Video & Transcript Research : 'TOPS'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 5th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- We keep the customer service experience top of mind.
- We do talk about, we proselytize it from the mountain top.
- And then there are other programs on top of that.
- We do have a list, you know, I would say top of my head.
- It's about $7 billion, it's on the top right-hand corner.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee approves $41.13 million budget resolution 4/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, but so on the budget resolution, it's titled BUDRES06 on the top right-hand corner.
- it's titled BUDRES06 resolution, it's titled BUDRES06 on<00:01:05.920>
the <00:01:06.080>top - <00:01:08.640>
And <00:01:09.439>on on the top right hand corner. - And on on the top right hand corner.
Summary:
Nonpartisan staff presented House budget resolution BUDRES06, explaining that it is an updated budgetary solution reflecting bills previously heard or passed out of Ways and Means, as well as bills being heard that day. The resolution showed a total additional change of $41.1 million for the 2026–27 biennium, with existing budget reserve and cash flow account amounts unchanged. Staff highlighted several committee bills included in the resolution, including elections, higher education, housing, public safety, and the workforce committee bill, which was listed at $358,000 on line 1.14. The workforce bill also included $41,000 from the workforce development fund outside the general fund, and the healthcare access fund was set at a zero-change limit.
A member asked whether additional budget resolutions were expected later in session, and staff responded that more resolutions would be set as other packages moved out of committee. After the explanation and brief questions, a motion was made to adopt the budget resolution as described. Members voiced support, there were no recorded oppositions, and the resolution was adopted.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the course of two centuries, it has become unmatched as a top destination for its high quality of
- Add to that her appointment to the Board of Trustees of one of Florida's top public universities, FAU
- people I could depend on and count on at any time of the day, ...Tina Vidal-Douart would be at the top
- could depend on and count on at any time of the day in any location, Tina Vidal-Dwart would be at the top
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day.
The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays.
On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0.
Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And to top it all off, no surprise, we are not of one mind.
- they are which they are expressed<00:02:35.200>
and <00:02:35.319>to <00:02:35.480>top - > it<00:02:35.800>
all <00:02:36.000>off <00:02:36.280>no expressed and to top - it all off no expressed and to top it all off no surprise<00:02:37.200>
we <00:02:37.360>are
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going in alphabetical order from the top.
- <00:11:02.399>
certification top certification top certification yes<00:11:06.000>yes < - of my head the don't have off the top of my head the number<00:29:00.720>
of <00:29:01.279> - <00:32:38.039>
of top of my I can't do it off the top of top of my I can't do it off the top - <00:55:36.200>
of real drudge to try to keep on top of real drudge to try to keep on top of
Summary:
The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward.
The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR-AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> And biocurity is one of my top >> And biocurity is one of my top priorities.<00:11
- look at trends over time for those top look at trends over time for those top 20<01:14:07.199>
- We also have, I said, there's a top 20 here is KO.
- We also have, I said, there's a top 20 here is KO.
- <01:26:07.280>
of person when you're standing on top of person when you're standing on top
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/04/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Just to throw you a little curveball, if we set a top rate at 50% of wages and set a top rate of reimbursements
- So there would be the top end where you have high-income earners.
- rate at 50% curveball um if we set a top rate at 50% set<02:10:31.320>
a <02:10:31.520>top - set a top rate of wages and set a top set a top rate of wages and set a top rate<02:10:34.719>
- <02:11:27.119>
uh would be the top uh would be the top uh end<02:11:29.040>where <02 - <02:11:27.119>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- So more to come, but this is a top, top issue that we are... and comprehensive approach to look at not
- So more to come, but we are definitely, this is a top, top issue that we are, “More to come.
- But we are definitely, this is a top, top issue that we are keenly aware of.”
- That puts Massachusetts in the top four of all 50 states for the third consecutive year.
- That puts Massachusetts in the top four of all 50 states for the third consecutive year.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing.
Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity.
The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:46.240>
or If you'd like to join us at the top or If you'd like to join us at the top - Those were the top stressors identified by school staff from across Northeast Minnesota.
- Those were the top and policy matters.
- Like if they said, you know, what are your top three gripes? Absolutely.
- >
bottom-up <00:59:01.800>approach kind of a top-down, bottom-up approach kind of a top-down
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
November 2025 State Budget and Economic Forecast Presentation - 12/04/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is on top of all of the other vile comments. So let's be very clear.
- We're proud of this state that ranks near the top in almost every single category.
- This is on top of all of have to see.
- So I'll tell you what, I the very top.
- That is one of the top things that we will look at doing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force (7-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So the consortium really came together because of this top bullet here.
