Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- when a majority of the board, for Santa Cruz for two or three sessions.
- Senator Cabaldon, thank you so much for the questions, for the comments, and for all of your leadership
- It is my survival and support for my loved ones. I truly have passion for caring for people.
- or for pensions.
- Thank you for the witness. I respectfully ask for an aye. Thank you.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 11:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- So, mahalo for considering this and mahalo for all that you do. Thank you.
- </c><00:11:41.519><c> for</c> then COVID and then CO or Lahina. for then COVID and then CO or Lahina.
- </c> this and mahalo for all that you do. this and mahalo for all that you do.
- So for those reasons, we stand in support, and I'll be available for any questions. Thank you.
- </c> work for the people. Thanks. I yield. work for the people. Thanks. I yield.
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee heard STR 73 SD1, which requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience testified in support, saying it was eager to work with local researchers on evidence-based, community-informed recommendations. Support also came from a Zoom testifier, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The testifier emphasized the need for trauma-informed supports for children who were ages zero to five during COVID, especially in communities also affected by the Kilauea eruption and the Maui wildfires. Members discussed the long-term impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters on children, and one member said they would support the measure but vote with reservations because they wanted the phrase “climate crisis” changed to “natural disasters.” The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is, with some members noting reservations.
The committee then took up SCR 239 SD1, which asks DAGS, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state and county facilities and parks. DAGS submitted comments, DLNR State Parks testified that it supported the intent but raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities, noting it has 73 comfort stations statewide, ongoing vandalism and maintenance issues, and possible ADA space conflicts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, with testimony stressing that accessible changing facilities are important for independence and equity for people with disabilities. In response to questions, DLNR said it had not received complaints about the lack of such infrastructure and that any future installations should be considered in new designs rather than existing facilities. After discussion, the chair moved to defer the resolution, citing budget and implementation concerns and suggesting the issue be revisited in the future with a revised approach and possible needs assessment. The committee agreed to defer SCR 239 SD1 and then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And with that degree, I hope to become an agricultural lobbyist for like a big ag company like Farm Bureau
- So at a high level, House Bill 772 maintains Idaho's existing framework for the production, processing
- That's an important detail for grain. Specifically, those growing for grain and for fiber.
- That's an important detail for grain and for fiber, not for CBD growers.
- operations for drug interdiction for marijuana.
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- here for a second.
- for a second.
- They'd be high-paying and high-skilled jobs. Okay.
- We take it for granted every day. Thank you for being here today.
- But we want, ideally, for customers to pay for what they're getting, not pay in advance for what future
Committee:
House Utilities
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is probably our most famous one, the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School, where
- High-speed aerodynamic testing and other types of testing that will qualify products and systems for
- our students to see their access to a long-term, high-paying, high-tech career field waiting for them
- Thank you for that.
- My suggestion, and I hope Carrie doesn't get upset at me because I'm answering for her, basically, is
Summary:
The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 held a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, emphasizing that AI can support personalized learning, school operations, and teacher efficiency, but also raises concerns about data privacy, overreliance, mental health, and the need for human oversight. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which has produced guidance on policy, ethics, privacy, cybersecurity, classroom integration, and professional development, and is now working on district surveys, webinars, case studies, and teacher/family resources.
Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district-level implementation. Hillsborough outlined a governance council, a district AI policy, and an implementation guide; it prohibits generative AI for students below eighth grade, allows limited use for older students with teacher permission and district-vetted tools, and uses models for classroom AI expectations. The district also reported growing student enrollment in AI courses, teacher training through summer academies and quick learns, and pilots with tools such as Magic School and Microsoft Copilot. Pinellas emphasized academic integrity, student data privacy, digital responsibility, and the importance of human interaction in learning; it said state assessments already limit technology use and that districts need clear governance and parent transparency.
Committee members asked about whether AI improves academic performance, the risk of student dependence, the possibility of returning to more paper-based testing, and who should set guardrails. Witnesses said reliable achievement data is still limited because the technology is new, though districts reported anecdotal gains in tutoring and early literacy. They also said there is no established statewide baseline for teacher AI training yet, so districts are using professional development, stipends, and partnerships with universities to build capacity. The committee also heard from Drew Andrew of FSU’s Inspire program, who argued that industry is moving faster than schools and that education should focus on teaching how AI works, building teacher confidence, and aligning training with workforce needs. No bills were considered and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Rising to ask for your vote for this bill, which reorganizes, clarifies, and plans for the future with
- clean energy, it's a vote for good jobs, it's a vote for economic development, and for all of the services
- Speaker, for the indulgence.
