preservation restrictions in Westford. The Senate also adopted a motion that when it adjourned, it would do so in memory of Stephen P. Foutou of Newton, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber then adopted an adjournment order and recessed until the next meeting.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- First off, I want to thank everybody's hard work on this. It's coming together.
- First off, I want to thank everybody's hard work on this. It's coming together.
- Oh, no, meetings first, or minutes first.
- So first, it's up to the committee as a whole.
- I'll do the first one.
Summary:
The America 250 Advisory Council met with a quorum and approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff gave a financial update showing about $344,310.88 in total expenditures to date, with roughly $64,987.14 remaining in the bottom line and an estimated $9,147 returning to the commemorative fund after two outstanding grants are resolved. Members thanked staff for getting grant money out to cities and counties and for tracking the celebration fund carefully.
The council then received legal guidance from the Attorney General’s Office on how to handle contracts. Counsel Yvonne Dunbar explained that the full committee, not subcommittees alone, must decide how America 250 funds are spent and should clearly designate who is authorized to sign contracts and carry out delegated tasks. The committee voted to authorize the co-chairs to sign agreements approved by the council and to send signed agreements to the Legislative Services Office and Treasurer’s Office for recordkeeping and payment processing, with questions routed back to the co-chairs. Members also discussed a specific $20,000 celebration fund contract, but were advised no new motion was needed because the expenditure had already been approved; the contract would simply be returned for signature once finalized.
An ambassador program update highlighted strong public participation, including nearly 2,000 ambassadors, 170 cities, 44 counties, 47 businesses, and 29 schools using customized logos. The council also heard about the Capitol quilt display, which grew from an expected 12 quilts to 62 and has drawn significant public attention, along with progress on the Liberty Bell carriage and a fountain project. The governor’s task force report covered upcoming America 250 initiatives such as the July 8 “Sharing the Spirit of America” reading event, the youth art project “My America, From Ground Zero to Common Ground,” America’s Potluck, and the updated Idaho and federal event websites. The federal report summarized national America 250 activities, including Idaho’s submission to the America’s Time Capsule project, the Flag Sojourn, America’s Field Trip, America Innovates, the growing congressional America 250 caucus, and the planned Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
Finally, the council approved disbursement of grant awards requested by Power County, the City of Nampa, the City of Heyburn, and Jerome County. Members discussed scheduling the next meeting for April 20 and adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and partners for their work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first cohort of 27 mid-career professionals arrived here in 1979 from 24 countries.
- The first cohort of 27 mid-career professionals arrived here in 1979 from 24 countries.
- I'd first like to welcome to the floor Ms.
- Introduction and first reading of bills will be deemed read.
- He first insulted me 36 years ago. Bob insulted me.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- First order of business is roll call. The clerk will unlock the machine.
- First off, I see this issue as overreach and a real threat to local control.
- It's our First Amendment rights.
- So when it was my turn to speak, I clarified that first.
- Sorry, I'm shaking; this is the first time I've done this personal privilege.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- All House measures which have been first read are referred for printing.
- Clerk will read the first bill on the calendar. Mr.
- Representative, you'll have to move to your bill first. Oh, Mr.
- Members, first we have Kim Owens, the executive director of the program.
- All House measures which have been first read or referred for printing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Introduction and first reading of bills will be deemed read.
- Betsy was the first woman ever elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
- Betsy was the first woman ever elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
- And while she wasn't successful in being the first woman to have that spot...
- That election, she would have been the first woman in the, to in 1976, that election was the first; she
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Apr 16th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Appropriations - Government Operations Division
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to take up first discussion on DOT.
- Chairman, concepts have to come first.”
- Now for the first time.
- I think, to put a gas tax on, at least at first blush.
- He added that it had passed the first time in the House.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Government Operations section met with a full committee present and took up discussion of the Department of Transportation budget and a House funding package. Members described a proposal to simplify DOT funding by eliminating the Prairie Dog bucket, consolidating money into three main buckets/funds, and using DOT expertise to select projects while giving counties, cities, and townships more certainty. They said the plan would also restore 100% of the motor vehicle excise tax to the general fund and use other existing funds, including SIF and the legacy earnings fund, to support DOT and local road distributions.
A major part of the discussion focused on how to cover Highway 85 and other road needs. Members and DOT Director Ron Hankey said federal highway formula funding for the next biennium should continue as long as the federal highway bill remains unchanged, but that the six-mile Highway 85 segment is unlikely to receive a federal grant because of benefit-cost issues. The committee discussed bonding for the $155 million set aside for Highway 85, with members noting Garvey bonds as one option but wanting flexibility to use the best available rate. They also discussed a possible five-cent gas tax to support the highway distribution fund; several members raised concerns about the policy and political difficulty, while others argued it was needed because oil revenues are down and the state needs a sustainable funding source.
Members repeatedly asked for a clearer visual or flow chart showing how the money would move through the new structure, and the chair and sponsors said staff would prepare a pictorial and amendment language. There was general support for the concept, but some members wanted caucus education before floor action. No formal vote was taken during this discussion, and the chair indicated the committee would move quickly, with amendments to follow and the bill expected to continue in conference committee.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Without further ado, I would like to now recognize our first testifier.
- First, thank you for your service, raised the right hand.
- And my first name and my last name are horrible.
- This is the first National Guard, the state of Massachusetts.
- And I'm very proud of that because it was a first.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility.
Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm going to talk first about the financial structure.
- So I'm going to talk first about the financial structure.
- I'll go to the question in the chat first, just because that was the first question.
- John, we'll go to you first.
