Video & Transcript Research : 'voluntary process'

Page 40 of 500
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, February 26, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • anyone from voluntary association. anyone from voluntary association.
  • it's all voluntary. it's all voluntary.
  • Don't make taxpayers subsidize the process.
  • Don't make taxpayers subsidize the process.
  • Don't make taxpayers subsidize the process.
Bills: HB0083, HB0102, HB0178
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:10:13.760> um think that in our committee process um think that in our committee process
  • We have a very open and transparent stakeholder process.
  • We have a very open and transparent stakeholder process.
  • We have a very open and transparent stakeholder process.
  • change anything in the state process change anything in the state process because<00:57:13.319><
Bills: HF75
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (03/11/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • voluntary Market insurance carriers<00:16:08.440> or<00:16:08.639> your<00:16:08.880><
  • It's an annual process. Eligibility has to be determined at some point after September 1st.
  • where they get through this process where they get mailed<00:38:24.000> around<00:38:24.280><
  • inv what is that decline to process inv what is that again<00:42:05.920> is<00:42:06.040>
  • should save money streamline the process should save money and<00:43:02.440> and<00:43:02.800
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/27/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:27:59.520> is had made sure that that the process is had made sure that that the process
  • process has to happen. process has to happen.
  • Can you give clarity who did what is this process? Who determines the process?
  • on line 2.6 where you say the process. on line 2.6 where you say the process.
  • Who determines the this process? Who determines the process? process? process?
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So there was a lot of thought process.
  • It was a multiple-month planning process that we took part in and was really well thought out.
  • So there was a lot of thought process.
  • It was a multiple month planning, was a lot of thought process.
  • It was a multiple month planning process that we took part in and was really well thought out.
Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • of doing a lot of stakeholder meetings and beginning to synthesize In the process of doing a lot of
  • California are not voluntary.
  • But this is how we have to go through the process, correct?
  • We do have a budget request in for more resources to move that process forward.
  • The voluntary steps that refineries have taken have been helpful.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • to competency process under Title 13, although I'm not sure what would preclude that process from taking
  • This bill also undermines due process.
  • That was a process that was brought by prosecutors.
  • Any chance I get, I try to participate in this process.
  • In our intake process, that's part of our intake process: Do you have cameras in the home?
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Feb 3rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Participation remains voluntary.
  • We have a process now. ...do with the textbooks.
  • We have a process now where we do textbook evaluation.
  • I'm not necessarily a big fan of the way that process works, but we have a process for evaluating textbooks
  • And I ask whether a clear hierarchy or process could be considered for this.
Summary: The committee first heard SJR 1104, a proposed constitutional amendment on voluntary religious expression in public schools. Senator Massullo said the measure would protect students and school personnel from discrimination for lawful religious expression, while not requiring prayer or religious activity. Questions focused on whether the proposal would change existing law, whether it could be used to protect coercive conduct by school officials, and whether the staff summary accurately reflected the bill. Public testimony included support from religious-freedom advocates and opposition from American Atheists and some senators who said the measure could make minority-faith students uncomfortable. The committee voted to report SJR 1104 favorably. The committee then took up SB 1738 on educational facilities, which directs state education offices to review facility requirements and recommend design and construction practices to improve safety and accountability. Senator Yarborough offered and the committee adopted an amendment removing crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusting the bill to preserve safe spaces during emergencies. The bill was reported favorably after brief discussion about balancing transparency, access control, and emergency safety. The committee also adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 824 on charter schools, replacing it with a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to the Department of Education, which would publish a statewide report; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee next approved confirmation recommendations for appointees on tabs 7 and 8, then took up SPB 7036, a committee bill sponsored by Chair Simon. The package included school turnaround and early literacy changes, updates to school safety and health policies, early learning revisions, instructional changes, and educator pipeline provisions. The most contentious part was a proposal to let the state develop instructional materials; several senators questioned costs, guardrails, and whether the state should enter the textbook business. Simon said that portion was still being considered and that the bill would need safeguards if it moved forward. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1620 on public education, described by Senator Leak as a “school board members’ bill of rights.” The bill would give individual board members direct access to district documents and staff, limit district attorneys’ ability to represent both the board and administration, strengthen nepotism rules, and prohibit nondisclosure agreements for employees. Testimony from Volusia County board members, educators, and advocates was sharply divided: supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and protect minority board members, while opponents warned it could undermine superintendent authority, expose confidential student or personnel information, and create confusion in district operations. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 1620 favorably. The committee then heard SB 1170 on cameras in self-contained special education classrooms, with an amendment changing the proposal from a statewide mandate to a district policy allowing parents of students with disabilities to request cameras. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, centered on protecting non-speaking and vulnerable students and documenting abuse; one witness opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate. The committee was still in debate on the bill when the transcript ended.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 30th, 2025

