Video & Transcript Research : 'January 12'
Page 69 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (6-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:12:02.640>
Um, <01:12:03.679>my <01:12:03.920>name <01:12:04.000>is - Um, my name is again Lisa<01:12:04.719>
Dennis <01:12:05.040>and <01:12:05.199>I'm - c><01:12:06.960>
and <01:12:07.679>we <01:12:07.920>were <01:12:08.159>asked< - Um, and we were asked to provide<01:12:09.120>
an <01:12:09.360>update <01:12:09.760>- committee report<01:12:13.280>
from <01:12:13.600>September <01:12:14.320>of <01 - Um, my name is again Lisa<01:12:04.719>
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:14
Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:02:02
Response from the Kentucky Fire Commission-00:32:06
Judge Testimony on Child Removal-00:42:47
Update on Child Removal and Reunification-01:11:19
Staffing at Kentucky Veteran Centers-01:40:15
Adjournment-02:05:55, 958, all
Summary:
The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated.
The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test.
Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 1/14/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:15.560>
if <00:12:15.800>if <00:12:15.920>we <00:12:16.079>sh < - table<00:12:20.920>
it <00:12:21.040>and <00:12:21.199>come <00:12:21.399> - >
we <00:12:22.560>meet <00:12:23.399>if <00:12:23.560>there <00:12:23.680 - :12:25.000>
be <00:12:25.160>made <00:12:25.360>to <00:12:25.560>it <00:12 - <00:12:27.680>
offer <00:12:27.959>that <00:12:28.079>as <00:12:28.199>a<
Summary:
The House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of annual housekeeping resolutions governing House operations and member/staff policies. The committee heard brief explanations from House Controller Pete Squa and HR Director Kelly Knight on each item, including the 2025 P1 service award policy, donated time policy, compensatory time and time card policy, interim/per diem classification, legal fees policy, staff photo/digital image fees, chaplain compensation, leadership compensation, member expense reimbursement, member stationery allocation, postage and digital constituent communications, member communication reimbursement, alcohol consumption policy, remote work policy, drug use policy, and the high school page/internship program reimbursement policy.
Most resolutions were adopted without controversy, often with only minor clarifications or no changes from prior years. Notable changes included clarifying donated time limits, refining compensatory time language, updating leadership compensation positions to reflect the new organization, adding a Greater Minnesota mileage option in the member expense reimbursement policy, removing obsolete long-distance reimbursement language from member communication reimbursements, updating the alcohol policy location reference to the Centennial Office Building, and increasing high school page reimbursement from $10 to $15 per day. The committee also noted the House roster staff roster is on file with the controller as required by House Rule 8.20.
Two items were set aside for further review: the P5 legal fees resolution was tabled after members raised questions about prior use of the policy and whether the language should be revised in light of past circumstances, and the R5 postage/digital constituent communications resolution was also tabled after Representative Schultz proposed allowing members to choose either 100% digital communications or a 70% digital/30% postage split. The R9 drug use policy was likewise tabled after Representative Engen asked whether changes in state marijuana law affected the policy. All other resolutions brought to a vote were approved and adopted, and the committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Address to Congress by the President of the United States (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :38.280>
that <02:12:38.400>were <02:12:38.599>so <02:12:38.880>badly <02: - > injured<02:12:42.280>
on <02:12:42.520>that <02:12:42.840>fateful <02:12:43.360 - <02:12:50.719>
that <02:12:50.880>when <02:12:51.520>Putin <02:12:51.920>saw< said <02:12:54.079>wow <02:12:54.679>maybe <02:12:55.040>this <02:12:55.199- is my chance<02:12:56.040>
that's <02:12:56.239>how <02:12:56.480>bad <02:12:56.719
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 3
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, with that in mind, this body is in recess. tonight, 12:00 000, tonight, 12:00 000, if<04:07:58.200
- I move that the Senate adjourn till sine die until 12:00 p.m. January 5th, 2027.
- January 5th, year die until 12:00 p.m.
