Video & Transcript : 'digital opportunities' :
Page 460 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate the opportunity to be here today.
- And what we're asking for in terms of this 30-day opportunity to cure wouldn't change that.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today.
- We have the opportunity and the obligation to stop them right here in Massachusetts as well.
- But thank you for the opportunity to testify today. Thank you for your testimony. Any questions?
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Financial Services Committee heard testimony on several insurance, transportation, and labor-related bills. Senator Edwards supported bills addressing app-based delivery workers, arguing that food-delivery drivers should be treated as employees with protections and mileage reimbursement, and that a small surcharge on app-based deliveries could raise revenue for the Commonwealth and localities. Kevin Brousseau of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO also backed the delivery-worker bill, saying it would preserve employee status, add data transparency, and create a process for challenging deactivations. MAPC supported a bill to change transportation network company fees from a flat per-ride charge to a percentage-based assessment, saying the current fee is outdated and that a higher fee could raise more transportation revenue and help address congestion and emissions.
A large portion of the hearing focused on auto insurance and collision repair issues. Insurance industry witnesses supported a bill to limit attorney’s fees in PIP cases by giving insurers 30 days after a complaint is served to pay amounts due without fee exposure, arguing that PIP litigation has surged, is clogging courts, and is being driven by out-of-state firms. They also opposed auto body labor-rate bills, saying the market is already adjusting and that a statutory floor is unnecessary. In contrast, auto body shop representatives and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts urged favorable action on bills to raise and regularly update collision repair labor rates, saying current reimbursement levels are far below market, have not kept pace with inflation or vehicle technology, and are making it hard to retain workers and keep small shops open. One witness also supported a bill to limit insurance surcharge points for low-damage accidents or minor moving violations.
Committee members asked questions about deactivation rights for delivery workers, the mechanics of the PIP litigation issue, and the gap between body-shop and mechanical labor rates. Testimony emphasized that current auto body reimbursement rates are around the mid-$40s per hour, while mechanical work can be reimbursed at much higher rates, and that advisory-board discussions have produced only limited progress. At the end of the hearing, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, then moved to close the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this would be a great opportunity for eco-tourism so that we I think this would be a great opportunity
- They offer opportunities for scientific research, like I said, and wildlife tourism also.
- But it was a great opportunity.
- But it was a great opportunity.
- If you had an opportunity to go eat some chow, I mean some... ...out at the plaza.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members of the committee, thank you so much for this opportunity.
- I'm never going to be on record voting against any opportunity I can get.
- And I think this is the opportunity to do it. Thank you.
- Any opportunity I can to get law enforcement more money, and I think this is the opportunity to do it
- I'm very glad to have taken this opportunity, and this committee has been great.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So I would take the opportunity to acknowledge that off to our right here, we have many members of the
- The bill requires public meetings with opportunity for comment and establishes both annual and monthly
- It gives us the opportunity to express our support of the state's cloud seeding program.
- We want to protect an opportunity if it's providing... Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- With that, we'll adjourn. testimony and for the opportunity for you to be in our committee.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- programs, acting as the workforce council for the state of Idaho under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
- Another specific opportunity every year, the STEM Action Center does the Hour of Code.
- Now what we will do after we adjourn, you'll have the opportunity to look at the artifact.
- Now what we will do after we adjourn, you'll have the opportunity to look at the artifact.
- You will have an opportunity to ask questions, et cetera, as you're here looking.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations first for the Idaho Workforce Development Council. Analyst Brooke Dupree reviewed the council’s statutory role, fund balances, and FY 2027 requests, including an ongoing transfer of $1.15 million within the In Demand Careers Fund to support more Launch grants, a proposed consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council, and reappropriation authority for ARPA and other grant funds. Director Wendy Sechrist said Launch, workforce training grants, child care grants, and semiconductor-related grants have produced strong participation and wage gains, and she explained that the STEM education fund would be sunset under the merger. Members asked about the remaining STEM dedicated fund, the timing and impact of a proposed $10 million cash transfer from Launch, repayment of some Launch grants, and how much of the training funding goes to incumbent workers versus new hires.
