Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :

Page 446 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, more people died in 2021 than they did in 2020, when this bill was... when this tax release
  • In fact, more people died in 2021 than they did in 2020, when this bill was... when this tax release
  • In fact, more people died in 2021 than they did in 2020, when this bill was... when this tax release
  • In fact, more people died in 2021 than they did in 2020, when this bill was... when this tax release
  • in in section two appropriation section in in section two require<00:26:40.480><c> a</c><00:26:40.679
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's pretty common in politics, right? And that's not what happened in this clip.
  • what happened in and that that's not what happened in this<00:00:53.719><c> clip</c><00:00:54.359><c>
  • You guys can't do the same thing being in the minority in your chamber.
  • is used in an effective way.
  • </c><00:14:50.920><c> the</c><00:14:51.199><c> in</c> reconciliation process over in the in reconciliation
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-02-25 - 3:30PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • which we use in everyday speech to mean 'I totally agree,' as in 'amen to that'—that amen also works
  • </c> seated in the balcony. seated in the balcony.
  • </c> all those in favor, please say I. all those in favor, please say I. &gt;&gt; I. &gt;&gt; I.
  • </c> all those in favor, please say I. I. all those in favor, please say I. I.
  • </c> tonight here in the chamber. tonight here in the chamber.
Keywords: 926, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • In<00:15:34.120><c> support?</c> In support? In support?
  • </c> in the in the state contracts. in the in the state contracts.
  • sometimes in more than a decade, and it's also not fair to our community to expect that private philanthropy
  • We are facing steep increases in labor costs as we try to pay our staff fair, livable wages, and insurance
  • We are facing steep increases in labor costs as we try to pay our staff fair, livable wages, and insurance
Summary: The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar. Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN-WTL, CPN-LBT, CPN-TCA, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-EDT DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • c><00:14:19.320><c> talked</c> Richards in your in 11 you talked Richards in your in 11 you talked about
  • c> 229</c> a.m. agenda in in conference room 229 a.m. agenda in in conference room 229 this<00:29:59.799
  • :58.720><c> room</c> here two in in this room conference room here two in in this room conference room
  • from Lin sun in support keny shihara in from Lin sun in support keny shihara in support<00:59:30.079>
  • </c><01:23:25.280><c> in</c><01:23:25.440><c> room</c> at 9 :30 a.m. in room at 9 :30 a.m. in room 229
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • FOR BUDGET PROVISO IN BACK OF THE BILL FIND THE SENATE'S SECOND OFFERS IN THE FAR RIGHT COLUMNS OF THE
  • RIGHT PLACE AND THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT AMOUNTS AT THE RIGHT TIME.
  • , PROVIDING CONSISTENCY AND FAIRNESS FOR FAMILIES AMONG THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS.
  • ONE OF FREE AND FAIR ELECTION BOTH TIMES.
  • I SPEAK AS A TEACHER, 25 YEARS AT PINE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL IN DELTONA, I LIVE IN DAYTONA BEACH AND I HAVE
Keywords: 999, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/9/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> bring our patients in. bring our patients in.
  • c> partnership</c> in in recognizing North's partnership in in recognizing North's partnership with<00
  • Thank you. was in a coma, uh and wound up in 30 was in a coma, uh and wound up in 30 days<00:49:40.880
  • </c> in the clinic. in the clinic.
  • 2022 to 160,000 in 2023 to 192,000 in 2024.
Bills: HF4841 , HF4234 , HF3697
Committee: House Taxes
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on State and Local Government - 04/01/25

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the 20 years before AG Ellison was sworn in in 2019, the office had seen a steady reduction in our
  • office</c> Ellison was sworn in in 2019, the office Ellison was sworn in in 2019, the office had<00:
  • </c> in in doing these international in in doing these international programs.<00:44:11.359><c> I</c>
  • such as working at the State Fair and participating in four activities.
  • </c><00:54:00.880><c> In</c> copies are in your packets today. In copies are in your packets today.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/11/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Minnesota.
  • Um all those in it is in your packets.