- I am very glad to see that this still maintains the increased amount for inmates to provide for their
- And the reason I am doing that is because... ...for this bill today. I hope you'll join me, Mr.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then recessed briefly for caucus. The chamber received several Senate messages, including concurrence on amendments and the signing of Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, before moving into third reading and final passage of multiple bills. Most of the floor debate centered on concurrence with Senate amendments and the policy effects of those changes.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1170 passed 55-38 and was described as reorganizing and clarifying how Climate Commitment Act auction revenues are distributed among state accounts; supporters said it would create a clearer budget process, while opponents objected to shifting funds away from transportation and capital uses and reducing tax relief. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 passed 54-40 after debate over Climate Commitment Act account structure and operating-account allocations. Engrossed House Bill 2445 passed 66-29 on probate-related changes, with supporters citing clarifications and opponents saying it did not go far enough to limit outside involvement in probate matters.
The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2334 80-15, with little debate after Senate “perfecting” changes. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 passed 86-9; supporters said it would replace an inconsistent property tax on wind, solar, and battery storage facilities with a stable excise tax to benefit rural communities, counties, and labor, while opponents focused on tax impacts and local burdens. Additional bills passed included Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500 on HOA resale certificates (61-34), Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a Court Unification Task Force (57-38), Engrossed House Bill 2156 expanding Attorney General investigative authority over economic and financial crimes (54-41 on reconsideration), Substitute House Bill 2539 on inmate funds and related deductions (57-38), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care facility mergers and market oversight (55-41), Engrossed House Bill 2588 on local control for the Lummi ferry system (56-40), and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on gun violence prevention and 3D-printed firearms (58-38). The House also agreed not to concur in Senate amendments to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 and retransmitted it to the Senate.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 5th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So anyway, thank you for that.
- Thank you for your testimony. Members, are there questions for this witness?
- Thank you for scheduling this hearing for us.
- Members, are there questions for this witness? No? Thank you very much for being here.
- Thank you very much for having me here. Members. Any questions for this witness?
Keywords:
private activity bonds, housing, residential rental projects, low-income, affordable housing, bond measures, funding equality, political subdivisions, public communications, election fairness, debt collection, consumer rights, disclosures, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, settlement agreements, State Board of Education, group benefits program, health insurance, state employees, dependents eligibility
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Rural Health Transformation Committee - Policy Division Jan 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Sorry for not being totally prepared for that. We're going to find out and get right back on it.
- For the record, my name is Beth Didis with Legislative Council, and I'm just going to do a very high-level
- As for prepared statements on that bill draft, Madam Chair, I would stand for any questions.
- As for prepared statements on that bill draft, Madam Chair, I would stand for any questions.
- , it would allow for a pharmacist to do therapeutic substitution for psychiatric meds for juveniles.
Summary:
The committee reviewed four bill drafts for the Rural Health Transformation effort. The first required the presidential physical fitness test in PE classes; members asked about DPI and school support, then moved and approved the draft. The second required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and included legislative intent encouraging other health boards to consider nutrition-related CE; it was approved after brief discussion.
The third bill adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. Members discussed a separate issue involving occupational therapy compact background checks and whether that fix could be added now or would need to wait until later; the committee also discussed Board of Medicine input and the compact’s workforce benefits. The draft was moved forward to the full committee. The fourth bill expanded pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Legislative Council explained the draft, and Senator Roars proposed substantial amendments to narrow motion sickness, UTI, diabetes supply, and substitution provisions. Members debated whether to vote on amendments now or wait for the special session public hearing; concerns were raised about transparency, stakeholder input, and avoiding premature action. No amendment vote was taken, and the bill was left for later consideration. The committee then recessed until the next day.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- of DeLand and for our city.
- Thank you for your time and I hope you take into consideration the folks that are directly impacted by
- We have houses sold for $140,000 and houses that are sold for $2.5 million.
- I do believe the people who voted for them and voted for us voted for us because they wanted us up here
- So we talked a lot about how the affordability crisis is real which is true and prices are high for buying
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Nov 14th, 2025
Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, for that opportunity.
- Chair, committee members, thank you for having me today and for your support of the NUPAC program.
- So for this campaign, for Quitline 2, for example, to.
- If we can stop it when they're young and in high school, the future will be much better for us.
- Mead, for coming to the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 3/13/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thanks for being here.
- ><c> at</c> know uh but uh we're hopeful that at know uh but uh we're hopeful that at least<00:03:12.799
- Do you have plans for bringing them up later, or are they going to be dead for the session?
- was more money to pay for the unemployment benefits for bus drivers, hourly workers, that was added
- Anyway, thanks for being with us.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (7-24-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> uh are sometimes accepted in October for uh are sometimes accepted in October for for<00:06:46.600
- </c> for a total of 24 million. for a total of 24 million.