The committee then reviewed the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dupree outlined the agency’s dedicated funds and FY 2027 requests for additional appropriation authority tied to Social Security reimbursements and adaptive aids store revenue, plus one-time vehicle replacement funding. Administrator Beth Cunningham said the agency uses those funds to support vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and surgeries for eligible clients without other coverage. Members asked about discrepancies in fund figures, the growth in the adaptive aids fund balance, and the effect of holdbacks on services; Cunningham said the cuts would modestly reduce client services, travel, and some site restoration support.
Finally, the Idaho State Historical Society presented its budget. Dupree described requests for $450,000 to complete the move of state records and collections into the new archives addition, $36,300 for IT hardware, and reappropriation authority for moving costs, along with prior enhancements for Old Pen staffing and archival work. Director Janet Gallimore emphasized stewardship of state records and artifacts, the importance of the move, and the agency’s role in Idaho’s America 250 efforts. Members praised the agency’s work and asked about historic preservation reviews and archaeological surveys; Gallimore said staff consult with federal agencies under the National Historic Preservation Act and agreed to provide travel records for surveys in Bonner County. The meeting ended with a presentation of historical artifacts and adjournment.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to start by thanking you for the opportunity to hear this really critical bill, and thank Senator
- So that's really why the sunset was set up, to make sure that you all had the opportunity to come back
- and evaluate the success of the program. ...was to make sure that you all had the opportunity to come
- Thank you for giving us an opportunity to speak. My name is Wayne Stansfield.
- Chair and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to sit and chat with you.
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB58, metropolitan redevelopment, redevelopment property, property tax exemption, payments in lieu of taxes, PILOT, municipal redevelopment, local government
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 101, which would repeal the July 1, 2030 sunset on the Health Care Delivery and Access Act and make the hospital provider-tax program permanent. The sponsor, the Health Care Authority secretary, and the New Mexico Hospital Association said the program has generated substantial federal Medicaid matching funds and has supported hospital workforce, quality, and infrastructure investments, especially in rural areas. Members asked why the sunset existed originally and whether federal changes under H.R. 1 would phase the program down; the secretary explained the sunset was meant as a review point, but that federal law now prevents creating a new similar program if this one expires. The committee heard support from hospital and business representatives, no opposition, and voted due pass 7-0.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the property tax abatement period for metropolitan redevelopment areas from a fixed seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and Albuquerque redevelopment officials said the change would give local governments more flexibility to structure projects based on financial need, while still preserving current tax payments and encouraging redevelopment of blighted or underused areas. Several supporters, including realtors and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, argued the longer window would improve certainty for developers and help spur housing and other reinvestment. Some members raised concerns about lost revenue for schools and whether the tool could be overused, but were told the program applies only in designated redevelopment areas and is intended to leverage future higher assessments. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 7-0.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 55, which increases New Mexico’s state solar tax credit from 10% to 30% after the federal credit was reduced, and raises the individual cap from $6,000 to $15,000 while keeping the overall annual program cap at $30 million. The sponsor and numerous solar industry, business, and clean-energy advocates said the change is needed to prevent layoffs, stabilize the rooftop solar market, support local jobs, and preserve grid and affordability benefits for customers. Members asked about permitting, certification, consumer protection, and whether battery storage was included; the sponsor said the bill covers rooftop solar only, the credit is refundable, and EMNRD certifies systems before credits are issued. The committee heard broad support, no opposition, and voted due pass 7-0 before adjourning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm grateful for the opportunity to be before you.
- I'm grateful for the opportunity to be before you.
- So thank you for this opportunity.
- Members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
- I appreciate the question and the opportunity to weigh in here.
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
Keywords:
sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you for the opportunity to be here today. Full support of the bill. Thank you.
- So we're really excited about this bill, excited about the opportunity to work holistically.
- I remember... ...excited about this bill, excited about the opportunity to work holistically.
- And thank you, Ranking Member Dent and the members of the committee for this opportunity.
- Thank you very much for this opportunity.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
Keywords:
HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum, BIPOC, tribal consultation, small farmers, diet-related health disparities, food affordability
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for this opportunity to testify and for considering our ferry communities. Thank you.
- Appreciate the opportunity to be here.
- Thank you, members of the Senate Transportation Committee, for this opportunity to address you on my
- Chair Liias, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity.
