Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :
Page 439 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of the cost of removal the state is entitled to receive in the form of reimbursement from the federal
- and may incur debt of up to 1.5% of the value of taxable property within the RTA boundaries.
- With the approval of at least 60% of the voters within the district, an RTA may incur debt of up to 5%
- , a number of universities have issued 100-year bonds, but those are rare outside of higher education
- , a number of universities have issued 100-year bonds, but those are rare outside of higher education
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Second Substitute Senate Bill 5690, which would require WSDOT to improve coordination with utilities on fish barrier removal projects and utility relocations, provide advance notice when feasible, and seek to maximize federal funding for relocation costs. Staff described the bill’s background, including the federal culvert injunction and WSDOT’s fish barrier work, and noted fiscal impacts tied to grant monitoring and possible revenue changes. Senator McEwen said the bill was narrowed from a prior version to reduce fiscal concerns and cited a district example where poor coordination allegedly wasted public and ratepayer funds. Utility representatives from PUDs testified in support, emphasizing better communication, advance notice for budgeting, and access to federal funds; no opposition was presented on this bill before the public hearing was closed.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6148, which would extend the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years and remove eligibility for regional mobility grant funds if an RTA uses bonds longer than 40 years. Staff and committee fiscal discussion focused on how longer terms reduce annual debt service but increase total interest paid over time, with examples comparing 25-, 40-, 50-, and 75-year bonds. Supporters, including Sound Transit board members, local officials, labor, and transit advocates, argued the bill would give Sound Transit flexibility to manage inflation, preserve project schedules, and align financing with long-lived infrastructure and the federal TIFIA loan program. Opponents argued the bill would increase long-term costs, shift burdens to future generations, and is premature because Sound Transit is still revising its plan and already has substantial cash and bonding capacity. The hearing ended after questions about debt safeguards, refinancing, and how the proposed authority would interact with TIFIA loans.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, they got a lot of knowledge, a lot of institutional knowledge anyway.
- I'm on page 5, page 5 of the art of the writers.
- I mean, part of the consideration of what was adopted.
- Um, when we had like Texas Women's University, and, and you recall this, that they had a lot of issues
- with maintenance of the university and facilities, and we did what we needed to do in order to provide
Bills:
SB 1
Committee:
Senate Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For most people, that's what you think of when you think of her.
- the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
- I'm also a part of the D.D. Council. I'm chair of the policy committee. I'm also a part of the D.D.
- To get some sort of bare-bones scope of work that we can then provide to the rest of our subcommittee
- Then we can also kind of create a series of questions for you all that can help us maybe kind of hone
Summary:
The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and began with an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about every individual mattering and making a difference. Members introduced themselves and described their roles in disability services, workforce policy, accessibility, and advocacy. The committee then welcomed Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina from the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), who explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy support to help states improve disability employment outcomes.
SEED presented seven broad policy areas where states are active: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health supports, stay-at-work/return-to-work programs, employer recruitment and accommodation supports, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer initiatives. They shared examples from other states, including scholarship and transition policies, peer support training, accommodation funds, procurement goals, and state hiring strategies. Members asked about SEED’s role in Massachusetts, digital accessibility, and the status of PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED’s role is policy-focused rather than implementation-focused, though it can connect Massachusetts with peer states and examples.
The discussion then narrowed to two possible Massachusetts projects: developing a state-as-model-employer roadmap and creating a youth/young-adult employment and volunteer pipeline, especially for transition-age individuals. Members noted related state efforts, including the governor’s executive order reestablishing a disability policy subcommittee, the commission’s Meeting the Moment series, and the need to help people navigate upcoming work requirements and transition cliffs. SEED agreed to follow up with a questionnaire and draft briefs on Massachusetts analysis, career readiness, and state-as-model-employer policies, and the group planned an offline follow-up to define priorities and scope.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the key...
- of this office?
- in the state of Texas.
- We really need this type of stuff. We have a lot of emerging threats for bees.
- I'm here to testify on behalf of the TSCRA support of House Bill number 147.
Bills:
HB147
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
Keywords:
government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones.
HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district.
HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Education Committee of Reference
Senate Education Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of them, so it does vary. Most of them are mature.
- They are Kathleen Geppinger, who is the president emeritus of Midwestern University.
- They are Kathleen Geppinger, who is the president emeritus of Midwestern University, Todd Haney, the
- president of Eastern Arizona College, and Chad Samson, the executive director of the Arizona Board of
- The top institutions for WRGP enrollment are the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Sale of promotional items... ...sale of promotional items.
- of Idaho, for example.
- I'm assuming that you work hand-in-hand with the University of Idaho and their new potato seed building
- But in most of the world, that type of... ...their fair share of it.
- with the University of Idaho versus them being part of a private company?
Committee:
House Agricultural Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- will be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Senate.
- of bills.
- Court of Appeals judge, the office of Supreme Court justice, and the office of district judge.
- , to authorize the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives
- He plans on going to the University of Utah to major in business and pre-law.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , not due to lack of funding, but because of the shortage of affordable rental units.
- I am the CEO of Florence Quentin of Orange County.
- Ed Howard, senior counsel at the Children's Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School
- Ed Howard, senior counsel at the Children's Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School
- Rita Soto, mayor of the City of Lingwood, in support of AB 562.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of foster care, benefits, housing, and poverty-related bills. AB 373 would require appointed counsel for nonminor dependents in dependency proceedings to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute counsel’s judgment; supporters said it would respect autonomy for foster youth ages 18 to 21, and the bill passed 4-0, later updated to 6-0 and then 7-0 as absent members were added. AB 42 would exempt merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, and fellowships from income calculations for CalWORKs and CalFresh and align the two programs’ exclusions; student and anti-poverty advocates said it would prevent students from losing benefits when they pursue education, and it passed 6-0, later updated to 7-0. AB 534 would encourage transitional housing providers serving foster youth to move from leasing to owning properties by extending contract terms and improving access to financing; witnesses said ownership would improve stability and reduce landlord barriers, and it passed 4-0, later updated to 7-0. AB 562 would require counties below the state average for family placements to use a family-finding checklist and best-practice support; supporters emphasized family-first placements for foster youth, and it passed 6-0, later updated to 7-0. AB 661 would direct the Department of Social Services to develop an implementation plan for a permanent statewide guaranteed basic income program; supporters described positive results from pilot programs and the bill passed 5-2, later updated to 7-0. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all without opposition.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 11th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 04-02-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- basis of the separation of powers, of checks and balances.
- the recommendation from all cycles of the universal periodic review by the United Nations Human Rights
- the recommendation from all cycles of the universal periodic review by the United Nations Human Rights
- the recommendation from all cycles of the universal periodic review by the United Nations Human Rights
- the recommendation from all cycles of the universal periodic review by the United Nations Human Rights
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR.
Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa.
The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Since then, the number of LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers that are submitting
- More than 500 LEAs, county offices of education, charter schools, colleges, and universities, and school-linked
- The number of LEAs and colleges and universities that have submitted claims for reimbursement to date
- The number of LAs and colleges and universities that have submitted claims for reimbursement to date
- Part of the good thing about the research with Northwestern University is that they are also the premier
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 2 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And God, we ask you to put a special prayer of protection over each member of this body.
- Gentleman from Union, chairman of public Gentleman from Union, chairman of public health.
- of Bolivar County, Ms.
- And they do a good job of it in spite of my failures on that issue.
- of Representatives.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So now that I've got some kind of a little bit of a picture of the money, all of a sudden we went from
- So our partners at University Health have eight of these up and running today.
- No, so University Health operates a lot of residential beds in the community, and they would work for
- Where is the rest of the core of this money? Where is the rest of the core of this money?
- This is a maternal health access program operated out of the University of Missouri-Columbia College
Committee:
House Budget
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- hunger of the poor, the hope of the child, and the dignity of the laborer.
- The hope of the child, and the dignity of the laborer.
- Senator Thornton: I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico and the Zia symbol of perfect friendship
- So that portion of this, of a million dollars or more of federal money.