- <00:04:19.359>
Seven because of this top bullet here. - Seven because of this top bullet here.
- Uh but uh one of the the top second.
- "I don't know off the top of my head about the rental stock."
Summary:
The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from the previous meeting, and heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University’s Disaster Science Operations Center. WKU described its multidisciplinary disaster science effort, including meteorology, emergency management, the Kentucky State Climate Center, the Kentucky Mesonet, and the Disaster Science Operations Center, which was created in 2021 and serves as an operational hub for forecasting, emergency planning, crisis management, training, and decision support. Speakers emphasized applied learning, student field work, partnerships with industry and event venues, and a five-year NSF/UK-led research project focused on weather hazards, disaster preparedness, and building a statewide disaster database to improve mitigation and resilience. Members asked about flooding, the relationship to EKU’s program, Tennessee’s capabilities, and the timeline and goals for the research project; WKU said the data collection is underway and that the evidence suggests tornado risk is shifting east and occurring more at night.
A WKU graduate student also described the value of hands-on storm-chasing and operational forecasting experience, saying it helped prepare her for work in forecasting and emergency management. Members asked about her motivation for joining the program and about the practical realities of storm chasing. The discussion also touched on whether Kentucky’s tornado risk is shifting east; WKU said the evidence from tornado observations and other studies points in that direction, with added concern about nighttime events and communicating warnings to vulnerable communities.
The task force then heard from Amy Shaquinn of the Mayfield Graves County Long-Term Recovery Group, who outlined the county-level recovery process after the 2021 tornadoes. She said Kentucky ranks among the top states for federally declared disasters, has seen a high number of tornadoes in recent years, and also faces major flood risk and earthquake concerns along the New Madrid fault. Shaquinn stressed the distinction between immediate response and long-term recovery, explaining that response covers rescue, cleanup, temporary housing, and short-term assistance, while recovery is the longer effort to restore survivors to safe, sanitary, and secure housing through local long-term recovery groups. She said community-led recovery is essential and that preparedness and mitigation follow once immediate recovery needs are addressed.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the house, we know what the person wants for us to where to put her, um, because I know one right on top
- > my<00:04:15.400>
head <00:04:15.599>right <00:04:15.760>now one right on top - is a top is a top priority<00:46:35.960>
um <00:46:36.680>and <00:46:37.000>just - of mind, it quickly becomes top of mind again.
- of mind it quickly becomes it's not top of mind it quickly becomes top<00:48:16.119>
of <00:48
Keywords:
HF696, rural EMS, ambulance, emergency medical services, uncompensated care, payment pool, rural health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, public safety answering point, PSAP, nontransport, unpaid ambulance calls, EMS reimbursement, rural ambulance provider, general fund appropriation, Minnesota health finance, specialized life support, metropolitan counties, emergency response funding, HF1429
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to create an independent Office of the Inspector General to tackle fraud May 8th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And on top of cases as they arrive.
- Comrade Wall said and from the very top.
- So sort of adding bureaucracy on top of bureaucracy.
- So sort of adding bureaucracy on top of bureaucracy.
- So sort of adding bureaucracy on top of bureaucracy.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 856, which would create an Office of the Inspector General to combat fraud in state public programs. Representative Norris described the bill as the product of a long bipartisan, bicameral working group and emphasized the office’s independence, five-year term, Senate confirmation, removal-for-cause protections, authority to investigate entities receiving public funds, prevention-focused duties, and required public and annual reporting. Representative Anderson PE also thanked the bipartisan authors and staff, saying the bill was the result of extensive negotiations and should move forward without reopening the agreement.
Members then considered several amendments. Norris offered a technical cleanup amendment, A44, to clarify language about embedding employees at the Department of Education, distinguish civil and criminal investigative authority, and update law-enforcement terminology; it was adopted. Anderson PE then offered and secured adoption of a technical amendment, A45, to correct a drafting error. Representative Cleorne offered A37 to add prepayment review procedures for all agencies, but it failed on a roll call, 65-67. Cleorne also offered A38 to appropriate $15 million for OIG modernization and data-sharing improvements, but withdrew it after noting it would be out of order. A39, which would have renamed the proposed law enforcement unit from an anti-fraud and waste bureau to an anti-fraud and enforcement unit, failed on a roll call, 66-67, after debate over whether “waste” should be included in the title and scope.