- :00 stand adjourned sine die until 12:00 stand adjourned sine die until 12:00 p.m.<04:24:12.360><
- January 5th, year of our Lord 2027 p.m.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Um,<00:12:24.240>
she's <00:12:24.560>here <00:12:24.720>with <00:12:24.880>her - <00:12:28.959>
them <00:12:29.120>today. - >> Senator<00:12:33.519>
from <00:12:33.600>the <00:12:33.760>42nd <00:12:34.399 - So, if you have<00:12:56.560>
a <00:12:56.720>problem, <00:12:56.959>go <00:12:57.120 - >> Excellent.<00:12:58.480>
Thank <00:12:58.880>we <00:12:59.040>we <00:12:
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, quorum call, and several introductions recognizing guests, including Reverend Jennifer Carsner and her daughter, President Kirk Schmoke, representatives from Maryland independent colleges and universities, students from Stevenson University, Howard and Anne Arundel counties, Washington College, a constituent, and the Greater Washington, D.C.-Maryland chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Damatha Catholic High School for winning the 2025 WCAC football championship and another recognizing the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously after brief remarks and roll calls.
The Senate then took up executive nominations, separating nominee 16 from the main report. The chamber voted 42 in favor on the remaining nominations and then 42 in favor on nominee 16, giving all nominees the Senate’s advice and consent. On third reading, the Senate passed several bills, including SB 46, SB 25, SB 58, SB 163, SB 170, SB 188, SB 247, SB 356, and SB 379, with recorded affirmative votes ranging from 36 to 42. These measures covered topics such as veterans cemeteries, tax credits and tax modifications, education funding, transportation revenue bonds, biotechnology incentives, a stillborn child tax credit, and recovery residence grant funding.
The chamber also advanced numerous second-reading bills, generally adopting committee reports and amendments without objection. Among the measures discussed were collective bargaining for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission police officers; adoption of the 2022 Uniform Commercial Code amendments for controllable electronic records; cemetery sale and transfer oversight; an additional license for electronic smoking devices; collective bargaining for Baltimore County Public Library supervisory employees; payroll processor exemptions under the Money Transmission Act; scalp cooling coverage for chemotherapy patients; orthoses and prostheses coverage under health and Medicaid plans; an online database of elevator inspection certificates; service animal program disqualification standards; extension of the State Board of Environmental Health Specialists; disclosure of lapsed professional liability insurance for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives; and revisions to massage therapy licensure rules. Most reports were favorable, with several technical or substantive amendments adopted and bills ordered printed for third reading.
A notable policy discussion occurred on SB 56, which would allow the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center to share individual-level student and workforce data with a third-party data center for multi-state reporting. The sponsor explained the bill as a way to compare Maryland outcomes with other states while using data-sharing agreements and oversight to protect privacy; a minority whip raised concerns about the type of third-party data center and whether the practice was new. The sponsor said the bill was intended to formalize and safeguard data sharing, and noted a technical amendment would be offered to correct the amendment language.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :40.720>
it <00:12:40.920>is <00:12:41.279>is <00:12:41.399>an <00:12:42.160 - >
is <00:12:42.240>a <00:12:42.440>prime <00:12:42.800>example <00:12:43.399 - known otherwise known<00:12:49.560>
as <00:12:50.360>OBS <00:12:51.360>so <00:12 - > from<00:12:56.160>
the <00:12:56.360>definition <00:12:57.000>of <00:12:57.160 - 01:12:38.440>
it <01:12:38.560>doesn't <01:12:38.960>make <01:12:39.239>sense
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Knowledge<00:12:03.839>
about <00:12:04.079>the <00:12:04.320>US <00:12:04.640>- days<00:12:27.200>
here <00:12:27.360>in <00:12:27.600>the <00:12:27.680>- And<00:12:39.680>
this <00:12:39.839>year <00:12:40.079>we <00:12:40.240>saw< - The<00:12:41.839>
average <00:12:42.160>team <00:12:42.480>size <00:12:42.720>the <00:12:58.320>first <00:12:58.560>time <00:12:58.880>in <00:12:59.120 - days<00:12:27.200>
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations. (2-24-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- >
who <00:12:02.240>want <00:12:02.399>to <00:12:02.560>work <00:12:02.720 - :12:06.720>
we <00:12:06.959>heard <00:12:07.360>the <00:12:07.600>board - of<00:12:09.200>
it, <00:12:09.440>it <00:12:09.680>was <00:12:09.760>a <00:12:17.360>- >
I <00:12:14.160>don't <00:12:14.240>have <00:12:14.320>a <00:12:14.480><that <00:12:17.600>work <00:12:17.760>group <00:12:18.079> - >
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages.
Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed.
Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.159>
that <01:12:00.400>balance <01:12:00.920>is <01:12:01.520>is <01: - 12:01.760>
zero <01:12:02.360>but <01:12:03.159>uh <01:12:03.360>what <01: - would<01:12:03.760>
tell <01:12:03.960>you <01:12:04.199>is <01:12:04.960>um - <01:12:05.440>
tough <01:12:05.679>decisions <01:12:06.120>had Mr. - :56.560>
to <01:12:56.760>spend <01:12:57.120>this <01:12:57.440>spend <01
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Tim Walz Media Availability 12/4/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It was 3% in January. It's 3% now. It was 3% in January. It's 3% now.
- :54.560>
So <00:12:55.360>I <00:12:55.600>will <00:12:55.839>gladly <00:12 - So I will gladly comply with what<00:12:57.120>
they <00:12:57.360>need. - <00:12:57.760>
I <00:12:58.000>would <00:12:58.079>fully <00:12:58.480>expect - I would fully expect them<00:12:59.040>
not <00:12:59.200>to <00:12:59.360>do <00
Summary:
The meeting centered on Minnesota’s budget outlook, with the governor and budget officials saying the state remains in a stronger fiscal position than expected despite national economic uncertainty. He emphasized that Minnesota has a surplus, historic rainy-day funds, and continued economic growth, and said the administration plans to continue budgeting over the horizon, using inflation assumptions and long-term planning to avoid abrupt cuts. He also defended last year’s budget compromises and said another budget proposal would be released early next year.
A major theme was the governor’s criticism of President Trump and federal actions, which he said were creating economic chaos and harming Minnesotans. He condemned Trump’s comments about Somali Minnesotans and the state, called them racist and dangerous, and argued that elected officials should denounce such rhetoric. He also raised concerns about federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, saying masked agents were causing fear and confusion and that state and local law enforcement lacked communication from federal authorities.
The governor and commissioners also discussed fraud in state programs, saying the state has paused certain programs for 90 days and brought in independent forensic auditors to determine the scope of losses. He said the administration is using new stop-payment authority and referrals to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to prevent and prosecute fraud, while avoiding broad cuts to programs that help children, families, and vulnerable Minnesotans. In response to questions, he said the fraud total is not yet known, the audit should conclude around the end of January, and the state will use the findings to add safeguards and address program growth and health care cost pressures in the upcoming session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:02.880>
and <00:12:03.040>just <00:12:03.279>want <00:12:03.440>to - :04.160>
you <00:12:04.240>know <00:12:04.320>we <00:12:04.480>feel <00:12 - we feel as though this<00:12:05.200>
is <00:12:05.600>um <00:12:05.839>you <00:12 - we<00:12:07.760>
in <00:12:07.920>in <00:12:08.240>conjunction <00:12:08.639> - January 20 January 1st 2027 >> actually January 20 January 1st 2027 >> January<00:35:38.079
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, historic properties, preservation, inheritance, working group, public-private partnerships, sustainable funding, historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2603, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state orchestra of Hawaii. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the Attorney General’s office, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, and others. Supporters emphasized the bill’s value to arts education, cultural vitality, and the visitor economy. The chair noted there were also many written testimonies submitted, and the bill was left without questions or action in the excerpt.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2083, which would create a state-owned historic properties preservation plan working group within DNR. The State Historic Preservation Division supported the bill and said it would help create a statewide database and better planning for state-owned historic properties, while noting its current review work is reactive and project-by-project. The committee asked about duplication and existing consultation processes; SHPD said it already reviews state projects under existing law and has in-house architectural staff. The measure was then set aside after brief discussion, with no vote shown in the excerpt.
