Video & Transcript Research : 'priority'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WHEN IT COMES TO LOGISTICS NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART AS FORMER ARMY LOGISTICS AND LOOKING AT THE PRIORITIES
- FTM HAS RECOMMENDED REMOVING THE REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WHEN IT COMES TO
- BUT THE COUNTY IN THIS INSTANCE SUPPORTS THIS PLAN TO MOVE THE REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL AND PRIORITY
- AND WE LITERATELY OUR DIRECTOR, OUR TOP PRIORITY IS ENGAGED AND LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY.
- WE HAVE INVESTED OVER $3 BILLION IN THOSE FACILITIES AND WE HAVE PLACED A LARGE PRIORITY ON PUSHING INVESTMENT
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Energy Resources S/C Underground Facility Safety Oct 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Energy's highest priority. Part of our safety culture is keeping our underground assets safe.
- CenterPointe's top priorities to include in an updated law are first mandatory Texas 8-1-1 membership
- Asset protection and water loss mitigation are core priorities for SAWS.
- I would like to share with the committee USIC's top priorities to be addressed and the law that will
- It's our main priority.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Your leadership ensured that every article... ...of this budget reflects the values and priorities of
- This budget turns our promises into action and gives lasting weight to our priorities.
- Despite these new funding demands, we sought the... ...balance the core priorities of the Senate while
- And more importantly, uh,... it shows where the priority is.
- Clearly a top priority for Texas. Yes, it will continue to be so.
Bills:
SB27, SB1494, SB2121, SB2373, SB2431, SB1, SB8, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB30, SB37, SB260, SB268, SB331, SB379, SB441, SB447, SB457, SB568, SB650, SB763, SB1405, SB1506, SB1540, SB1566, SB1610, SB1637, SB1660, SB2018, SB2024, SB2217, SB2308, SB2337, SB2601, SB2753, SB2878, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB4, HB40, HB46, HB119, HB145, HB300, HB493, HB705, HB1545, HB2011, HB2017, HB2067, HB2516, HB2885, HB2963, HB2974, HB3071, HB3372, HB3556, HB3595, HB3642, HB3909, HB5138, HB5246, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59, SR634, SR687, SR703, SR709, SR715, SB1494, SB2121, SB2373, SB2431, HB46, SB1, SB8, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB37, SB260, SB331, SB379, SB441, SB447, SB457, SB568, SB763, SB1405, SB1540, SB1566, SB2018, SB2308, SB2337, SB2878, SB3059, HB705, HB2017, HB2067, HB3071, HB3372, HB3556, HB3595, HB3909, HB5246
Keywords:
elections, local governance, political subdivisions, general elections, Texas Election Code, data brokers, personal data, regulation, business entities, consumer protection, financial exploitation, artificial intelligence, phishing, legal liability, criminal offense, civil penalty, foreign language, study abroad, higher education, language credit
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, I've been critical, as you know, this session about some of our priorities, but this certainly
- should be our top priority in the Senate.
- should be our top priority in the Senate.
- should be our top priority in the Senate.
- in the Senate Misty is good to priority in the Senate Misty is good to see<00:26:38.720>
you <
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:29
SB 162 Discussion 01:03
SB 162 Vote 13:48
SB 1 Discussion 14:49
SB 1 Vote 34:43
SB 25 Discussion 38:45
SB 25 Vote 40:31
SB 50 Discussion 41:09
SB 50 Vote 42:55, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, a measure on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said the bill would create a clearer process for state unemployment staff to refer suspected fraud cases, especially smaller-dollar cases that may not draw federal attention, and would help protect employers and the integrity of the unemployment system. Testimony from Brian Sikma supported the bill as a common-sense anti-fraud proposal, but several senators raised concerns that suspending benefits during an investigation could unfairly burden claimants, especially if the claim later proves legitimate. The sponsor and witness said the bill was intended to allow quick adjudication and that benefits could be reinstated after review, and the sponsor noted the referral process would include identifying information and details about the suspected fraud. The committee then voted on the bill; it passed with favorable expression, 8-1, and was sent to the floor.
