Video & Transcript : 'digital opportunities' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair and committee members, for the opportunity to present House File 4371.
  • Chair, for this opportunity and appreciate all of your support.
  • </c><00:03:32.240><c> all</c><00:03:32.320><c> of</c> this opportunity and appreciate all of this opportunity
  • Thank you for the opportunity to hear House File 2817.
  • I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you today.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We pre-filed the bill to give everyone an opportunity to look at it.
  • So we are giving them that opportunity.
  • Okay, but this is the opportunity to be invited.
  • that ample opportunity would mean...
  • So there is a working process here to ensure that they will get ample opportunity.
Summary: The Committee on House and Governmental Affairs met on March 18 and first adopted the minutes from its February 21 meeting. The committee then took up HB 250, which would have narrowed financial disclosure requirements for appointed, unpaid board and commission members by exempting immediate family information. Supporters said the bill would reduce burdens and help recruit volunteers, while opponents argued it would weaken ethics enforcement and create opportunities for undisclosed conflicts of interest. After debate and a roll call, the committee deadlocked and HB 250 failed to advance on a 6-6 vote with one abstention. The committee next considered HB 576, which transfers ownership and maintenance responsibility for the Old Governor’s Mansion to the Department of State and codifies its current operational role. Secretary of State Nancy Landry and mansion staff testified in support, describing expanded programming, increased visitors, and the need to align the statute with current practice. The committee adopted technical amendments and then reported HB 576 favorably without objection. The committee also heard HB 117, which recreates the Department of State and its statutory entities through July 1, 2033, and reported it favorably without objection. The major remaining item was HB 842, the annual omnibus elections bill, which makes numerous technical and substantive changes to election law, including voter assistance for people with disabilities, absentee ballot and petition procedures, inactive voter updates, and election contest deadlines. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns about disability documentation, absentee ballot curing, witness requirements, constitutional amendment challenge deadlines, and the scope of authority given to the Secretary of State, while others said the bill clarified existing practice and improved election administration. After adopting amendments and rejecting a motion to defer, the committee reported HB 842 favorably by an 8-5 vote.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for the opportunity.
  • So, talking about challenges and opportunities, the focus, So talking about challenges and opportunities
  • So they create more opportunity for our in-person students.
  • So they create more opportunity for our in-person students.
  • It's getting late in the process to do that, but I always wanted that opportunity.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The Higher Education Funding Committee met to discuss possible changes to North Dakota’s higher education funding formula, with a particular focus on separating the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences MD program from the general formula. Dr. Jenkins outlined several options for the MD program, including a fixed-funding model, a hybrid model, or keeping it in the formula, and emphasized the need to preserve strong support for medical education while making future funding clearer. He also discussed efforts to increase the share of North Dakota students in the MD program through ND85, expanded recruiting, early acceptance pathways, MCAT prep, a four-plus-one program, and the Primary Care Accelerated Track, along with future cost pressures such as AI licensing and residency growth. The committee then reviewed a simplified funding model from the University System Office that would base funding more heavily on student FTE, credentials awarded, and a few incentive factors such as small institution and research adjustments. Members questioned the use of placeholder numbers, the lack of a clear methodology for the small institution and research factors, and whether the model would adequately account for differences among institutions, high-cost programs, and graduate education. Several members raised concerns that arbitrary factors would be hard to defend politically and could distort funding or create competition between schools, while others said the exercise was useful as a starting point for discussion. Alex presented a second alternative that kept the current SIP-code structure but increased CTE weighting, added a progressive economic size factor, and separated out the MD program. His model also added an on-campus face-to-face headcount component and a credentials component, with the intent of rewarding in-person enrollment and completions. Members questioned the use of headcount instead of FTE, how hybrid, online, dual-credit, and off-campus students would be treated, and why face-to-face enrollment was weighted more heavily than completion. No formal votes or final actions were taken; the committee instead continued discussion and asked members to provide direction on which elements, if any, should be developed further.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • to be able to implement needed projects, and so we certainly appreciate that opportunity.
  • . opportunity. opportunity.
  • So, appreciate the opportunity to explain that.
  • So, appreciate the opportunity to explain that.
  • We're honing in on those opportunities and seeing them be successful.
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the July 15 minutes by voice vote after quorum was reached. The committee heard an update from the Transportation Cabinet on the road fund for FY 2024-25. Cabinet staff reported road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, with motor vehicle usage tax receipts setting an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Motor fuels tax revenue was below estimate and down from the prior year, while overall road fund collections totaled $1.86 billion, essentially flat year over year. Staff said the road fund ended FY25 with a $61.6 million surplus, which under the budget bill must be appropriated to state construction. Members discussed the gas tax formula, with Senator Higdon arguing it no longer works well because revenues fall when fuel prices fall, and the chair noting the committee may need to revisit the formula. The committee then received an update on High Growth County projects in the 2024 highway plan. KYTC said $16 million in HGC authorizations had been made, nine projects already had construction funds authorized or were otherwise underway, 12 more were scheduled to be let by the end of 2025 with estimated construction costs above $250 million, and one additional project was expected to be awarded through alternative delivery. The cabinet said it anticipated authorizing the full $450 million appropriated by the General Assembly. Members praised the effort and emphasized the need to get projects to market before the next budget cycle. Jason Sala of KYTC also explained why transportation projects take time, citing planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation as major steps that can delay delivery. He said these processes are complex and require coordination with property owners, utilities, consultants, contractors, and local governments. Eric Pelfrey then briefed the committee on professional and personal service contracts, saying they are used to expand cabinet capacity for design, inspections, right-of-way appraisal, safety, and related work. He reported that authorizations and payments for these contracts have trended upward over the past decade, and that the number of contracts has also increased. In response to questions, Pelfrey said design-build can speed some projects by overlapping steps, but it does not eliminate right-of-way or utility work when those are required; he said KYTC has been using alternative delivery more often, but project complexity still limits how quickly work can move.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/25