- ><c> as</c><00:16:34.080><c> for</c><00:16:34.240><c> free</c><00:16:34.960><c> working</c> through high
- school as for free working through high school as for free working with<00:16:35.520><c> our</c><00:
- So we recognize this polling is from 2023, and we hope to have more updated numbers for you all again
Summary:
The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide.
Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify.
After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, really, a high satisfaction rate, as well as a new learning opportunity for our Crisis Center
- high-quality, affordable diapers, which would complement phase one by offering an ongoing option for
- However, this does remain an area of high priority for the Legislature.
- And so we're hoping that that would address and improve equity for individuals in the regional center
- continuing automation on the 55-plus for CFAP and hope that they can do a little bit more.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Things started getting better for the Cuban people, and there was hope that someday they could shape
- Things started getting better for the Cuban people, and there was hope that someday they could shape
- Things started getting better for the Cuban people, and there was hope that someday they could shape
- Things started getting better for the Cuban people, and there was hope that someday they could shape
- I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House OKs nearly $4 billion higher ed budget that would offset state grant program deficit 4/28/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:01:50.960><c> the</c> are hard for myself and for uh the are hard for myself and for uh the members
- </c><00:17:47.760><c> us</c><00:17:48.240><c> for</c> it's what's been modeled for us for it's what's
- ,</c><00:31:21.760><c> high</c><00:31:22.000><c> and</c> we all are responsible for, high and we all
- are responsible for, high and dry.<00:31:23.760><c> My</c><00:31:24.080><c> amendment</c><00:31:24.559
- </c> for Minnesota's students today but for for Minnesota's students today but for Minnesota's<01:27:
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (11-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- for all of PPL.
- </c> can follow up on for you. can follow up on for you.
- We and and for our for our customers.
- </c> processes for sure. processes for sure.
- I've got my hopes. hopes. hopes. >> Thank<01:30:26.560><c> you.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and then heard a presentation from LG&E and KU representatives Caroline Clark and John Bevington on economic development, energy demand, and the utility’s role in supporting Kentucky’s growth. Bevington described the company’s service territory, generation fleet, and recent economic development activity, including 76 projects supported in 2024, more than $2.8 billion in private investment, and over 3,000 new jobs. He emphasized that data centers are now the dominant driver in the pipeline, with 22 data center projects representing about 8.7 of the 9.7 gigawatts of potential demand, alongside other manufacturing and commercial projects.
A major focus was how data centers choose sites and how utilities respond. Bevington explained that hyperscale data centers typically approach utilities first because they need transmission-level access, and that utilities then conduct internal analyses, estimate infrastructure needs, and require financial security before proceeding. He said the company is working through formal transmission studies and long-lead infrastructure planning, and noted that Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers helped attract interest. He also outlined the economic benefits of data centers, citing an announced Louisville project of 525 megawatts and about $11 billion in investment, with an estimated $500 million in new tax revenue over 10 years, plus broader job and GDP impacts.
Members asked about whether data centers could generate their own power, the reliability of the pipeline numbers given confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, and cybersecurity concerns. Bevington said the company does not assume all pipeline projects will materialize in Kentucky and instead assigns probabilities to avoid overbuilding. He also said he was not the right person to address cybersecurity in detail but offered to return to a committee focused on IT or security. In response to questions about future supply, he said LG&E and KU are adding generation through a 120-megawatt solar facility in Mercer County, a 120-megawatt solar purchase in Marion County, and a 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle plant in Louisville, with PSC approval recently granted for additional generation and related system upgrades.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, for giving me that.
- She said she hopes to be here for the next four years and had another follow-up question.
- uh for those and for So with that said, uh for those and for those<00:27:01.080><c> reasons,</c><00:27
- I hope so. an opportunity to see this. I hope so.
- </c> look for your support. look for your support.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- He said the goal was to keep it flexible for instances where there is not necessarily a high risk of
- So the goal was to keep it flexible for instances where there is not necessarily a high risk of exposure
- The goal was to keep it flexible for instances where there is not necessarily a high risk of exposure
- So the goal was to keep it flexible for instances where there is not necessarily a high risk of exposure
- So their feeling was to keep it flexible for those instances where there isn't necessarily a high risk
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported.
The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> funds</c><00:16:38.399><c> for</c> Our request for additional funds for Our request for additional
- for an increase for about our request for an increase for the<00:19:12.240><c> division</c><00:19:12.640
- </c> 3% for FY28. 3% for FY28.
- </c><00:21:43.919><c> budget</c><00:21:44.320><c> for</c> for uh currently authorized budget for for
- </c> for it. for it.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- That stability is good for developers, good for lenders, good for communities, and good for the Commonwealth
- That stability is good for developers, good for lenders, good for communities, and good for the Commonwealth
- Thank you for your time. Thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you.
- Thank you for your time. Questions from committee members? All right, thank you for your time.
- Some are shockingly high.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.