Video & Transcript : 'vendor rate' :
Page 441 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- That people under 21 commit gun crimes at three times the rate.
- As it is, we have a gun homicide rate 25 times that of our peer nations.
- We are trying to get it up toward the effectiveness rate of a firearm, while still being a less lethal
- projectile to reduce the rate of injuries and death.
- Firearms are uniquely lethal, with a 90% fatality rate.
Bills:
HB259 , HB259 , HB 1128 , HB1337 , HB1506 , HB1794 , HB2215 , HB2470 , HB2771 , HB2882 , HB2993 , HB3053 , HB3428 , HB3669 , HB3789 , HB3924 , HB4201 , HB4675
Keywords:
redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation, healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House military and veterans division approves bill to remove e-pull tab restrictions 2/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- 49.839><c> lunch</c> that qualify for free and reduced lunch that qualify for free and reduced lunch rate
- but it's for all families that have rate but it's for all families that have students<00:15:53.079><
- but</c><00:16:03.600><c> yet</c><00:16:03.800><c> there</c><00:16:03.920><c> were</c> reduced lunch rate
- but yet there were reduced lunch rate but yet there were times<00:16:04.480><c> and</c><00:16:04.639
- </c><00:21:14.799><c> of</c> include increased rates of include increased rates of bankruptcy<00:21:16.679
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House File 733, which would restore electronic pull-tab features such as open-all, free play, bonus games, and similar functions that were restricted in 2023. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of Allied Charities of Minnesota, the American Legion, and a Bloomington school activities foundation, argued that the 2023 changes reduced revenue for charitable gambling operations and, in turn, cut funding for veterans programs, youth sports, food shelves, school needs, and other local community services. Several supporters cited early revenue declines since the new rules took effect, including double-digit drops and one example of a Bloomington site reporting a 29% year-over-year decline overall and a 44% drop in e-tab revenue. They also argued that restoring the features would help charities without meaningfully increasing casino play.
Opponents, including Citizens Against Gambling Expansion and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said the bill would expand slot-machine-like gambling in neighborhood bars and restaurants and increase problem gambling and related social harms. They argued the features in question mimic slot machines, are especially concerning in non-age-restricted locations, and would amount to a major expansion of gambling. The tribal representative also said the 2023 clarification was appropriate, that charitable gambling revenues do not translate efficiently into mission funding, and that tax relief or other policy changes would be better ways to help charities than restoring the disputed features.
The chair reminded testifiers to keep comments neutral and not partisan. After testimony, a member discussion began, with Representative Ray Rower thanking the testifiers and expressing support for their work. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote or disposition beyond the bill being recommended to be re-referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have concerns that this bill could unnecessarily raise rates for our customers, and we believe
- for our customers and we believe rates for our customers and we believe that<00:49:14.240><c> the</c
- </c> are due to the company's credit rating are due to the company's credit rating we<00:49:33.640><c
- Electric wants to put in specific language, I guess, to kind of trigger this process and potential rate
- from the power producer, you would determine, right, if there's a rational reason to increase the rate
Committee:
Senate Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committees first heard Senate Bill 151 relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and geothermal development on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL and Ulupono Initiative testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance clean energy goals, create economic opportunities, and support DHHL’s mission. Fine Electric also supported the bill. Several members of the public testified in opposition, raising concerns about consultation with beneficiaries, water impacts, land issues, and the scale of the proposed spending. In response to questions, DHHL staff explained slimhole drilling, the permitting distinctions between water exploration and geothermal exploration, and said prior studies and geophysical testing had been done. The chair then recommended passage with amendments, including SMA technical amendments, a directive to establish a permitted interaction group to study geothermal options, removal of the appropriation language, and a new effective date. The committees adopted the recommendation and passed SB 151 with amendments, with one senator voting no and several excused.
The joint committees then took up Senate Bill 371 on property damage to critical infrastructure facilities. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill with amendments, recommending broader critical infrastructure language to cover systems such as transportation, gas, power, water, and oil, and suggesting additional changes to improve prosecution. Utility and other supporters also testified in favor. The chairs proposed adopting the AG’s amendments except one, and further expanding the bill to make manslaughter explicit when a death results from disruption of critical infrastructure, and to add water as a covered infrastructure category. The committees adopted the amended recommendation and passed SB 371 with amendments.
Finally, the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee heard Senate Bill 585 on special purpose revenue bonds for Bana Pacific. The Attorney General noted a possible issue with the company’s entity status and the bill title, but Bana Pacific stated it was in the process of converting from an LLC to a corporation and was satisfied with the title. The State Energy Office supported the concept, and Bana Pacific described the project as an integrated biogas and green hydrogen facility that would support energy security, create jobs, and reduce emissions. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 964 on waste-to-energy, where the State Energy Office offered supportive comments but many testifiers opposed the measure, arguing incineration is costly, polluting, and inferior to recycling. Written testimony showed more opposition than support, and public testimony focused on environmental and cost concerns.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Commission on Race & Access to Opportunity. (6-20-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And in Kentucky, our per capita incarceration rate for Black 64%<00:20:55.360><c> of</c><00:20:55.480
- </c> incarceration rate incarceration rate for<00:21:23.520><c> black</c> For Black folk, 1,479 per 100,000
- In Kentucky at a tremendous rate.