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Appreciate the opportunity to speak.
  • Appreciate the opportunity to of times.
  • Um, and thank you, Chair Igo, for the opportunity.
  • Um, so as a first-time opportunity.
  • Thank you, Chair Howard, and thank you, Chair Igo, for the opportunity.
Keywords: 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for this opportunity to provide strong support for Raymond.
  • Thank you for this for the opportunity<00:09:21.760><c> to</c> opportunity to opportunity to submit<00
  • /c><00:10:04.160><c> strong</c> this opportunity to provide strong this opportunity to provide strong
  • Thank you so much for this opportunity to testify.
  • </c><00:17:46.960><c> to</c> you so much for this opportunity to you so much for this opportunity to
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HWN-EIG, HWN, HWN-HOU, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2025

Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's another concern that we have, and we just appreciate this opportunity to testify.
  • I appreciate the opportunity to testify and am happy to answer any questions. Thank you all.
  • Chair, but I appreciate the opportunity to testify.
  • Chair Watson, thank you very much for the opportunity to listen in.
  • Chair, but I appreciate the opportunity to testify.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:26:58.880><c> for</c> it was kind of a missed opportunity for it was kind of a missed opportunity
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
  • Uh my the opportunity to to testify.
  • </c> the opportunity to testify. the opportunity to testify.
  • ><c> to</c><01:23:00.000><c> recognize</c> this is an opportunity to recognize this is an opportunity
Bills: HF3373 , HF4449 , HF3486 , HF4180 , HF4227 , HF2505
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And third, economic opportunity.
  • </c><00:15:41.440><c> Uh</c> exciting about this opportunity. Uh exciting about this opportunity.
  • </c> opportunity for the whole egg community. opportunity for the whole egg community.
  • </c><00:57:33.760><c> In</c> the opportunity to testify today. In the opportunity to testify today.
  • </c> Thank you for giving us an opportunity Thank you for giving us an opportunity to<01:08:19.040><c
Bills: HF2103 , HF4508
NE

Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 7th, 2026

Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I wanted to take an opportunity. Mr. President, so I want to continue on.
  • You have an opportunity to appeal any of these decisions.
  • And you get multiple opportunities to air your decision.
  • You have an opportunity to appeal any of these decisions.
  • There is multiple opportunities and multiple layers for individuals to share.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I'm happy to answer any questions.
  • This bill recognizes that not all roles have the opportunity to sit at all times.
  • to sit at all have the opportunity to sit at all times. times. times.
  • </c><00:29:49.360><c> to</c><00:29:49.480><c> sit</c> the opportunity to sit the opportunity to sit where
  • </c> The Chamber appreciates the opportunity The Chamber appreciates the opportunity to<00:34:33.359>
Bills: HF3878 , HF4131 , HF3796 , HF4097
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 3/5/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:12:56.000><c> This</c><00:12:56.240><c> new</c><00:12:56.480><c> hospital</c> opportunity to
  • This new hospital opportunity to tour.
  • So, this would give us an opportunity to make that instead of $5 million, almost a $7 million project
  • We're also putting more emphasis on leasing opportunities when DNR offices and storage buildings are
  • We appreciate the opportunity to be here today and we're happy to take any questions.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It constrains opportunities and it creates challenges and sets up for conflicts.
  • </c> in expanding uh business opportunities in expanding uh business opportunities whether<00:24:55.440
  • 40.000><c> it</c> It constrains opportunities and it It constrains opportunities and it creates<00:25
  • </c><01:02:27.520><c> to</c> and thank you for the opportunity to and thank you for the opportunity to
  • </c><01:35:59.920><c> to</c> within the metro area the opportunity to within the metro area the opportunity
Keywords: 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.
  • Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this issue.
  • Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this issue.
  • Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this issue.
  • </c><02:10:14.199><c> if</c> me that there's an opportunity if me that there's an opportunity if there's
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I am representing the 87 elected sheriffs across the state.
  • to speak uh I am the opportunity to speak uh I am representing<00:05:23.680><c> the</c><00:05:23.800
  • Chair and committee, for the opportunity to share a perspective on support of this bill.
  • to share a committee for the opportunity to share a perspective<00:30:53.679><c> on</c><00:30:53.880
  • </c> right so I think we have the opportunity right so I think we have the opportunity now<01:04:54.760
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 4/3/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
  • </c> opportunity we cannot afford to miss. opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
  • Thank you for the opportunity for me to testify today.
  • Uh my name opportunity to testify today.
  • Grand Avenue transit opportunities.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we want to thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning on House 54435 legislation filed
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
  • On behalf of the over 12,000 members and retirees of the PFFM, I want to thank you for the opportunity
  • Thank you for this opportunity to testify before the Joint Committee this morning.
  • I appreciate the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Spinelli family and myself.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing and took up late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on firefighter and police personnel matters. The committee heard strong support for H.5429/H.6138, Governor Healey’s bill to provide injured-on-duty compensation and full pay and benefits to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli after he was seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Testimony from Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, PFFM leaders, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, and others emphasized that Spinelli was performing public service training work, that the incident exposed gaps in coverage for firefighters serving in academy roles, and that the bill should be a prompt, statewide fix. Several speakers also urged future legislation to address broader policy gaps for DFS support-branch and part-time personnel. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H.54435, to allow Police Chief Neil Hovey to continue serving until age 68 or retirement. Rep. Kristen Kasner and local officials praised Hovey’s leadership, training, regional coordination, and management of public safety at the Topsfield Fair, and asked for favorable passage. In addition, Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Joe McKenna testified for S.3051, a bill to provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, describing his death while assisting a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and the town’s support for honoring his family. PFFM and other police/fire union representatives generally supported the firefighter and LaPorta bills, while PFFM also stated opposition to H.5389, a separate bill authorizing continued employment of the Upton police chief. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote during the hearing.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 3rd, 2026

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we want to thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning on House 54435, legislation filed
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
  • On behalf of the over 12,000 members and retirees of the PFFM, I want to thank you for the opportunity
  • Thank you for this opportunity to testify before the Joint Committee this morning.
  • I'm the chief of the Chelmsford Fire Department, and I thank you for the opportunity to appear before
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on three measures. The largest portion of the hearing concerned H. 5429/H. 6138, Governor Healey’s bill to ensure Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli receives full injured-on-duty pay and benefits after being seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Legislators, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Chelmsford Fire officials, and family members described the injury, the gap in coverage created by his dual status as a Chelmsford firefighter and academy staff member, and the need for a broader statewide fix for similar situations. Committee members expressed support and noted the bill should be treated like existing protections for police officers injured while working outside their home municipality. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H. 545, allowing Police Chief Neil Hovey to remain in service until age 68 or until relieved by the select board. Supporters said Hovey is a strong regional leader, has helped prepare for major public safety events like the Topsfield Fair, and should be retained because of his experience and fitness. Members and local officials urged favorable passage, and no opposition was raised. A third bill, S. 3051, would provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, who died while assisting a stranded motorist during a winter storm. Senator Ryan Fattman, Representative Joe McKenna, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the officer’s service and the impact on his family. The town of Uxbridge was said to support the measure. At the end of the hearing, no additional testimony was offered and the committee voted to adjourn.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 3rd, 2026

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we want to thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning on House 54435, legislation filed
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
  • On behalf of the over 12,000 members and retirees of the PFFM, I want to thank you for the opportunity
  • Thank you for this opportunity to testify before the Joint Committee this morning.
  • I'm the chief of the Chelmsford Fire Department, and I thank you for the opportunity to appear before
Bills: S3051 , H5380 , H5384 , H5389 , H5420 , H5428 , H5427 , H5429 , H5435
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're here to talk about life-altering mistakes and just how pivotal an opportunity can be in turning
  • So as we continue to make these opportunities more accessible, we will continue to see folks better support
  • That's why I introduced AB 1565, which would give job opportunities for formerly incarcerated people
  • This resolution is an opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.
  • I've had the opportunity to tour both areas and see the rich history of the Vietnamese community in both
Keywords: 988, house, all