Video & Transcript Research : 'driving rules'
Page 48 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- address other barriers to legal driving. address other barriers to legal driving.
- <00:25:36.480>
It blocking them from legal driving. It blocking them from legal driving. - Drive to Thrive is a smart state. Drive to Thrive is a smart targeted<00:25:48.559>
investment. - But my question is, you know, we already have in place driving schools, private driving schools, and
- lane splitting and lane filtering rules. lane splitting and lane filtering rules.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
Transcript Highlights:
- And so what drives that? What drives that is something that takes decades to build, right?
- And I had a conversation with him, and I was just like, you know, why are you driving Uber?
- you know, and he said, well, I didn't make You know, why are you driving Uber, you know?
- That's why they're driving Uber. It's not because they're dumb.
- Under the new rules, this includes 11,000 parents, almost half of whom are Hispanic.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held a hearing on the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, the fourth in a series on federal impacts on racial equity. Chair Bud Williams and Chair Miranda opened by emphasizing that no bills were being heard and that the committee would instead take testimony from invited witnesses; public written testimony was also accepted. The chairs and witnesses repeatedly cited long-standing wealth disparities affecting Black and brown communities, including homeownership, wages, business ownership, and access to capital, and linked those disparities to federal policy changes, housing, education, health care, and workforce development.
Administration officials testified first. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones described persistent labor market disparities, including higher unemployment for Black and Latino residents, lower median hourly wages, and underemployment among degree holders, and highlighted state efforts such as ESOL-for-work funding, workforce training grants, MassHire career centers, skills-based hiring, and the state equity dashboards. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiami Mahania argued that poverty drives poor health, not the reverse, and said wealth gaps contribute to chronic disease, maternal health inequities, medical debt, and shorter life expectancy; she pointed to the Advancing Health Equity Massachusetts initiative, a health care affordability working group, and the governor’s push to bar medical debt from credit reporting. Assistant Secretary Juan Vega of EOED focused on entrepreneurship and procurement, citing technical assistance grants, founder support programs, place-based investment, the Business Front Door, and the need to broaden access to contracts, capital, and business growth opportunities.
Committee members pressed the panel on the effects of the federal “big beautiful bill” on households, especially single-parent and Black women-led households, and on whether the state could develop more timely data systems instead of relying on federal numbers. Officials said the impacts were still being monitored, but warned that Medicaid and SNAP changes would likely hit lower-income households and community institutions hard. Members also asked about unions and apprenticeships, microbusiness definitions, supplier diversity, pay equity, and degree inflation; the administration said registered apprenticeships and skills-based hiring are key tools, and noted that wage equity reporting is still in its early stages. Later testimony from BECMA’s Nicole O’Bean stressed that tariffs, DEI rollbacks, immigration enforcement, capital gaps, and federal funding cuts are constraining Black-owned businesses and inclusive procurement, while Gastón Institute researchers described severe Latino homeownership and rent burdens, educational inequities, and the need for housing, labor, and education policy changes to close the wealth gap.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They drive an hour one way, tearing up the road that way, and then they drive an hour back the other
- But we can agree that we don't have self-driving buses, do we? No. We have a driver.
- And providing a visible deterrent to dangerous driving behavior around school buses.
- So I guess what I'm driving at is, is that... Obviously, let me ask another question first.
- I passed the no texting while driving bill in this state, and it took me three times.
Bills:
HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a bill on the notice calendar requiring referral to a money committee pursuant to House Rule
- to a money committee pursuant<00:01:12.600>
to <00:01:12.720>House <00:01:13.080>Rule - pursuant to House Rule 35A. pursuant to House Rule 35A.
- Madam Speaker, I move that we suspend the rules to take up Senate Bill 198 for immediate consideration
- <00:07:19.400>
a an attorney could easily drive a an attorney could easily drive a straight
Summary:
The House opened with a moment of silence and handled several bill referrals and procedural matters. House Bill 957, relating to amendments to the charter of the town of Williston, received first reading and was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Senate Bill 255, establishing a pilot law enforcement government’s council in Windham County, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because it materially affects municipal revenue. The House also noted that Senate Bill 198, on regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, had been reported favorably with amendment by Commerce and Economic Development.
The chamber then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 198 and committed it to the Committee on Human Services pending its entry on the notice calendar. The House also adopted in concurrence Joint Senate Resolution 49, setting weekend adjournment so that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, April 17, 2026, they must reconvene no later than Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
During consideration of Senate Bill 218, relating to reducing chloride contamination of state waters, Representative Boutin offered a floor amendment aimed at strengthening municipal liability protections for towns participating in salt-reduction efforts. Supporters said the existing affirmative defense was too weak and could leave municipalities exposed to negligence claims despite their efforts to reduce salt use. Opponents, including members speaking for Judiciary and House Environment, argued the issue was legally complex, involved tort and insurance questions, and needed more vetting than a floor amendment; they also said the current bill already supports municipalities through certification and best-management-practices provisions. Both committees reported the amendment unfavorable, with Judiciary citing a 7-3-1 vote and House Environment a 10-1-0 vote.