  • In my experience in your community, most 1,500 square foot lots or the smaller lots are in a homeowner
  • deep in affording housing in is real and deep in affording housing in Minnesota.<01:12:01.920><c> 600,000
  • <c> this</c> examples in my short tenure here in this examples in my short tenure here in this community
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jan 27th, 2026

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a captain in the Lawrence Fire Department and someone who has spent his career in public service,
  • As a captain in the Lawrence Fire Department and someone who spent his career in public service, I've
  • fairness.
  • And anyone here in person that would like to testify?
  • And anyone here in person that would like to testify?
Bills: S2907 , H4890 , H4909 , H4879 , H4846 , H4848 , H3924 , H4740 , H4741 , H4267 , H4799 , S2750
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're better able to create a fair system of competition in the liquor business as well.
  • uh uh create a fair system of competition<00:14:03.160><c> in</c><00:14:03.279><c> the</c><00:14:03.399
  • I started it in 1987, moved into the liquor control division in 1989, and have been in the alcohol regulatory
  • ><c> in</c><01:08:56.560><c> those</c> store in those in those store in those in those sizes<01:08:58.600
  • in a in a product that was involved in a in a barfire<01:20:20.880><c> heavy</c><01:20:21.159><c> smoke
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • a in a general form um but these 41 in a in a general form um but these 41 that<00:15:19.360><c> I've
  • 00:31:09.519><c> sweep</c> comprehensive um in a in a full sweep comprehensive um in a in a full sweep
  • </c> greater Clarity in in the statute to greater Clarity in in the statute to provide<00:48:19.680><
  • She goes, 'I'm in my 70s. My neighbor is in her 80s.
  • </c><01:03:17.279><c> in</c><01:03:17.720><c> HOA</c> accessible and affordable in in HOA accessible
Keywords: 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii, in support. RMA Sales, in support. Amorisco, in support.
  • HHFDC in support. DAGS in support. NAIOP in support.
  • </c> in support anyone else online or in in support anyone else online or in person<01:01:25.240><c>
  • We just have one broad one. third gate in there is located in a third gate in there is located in a historic
  • strong</c> listed in our testimony in strong listed in our testimony in strong support<01:21:35.360>
Committee: House Housing
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Public Health Aug 13th, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so we will try to be fair in the way we order the testimony today.
  • In 2009, 8%; in 2010, 8.4%; in 2011, 8.7%; and in 2012, right before they legalized it, 8.8%.
  • I mean, that's fair, but I will tell you there's concern in our community about it because marijuana
  • But in fairness, he can enforce it if there's an outright ban, which is really what his whole point is
  • Is it fair to say that in the drink with the 10 milligrams, it could be two servings?
Committee: House Public Health
Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/08/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Minneapolis in a successful practice in Minneapolis in a clinical<00:03:59.280><c> medical</c><00
  • </c> language we have in the bill did pass in language we have in the bill did pass in the<00:36:53.200
  • </c> in all cases? in all cases?
  • </c> in their labor. in their labor.
  • 6</c> include in leases that in the last 6 include in leases that in the last 6 weeks<02:38:46.960><
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • and that was the Senate rationale in that approach.
  • right place or the right people in the right amount.
  • Third, accurately projecting student enrollment in our scholarship programs and in our schools.
  • Partington won a free and fair election both times.
  • I speak as a teacher of 25 years at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona. I live in Daytona Beach.
