Video & Transcript Research : 'harm reduction'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- think the impetus behind this is that if we went all the mail order, there probably going to be a reduction
- think the impetus behind this is that if we went all the mail order, there probably going to be a reduction
- Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the best paths to maximize cost reduction
- , Maria to on behalf of Michelangelo, we will stand on our written testimony with comments. cost reduction
- and minimize financial cost reduction and minimize financial risk<00:25:16.640>
to <00:25:16.880
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, mail-order pharmacy, insurance, healthcare access, chronic disease management, cost savings, rural access, emergency healthcare, patient adherence, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred.
The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is.
For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:29:43.360>
The <01:29:43.560>amendment reduction aid payment. - The amendment reduction aid payment.
- And I was just flipping through the front and I saw with interest disparity reduction aid, right?
- So they're sort of subject to these maximum rate reduction amounts.
- But other than rate reduction amounts.
Keywords:
property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 9 minutes, then took up House File 2988, which would extend for eight more years a sales tax exemption tied to Minnesota State High School League tournament ticket revenue that is funneled into the league’s foundation and returned to schools as grants. Chair Youakim and Executive Director Eric Martins said the program sends more than $1.1 million annually back to schools for activity fee reductions, scholarships, coaching and training, AEDs, late buses, and other school needs, with over 98% of funds going directly to schools. Representative Huot and others spoke in support, while Representative Robinson questioned the structure and suggested the state could instead simply reduce ticket prices and not tax the tickets. The committee laid HF 2988 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.
The committee then heard House File 4906, as amended, which would create a one-time property tax refund in calendar year 2026 for owners of residential homesteads and the homestead portion of agricultural property, funded by a $4 billion appropriation in fiscal year 2027. The bill includes a clawback for delinquent taxpayers and offsets to ensure no one receives more in property tax refunds than they paid. A House Research staffer said the Department of Revenue viewed the refund as potentially taxable, while House Research said it likely should be treated as a recovery of prior taxes, and the two would follow up. The bill was introduced with testimony from Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota and Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, both of whom opposed it, arguing it would create a large budget hole, force future cuts, and disproportionately benefit homeowners while excluding renters and lower-income Minnesotans.
Several members also raised concerns. Representative Hewitt said the state should prioritize public safety, rural EMS, and safety-net hospitals rather than a large rebate, and Representative Youakim argued the money would be better spent on longer-term property tax relief and education funding. Representative Hollins said the proposal would worsen racial and wealth inequities because homeownership is lower among communities of color and renters would get nothing. In response, the author and supporters said the bill is meant to put money back into people’s budgets and that individuals should be able to decide how to use their own money. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s size and fiscal impact, but no final action on HF 4906 was taken in the portion provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 24th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Local and County Government
Keywords:
zoning, municipal compensation, property rights, financial impact, reversion ordinance, solid waste management, municipal authority, regulatory fees, waste reduction, environmental impact, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants, racially restrictive covenants, housing discrimination, Fair Housing Act, plats, subdivision plats, residential additions, county clerk, municipal ordinance
MN
Keywords:
individual income tax, retirement contributions, tax corrections, annuity contracts, tax year attribution, tax credit, economic development, community investment, data disclosure, Minnesota regulations, tax increment financing, municipal authority, job creation, transferred increment, public hearing, nonresident employees, income tax exemption, Minnesota taxation, employment duties, tax withholding
TX
Bills:
HB 44, HB 2200, HB 1612, HB 2747, HB 2038, HB 3717, HB 1431, HB 3800, HB 3801, HB 3560, HB 3246
Keywords:
cremation, natural organic reduction, health and safety, environmental concerns, funeral services, medical licensing, physician graduates, healthcare access, occupational licensing, foreign medical graduates, cell-cultured protein, food safety, human consumption, agriculture, food labeling, healthcare workforce, advisory board, Texas Workforce Commission, resource guide, education collaboration
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Keywords:
golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably.
The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- These targets are to be aligned with the greenhouse gas reductions of 90% for the portfolio, so that's
- measuring energy use, we keep all those measurements, but the target is actually measured in the reduction
- 35.080>
the the target is actually measured in the the target is actually measured in the reduction - gas, reduction of greenhouse gas, right?