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • It also provides a process by which a CCN holder can receive compensation for lost value.
  • So there's a process under current statute in place. Okay.
  • There's a process. We don't regulate it. We don't have any permitting authority.
  • The statute describes that process. There's a statutory framework there.
  • The impact and effects would be achieved through voluntary processes using conservation easements instead
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, I want to remind everyone that our committee has a suspense file, and the details about the process
  • It extends the emergency food for families voluntary tax contribution through 2033.
  • important programs: the donated fruit and vegetables tax credit and the emergency food for families voluntary
  • SB 881 also extends the emergency food for families voluntary tax contribution fund, which allows Californians
Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met as a subcommittee, then later established a quorum and heard several tax-related bills. Chair Gibson reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file for bills with revenue impacts over $150,000. SB 881 by Sen. McNerney would extend the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit through 2032 and the emergency food for families voluntary tax contribution through 2033; supporters from food banks, agricultural groups, local governments, and climate organizations said it would reduce food waste and help address food insecurity, with no opposition on the record. The bill was moved to suspense. SB 1406 by Sen. McNerney would target the so-called Montana tax loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; supporters said it would recover up to $20 million annually and improve enforcement, while an opposition group warned the shell-company language could affect legitimate small businesses and passive owners. That bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1349 by Sen. Gonzalez would direct the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major state tax expenditures and evaluate whether they are meeting their intended goals. Supporters, including the California Teachers Association, tax reform advocates, school employees, and local governments, argued that California’s roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures need more accountability, especially given the state’s budget pressures. The committee approved SB 1349 on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved two consent items, SB 1436 and SB 1437, on a due-pass motion. Later, SB 1249 by Sen. Richardson proposed a $3,000 tax deduction for seniors ages 86 to 90 through 2032, with supporters from LeadingAge California saying it would help older adults cope with rising costs; the bill was referred to suspense. SB 1151 by Sen. Cervantes would codify infant formula as a food product for sales tax exemption purposes; the author and supporters said it would protect families from uncertainty and preserve tax relief for an essential product. Members discussed the high cost of formula, and the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 10th, 2025

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's the same process. It's just one extra piece of data. Awesome. Thank you very much.
  • Most interestingly, try that word again, most interestingly, by choosing a voluntary approach to freely
  • in securing its southern border with private landlords playing that crucial role. role and it's a voluntary
  • We would like to see that voluntary relationship maintained and this is one way. to keep landowners from
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Apr 30th, 2025

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also provided a process by which a CCN holder can receive compensation for, for lost value.
  • And I appreciate any any questions you have for me to help you understand that process.
  • Um, wouldn't that justifiably be, uh, a new application process if that was, you know, kicked out of
  • So there's a process under current statute in place. OK.
  • The statute describes that process. There's a, a statutory framework there.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • DEEQ will develop a process to issue all DEEQ will develop a process to issue all permits<00:29:16.480
  • permitting uh and the expedited process permitting uh and the expedited process and<00:29:46.399
  • So, with that, expedite the process.
  • Part of what Representative Campbell's bill is to try to speed up the process, expedite the process.
  • ,<00:34:29.119> expedite try to speed up the process, expedite try to speed up the process
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • That was managed through an open bid process, through the RFP process, and that process, I can proudly
  • of a delay of the process.
  • But is the program voluntary? It does say it's voluntary, so? Yes, sir.
  • Voluntary for it does say it's voluntary, so yes, sir.
  • So yes, it's voluntary.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:14:09.399> so process mb's capital budget process so process mb's capital budget process
  • <00:51:02.160> compliance when we have a voluntary compliance when we have a voluntary compliance
  • that is real Bedrock to our voluntary that is real Bedrock to our voluntary compliance<00:51:55.160
  • <01:02:32.359> those efficiently process those efficiently process those refunds<01:02:34.400
  • <01:03:45.240> those you um more efficiently process those you um more efficiently process
Keywords: 1183, house
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • some of the language, and it's not exactly where it may be at the final point in the stage of the process
  • The plan, if they do not decide to participate, there is a voluntary what we call temporary metering.
  • Your amendment made this a voluntary process, not a mandatory. Would you?
  • right now, the best thing I can do, I think, right now, is to ask them to be participate in the voluntary
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • that establishes the board, leading to a wide variety of policies and possible gaps in the vetting process
  • This bill would allow us to consider this area contiguous for purposes of voluntary property owner requested
  • We certainly want to help voluntary. This only applies to voluntary annexation.
  • The developer would have to seek permission from the railroad and go through the permitting process to
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • that establishes the board, leading to a wide variety of policy and possible gaps in the vetting process
  • This bill would allow us to consider this area contiguous for purposes of voluntary.
  • We certainly want to help voluntary. This only applies to voluntary annexation.
  • The developer would, would have to seek permission from the railroad and go through the permitting process
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Health Policy Mar 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have 10 states have already implemented a voluntary non opioids advanced directive laws.
  • Advanced directive and the voluntary non opioids directive does not prohibit the conversation between
  • The voluntary dot opioid directive does not alter any other advance health care directives and it can
  • Aka has a tendency to be on their own timeline with rulemaking process is and the other thing is in your
  • And I think this bill takes a big step forward in moving us even further along in the process of having
Keywords: 999, senate, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Committee, February 18, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • because of the high temperature process because of the high temperature process used<00:10:20.079
  • That is to voluntary standard in.
  • um during the turquoise hydrogen process um during the turquoise hydrogen process are<00:31:00.399
  • <00:37:59.599> to you've got a a locally driven process to you've got a a locally driven process
  • And basically what process in that zone.
Bills: HB0120