- In 1976, as a freshman at the University of Tulsa, Nancy Lopez won the Association for Intercollegiate
Summary:
The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol.
The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds.
On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And of course, being, you know, court cases they take. at the university.
- I earned a doctorate in math at the University of Texas.
- I grew up... ...Saniam University with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies.
- We have children in middle school, high school, and graduates of universities here in Austin.
- university in North Texas and the Department of Theater Arts and Dance.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with the author and committee substitute explaining that the bill would require public facilities to designate multi-use private spaces by biological sex, restrict access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping quarters, shelters, and correctional facilities, and create civil penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Members asked about how the bill would apply to family violence shelters, children in mixed-family settings, venue layout, and venue for lawsuits; the author said the bill was similar to prior legislation but with stronger penalties and the 15th Court of Appeals as the exclusive intermediate appellate court for challenges, while clarifying that trial venue should generally be local except for state agencies. The committee also heard that the bill would be amended to better address local venue concerns and shelter-related issues.
Invited testimony was largely in support of the bill from witnesses who described personal experiences in women’s sports, prisons, shelters, and public facilities, arguing that single-sex spaces are necessary for privacy and safety. Supporters included parents, former incarcerated women, a Republican county chair, a legal advocate, and a prison educator, who cited incidents involving transgender-identifying individuals in locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and restrooms, and said the bill would restore sex-based boundaries and protect vulnerable women and girls. One witness from Texas Values said the bill was needed despite the recently enacted Women’s Bill of Rights, and another ADF witness said the measure would protect privacy in schools and shelters.
Opponents testified that the bill would harm transgender and intersex Texans, create harassment and “gender policing,” and expose cisgender women and children to invasive enforcement. Several witnesses argued there is no evidence that transgender women pose a restroom safety threat, while others said the bill would worsen mental health, employment, and school conditions for trans people and could conflict with prison standards and federal law. Family violence advocates urged changes to protect shelter operations and clarify that children can stay with parents, while other witnesses said the bill would create barriers for victims seeking help. The hearing featured extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
- Journal of journal of the preceding day.
- A copy of this order of business is on your desk and online.
- Introduction of first reading of House Files 3220 through 3224. Introduction of bills.
- of the one of Minnesota, Alice was one of the one of 14<00:20:07.600><c> siblings,</c><00:20:08.480>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- part of San Antonio, home to two beautiful universities. important part of San Antonio, home to two
- It was put out by the University of Houston in March 2026.
- Innovation at the University of Texas at El Paso.
- One of our Grow Your Own partners, the University of Texas at Permian Basin, worked incredibly hard to
- This crisis is caused by the infamy of teacher working conditions, but also of university schools of
Committee:
House Public Education
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration Work Session on HB 145, HB 271 (02/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:24.200><c> of</c><00:02:24.400><c> certain</c> expectations of of certain expectations of
- c> significant number of of train um significant number of of train um supervised<00:09:01.680><c> hours
- </c> origin of this particular piece of origin of this particular piece of legislation<00:26:44.960><
- of the necessity of have some discussion of the necessity of background<00:48:37.920><c> checks</c><
- part</c> acceptable way of of writing this part acceptable way of of writing this part of<00:59:49.960
Summary:
The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications.
Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate.
Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-HHS, EIG-GVO Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the founder of Autism Moms of Kona. My name is Jessica McCullum. Aloha.
- Um, I am a Master of Social Work candidate at Hawaii Pacific University and I'm also a research assistant
- My name founder of Autism Moms of Kona.
- of us growing up of us because instead of us growing up as<00:07:51.120><c> children</c><00:07:52.080
- </c> going to offer a number of amendments. going to offer a number of amendments.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children.
After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused.
The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of um what one does in their line of of um what one does in their line of work.<00:19:11.440><c>
- </c> fans of of the film making industry. fans of of the film making industry.
- </c> many of the survey forms as we are of many of the survey forms as we are of the<01:13:53.120><c>
- Um, you need a representative from the University of Hawaii, the school of cinematography, representation
- Um, you need a representative from the University of Hawaii, the school of cinematography, representation
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access.
On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages.
The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.