- Chair Liias, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify on this very important
Bills:
SB6005
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- THE SRLD COLLABORATED WITH SPECIALIST TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK AND COACHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR K2 TEACHERS
- AND COORDINATED MODEL LESSON OPPORTUNITIES.
- THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT REGIONAL LITERACY TEAMS. >> Chair Rizo: THANK
- NOW WE'RE SEEING THE OPPORTUNITY PURPOSE BUT DID HAVE DRAWBACKS.
- NOW WE'RE SEEING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR COURSE CORRECTIONS AND WE ARE SEEING IMPROVED STUDENT PERFORMANCE
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But we want to make sure that this is a win-win opportunity.
- And so I appreciate the opportunity to talk about how we can disincentivize.
- Folks were like family farms were out the door because there was an opportunity to build real estate.
- That's 1 billion opportunities to keep those dollars local.
- We've proudly been early advocates of this work because we've seen the benefits and the opportunities
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye.
AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote.
The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Are we working towards ensuring everybody has an opportunity for high skill, high wage jobs that they're
- I think we have many opportunities in the legislature to provide opportunities for children and families
- Senator Brantley: Voters to create an opportunity for our children.
- And I thought this was an excellent opportunity. Thank you, Madam Chair. We'll stand for questions.
- Thank you for the opportunity, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Roger.
Committee:
Senate Senate Rules
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- As advocates for state parks, we'd like to ensure transparency and opportunities for all Floridians to
- And thank you very much for the opportunity to speak. With that, I close.
- This provides that opportunity for them. I appreciate your opportunity to address the committee.
- We did not have an opportunity to get together and chat.
- We did not have an opportunity to get together and chat.
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met for its first meeting of session and heard four bills. HB 209, the State Parks Preservation Act, would limit development in state parks and require stronger public notice and participation for land management plan changes. Members discussed protections for cabins and existing lodging, and an amendment aligned the bill with the Senate and clarified conservation-based recreational uses. Support came from Audubon Florida, Nature Conservancy, and others, and the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute after a unanimous roll call.
HB 143 would create a Florida Resilient Buildings Tax Credit for new construction and retrofits that meet LEED-based resiliency standards, with a new advisory committee under DBPR to help administer the program. An amendment moved the process under DBPR, added UCF and FIU to the advisory council, and made technical conforming changes. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Boca Raton city council member and was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one no vote.
HB 295 would direct DEP to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan based on its 2020 recycling report, including education, market development, and recommendations for statutory changes. Testimony emphasized that the plan would be voluntary and would not impose costs or mandates on homeowners or businesses. The bill passed without amendments and was reported favorably. HB 585 would let owners of former phosphate mining lands record notice and obtain a Department of Health radiation survey to support a narrow defense against strict liability claims; an amendment clarified the notice content and limited the definition to mined lands, not gyp stacks. The bill drew extensive questions about notice, radiation thresholds, disclosure to buyers, and liability scope, but supporters from Mosaic, the Florida Chamber, and a health physicist argued it would improve transparency and help redevelop lands. It was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one soft yes and one no vote.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll give Representative Hill an opportunity to explain the bill.
- I want you, Senator Bell, to take full advantage of this opportunity and just remember the old adage
- I will say this: I've had the opportunity, just like she's sitting right by him, to sit right by the
- So basically what you're doing is you're giving a greater opportunity for the... giving a greater opportunity
- Good to see you too, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. the opportunity to speak
Bills:
HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, custodial sexual misconduct, sexual misconduct, inmate abuse, prisoner exploitation, correctional staff, jail staff, detention center, probation officer, parole officer, Department of Corrections, Department of Youth Services, sheriff, county jail, municipal jail
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Five - Thursday, May 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis County and City the opportunity to do that because it's a health thing.
- We have the opportunity to ensure the needs of families are met.
- We have the opportunity to ensure the needs of families. Proposed legislation.
- And, man, people really leapt to that opportunity.
- I appreciate the opportunity to visit about this today on the floor.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, for the opportunity to speak with you today.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
- I appreciate the opportunity to present AB 1757 to the committee.
- Thank you for the opportunity to support AB 2254.
- I think there's incredible opportunity.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate this opportunity. This is an important bill to our district.
