Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :
Page 462 of 500
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Press Conference: Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Jul 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- state, and over 30 states in this nation.
- The expansion of Teacup was vitally important to our veterans in this state and vitally important to
- I started along this path a long time ago talking to veterans in this state.
- You've got the state of Colorado charging a 15% tax on recreational cannabis.
- So we have pickup locations now that are already spread out across the state.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-12
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- quorum is present, and we begin our meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
- Representative, to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands,
- I am a veteran, Mark Wiens from Washington County.
- Please state your name before you begin your testimony.
- Would you please state your name for the record and continue?
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- We do in fact have small data centers in the state of Vermont.
- They're centers in the state of Vermont.
- I am well aware of how difficult it is to develop here in the state of Vermont.
- No large data center is going to come to the state of Vermont.
- first states to do something.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Her heirs filed a claim for damages against fossil fuel companies in the state of Washington.
- But... ...way to other states, especially energy-producing states.
- to state.
- It states that you can't.
- It was in a horrible state.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- saying the state doesn't prevent or...
- Our state board of the AIA, we represent around 5,200 licensed architects across the state.
- of Washington bills as well.
- Well, in many of these states, they're also home-rule states, so we don't know what their adopted local
- There has been an enormous migration of business across the state line into the state of Kansas.
Committee:
House Commerce
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- someone who steals less than $2,500 and has two or more prior theft convictions can be charged with a state
- Theft convictions can be charged with a state jail felony.
- These particular class people never incur consequences beyond a state jail felony, and they're never
- And I have also the support from Montgomery County, Grimes County, Washington County, and Montgomery
- I just want to thank you on behalf of the people of the state of Texas. Appreciate that.
Summary:
The Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties met with a quorum present and first handled witness-registration corrections for House Bill 2461, changing one witness from support to neutral and deleting another registration; HB 2461 was left pending. The subcommittee then heard House Bill 3507, which would create a tiered penalty structure for repeat theft offenders by increasing penalties for those with five or more prior theft convictions. Representative Wharton and Walker County District Attorney Will Durham testified in support, arguing current law treats chronic shoplifters the same regardless of how many prior convictions they have. No opposition was presented, and HB 3507 was left pending.
The committee next heard House Bill 1871, which would increase penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, raise the minimum sentence to 25 years, and deny parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted. Representative Dyson, Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, Lieutenant Ed Ramirez, and Chief Deputy Constable Calder Lively testified in support, describing attacks on officers and arguing the bill would provide stronger deterrence and truth in sentencing. No questions or opposition were recorded, and HB 1871 was left pending.
House Bill 4911 followed, updating child exploitation laws to address AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse material by expanding definitions and criminalizing knowing possession or viewing of fake or computer-generated images depicting minors. Representative Fairly and Harris County DA’s Office division chief Steven Driver supported the bill, saying technology had outpaced existing law and that the measure would help protect children. A committee member raised concerns about broad affirmative defenses in the bill, and Representative Fairly said the office would work on an amendment. HB 4911 was left pending. Finally, on HB 795, Representative Bowers moved that the subcommittee report completion of deliberations and recommend the bill for full committee consideration; the motion passed 3-2, and the meeting adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Addressing Challenges and Concerns for EMS Workers - 09/04/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Following this senseless tragedy, our leadership publicly stated that the responders were, and I quote
- We do not recognize EMS as an essential service in the state.
- And they don't just cover Hennepin County; they cover the whole state.
- of EMS in the state as a whole.<00:28:17.600><c> John,</c> whole.
- If Washington wants to do something, this is what they can do. issue is the wheels moving means that
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> state aid. state aid.
- </c> than the state average. than the state average.
- It's an investment in our state. it. It's an investment in our state.
- There might If the state or any state chooses to If the state or any state chooses to fund<02:14:19.360
- c> religious, but the state or no state is religious, but the state or no state is ever<02:14:27.520>
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The state faces increased legal exposure, fiscal risk, and threats to federal funding under ICWA, the
- , I advocated in Washington, D.C. on behalf of murdered and missing Indigenous peoples.
- This funding helps move the state away from reactive response and toward prevention, accountability,.
