Video & Transcript Research : 'Spaceport America'
Page 66 of 329
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
- . >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation, indivisible
- And the ICE agent said, 'because of your accent' in the United States of America, because of your accent
- ,<00:42:00.000>
because in the United States of America, because in the United States of America - just because you don't States of America just because you don't have<00:54:55.920>
skin <00:54
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, August 29, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Midland on receiving the 2025 Chief Roughneck Award from the Independent Petroleum Association of America
- Petroleum Association of America. Thank you.
Keywords:
flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation by Senator Hagenbuch, who asked for wisdom, humility, courage, and guidance in serving Texas and conducting the chamber’s work with integrity and respect. After the prayer, the House messenger reported that the House had passed several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, including HCR 2 honoring the victims of the July 2025 Hill Country floods, HCR 3 marking the dedication of the Children’s Emergency Relief International George M. Cowden Building in Austin, HCR 4 congratulating Ricky and Anne Lowe on their 47th wedding anniversary, and HCR 5 recognizing Don Sparks of Midland for receiving the 2025 Chief Roughneck Award.
Following the House message, the Senate announced a brief recess while awaiting completion of the House calendar. Senator Zaffirini then moved that the Senate stand in recess until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, and the motion was adopted without objection.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, February 20, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- >> OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Aug 15th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. and to the Republic for which it stands
- And for the good of the United States of America and for the good of the State of Texas, my state, and
Bills:
HB4, HB1, HB2, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB4, HB1, HB 2, HB20, HB19, HB18, HB 4, HB 1, HB 2, HB 18, HB 19, HB 20
Keywords:
redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 13, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FLOG FLOG FLOG FLOG.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 4 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- of Stowe congratulating Lucas Bendowski on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America
Summary:
The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and announced that Ann-Margaret Ferrante had completed the required oaths and was now duly qualified as a member. The House also received a message from the Governor submitting fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriation requests, which were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
The Temporary Committee on Rules reported two congratulatory and recognition resolutions: one honoring Lucas Bendowski for achieving Eagle Scout and another recognizing David P. McKenna for three decades of service to the Danvers Committee for Human Rights and Inclusion. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions.
The House adopted an order to adjourn to Monday at 11 a.m. Representatives Donato, Barber, and Garballey also moved that the House adjourn in memory of former Representative John R. Grinara of Medford. The House then adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 8 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- asked to remain standing and join with me in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
Summary:
The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed four high school juniors visiting as guests of Representative Peisch to observe the legislative process. The Clerk then read several messages from the Governor, including the annual state budget for fiscal year 2025, supplemental appropriations requests, and a proposal related to resilient infrastructure and higher education transformation. These messages were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the higher education proposal was sent to the Committee on Higher Ed under Rule 30.
The Temporary Committee on Rules reported favorably on a resolution filed by Representative Galvin congratulating Anthony R. Pate on his 100th birthday. Representative Galvin moved to suspend the rules, the motion passed, and the House adopted the resolution. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and then recessed.
Before adjournment, the House ordered that it would meet again Monday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned in informal session.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, March 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 02/23/26
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.
- So, I'll refer veterans directly to Paralyzed Veterans of America for that assistance.
- ,<01:08:38.560>
the the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the the Paralyzed Veterans of America - , a lot of times veterans of America, a lot of times veterans<01:09:43.120>
that <01:09:43.359> - Veterans of America for that assistance. Veterans of America for that assistance.
Summary:
The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them.
The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered.
Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (9-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- He added that the crisis is greater in rural America than in urban America, and that is where the biggest
- We are not going to produce the number of doctors that we actually need in rural America.
- than it is is greater in rural America than it is urban<01:41:25.760>
America. - urban America. urban America.
- We are not going to in rural America.
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on September 24, 2025, approved the minutes from the September 9 meeting, and then continued its discussion of Medicaid waivers with Leslie Hoffman and Carmen Hancock from the Department for Medicaid Services. Members asked for updates on the 2024 waiver waitlist management assessment recommendations, including aligning waiver policies, standardizing applications and waitlist placement, and modernizing data systems. DMS said that work is being done jointly with Aging and Independent Living and Behavioral Health/Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities through task forces, that ARPA spending delayed action, and that implementation timelines extend through March 2027.