During debate on the naming amendment, supporters argued the title should better reflect law-enforcement work and avoid implying the office was a “waste” agency, while opponents said the existing language reflected the bipartisan working-group agreement and that changing it could jeopardize the bill’s progress. Representative West cited inspector general standards that include waste among their duties, and Representative Pinto questioned the substantive basis for opposing the change. Later, Representative Mhler offered A41 to eliminate the future law-enforcement agency entirely, arguing it would be duplicative and unfunded; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The top tier of this excise tax is at a million monthly users.
- Um the top tier of this taxed by this.
- Consider the fact that the top top top 0.1%<00:54:12.960>
not <00:54:13.119>the <00:54:13.359 top <00:54:15.200>1% <00:54:16.079>the 0.1% not the top 10% not the top 1% the- 0.1% not the top 10% not the top 1% the top.1%<00:54:18.559>
own <00:54:18.880>more <00:
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/04/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the first that<00:14:47.279>
top <00:14:47.839>row <00:14:48.480>is <00:14 - row is just what our current that top row is just what our current forecast<00:14:50.480>
is < - That would have seven additional weekly benefit amounts on top of and higher than our current maximum
- Right now we're very low at the top end of the scale.
- So I don't I think top end of the scale.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- So the top 114 municipalities, as far as ability to pay for a construction project, would be at 30%.
- So the<04:04:36.239>
top <04:04:36.960>114 the top 114 the top 114 um<04:04:39.600> - Um and then on top of for that reminder.
- Um and then on top of that<04:07:47.439>
so <04:07:47.920>if <04:07:48.160>this < - of the public schools that are top of the public schools that are listed<04:08:17.520>
on <04:
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334.
The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So when you look at writing, you can see if you've been with us 12 months to 23 months, that's the top
- If you look at the top bar, learners.
- If you look at the top bar, that<00:13:12.800>
represents <00:13:14.079>the <00:13:14.480 - months to 23 months, that's the top bar. months to 23 months, that's the top bar.
- um where it shows the K through the top um where it shows the K through the top you<00:26:00.720
Summary:
The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school.
The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff.
Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- tax expenditure report, saying 30% of the people who have taken advantage of the credit are in the top
- Can you start again so we get that on the record from the top?
- Can you start again so we get that on the record from the top?
- of that um and what we out uh in on top of that um and what we were<00:19:12.159>
talking <00: - But on top of that, you'd have to pay capital gains on it as well.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- or fraud, and if that's the view of the top of the agency, that's why I think employees are rightly
- of the agencies of whether you the top of the agencies of whether you can<00:15:23.720>
report fraud and if that's the view of the top fraud and if that's the view of the top of<00:15:29.519> - But a couple of questions right off the top would be: one, is this bill going to the fraud committee
- This was something that rose to the top of our questionnaires.
Keywords:
whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:15:44.279>
and <00:15:44.399>you ages 0 to 17 with 17 at the top and you ages 0 - That's why I'm just showing you kind of the top number of losses and the top districts that gained, but
- You might know it off the top of your head.
- You might know it off the top of your head.
- It begins at the top of page four, but really those are just the headers.
Summary:
The Senate Education Finance Committee met on January 21 with a quorum present for the first meeting of the 2025 biennium. The co-chairs described the temporary power-sharing arrangement in the tied Senate, introduced committee staff and pages, and had members briefly introduce themselves and share what subject they would teach. After the introductions, the committee moved to a presentation from State Demographer Susan Brower.
Brower reviewed Minnesota’s school-age population trends and projections, noting that the state had just under 1 million children ages 5 to 17 in 2023 and that, for the first time, the older adult population exceeded the school-age population. She said the school-age population is concentrated in the Twin Cities metro and other regional centers, and projected an overall decline of about 5% over the next 15 to 20 years, driven mainly by declining birth rates and long-running net outmigration of young adults. She also explained that growth is expected in some areas, especially along the I-94 corridor north of the metro, while northern regions are projected to see the largest declines. She clarified for members that her figures measure resident children, not school enrollment, and that boundary changes are not reflected in the district-level data.
The presentation also covered demographic change among students. Brower said about 35% of Minnesota children ages 5 to 17 are children of color, with growing multiracial populations and increasing linguistic diversity. She reported that about 20% of school-age children have at least one foreign-born parent, and about 18% of enrolled students speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Somali, and Hmong the largest home languages. She also discussed child poverty, saying Minnesota’s rate is just under 10%, below the national rate of about 15%, and that poverty is concentrated in Minneapolis-St. Paul, some first-ring suburbs, and parts of northern Minnesota, including districts with larger Native populations. Members asked questions about whether the projections accounted for migration and whether open enrollment affected the figures; Brower said the data reflect where children live, not where they attend school, and that the projections are based on recent migration and birth patterns, with future changes more likely to come from international immigration than from domestic migration.