- .. ...funding helps move the state away from reactive response and toward prevention, accountability,
- When the state invests in this task force, it sends a clear message that Indigenous lives matter and
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 226, which would appropriate $50 million for continued cleanup of abandoned uranium mine sites. Supporters, including Navajo and Pueblo advocates and conservation groups, described serious health and environmental harms from unreclaimed mines and argued state funding is needed because federal cleanup has been insufficient. One witness representing uranium companies said prior state funding helped clean up four sites in McKinley County and that additional money would continue meaningful progress. After questions about land ownership, cleanup responsibility, and existing budget funding, the committee adopted a due pass motion and approved the bill on a 4-0 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 242, which appropriates $3 million to CYFD’s Office of Tribal Affairs to contract for field liaisons to help ensure compliance with the New Mexico Indian Family Protection Act and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. The sponsor offered and the committee approved a technical amendment changing the bill to authorize multiple liaisons. Tribal advocates and child welfare organizations supported the measure, saying CYFD needs more capacity and accountability in Indian child welfare cases. The bill passed unanimously on a 4-0 due pass vote.
Next was Senate Bill 249, an appropriation to support the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force and related work in the Attorney General’s office, including maintaining a portal and IT support. Supporters said sustained funding is needed for accountability, coordination, data collection, and justice for Indigenous families, and that the issue remains a critical public safety and sovereignty concern. The sponsor noted he would continue working to fit funding into the budget. The committee voted due pass 4-0.
Finally, Senator Campos presented Senate Bill 201, which would appropriate $1.5 million to the Cultural Affairs Department for rural library operations in FY27, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund. He said the bill is intended to help additional rural libraries that qualify for grants and complements other library funding measures already considered. A Pueblo of Pojoaque lobbyist spoke in support, citing the bill’s importance to cultural integrity in northern New Mexico. The committee approved SB 201 on a 4-0 due pass vote and then recessed until the next meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , and state auditor-elect.
- </c><00:04:27.759><c> elect,</c> for the Secretary of State elect, for the Secretary of State elect,
- </c> attorney general elect, and state attorney general elect, and state auditor- auditor- auditor- elect
- </c> conjunction with state elections. conjunction with state elections.
- So just we appreciate the state.
Committee:
Senate Elections
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Apr 14th, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Washington on the Senate side—that's her language—and I like that, so I brought that back in.
- toward was this idea of siloing as a way to get rid of a lot of the issues that we saw around the state
- But I will say in response to what was stated a minute ago, the numbers are put in the auditor's form
- It's in the Senate, and right now it's in the Senate Select Committee on Property Taxes and the State
- Right now, it's in the Senate Select Committee on Property Taxes and the State Tax Commission.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- He has a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Iowa State." it's dispatched.
- This is absolutely distinct among the lower 48 states.
- </c> provided to the state right now. provided to the state right now.
- </c> natural gas within its state borders. natural gas within its state borders.
- </c> state faces compared to other states. state faces compared to other states.
Bills:
HF4770
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
Summary:
The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended.
The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data.
Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But under the current state of affairs, because it's not actual pending litigation—this is pre-litigation—a
- That is set by the state, and those prices for that fee for service as we were last updated in 2008.
- So does the state still continue to set the fees? Chair: You're recognized.
- Reilly Washington, Madison Clerk of Court and Comptroller waiving in support.
- Representative Nixon: Can you tell me when the first trust in the state of Florida was established?
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe it is part of the State Department. Yes. So, state again committee.
- But normally that's what we do with a state in state law.
- But normally that's what we do with a state in state law.
- But normally that's what we do with a state in state law.
- But normally that's what we do with a state in state law.
Summary:
The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.”
The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts.
Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (05/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> now requires all agencies in the state now requires all agencies in the state to<00:17:15.600><c
- And so, the state of New Hampshire.
- </c> state and local permits for approvals. state and local permits for approvals.
- </c> the state. the state. Okay.<00:53:21.599><c> Representative</c><00:53:22.160><c> Germana.
- </c><00:56:26.079><c> I</c> state-of-the-art. I I like going too. I state-of-the-art.