- But first we need written comments from all of you.
Summary:
The commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), beginning with a presentation from Two Life Communities on its Opus Newton model, which is opening in the fall. Two Life described Opus as a middle-income, modern CCRC built around affordability, care coordination in residents’ apartments rather than separate care buildings, and resident-driven community life. Commissioners asked about financing, home care arrangements, affordability, Medicaid/MassHealth access, and the role of resident councils versus board representation. Two Life said it wants to remain within the CCRC framework, but expressed concern about proposals that would require multiple discrete care levels, impose deadlines on entrance-fee refunds, or require resident board seats.
The commission then discussed possible recommendations. There was broad support for Senate Bill 478, which would require clearer disclosure of entrance-fee refund terms in a separate document for prospective residents. On refund timing, members were divided: some favored a one-year deadline or a deadline with waivers, while others opposed a fixed deadline because of financing risks and the potential impact on new development and current residents. Several members suggested keeping the status quo but adding better data collection and reporting on refund timing. On the CCRC definition and marketing, members debated whether the current statutory definition is too vague and whether the commission should recommend clearer standards or a certification-like process, while also noting resource limits for state oversight.
Members also discussed the Age CCRC Consumer Guide, with general agreement that it should be updated and made more useful to consumers, possibly with clearer questions to ask and more information about facilities, though some cautioned against adding subjective financial-risk statements that would be hard to administer. On resident representation, several commissioners strongly supported requiring resident voting members on boards, while providers argued that strong resident associations and regular meetings with boards may be preferable and that communities should retain flexibility. The meeting ended with a request for written comments by July 11, draft recommendations to be circulated July 18, and a possible final meeting on July 21, with the commission aiming to finish by August 1.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- First, you talked about the construction and the labor.
- Well, you know, that's first, in the first case, from a financial perspective, that's why those termination
- “Power first.
- It's really the first part of it.
- I'm going to talk first about the during.
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Missouri House Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers, with the chair saying the goal was to hear different perspectives and better understand the issue before future legislation. No public testimony was taken, but three invited speakers presented: a labor representative, an Ameren Missouri executive, and a consumer advocate. The discussion focused on the economic benefits of data centers, including construction jobs, local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities, tax revenue for schools and local governments, and related spending by Missouri businesses. The labor witness described current Montgomery County projects, said hundreds of Missourians were already working there, and argued that closed-loop cooling and generator noise were manageable. Committee members also raised questions about water use, noise, cybersecurity, local hiring, and how much tax revenue a project could generate annually.
Ameren’s Rob Dixon said Senate Bill 4 and the PSC’s large-load tariff provide key protections for ratepayers by requiring large customers to pay their own interconnection costs, sign long-term contracts, post collateral, and pay for most of their requested load even if they use less. He said those rules help prevent costs from shifting to other customers and that large loads can put downward pressure on rates by contributing to fixed system costs. Dixon also said Ameren is planning for significant new generation, including gas, nuclear, hydro, coal, and renewables, and that data centers are subject to the same load-shedding and emergency restoration rules as other customers. He noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities.
John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri argued the PSC protections are still too weak and warned that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects are delayed, shrink, or fail. He urged stronger consumer protections, more upfront financial commitments from data centers, and greater transparency for ratepayers, while also suggesting community benefit agreements and cautioning against over-reliance on utility projections. Several members pushed back on his characterization of Senate Bill 4 and QIP/CWIP provisions, and the hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses and adjourned the committee.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The first program we're going to talk about is the Empower Program.
- part of the first semester.
- So the first year, they are in 3D-only classes with their 3D peers.
- This is a new program, inaugural year, first cohort.
- The overview for residential: we started with residential first.
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM
Summary:
The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed.
The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council.
Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Mar 30th, 2026
Conservation and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I guess my first question is, why didn't this pass last year and the year before?
- My first question is, why didn't this pass last year and the year before?
- I'm not sure the first year even made it to the floor.
- We'll start with the power part first. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Get my classes out first. Yes. Get my glasses out first. Before you start, Tom.
Committee:
House Conservation and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee heard Senate Bill 953, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, which would address a projected shortfall in the Department of Natural Resources’ air pollution control program. Bean and supporters from Associated Industries of Missouri, quarry and sand producers, engineering firms, the Missouri Chamber, forest products, and municipal utilities said the bill would stop sweeping unused program funds into general revenue and dedicate a portion of existing sales and use tax revenue from utilities to keep the program solvent without raising permit fees on businesses that have reduced emissions. One informational witness from Armour Vine warned that moving funds out of general revenue could affect broader state revenue and tax triggers. DNR also testified that the fee fund is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028 if current trends continue. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill hearing was closed.
The committee then heard House Bills 3362 and 3364, sponsored by Reps. Colin Wellenkamp and Mike Koslow, which would create guardrails for AI/data center buildout around electricity and water use. The sponsors said the bills are intended to protect ratepayers and local water systems by requiring large-load customers to bear their own infrastructure costs, extending consumer protections to co-ops and municipal utilities, and requiring permits and review for major water withdrawals, with emergency shutoff provisions in water shortages. Support came from environmental groups, conservation organizations, rural advocates, Renew Missouri, the Sierra Club, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Ameren Missouri, and Missouri American Water, though some witnesses urged tighter thresholds, more frequent reporting, stronger water-quality protections, and clearer definitions to avoid legal ambiguity. Several witnesses also raised concerns about transparency, local impacts, and whether current thresholds are high enough to protect aquifers, springs, and utility customers. The chair closed testimony after noting time limits and adjourned the committee.