The committee then returned to Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and Film Commission and fund the office with a portion of the state transit tax and production-related fees. Senator Wheeler and invited guests described the bill as an economic development and tourism measure meant to expand Kentucky’s film industry, attract productions statewide, and build on existing tax credits. Witnesses, including Mary K. Po... and Misty Wrigley Miller, said a state film office would help market locations, provide a searchable database for producers, and make it easier for rural communities to compete for productions. They cited an economic impact study showing about $200 million in film-related economic activity in 2022, with additional ripple effects and tax revenue, and argued the office would help create jobs and workforce opportunities for Kentuckians.
Members generally praised the concept of Senate Bill 1 and compared Kentucky’s potential to Georgia’s film industry growth. Witnesses said Kentucky already has strong incentives but needs a dedicated office and commission to better promote the state and coordinate production activity. The discussion emphasized that the commission would help ensure a return on investment and that local crews and businesses would benefit from more productions. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill and questions from senators, with no final vote on Senate Bill 1 shown in the excerpt.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- Created funding for mental schools was also a top priority of our grantees in rural areas of the state
- This isn't a question about resources as much as a question about priorities, and this budget, like many
- Funds that currently flow into this yield could more strategically be invested in the House's priorities
- Just that should be, and all these programs should be. a priority because school isn't just where you
- One of your top priorities.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >
tenant priority measures around tenant priority measures around tenant protections.<01:22:55.120 - This is one of our priority measures.
- Thank you. about $7.5 million about $7.5 million of<02:58:38.360>
high-priority of high-priority - priority initiatives. priority initiatives.
- <03:27:28.520>
um higher priorities um higher priorities um for<03:27:29.240>such <
Bills:
HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616
Keywords:
food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- August 31, 2026, outlining proposed improvements in staffing, facilities, and equipment. and policy priorities
- This is a priority bill for the Texas Military Department.
- It is a priority act.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
LGBT Aging Commission Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- what it looks like to apply an equity lens to the work that you do, specifically your strategic priority
- what it looks like to apply an equity lens to the work that you do, specifically your strategic priority
- The commission has a mission statement, a vision statement, strategic priorities.
- And we are going to practice it using one of the actions in strategic priority two that you've outlined
- And so, to practice this with you all, I thought we could use, again, your strategic priority number
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming Alison Bauer as its first full-time director, effective March 30. Bauer briefly introduced her background in law, social work, public health, state government, philanthropy, and teaching, and said she planned to meet one-on-one with each commissioner. The commission then approved the December quarterly meeting minutes by motion and vote.
The main portion of the meeting was a workshop led by Adriana Boulin on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Boulin defined key terms, guided participants through reflection exercises on personal values and conditions that support or undermine power, and discussed the history of intersectionality. Commissioners and guests shared examples of DEI work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, equitable hiring, LGBTQ+ aging advocacy, and community programs. Participants also reflected on how the commission has felt powerful, citing the strategic plan, the hiring of an executive director, the website, listening sessions, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights.
The group then focused on how to apply an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priorities, especially improving representation and inclusion. Commissioners discussed the need for more racial, ethnic, trans, immigrant, and other marginalized representation, as well as barriers such as recruitment challenges, the size of the commission, and CORI/background-check concerns for some governor-appointed seats. They also explored whether an advisory board or expanded outreach to community organizations could help broaden participation. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes, but the meeting ended with agreement to continue the equity work and with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:31 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman and members of the committee, the $62 million you see in this appropriation covers Priority
- So we want to make sure that we're taking care of Priority One and Two, get the program going.
- Local priorities, partnerships with multiple diverse local entities.