The session ended with announcements recognizing guests in the gallery and a notice that House Democrats would caucus in Room 11, while Republicans and Progressives would not, followed by a recess until the gavel fell again.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- clause 6 of Rule 20.
- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 495.
- Green: I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill H.R. 862.
- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill H.R. 708.
- TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS THE BILL, H.R. 901.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- rule.
- rule.
- rule.
- rule.
- rule.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- A report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration, pursuant to Rules 1.21 and 3.33,
- For the ninth time driving unlicensed. Since that time, he's had five more unlicensed charges.
- Driving unlicensed is no different than driving under the influence, in my opinion, of an intoxicating
- Why is driving unlicensed treated as a lesser offense than other arguably equal offenses?
- Speed limit is, and then asking them to drive accordingly.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the rules for this weekend.
- <00:05:12.880>
committee We will be doing the rules committee We will be doing the rules committee - >> Um, I was looking at our rules.
- I'm reading that directly from the rules website.
- bills by our rules. I have read that. bills by our rules. I have read that.
Summary:
The House convened with 118 members present, opened with prayer, and proceeded through the day’s desk work. The clerk read introductory House bills 445 through 488, which were first read and referred to the appropriate committees, along with introductory House joint resolutions and several bond initiatives referred to Appropriations. A letter reassigning House Bill 149 to Economic Matters was also journalized. Committee announcements noted that several standing committees would not meet that day, while the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee would meet virtually on Monday at 1:00 p.m. because of the snowstorm; the fiscal briefing was moved to 4:00 p.m. on Zoom.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on questions about the Rules Committee hearing process for House Bill 488, the congressional redistricting bill. Members asked about witness sign-up timing, whether the weekend extension was allowed, and whether there were conflicts of interest in the process. The parliamentarian and Speaker responded that the chair has discretion, that testimony sign-up had been extended through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday due to weather, and that if there were no electricity on Monday the hearing would be rescheduled. The Speaker also said the fiscal note for HB 488 would be available before the hearing.
The rest of the session consisted largely of caucus, delegation, and guest announcements. Members announced upcoming meetings for the Waterman’s Caucus, Legislative Jewish Caucus, Women’s Caucus, LGBTQ+ Caucus, and a fire/EMS coalition, and noted the cancellation of an in-person Holocaust Remembrance event in favor of a virtual format. Guests and interns were recognized in the gallery, including representatives from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, 100 Black Men of Charles County, Howard University students, and several student interns. The House also recognized the pages for their service and celebrated Delegate Marlon Amprey’s upcoming birthday. The chamber then adjourned until Monday, January 26 at 8:00 p.m., with the public again invited to submit testimony over the weekend.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 23 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- anymore because it's not safe for them to drive anymore, uh, is not in the Department of Public Safety
- <00:23:20.120>
anymore maybe they're not even driving anymore maybe they're not even driving - because it's not safe for them to drive because it's not safe for them to drive anymore,<00:23:23.280
- She does not drive. That prevents a hardship for her.
- Uh, I've heard from different rules.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation by Brother Marvin Curtis, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine business followed, including dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports, and several items on the calendar were passed and retained without debate. The chamber then moved to nominations and concurrence items.
The main debate centered on Senate Bill 2588, the “Safeguard Honesty, Integrity and Elections for Lasting Democracy Shield Act.” Senator England moved to concur with House changes, explaining the bill would require voter-registration checks against DPS records and the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship, with the House amendment triggering SAVE review when no driver’s license or DPS information is available. Senator Blount opposed concurrence and moved to invite conference, arguing the bill could wrongly flag or burden lawful voters—especially elderly or inactive voters without current DPS records—and that the SAVE database was not designed to verify all state voter rolls. Senators Sparks and Dupree questioned Blount about whether the database would help prevent illegal voting and whether the bill’s process was similar to existing voter-roll maintenance procedures. England responded that the bill was narrowly tailored, not intended to disenfranchise anyone, and that even one non-citizen vote could undermine election integrity.
The Senate rejected Blount’s motion to invite conference and then adopted England’s motion to concur, passing the bill by a recorded vote of 20-31-16 as reported in the transcript. Earlier, the Senate also considered a nomination for the Emergency Communications Authority Advisory Board, with McClendon speaking against the nominee and Williams defending the appointment before the motion to table reconsideration prevailed. In other action, Senate Bill 2477, concerning Rural Health Transformation Fund monies and competitive bidding requirements, was explained by Senator Bryan as adding guardrails and prioritizing rural providers; it passed by use of the afternoon roll call.
At the end of the session, senators made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, including Judiciary, Forestry, Public Health and Welfare, and Gaming, and several members offered adjournments in memory of local residents and public figures. Senator England also thanked Elections Committee staff and noted that the committee’s work for the year was complete.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-27 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also use good faith standard for exceptions to the exclusionary rules.
- And you're driving in the same direction that that car was reported and driving in.
- Rosen bought a 256-room Quality Inn on International Drive in 1973. Mr.
- Additional announcements before I recognize our Rules Chair.
- Rules Chair Pasadomo, you are recognized for an announcement and a motion.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care.
The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery.
Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in the same position as your family in driving to work.
- It is going to drive and increase costs.
