Video & Transcript Research : 'definition changes'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- This proposal would modify or change the definition of veteran for retirement purposes.
- In 2004, the legislature saw fit to change the definition of veteran.
- at what the federal definition is compared to what our current statute is under Chapter 32.
- And the truly meaningful change can happen here in this room with all of you.
- That has not changed in 14 years.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a range of public retirement and municipal health insurance bills. Mass Retirees and the American Federation of Teachers supported House 2890/Senate 1848 on transparency in municipal health insurance, arguing that broker and consultant roles should be clearly defined, commissions disclosed, and dual roles prohibited to reduce conflicts of interest and costs. They also supported House 2799/Senate 1848 on protecting municipal retirees from future premium contribution increases, House 2854 on voting rights for surviving spouses in retirement board elections, and Senate 1917 on updating the definition of veteran for retirement purposes. Committee members discussed whether the veteran definition should simply conform to the federal definition going forward.
Educators testified in support of House 2769/Senate 1921, which would allow teachers with at least 20 years of service to buy back creditable service for periods when they worked part-time while raising children. Multiple teachers described the financial and retirement penalties they experienced after stepping down to part-time work for child care, calling the current system inequitable and a “mom tax.” Sponsors and supporters said the bill is intended to correct that disparity and help retain teachers, while one committee member noted it appeared neutral on an actuarial basis.
The committee also heard strong support for Senate 1908, which would raise the cap on outside income for public pension recipients, from retired State Police troopers who said the current limit is outdated and unfair to those forced into disability retirement after line-of-duty injuries. Another State Police representative supported House 2910 on state police pensions, citing recruitment and retention problems under current pension rules. In contrast, Hampden County Regional Retirement System officials and the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems opposed House 2745, a bill to restructure the Hampden County system’s governance, arguing it would weaken PERAC oversight and create an unworkable local system. They instead supported House 2813, which would extend the time to fill a vacant fifth member seat on retirement boards. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to adjourn the hearing.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 6, February 16, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any changes?
- Are there any changes? Lucas: I have no further changes. Larson, JT: I have no further changes.
- I to no further changes. I to no further changes. Further<00:13:20.959>
changes. - Further changes. Further changes. Closing<00:13:23.680>
vote. - And<01:33:25.520>
this <01:33:25.760>definition And this definition And this definition
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Changing if required by in the law.
- sudden they can change it. sudden they can change it.
- this bill changes the use. It doesn't. this bill changes the use. It doesn't.
- I have the definition<01:41:50.320>
somewhere definition somewhere definition somewhere here.< - just months ago changed their zoning. just months ago changed their zoning.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Seven - Monday, May 11
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any additions or changes to the journal?
- So while it doesn't change the ranking, it changes the way that we would be able to redefine While it
- doesn't change the ranking, it changes the way that we would be able to redefine what a sheriff is.
- There's a different threshold for changing the Constitution than there is changing a statute.
- If there was, this statute would have been changed years ago and nobody, nobody has changed that statute
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 3rd, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We definitely do.
- I think that's the definition of a democracy.
- Chair and the Representative, it is definitely a problem.
- And that does definitely happen.
- Yes, definitely, Madam Chair, Representative Edeta.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of best attainable price, clarifying the definition of Central Purchasing Office, adding the definition
- amending the definition of small business to conform to the definition in federal law, requiring that
- of best attainable price, clarifying the definition of Central Purchasing Office, adding the definition
- of notice. clarifying the definition of central purchasing office, adding the definition of notice of
- definition of small business to conform to the definition in federal law, requiring that sealed bids
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- cases, the chair has changed. cases, the chair has changed.
- changes.
- They don't change the topics. Um this They don't change the topics.
- That definitely counts.
- bridges and changes the road I'm for. bridges and changes the road I'm for.
Keywords:
HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/13/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a very, very small change in our statute books, but it's a very important bill.
- The decision made a major change in that office.
- law to you at all it would only change law to you at all it would only change the<00:43:26.800><
- definition definition before<00:58:04.160>
one <00:58:04.280>thing <00:58:04.400>I< - think there's been any kind of SE change think there's been any kind of SE change in<00:58:39.599
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Freedom of Information Advisory Council May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But then it had a number of consequent changes in the numbering and technical changes across the board
- And so it's just a name change, but it has a number of consequences and a whole lot of changes throughout
- So it was changed to real property.
- The policy change, right?
- Chair, the bill would change the definition of meeting throughout FOIA so that we're getting rid of the
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The definition of mail is expanded to include parcels that are in transit.
- Please understand that the changes do not change the law.
- It does not change the standard of proof, it does not change or shift the burden from the state to the
- The only top two is what I'm trying to work with you to change.
- But would it change the... the structure of this bill? No, sir.