- In Kentucky at a tremendous rate.
- rates rates um<00:22:59.320><c> compared</c><00:22:59.680><c> to</c><00:22:59.720><c> other</c><00:22
Summary:
The meeting was a discussion of fatherhood and a possible response to Senator Robby Mills’ Resolution 112, which had proposed a task force on fatherhood initiatives. After approving the June meeting minutes and confirming a quorum, the committee heard a presentation from Mark Ludwig, executive director of the National Council for Equal Shared Parenting, who argued that fatherhood is often left out of public policy and that stronger father involvement is linked to better outcomes in crime, education, substance abuse, and family stability. He cited Kentucky’s 50/50 shared parenting law as a model and urged fatherhood classes, employment support, mentoring, co-parenting education, and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and social workers rather than relying solely on state spending. He also said fatherhood engagement could save the state money by reducing incarceration and related costs.
Members then raised concerns that the presentation did not sufficiently address structural causes of fatherlessness, especially incarceration, racial disparities, gun violence, poverty, housing, transportation, and sentencing policy. Senator Berg and Representative Kulkarni emphasized that Black and brown families are disproportionately affected by incarceration and violence, and questioned whether fatherhood programs alone can solve the problem without broader reforms. Ludwig responded that some fathers are pushed out by the court system or lack legal resources, and said reintegration programs and legal, financial, and community supports are part of the solution, though he had focused mainly on the need for fatherhood programming in this presentation.
No bill was voted on and no formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes. The discussion appeared to be an initial policy conversation to gather ideas and perspectives for possible future work on fatherhood-related initiatives.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- , and part of it was completely mapping all of the ADTs into our programs and matching the tuition rates
- of the community colleges for students who come into National University to increase the completion rates
- for folks who are coming... ...to increase the completion rates for folks who are coming in.
- To improve the literacy rates of African American students.
- Another concern raised is about the experience modification rate safety standard and the interaction
Committee:
Senate Education
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That is, but regardless, we are increasing the family residential services framework rates for service
- Moving next to line 223, this is an increase rate for family residential services with high needs, the
- </c><01:11:15.200><c> study</c><01:11:16.120><c> um,</c> workgroup and rate study um, workgroup and rate
- </c><01:11:31.760><c> has</c><01:11:31.920><c> an</c><01:11:32.080><c> incre-</c><01:11:32.640><c> rate
- </c> um, this is um, it has an incre- rate um, this is um, it has an incre- rate increase<01:11:33.240
Committee:
Senate Finance
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, they stepped forward with a higher rate to take care of this.
- This has pretty much been done, and now we want to lower that rate on them.
- So, we want to lower the rate.
- </c> now we want to lower that rate on them. now we want to lower that rate on them.
- In the amendment, what it does is rate.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Concurrent House Standing Comm on Elec, Const Amnd & Intergovernmental Affairs & State Gov (2-18-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- level so that we can pull that debt load down over time or at least not have it increasing at the rate
- level so that we can pull that debt load down over time or at least not have it increasing at the rate
- level so that we can pull that debt load down over time or at least not have it increasing at the rate
- Or six years is the rate of the increase. So, what does 38 trillion mean?
- </c><00:29:49.440><c> change</c> interest change, interest rate change interest change, interest rate
Summary:
The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own.
Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws.
Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN-JDC, HHS-CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that consumers have an idea of uh<00:04:35.199><c> at</c><00:04:35.440><c> what</c><00:04:35.680><c> rate
- insurers</c><00:04:36.800><c> are</c><00:04:37.199><c> paying</c><00:04:37.520><c> out</c> uh at what rate
- insurers are paying out uh at what rate insurers are paying out claims.<00:04:38.720><c> We'll</c><00
- With a 15% total tax rate, tax receipts will exceed $100 million each year.
- And so the the their their rates down.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused.
The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused.
In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations.
The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (6-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- This will also be a 20-year loan with a 1.25% interest rate and was approved at the June 5 KIA board
- </c><01:15:02.800><c> and</c><01:15:03.040><c> was</c> with a 1.25% interest rate and was with a 1.25%
- So, um, I realize that when you look at this compared to a market-rate unit, it seems very high.
- </c><01:25:38.159><c> We</c> market rate unit, it seems very high.
- We market rate unit, it seems very high.
Summary:
The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure.
The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation.
KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM/FIN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Feb 14, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our focus is on water safety education for our Native Hawaiian community, who drown at a higher rate
- Our focus is on water safety education for our Native Hawaiian community, who drown at a higher rate
- This is a large disparity compared to the rest of the state at an 86% graduation rate.
- </c><01:13:51.320><c> providing</c> reducing crime rates providing reducing crime rates providing opportunities
- Hawaii County faces the highest rate of food insecurity in the state.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Being a $2,400 tax deduction, based on our current tax rate of 4.7%, you will pay $112.80 less in taxes
- Being a $2,400 tax deduction, based on our current tax rate of 4.7%, you will pay $112.80 less in taxes
- So I guess if we take it to a zero income tax rate, then they would simply have none withheld from their
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- noticed in your one thing that really stood out when I looked in your pamphlet here is the 70% divorce rate
- And then you had mentioned the divorce rate.
- on marriage retreats for special forces at Lodge of Hope because not only is there a normal divorce rate
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met briefly to hear testimony from Tron Peterson, director of Peterson Outdoors Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that provides free outdoor recreational therapy for veterans, active-duty service members, military chaplains, and their families. Peterson described the organization’s 20-year history, its Lodge of Hope facility near Sheldon, Missouri, and its use of adaptive equipment to serve veterans with severe injuries. He said the ministry now serves more than 500 veterans a year across several states and also offers events for female veterans, spouses, children, and chaplains.
Committee members praised the program’s focus on healing, family support, and suicide prevention. Peterson said the ministry’s events are designed to reduce isolation, strengthen marriages and families, and help veterans cope with PTSD and suicidal thoughts; he claimed recent events had helped prevent suicides and included baptisms and family activities. Members also discussed the high divorce rate among veterans and special forces, and Peterson said chaplains are helping him develop marriage retreats and enrichment programs to address that need.
In response to questions, Peterson explained that the ministry is funded through churches, individuals, businesses, sponsorships, and donations, often secured at the last minute. He also said the organization has expanded with RV pads and a bunkhouse, and that it takes its model to other locations through volunteers and partner sites. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken; the committee concluded after the testimony and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Paying such a high annual rate creates a financial burden for family-owned and small businesses who can
- its voters for approval of a local transactions and use tax that may exceed the current statutory rate
- State-imposed rate caps, while appropriate as a general policy, can function as a binding constraint
Summary:
The committee heard several tax and local government measures. SB 288 would clarify Proposition 19 rules for inherited homes in probate so the one-year timeline to claim the property tax benefit starts when the home is legally transferred; it had support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 347 would reduce the state’s minimum annual tax on LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations from $800 to $600; it also passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 762 would authorize the city of Hercules to ask voters to approve a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to support city services and infrastructure; it passed 4-1 to Local Government, with one no vote from Senator Valadares.
The committee also considered veteran property tax relief measures. SCA 4 would remove a constitutional restriction so eligible veterans could stack the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and SB 623 would make conforming statutory changes to implement that constitutional amendment. Both measures were supported by veterans’ organizations, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and county representatives, and both passed unanimously 5-0 to their next committees, with SCA 4 going to Elections and Constitutional Amendments and SB 623 going to Military and Veterans Affairs.
The consent calendar, including SB 575 by Senator Laird, was adopted 5-0 after technical amendments were accepted. The committee then lifted the call on SB 288 and confirmed its 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all listed items were acted on.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Paying such a high annual rate creates a financial burden for family-owned and small businesses who can
- its voters for approval of a local transactions and use tax that may exceed the current statutory rate
- State-imposed rate caps, while appropriate as a general policy, can function as a binding constraint
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- They think we had an error rate, but since 2013, the feds have never come back and charged us for that
- error rate.
- 21,000 or 22,000 abortions in the state of New Mexico last year, which definitively outpaced our birth rate
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, teachers are not in a decision-making position regarding the school district's budget or tax rate
- They certainly don't have any tax rate setting authority.
- I think with the financing changes, it will give us the opportunity to get lower interest rates on our
Committee:
House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals
Keywords:
ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And our survival rates can only increase with good legislation like this. So thank you.
- encouraging local participation. ...and community partnerships, improving insurance and community flood ratings
- statewide feasibility study on how nature-based solutions reduce insurance premiums and improve flood ratings
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably.
The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/13/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And interest rates were held so low for so long that people think they're normal.
- </c><00:29:31.360><c> that</c> growing at an exponential rate that growing at an exponential rate that
- This bill reduces employee contribution rates for members and St.
- This bill reduces employee contribution rates for members and St.
- </c><02:39:52.880><c> 155%</c> mortality rate 155% mortality rate 155% higher<02:39:56.319><c> than</
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/04/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:45:17.679><c> this</c> our overdose death rates are down. this our overdose death rates are down
- We see higher rates of mortality.
- Which is why we now have a 100% return rate.
- insurance rates.
- </c> in malpractice insurance rates. in malpractice insurance rates.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services