- And I would encourage you to sort of drive that for us.
- and regional air quality rules.
- $500,000 to build, drives up the cost by $50,000.
Summary:
The committee hearing centered first on AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would direct CalEPA to identify major fossil fuel companies, study California’s climate damages, and assess fees on the largest polluters to fund resilience, recovery, and related projects. The author and supporters argued the bill would make polluters help pay for climate harms, protect taxpayers, create jobs in construction and clean energy, and dedicate at least 40% of funds to disadvantaged communities. Support testimony came from environmental justice groups, labor, youth advocates, health organizations, and many individual witnesses, while opponents from the building trades, chambers of commerce, petroleum, and business groups warned it would raise fuel and consumer costs, threaten refinery jobs, and create legal and economic uncertainty. Committee members debated the bill’s impact on affordability, jobs, refinery closures, and whether cap-and-trade already addresses climate funding needs. The committee ultimately voted to give AB 1243 a due pass recommendation to the Judiciary Committee, with the roll left open.
After AB 1243, the committee moved to another bill on wildfire mitigation and related resilience work. The author said the measure addresses a long-running wildfire problem and accepted committee amendments, describing the bill as a response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons and the need to help communities stay safe and rebuild after disasters. The transcript cuts off as that presentation begins, so no final action on the second bill is shown in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I do want to pause there and lay some ground rules.
- I do want to pause there and lay some ground rules.
- There are institutional deeming rules or other rules for some of these situations, so it's not a kind
- So that also helps drive up sort of spending in Medi-Cal.
- with provider taxes as part of federal rule changes.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some general rules of conduct before we start our hearing today.
- And all these rules that are established are to protect the public.
- I feel like when rules become meaningless, why have the rules?
- They come with rules.
- They’re making them follow the rules, and they’re helping to rehabilitate them.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call.
The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call.
AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar.
Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Phantom load is driving the speculation, and that's driving capacity costs.
- . rule. rule.
- I've got a simple rule.
- We're driving down the highway.
- We're driving down the highway.
Summary:
The House convened with 117 members present, then 123 after a quorum call, and proceeded through routine introductions and referrals, including introductory House bills 959 through 1018, House Joint Resolution 8, House Simple Resolution 1, several Senate bills, and bond initiatives referred to Appropriations. The main floor item was House Bill 1, concerning investor-owned electric and gas utility cost recovery limitations, which was on third reading and final passage.
Debate on HB 1 focused on whether the bill would meaningfully lower utility bills and whether it was necessary given existing Public Service Commission authority. Supporters argued the bill would prevent ratepayers from bearing the cost of executive bonuses and other compensation above $250,000, saying utilities can still pay those costs from shareholder profits and that the measure would save money for customers, even if only modestly. Opponents argued the PSC already has authority to review executive compensation, warned the bill could be largely symbolic or misleading, and said it might encourage utilities to shift bonuses into base salaries or harm recruitment and service quality. Several members also argued the bill did not address other drivers of high bills, such as riders and program costs, and one member said the General Assembly itself was responsible for rising energy costs.
No final vote on HB 1 was shown in the transcript excerpt, but members on both sides stated their intended positions, with supporters urging a yes vote and opponents indicating they would vote no. The discussion ended with another member beginning remarks about taking on concentrated corporate power and standing with working people.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce committee debates HF1325 to change MN's earned sick, safe time law 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Besy. is a lot to administer these these rules is a lot to administer these these rules and<00:35:10.800
- to drive down to the fire station.
- to drive down to the fire station.
- to drive down to the fire station.
- to drive down to the fire station.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing.
Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill to establish a supplemental energy assistance program, HF771, heard in energy committee 3/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- of thumb is that costs um a rough rule of thumb is that an<00:04:42.639>
energy <00:04:43.039> - Most of the shutoffs occur between June and September, after the cold weather protection rules expire
- Most of the shutoffs occur between June and September, after the cold weather protection rules expire
- Most of the shutoffs occur between June and September, after the cold weather protection rules expire
- June and September, after the cold weather protection rules expire and when energy assistance is not
Summary:
House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection.
Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value.
Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to clause one of rule one, the journal stands approved.
- Pursuant to clause eight of rule votes.
- So turning to driving up energy costs.
- You know, I said at the rules accurate.
- The remaining to clause 9 of rule 20.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- One involved a situation where an individual was driving and swerved toward an officer.
- I oversee what she does, and I rule out the risk for its participants.
- The law already recognizes that intoxication impairs judgment when it comes to driving.
- The bill allows TDCJ to adopt rules relating to the leave pool.
- As a typical rule, we don't represent cases, but I think if you make that a hard and fast rule, particularly
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Recently, the rule period closed at the FCC level, and they're now considering comments on those rules
- And those are delineated with a rule-enforced definition.
- The chiefs set the rules as to how they...
- As I’ve experienced what you have and handled this issue, you set the rules... ...you set the rules.
- And if so, what's driving that?
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Drive on."
- Drive on." Thank you, Mr.
- Whitesides, for five minutes. change the rules. We are going to change the rules.
- clause 6 of rule 20.
- the rules and pass the bill as amended? the rules and pass the bill as amended?