Keywords:
mail theft, postal theft, package theft, identity theft, negotiable instrument, check theft, mail receptacle key, mailbox lock, postal key, delivery service, courier, USPS, United States Postal Service, fraud, property crime, elderly victims, disabled victims, identity information, rebuttable presumption, felony enhancement
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/28/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- It is definitely a topic that we’re monitoring every single day in terms of the changes in different
- It is definitely a topic that we're monitoring every single day in terms of the changes of different
- And what that will do, that single change can affect the definition of veteran for the RMV for licenses
- The legal definition of are we at war with Iran to the Legal definition of are we at war with Iran to
- Shaped by unprecedented federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, these changes
Summary:
The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began.
MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal.
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:57.160>
definitely <00:11:57.480>an that's definitely definitely an that's definitely - The number one bucket is just consistent definitions.
- <00:57:21.079>
of need for uniform definition of need for uniform definition of consistent - I have to change all of these codes.
- <01:09:46.640>
in clear definitions in clear definitions in law<01:09:48.480>are <01
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- advantage of and and they're definitely advantage of and and they're definitely doing<00:13:19.160
- <00:20:35.120>
there from the Department is definitely there from the Department is definitely - <00:20:44.039>
trying leadership so you know definitely trying leadership so you know definitely - She said most clients are on stable income, so changes are not frequent, and that changes can be picked
- <00:34:20.079>
going the new system we're definitely going the new system we're definitely
Summary:
The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard.
The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's a big change as well.
- So that's a big<00:11:11.519>
change <00:11:11.839>as big change as big change as well. - Uh, and then to just change that definition, um, basically keeping it as means a contract or agreement
- Padmore, you were saying that we should change the definition and replace prohibited listing.
- Padmore, you were saying that we should change the definition and replace prohibited listing.
Summary:
The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.”
The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts.
Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So what you see as the change, now that you have a little background of what the rule does, is the change
- One other change... One other change: the last page, the definition of candidate.
- reference definition.
- So where these changes can be seen is you'll see.
- So I just want to make sure that these changes...
Summary:
The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time.
The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment corrects this by referencing the correct chapter 144E definition, which is the definition
- which is the chapter 144E definition which is the definition<00:15:00.959>
of <00:15:01.199>- <00:15:38.959>
that July 1st there is a law change that July 1st there is a law change that- At some point, we have a broader understanding once again of changing the definition, not making it a
- And with that, the bill, of course, changes the language appropriately to reflect that change.
- <00:15:38.959>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We also oppose the change to the family member definition.
- Thank you. ...opposed the change to the family member definition.
- It would change, she said.
- It would change, she said.
- It would change, she said.
Bills:
HF1976
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We just changed the law. Changed the law.
- <00:50:47.760>
We changed to a notorized affidavit. We changed to a notorized affidavit. - Those reasons have not changed.
- for the most part, nothing has changed. for the most part, nothing has changed.
- executive orders do not change that. executive orders do not change that.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Is the difference in percentages because the spending changed?
- , so I wouldn't suspect anything else had changed either.
- Again, we can choose to make changes to the formula should we decide to do that.
- Without definitions for each of those matrix lines, we're also limited to the fund source definitions
- Is there a definition for it? I don't think we have an explicit definition...
Summary:
The House/Joint Education committee continued its adequacy study with a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, focusing first on matrix spending and then non-matrix spending. Staff explained the methodology for mapping APSCN expenditure data to matrix lines, reviewed district and school categories used in the analysis, and highlighted key findings: foundation funding covered a large share of matrix costs but total spending on matrix items exceeded foundation funding, with classroom teachers making up the largest share. Members asked for additional breakdowns on waivers, superintendent survey responses, trend data, and spending by district type, size, and rural/urban status. Staff also noted limitations in tracking two matrix lines—salary enhancement for other employees and all personnel health insurance—because of coding and definition issues.
The committee then reviewed non-matrix expenditures, including instructional aides, facilities, school safety, mental health, dyslexia services, gifted and talented, and career and technical education. Staff reported that non-matrix spending remained above $2 billion over the last three years, with most of it coming from other funds rather than foundation funding. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, mental health needs, school safety, food service, athletic transportation, and whether some items should be added to the matrix. The Department of Education clarified that the building fund reflects district-held funds for construction and maintenance projects, while the facilities partnership program is a separate state process for approved projects.
In the final discussion, staff summarized total spending as more than $15,800 per student in 2025, with about 69% going to matrix resources and 31% to non-matrix resources. The chair explained the adequacy process and the committee’s role in setting future funding recommendations, and members discussed the recommendations worksheet included in the binder. The chair then proposed postponing the remainder of Part Two of the presentation until a May meeting after the fiscal session, along with inviting the Department of Education back for more detailed questions; with no objections, the committee adjourned.