- work with the federal government to get better situations for local communities is absolutely a priority
- I'm not suggesting that, but there will be competing priorities, both in terms of finances as well as
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:13 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- encompassed within this bill would be using these data to really target outreach to the most high-priority
- To really target outreach to the most high-priority areas and also to ensure that we're not leaving out
- Those are maybe the highest priority.
- to just characterize all these sites so that they can then do a risk assessment to know what the priorities
- And if, and we do need to characterize so that we're not, so that we're choosing the most high-priority
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- This year's spending package has required difficult decisions, but it sets clear priorities, proposes
- Instead, these other priorities have to compete for what's left.
- And now, because they were honest about their problem and set clear education priorities and then followed
- their problem and set clear honest about their problem and set clear education<00:35:05.760>
priorities - and then followed education priorities and then followed through,<00:35:08.079>
they're <00:35
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Dec 3rd, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that's been something that's been a priority since my service on the board.
- trustee, she remains committed to principled governance, sound judgment, and advancing the strategic priorities
- of the institution. ...to advancing the strategic priorities of the institution.
- almost 2,000 students well on our way to our goal of 3,000 by 2030, which means that one of our key priorities
- So, being a trustee, there are several priorities I see, one being academic excellence and selectivity
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes.
One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate.
The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Priority goes to those in rural and underserved areas.
- Yeah, there's a priority given to, um, let's see here.
- Priority goes to those in rural or underserved areas in the bill. They would qualify for it.
- It's just given the rural areas a priority.
- And how do you... how does that priority manifest itself? Like, how do you decide?
Keywords:
SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Rodney Scott, of Oklahoma, to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If the Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner can't be trusted, important priorities like stopping fentanyl
- level of detail, but if confirmed... as we discussed before, I'll commit to re-evaluating the entire priority
- And really, this is a question about priorities.
- Can you talk a little bit about your priorities there? Sure. Thank you for that question.
- And it's not being ignored, it just doesn't have the priority focus right now.
Keywords:
Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- unique year, and with the new, the change in the administration, there are changes in policies and priorities
- the conversation around how do we incentivize our private partners to really consider this a top priority
- I would say this is the lowest of our priorities, although understanding claims helps to inform public
- obligations and continue to instruct students and serve their community, these would be our highest priority
- other recommendations, but as FCMAT, as as the agency that we are, these would be our second highest priority
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Closed hearings to examine the posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command and United States Forces Korea in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an ope Apr 10th, 2025 at 07:00 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- As the first priorities, we must be dominant in space and across the information environment. leveraging
- Battalion if need be they return to the Indo-PACOM theater for a higher priority threat.
- It's a key priority for INDOPACOM. airlift capabilities in a contested logistics environment?
- One of my major priorities, everyone knows I am Transcom's biggest advocate, so I can't go through a
- And it remains critical, absolutely one of my highest priorities, the introduction of quantum computing
Keywords:
Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization
Summary:
The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The first is the adult program, which serves individuals who are 18 years or older, with a priority for
- of training programs, those aligned with credentials on the master credentials list receive first priority
- very targeted to businesses, particularly small businesses, who may need to upskill and hit the priority
- What is the funding priority, and how is it different than a criterion for eligibility?
- So we use those priorities to do that.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards.
Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Its duties really are to govern the programmatic and budgetary priorities for both of those agencies,
- So they just recently completed the final priority session and discussion with the board.
- So for Extension, they're bringing forward one priority, and the critical priority is restoration of
- For the experiment station, the critical priority is again the restoration of the governor's proposed
- So we know that draining our land is a priority because we want top agricultural results.
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state.
The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases.
Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers.
The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House Select Committee on Homeland Security May 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Earlier, I made reference to our three priorities.
- But I know technology changes and priorities change.
- So is there a ranking in terms of priority and getting power back on?
- So is there a ranking in terms of priority and getting power back on?
- The priorities and next steps: logistics contracts. We've got to get that finalized.