The board also reviewed per-member waiver cost averages for fiscal years 2023 through 2025 for ABI, ABI long-term care, HCBS, Model II, Michelle P, and SCL. DMS emphasized these figures were benefit-only averages based on paid claims, not full waiver costs, and explained that true budget neutrality is calculated on an aggregate basis against institutional care comparisons approved by CMS. DMS said all six waivers remain in compliance with budget neutrality and that the most recent 18-month lag review for FY 2022 and FY 2023 found costs at or below institutional care. Members also asked about unused waiver slots; DMS said slots generally cannot be reallocated mid-year if they have been used, except in cases such as death or reserved capacity, because CMS treats participants as unduplicated for the waiver year.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the new child waiver created under House Bill 6. Legislators questioned whether the waiver’s design, including the exclusion of participant-directed services and the emphasis on high-acuity children with behavioral health, DCBS, or juvenile justice involvement, matched the bill’s intent to keep children at home. DMS said it used the $14.7 million appropriated for FY 2026 to develop the program, that there is no priority list, and that the waiver is intended to serve the highest-acuity children while also addressing residential needs for those sleeping in offices or placed out of state. Members also raised concerns about the rapid growth of the HCBS waiting list and asked for more detail on age and timing patterns, which DMS said it would provide later. Finally, DMS gave average processing times from application to eligibility determination and from approval to service start, and said the overall average from application to services beginning was about 80 days, while members requested follow-up information on the Carewise assessment contract and related costs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And that treaty said the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the
- It's in school rooms across America.
- They're not creating the Episcopalian states of America.
- They're not creating the Anglican states of America.
- He didn't say it wasn't part of America.
Bills:
HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369
Keywords:
district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/06/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- The Build America, Buy America requirements are also placed on housing authorities and any public housing
- The Build America, Buy America requirements are also placed on housing authorities and any public housing
- build or build Baba the bi America build or build America<00:13:16.680>
by <00:13:17.120>America - <00:13:18.120>
um <00:13:18.600>those <00:13:19.600>requirements America by - America um those requirements America by America um those requirements are<00:13:20.480>
also <
Summary:
The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard presentations focused on public housing and related funding needs, with testimony from Minnesota NAHRO and several local housing authorities. Melissa Taphorn described the role of housing authorities statewide, including public housing, vouchers, CDBG/HOME funds, Bridges, and HEAT, and emphasized that public housing serves over 36,000 low-income Minnesotans, many of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, or children. She said federal operating and capital funds are insufficient, creating deferred maintenance backlogs, and noted that Minnesota’s public housing capital needs over a five-year period were about $500 million, with nearly $200 million unmet. She also discussed federal uncertainty, including a recent HUD funding freeze notice, possible changes to fair housing requirements, RAD repositioning options, and Build America, Buy America costs.
Committee members asked about tenant rent calculations and the populations served. Testimony clarified that public housing residents generally pay 30% of monthly income, with utility allowances factored in, and that the average tenant rent in Minnesota is about $399. Members also heard that about 65% of public housing households are seniors or people with disabilities, while about 35% are families. The committee then heard examples of how state POP grants have been used to preserve public housing stock. Kurt Kina of the Red Wing HRA described multiple POP-funded projects that replaced windows, upgraded heating and cooling, and modernized electrical systems in a 100-resident high-rise, saying the work was essential to keep the building viable.
Louise Siba of the St. Paul PHA testified that St. Paul’s authority serves nearly 22,000 people through more than 4,200 public housing units and over 5,200 vouchers, with most townhomes and high-rises serving elderly or disabled residents. She said St. Paul PHA has received nearly $16 million in POP funding since 2012, including about $8.5 million last year, and that those funds enabled major life-safety and modernization projects such as the Denan Terrace renovation and boiler, plumbing, and interior upgrades in high-rises. Jill Keers of the Duluth HRA described a broader set of housing programs, including vouchers, rehab loans, emergency repair funds, construction training, and development. She said Duluth HRA is adding 128 housing units between 2023 and 2025, including mixed-income rentals, senior housing, and family townhomes, and stressed that state investment through POP and other programs is necessary to keep housing affordable and safe.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Danny Therickle on behalf of Mental Health America of California, Cal Voices, and Project Return Peer
- rural county representatives of california in opposition danny therical on behalf of mental health america
- of calvoices and Danny Therickle on behalf of Mental Health America of California, Cal Voices, and Project
- On average, more than 21 veterans die by suicide every day here in America.
- Relations, speaking on behalf of the American Legion Department of California, the Vietnam Veterans of America
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Danny Therical on behalf of Mental Health America of California, Cal Voices, and Project Return Peer
- Danny Therical on behalf of Mental Health America of California, Cal Voices, and Project Return Peer
- The reality is sobering: on average, more than 21 veterans die by suicide every day here in America.
- Relations, speaking on behalf of the American Legion Department of California, the Vietnam Veterans of America
- Speaking on behalf of the American Legion Department of California, the Vietnam Veterans of America,
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard a series of bills focused on behavioral health, cancer screening, provider reimbursement, research funding, workforce licensing, and tobacco regulation. SB 16 would require counties to maintain procedures for designating and training professionals authorized to perform 5150 evaluations and initiate involuntary holds; supporters said it would expand the pool of qualified clinicians and reduce reliance on law enforcement, while opponents raised concerns about local control and implementation. SB 1124 would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters emphasized low screening awareness and early detection, and the bill was advanced with amendments. SB 28, a CARE Court cleanup bill, proposed an ombudsperson, reporting, electronic petitions, remote participation, and other changes to improve accountability and access; it drew both strong support and significant opposition over concerns about coercion, scope, and whether the program is working as intended, but it passed the committee as amended to Judiciary.