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on a non-germane amendment to SB 302, a Senate bill originally requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Representative Patenza explained that the amendment was intended to preserve and separate out language developed for the governor’s budget proposal and HB 2 concerning a solid waste facility site evaluation committee, a moratorium, and related public-benefit/site-benefit provisions, so the policy would still have a vehicle if the budget language did not advance. He said the proposal reflects extensive work by the House, the governor’s office, and DES, and he was open to further changes to align with any budget conference committee outcome.
Dr. Adam Finkele testified in support of the amendment and the underlying site evaluation concept, arguing that landfill siting decisions should be based on cost-benefit analysis that includes public harms, local impacts, and regional impacts rather than only private benefits. He praised the committee process and prior legislation requiring agencies to respond substantively to public comments, and said the new language improves on the governor’s version by moving the committee’s review earlier in the process and requiring more complete application information, including alternatives and impacts on nearby wells and aquifers. He also supported a three-year moratorium on new landfill applications, saying it would give the state time to address leachate, PFAS, waste reduction, and weak siting rules.
Members asked about possible conference committee changes, the value of having a separate review body, and whether the new rules would invite litigation. Dr. Finkele said he would likely sue over the rules because he считает them too weak, but also said the legislature could fix the problems through other bills such as HB 77. He acknowledged that the site evaluation committee is not a perfect solution, but said it is a useful intermediate step between the agency and the courts and likely would meet only rarely if capacity need remains the main trigger for future landfill decisions. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Capitol Commission Feb 2nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's call this Missouri State Capitol Commission meeting to order.
- Washington. Wassinger? Present. Witzel? Here. Zellers. Here. There are seven members present.
- department went around and identified 200-year-old trees, or possibly 200-year-old trees, around the state
- What's been made has seconded that we received as stated. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.
- Motion has been made, seconded, and passed that we proceed with a motion as stated.
Summary:
The Missouri State Capitol Commission met with a quorum present and approved the minutes from its November 3, 2025 meeting. Members also discussed tentative meeting dates for 2026, including May 4, August 3, and November 2, all at noon. A representative from the Missouri Department of Conservation then provided an update on the America 250 “Liberty Tree” effort, explaining plans to plant a heritage white oak-family tree at the Capitol Complex in late March and to identify and map surviving historic Liberty Trees across the state.
The main substantive discussion focused on the Capitol restoration project and the need to hire an owner’s representative. Members reviewed the construction subcommittee’s work, Parsons Engineering’s review, and the goal of keeping the project within the $595 million budget while addressing restoration, ADA, HVAC, mezzanines, fiber optics, and parking needs. After clarifying the procurement process, the commission voted to authorize the Office of Administration and FMDC to prepare an RFQ/RFP for an owner’s representative, subject to appropriations, with the understanding that the commission will later review and approve the selection process and candidate recommendations.
Commission staff also explained that the owner’s representative selection would use the state’s qualification-based process, including an open solicitation, scoring, a shortlist of three, interviews, and a final recommendation, with the process expected to take about 19 weeks. Near the end of the meeting, a member moved to approve planting the Show-Me 250 Liberty Tree on the Capitol grounds, and the commission unanimously approved that motion before adjourning.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> legislature of the state of Wyoming. legislature of the state of Wyoming.
- </c> legislature of the state of Wyoming. legislature of the state of Wyoming.
- </c> legislature of the state of Wyoming. legislature of the state of Wyoming.
- </c> state of Wyoming. state of Wyoming.
- </c> of kids across our state. of kids across our state.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/20/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:03.679><c> your</c> shooter if you could please state your shooter if you could please state
- </c><00:36:09.040><c> your</c> and um Miss Beasley please state your and um Miss Beasley please state
- </c><00:43:57.200><c> of</c> was a deep concern about the state of was a deep concern about the state
- </c> from our UDS colleagues in other states from our UDS colleagues in other states we<01:25:24.119>
- In the state of Washington, younger children can negotiate up to 50% or 80% of the foster care rate,
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (12-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- state.
- So, the state dollars out to the state.
- license in the state of have a state license in the state of Kentucky<00:40:12.640><c> and</c><00:40:
- It falls on the state. MAHA Institute is there to support the state legislature.
- I looked at the states.
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month.
Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered.
Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.