Summary:
The committee met on May 26, 2026, and first approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. The main topic was the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster, with testimony from Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy staff, LSU and Tulane geoscientists, and later LSU law professor Keith Hall. Witnesses said the cause of the swarm has not been definitively identified, but induced seismicity from wastewater injection or hydraulic fracturing remains a concern. They described 50 earthquakes reported by the USGS in Red River, Bienville, DeSoto, and Natchitoches Parishes, including a magnitude 4.9 event on March 5, 2026, and explained that Louisiana’s sparse seismic network limits detection and depth/location estimates. C&E said it inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the events, found no violations, now requires more frequent injection reporting, and is working with researchers and LSU on a possible state monitoring network and future policy changes.
Committee members asked about injection depths, fault locations, whether the activity could be natural, and whether Louisiana should adopt stronger monitoring or a traffic-light regulatory system like other states. The witnesses said more data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, but that denser monitoring can detect smaller quakes and help identify patterns. Professor Hall summarized responses in other states, including more frequent reporting, increased monitoring, injection reductions, moratoria, and traffic-light systems in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. Members also discussed whether operators should share more seismic and geologic data, and several said the state should avoid jumping to conclusions while still improving oversight.
The committee then heard from William Berger, a Texas geoscientist, who described using AI and operator data to model wastewater injection and seismic risk, and said broader data sharing would improve forecasting and siting decisions. He and another witness emphasized that many earthquakes arise from clusters of wells rather than a single well, and that proprietary concerns limit voluntary disclosure. The committee also received a brief update from GOSEP and the Louisiana National Guard on the Barksdale Air Force Base drone incursions. GOSEP said it logged the incident in WebEOC and shared releasable information, while State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose. Officers said a task force has been formed, some personnel have received federal drone-mitigation training, and House Bill 940 is intended to mirror the task force MOU.
Finally, Major General Thomas Friloux and Brigadier General Jason Maffus updated the committee on the merger of GOSEP into the Louisiana Military Department. They said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, brought back employees to in-person work, modernized the state’s common operating picture, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance through staffing and contract changes. They also noted the planned transfer of the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, ongoing hurricane preparedness, and continued coordination with parish emergency managers. No votes were taken on the substantive topics, and the meeting ended with the committee moving through its agenda items and receiving informational testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes proposed constitutional amendment to boost funding from Permanent School Fund May 4th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- from the founding of a priority from the founding of Minnesota,<00:20:40.400>
but <00:20:40.559 - And we can do that because we have done that to fund the things that we have priorities for.
- And we can do that because we have done that to fund the things that we have priorities for. we need
- That's why it's so important to do this, to show that our priority here in the Minnesota House is to
- That's why it's so important to do this, to show that our priority here in the Minnesota House is to
Summary:
House File 3900 proposed a Minnesota constitutional amendment to increase the share of permanent school trust fund earnings distributed to school districts, with the stated goal of providing more per-pupil funding without raising income or property taxes. Representative Igo, the bill’s author, described the history of the school trust lands and said the change would raise the payout from about 2.5% to 4.5%, producing additional unrestricted money for schools at no cost to taxpayers. He also read the proposed ballot question into the record, which would ask voters whether to amend the constitution to increase funding from the permanent school fund effective July 1, 2027.
The House adopted amendment A7, offered by Representative Long, which he said was a technical change to align the bill with Senate language and provide administrative funding for the State Board of Investment. Representative Igo agreed it was a good technical fix. After the amendment was adopted, the bill was given third reading and debated on the floor.
Several members spoke in support, including Representatives O’Driscoll, Scraba, Mueller, Bennett, Jordan, and Bakeberg. Supporters emphasized that the proposal would send more money to schools on a per-pupil basis, provide flexible local funding, and help districts facing budget pressures, staffing cuts, and other mandates. Some speakers also highlighted the historical purpose of school trust lands, the role of the State Board of Investment, and the need for better stewardship and government-to-government relationships with tribal nations where trust lands are located. The transcript ends during floor debate and does not include a final vote on passage.