The committee also heard SB 874, which would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including background checks for providers and a stakeholder workgroup to develop standards; it passed to Public Safety. SB 1049 would let providers resubmit corrected claims within 90 days after a plan’s denial or recoupment action when the original claim had a correctable technical defect; supporters described delayed and withheld payments harming practices, while insurers argued the bill could duplicate existing dispute processes. The bill passed to Appropriations on call. SB 1224 would create a state framework to compete for federal ARPA-H funding for emerging therapies research, with testimony from a UC Davis psychiatrist and veterans’ advocates supporting expanded research into treatments for PTSD, depression, and other conditions; it passed to Military and Veterans Affairs.
Later, SB 1057 would change how the Department of Public Health evaluates conviction history for certified nurse assistants and home health aides, shifting from automatic denial toward individualized assessment based on the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation; it passed to Appropriations with some no votes. Finally, SB 1314, a tobacco-related bill, sought to create a 600-foot buffer around schools and day care centers for certain tobacco retailers and address related issues such as cigar lounge definitions and nitrous oxide sales; several local government and public safety groups supported it, while health organizations and business groups opposed it unless amended. The chair announced that committee amendments were being set aside for now and the bill would move forward to Business and Professions with a commitment to continue working on the language; it passed out of committee.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Special Session 2026 May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think there's another state in America that has overcome more than what we overcame.
- I don't think there's another state in America that has overcome more than what we overcame.
- The browning of America is already here. Sleeping giant, keep poking the bear.
- I see America. I too sing America. I see you.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 28th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the Republic, the which it stands
- United States of America, to the Republic, the which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with
- Members, today I’m here to recognize a very special guest with us: students of Future Farmers of America
- they represent the leadership, the discipline, and the strong work ethic—values that built rural America
- So we want to designate Tuesday, April 28, 2006, as the Louisiana 4-H and Future Farmers of America,
Bills:
HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, HR217, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR118, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR6, SCR18, HB79, HB165, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB603, HB646, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1099, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1245, HB1246, HB1247, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR19, SCR3, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HCR32, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB225, HB864, HB1166, HB1189, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240
Keywords:
renewable energy, job creation, veteran employment, economic development, energy security, asthma, allergy, awareness, healthcare, public health, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, special recognition, parish day, state capitol, Louisiana resolution, ceremonial resolution, honorary resolution, community celebration, local heritage
Summary:
The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations.
The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program.
Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The business owner might get 23.75 and Bank of America might get 25 cents of that.
- The business owner might get 23.75 and Bank of America might get 25 cents of that.
- 23.75 owner might get 23.75 and<00:19:20.960>
Bank <00:19:21.240>of <00:19:21.320>America - might<00:19:22.040>
get <00:19:22.200>25 <00:19:22.720>cents and Bank of America - might get 25 cents and Bank of America might get 25 cents of<00:19:23.080>
that.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 3/25/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Wealth inequality in America is nearing record highs.
- Wealth inequality in America is nearing record highs.
- Wealth inequality in America is nearing record highs.
- Wealth inequality in America is nearing record highs.
- Wealth inequality in America is nearing record highs.
Summary:
The meeting focused on proposed Minnesota legislation to ban surveillance pricing and restrict AI-powered electronic shelf labels in grocery stores. Speakers from UFCW 1189 and UFCW Local 663, along with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, argued that these technologies could enable real-time price increases based on consumer data, undermine budgeting and privacy, and worsen affordability for families. They also said the technology could reduce hours or eliminate jobs for grocery workers who currently handle pricing and store knowledge, with UFCW Local 663 estimating about 500 affected jobs among its members alone.
Testimony emphasized examples such as baby formula, diapers, bananas, and milk to illustrate how fluctuating prices could hurt families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people in food deserts. Speakers also argued that grocery workers provide essential customer service and that automation should be introduced responsibly, not at the expense of workers or consumers. Murphy and Sencer-Mura framed the bill as a response to corporate greed and big tech surveillance, saying Minnesota should act proactively before the practices become widespread.
During questions, lawmakers and advocates discussed whether the issue was proactive or reactive, whether disclosure requirements like those used in New York would be sufficient, and how surveillance pricing differs from loyalty programs or coupons. Speakers said disclosure alone would not prevent tracking or price manipulation and that the goal was to stop the practice altogether. The transcript ended with the advocates saying they would continue meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; no vote or final committee action was recorded in the excerpt, though one question referenced a related bill stalling in committee earlier that morning.