- We have one bite of the apple for all of these buildings to get energy efficiency reductions in the most
Keywords:
Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I sit before you today to not ask, but tell you that HF 29 only serves to harm students of Minnesota,
- In ethnic studies, we learn to confront history honestly by acknowledging both harm and resilience.
- tell you that HF 29 only serves to harm tell you that HF 29 only serves to harm students<00:42:04.400
- <00:42:23.640>
and Honestly by acknowledging both harm and Honestly by acknowledging both - a harmful because it suspends<00:47:04.640>
the <00:47:04.760>adoption <00:47:05.160>
Keywords:
railroad, infrastructure, transportation funding, environmental remediation, capital investment, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (8-20-24)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdJBdPEWNQY, 2026-06-21T07:17:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Moment of Silence – 00:00:14
Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:58
New Commissioner Intro and Priorities – 00:04:26
Approval of Minutes – 00:41:33
Public School Restrooms – 00:41:51
Title IX – 01:32:35
Red Tape Reduction – 01:36:52
Consideration of Admin Regs – cut off, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 12th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It collapsed very early, and it caused significant economic harm.
Keywords:
crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2B program, H-2A program, labor shortage, temporary workers, Louisiana economy, HCR77, crawfish industry, H-2B visa, seasonal labor, agriculture, immigration, arborist, property disputes, tree trimming, neighborhood, landowner rights, Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District, board of commissioners
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- seriousness of this crime, we may better protect our state's youngest and most vulnerable residents from harm
Keywords:
balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism, HCR 9
MN
Keywords:
data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, income tax, tax brackets, tax adjustments, Minnesota, tax policy, underutilized buildings, adaptive reuse, building conversion, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, vacant property, vacancy reduction, refundable tax credit, income tax credit, grant in lieu of credit
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it’s misleading to take an isolated example of harm by a psychologist.
- So, it’s misleading to take an isolated example of harm by a psychologist.
- So, instead of focusing on imaginary harm to Kauai, we should be talking about the real harm of patients
- So, instead of focusing on imaginary harm to Kauai, we should be talking about the real harm of patients
- of focusing on imaginary harm of focusing on imaginary harm to<00:16:20.480>
Kauai, <00:16
Keywords:
youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need.
The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.
HI
Bills:
SB874, SB2098, SB2110, SB2126, SB2154, SB2160, HB818, SB2047, SB2116, SB2246, SB2250, SB2334, SB2505, SB2520, SB2561, SB2721, SB2820, SB2971, SB3019
Keywords:
veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, Hawaii agriculture, plant propagation, conservation, soil health, climate change, food security, small farmers, technical assistance, Hawaii, grant program, small farms, midsize farms
TX
Keywords:
balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism, HCR 9
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's labeled the Paperwork Reduction Act, but really what we're looking at doing is updating the SSIS
- but it was the um it's labeled the but it was the um it's labeled the paperwork<00:01:19.439>
reduction - act<00:01:20.079>
but <00:01:20.240>really <00:01:20.400>what paperwork reduction - act but really what paperwork reduction act but really what we're<00:01:20.759>
looking <00:01
Keywords:
child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services, welfare administration, Minnesota tribes, child care assistance, CCAP, program integrity
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Both of us are US retired military, so we're not going to do anything that's going to harm our veterans
- They did add a reduction of up to two pay grades for an enlisted member who is an E6 and below.
Keywords:
veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This does not stop people from bringing legitimate claims against businesses or industry if there is harm
- responsibly managed at the end of the project's lifecycle using Louisiana's existing recycling and waste reduction
- HB 621 is straightforward. ...and waste reduction framework.
Keywords:
fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 24th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Keywords:
racketeering, gambling crimes, law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice, temporary restraining orders, abuse prevention, evidence, court procedures, legal protections, felony speeding, traffic laws, penalties, elderly, infirmities, abuse, neglect, crime of violence, criminal liability, caregiver
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:12:44.560>
AI <01:12:44.960>could <01:12:45.120>actually <01:12:45.440>harm - They would set some prohibitions on the most harmful uses and responsible use guardrails.
- harmful uses and responsible use guard harmful uses and responsible use guard rails<01:18:26.640>
- ,<01:31:50.239>
discrimination, <01:31:50.960>or would cause harm, discrimination, - or would cause harm, discrimination, or otherwise<01:31:51.600>
violate <01:31:52.080>law
Keywords:
HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, 1099, W-9, W-4, newly hired workers, rehired employees