Summary: The conference committee met to discuss the Senate’s second budget offer and its first offer on SB 7030. The chair said the budget proviso and back-of-bill offers were continuing to close out remaining issues, and explained the Senate’s approach to the new academic accelerated option supplement in the FEFP as restoring about 80% of prior weighted FTE funding for acceleration options other than dual enrollment, citing existing statutory requirements and the different cost structure of dual enrollment. Senator Gates then presented the Senate’s modified SB 7030 offer, saying the bill was intended to address problems tracking roughly 23,000 students moving among public schools, private schools, and homeschooling, and to better ensure funding follows students correctly. He said the offer would preserve key parts of SB 7030 while making changes such as extending the fall application window, delaying some spring-term documentation, modifying background screening requirements, and allowing the commissioner to extend deadlines in extenuating circumstances. The offer also kept the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program as a separate FEFP categorical, expanded the Education Stabilization Fund, created fall and spring application windows, required enrollment cross-checks and student IDs, changed scholarship payments to monthly with front-loaded options, and required scholarship funding organizations to return funds tied to Auditor General FTE audit findings. A public commenter, a longtime teacher from Daytona Beach, urged that the financial literacy course be taught at a later grade level, such as 11th or 12th grade, and suggested a system of diverse guest speakers in classrooms to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to consider business ownership. No questions were raised from the committee after the Senate offer, and no vote was taken. The vice chair said the House would take the offer back for review, and the chair announced there would likely be one more meeting with a one-hour notice before the meeting adjourned by motion without objection.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
  • > middle column in your in the budget in middle column in your in the budget in your<01:14:52.000><c>
  • > in</c><02:13:25.760><c> the</c> the growth in in the department in the the growth in in the department
  • </c><02:25:15.600><c> in</c><02:25:16.000><c> 2023,</c> uh in in 2023, uh in in 2023, uh<02:25:17.680
  • </c> we'll see in in in 28 and 29. we'll see in in in 28 and 29.
  • </c> in trying in outlining that. Thank you. in trying in outlining that. Thank you.
Keywords: 924, joint, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Revenue Committee, June 9, 2026 - AM

Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is that fair in a sense where all fair?
  • It's not really fair that windfalls accumulate in one area.
  • It's not really fair that windfalls accumulate in one area.
  • It's not really fair that windfalls accumulate in one area.
  • fair that windfalls accumulate in one<03:17:42.960><c> area.
Committee: Joint Revenue
Keywords: 916, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Appropriations Committee, January 14, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> in the budget. in the budget.
  • The senators and representatives always come to it; it's a state fair in Douglas, and I'm not sure it
  • The senators and representatives always come to it; it's a state fair in Douglas, and I'm not sure it
  • The senators and representatives always come to it; it's a state fair in Douglas, and I'm not sure it
  • </c><04:11:34.319><c> in</c> always come to it's a state fair in always come to it's a state fair in
Keywords: 916, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Election Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the community.
  • In recent years, we've seen a dramatic increase in voter access in Massachusetts, and we think that is
  • This happened in the 2022 election, where a new town clerk in Revere mistakenly spoiled a bunch of mail-in
  • mail-in ballots.
  • For the voters in Randolph, I believe this is a matter of fairness.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on several election-related bills, with most testimony focused on voting access, ballot administration, and election procedures. Senator Driscoll testified for S. 509, a Randolph home rule petition to require bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole, and Randolph officials and community members strongly supported it, saying it would improve access, confidence, and participation for Haitian Creole speakers. Other speakers, including advocates and residents, described language barriers as a form of voter suppression and urged favorable action. Leader Donato testified on H. 822, which would remove the word “physical” from the absentee voting disability standard, and on a bill to raise the signature threshold for creating political designations and allow dormant designations to be dissolved. Senator Rausch testified on several bills, including one expanding the State Ballot Law Commission’s jurisdiction over presidential primary candidate placement and a broader elections infrastructure bill that would change registration deadlines, primary dates, reporting systems, ballot design, mail voting procedures, and voter outreach. Representative Cattelda also testified on a bill to rename the ballot title for governor’s councilor to “governor’s counselor.” The Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, through Tom Joyce and Ben Kaufman, said it supported a number of the bills and offered local election administration expertise. Former Representative Lenny Mera and Sandra Cato testified for S. 536, a bill on accountability for defective and spoiled ballots, citing a disputed 2022 Revere recount and arguing that spoiled ballots should be documented and publicly inspectable so improperly rejected ballots are not lost. Emma Chinman of Partners in Democracy supported multiple reforms, including the elections infrastructure bill and a bill allowing unenrolled voters to serve on boards of registrars. After testimony concluded, the committee accepted written testimony by email and then adjourned without taking any votes.