- Thank you for that opportunity. Yes, sir.
- Thank you for that opportunity. Yes, sir.
- This is not an opportunity for them to debate you or us.
- This is an opportunity for them to answer a question as we discuss.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several wildlife-related bills. HB 2197, concerning camping near watering facilities, was amended to change the distance standard and remove language tied to domestic stock access; supporters said it would help protect ranch and wildlife water sources, while one member opposed it over expanded criminal penalties. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote.
HB 2497 would establish a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit restrictions on those activities. Supporters described it as an affirmation of existing rights and wildlife heritage, while opponents argued it would weaken Game and Fish authority and conflict with the 2010 voter rejection of similar language. After a technical amendment, the committee approved the bill 5-3.
The committee also advanced HB 2147, which requires landowner deer permits under certain conditions to address crop damage and wildlife conflicts; Game and Fish said population management hunts are already being used, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. HB 2158, which would classify bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves as predatory animals, drew strong opposition from Game and Fish and conservation groups over science-based management and endangered species concerns, but was still recommended do pass 5-3. HB 2159, allowing landowner permits for Mexican gray wolves and a compensated trapping program, was likewise opposed as conflicting with federal law and the Endangered Species Act, but was approved 5-3. The committee then began HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish commissioner to be a cattleman or rancher; Game and Fish opposed it, saying ranchers already have representation through the appointment process, and testimony continued as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Committee Jan 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, thanks so much for the opportunity to present SB 417.
- And given an opportunity to move into their own place where they're not living with family members or
- Housing programs give young people an opportunity, the time and space of two years or more to really
- And so one of the benefits of bonds is that it creates economic opportunity for people to work and it
- Thank you to the Chair and members for the opportunity to present SB 457 on behalf of Senator Becker.
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related measures, beginning with SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act. The bill would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow virtual contractor participation during inspections, and limit HOA barriers to installation. Supporters, including Spur, a contractor, and several clean-energy and environmental groups, said the measure would lower costs, reduce pollution, and speed replacements. The League of California Cities opposed the bill over the permit fee cap and concerns about virtual inspections, while committee members raised questions about HOA authority, electrical panel upgrades, and whether the bill could create unintended costs for local governments. SB 222 was approved 10-0 and sent to Local Government.
The committee then considered SB 677, a follow-up to SB 79. The author announced the bill had been narrowed to two items: mobile home exemption language and a future SB 79 cleanup bill in the next session, with the larger set of implementation issues to be handled separately. Local governments and counties said the reduced bill still needed clearer definitions and more implementation guidance, while several housing and transit advocates supported the narrowing and the decision to revisit the broader cleanup later. After the amendments were accepted, SB 677 passed 10-1 and was sent to Local Government.
The main debate centered on SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the 2026 ballot. Supporters, including the California Housing Consortium, labor, housing nonprofits, local governments, and many advocacy groups, argued that the state’s existing housing bond funds were exhausted, that thousands of shovel-ready projects were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and private capital to produce and preserve affordable homes. Opponents and skeptics focused on state debt levels, the cost of housing production, and whether another bond was the right approach, with Habitat for Humanity asking for a dedicated CalHome allocation. Committee members discussed debt capacity, affordability, homeownership, and the need to keep funding flowing to existing programs. SB 417 passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 492, a youth housing and youth center bond proposal, which the author said was intended to be folded into the larger housing bond package; testimony from Covenant House California emphasized the need to house transition-age youth and prevent long-term homelessness. No vote on SB 492 was shown in the transcript excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- So I know some of the folks that do want to speak on this bill will have an opportunity next week to
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, thanks so much for the opportunity to present SB 417.
- And given an opportunity to move into their own place where they're not living with family members or
- or more. housing programs give young people an opportunity, the time and space of two years or more
- Thank you to the Chair and members for the opportunity to present SB 457 on behalf of Senator Becker.
Committee:
Senate Housing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transparent Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance 12/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Co-Chair Scott, thank you again for the opportunity to testify today.
- Co-Chair Scott, thank you again for the opportunity to testify today.
- Co-Chair Scott, thank you again for the opportunity to testify today.
- </c><00:14:10.560><c> Um,</c> the opportunity to testify today.
- Um, the opportunity to testify today.