Next was Senate Bill 2341, which would authorize phased review of certain private-property projects and change SHPD’s review deadlines. SHPD and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the bill, saying it could encourage more proactive, programmatic review and that the current average review time for simple projects is about 56 days. Several opponents, including Sierra Club of Hawaii, Bianca Isaki, Malama Kane Lua, and Tara Roas, argued phased review would delay projects, create conflict, and weaken historic preservation protections, especially for iwi kūpuna and burial sites. Committee members raised concerns about whether the bill conflicted with prior court decisions and asked SHPD for its view; SHPD said it was not a legal question for them and suggested a programmatic alternative. The bill was not voted on in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2306 on administrative fees for the Bureau of Conveyances. HGEA opposed the measure, focusing on a provision allowing the special fund to be used for qualified contractors, while the Bureau of Conveyances supported the bill as a fee correction that would equalize recording fees between systems. The bureau said specialized technical work sometimes requires outside contracting and that it could consider a contract period; the chair and members discussed the HGEA concern and asked whether the issue could be addressed. No final action was shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :01.279>
tell <00:12:01.440>us <00:12:01.600>they <00:12:01.920>need <00:12 - Uh and the fact<00:12:05.839>
that <00:12:06.480>for <00:12:06.720>a <00:12:06.959 - :12:16.720>
births <00:12:17.120>in <00:12:17.360>excess <00:12:17.760>of - And<00:12:19.040>
you <00:12:19.279>again <00:12:19.519>see <00:12:19.680>that - <00:12:19.920>
this <00:12:20.079>is <00:12:20.160>a <00:12:20.320>highly
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- :12:18.560>
rest <00:12:18.639>of <00:12:18.800>us <00:12:18.959>say. - > we<00:12:23.920>
know <00:12:24.320>by <00:12:24.560>law <00:12:24.880> - So, a lot<00:12:28.639>
can <00:12:28.880>happen <00:12:29.120>in <00:12:29.360>< - <00:12:42.000>
their <00:12:42.240>address <00:12:42.560>or <00:12:42.800> - >> January. >> January. >> January. >> Oh,<00:27:15.039>
January.
Keywords:
psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:24.199>
Rift <00:12:24.720>system <00:12:25.120>that <00:12:25.320> - to<00:12:28.480>
the <00:12:28.600>Iowa <00:12:28.880>border <00:12:29.399>- identified<00:12:30.440>
by <00:12:30.560>the <00:12:30.680>United <00:12:31.040- >
Survey <00:12:33.000>as <00:12:33.160>one <00:12:33.279>of <00:12:33.440- >
Kansas <00:12:45.160>Nebraska <00:12:45.839>and <00:12:46.120>Iowa <00:12 - identified<00:12:30.440>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :07.360>
letting Gary<00:12:10.680>be <00:12:10.880>a <00:12:10.960>peace - He recognized he<00:12:14.080>
treated <00:12:15.040>each <00:12:15.280>and <00:12- >
he <00:12:20.839>made <00:12:21.120>a <00:12:21.160>stop, <00:12:21.839>- /c><01:12:08.120>
significant <01:12:08.840>utility <01:12:09.320>needs <01:12:09.720- >
to <01:12:15.080>residents <01:12:15.600>and <01:12:15.720>businesses. - He recognized he<00:12:14.080>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :55.360>
but <00:12:55.480>are <00:12:55.639>not <00:12:55.880>eligible <00 - :12:56.279>
for <00:12:56.480>either coverage but are not eligible for either coverage - but are not eligible for either ma<00:12:57.279>
or <00:12:57.480>Minnesota <00:12:58.000 - >
care <00:12:59.000>um <00:12:59.399>so <00:12:59.639>these <00:12:59.959 - <00:58:55.359>
22nd 2:45 did I say yeah January 22nd 2:45 did I say yeah January 22nd excuse
Summary:
The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars.
A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA.
The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Opening Day of the Ninety-fourth Session of the Minnesota Legislature 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :38.760>
being <01:12:39.120>67 <01:12:39.960>I <01:12:40.280>and <01:12:40.480 - being 67 I and zero Nays the resolution<01:12:42.159>
is adopted<01:12:48.080>Announcement - by the speaker<01:12:51.120>
the <01:12:51.280>clerk <01:12:52.040>will <01:12:52.239 - announcement<01:12:53.400>
of <01:12:53.639>appointment <01:12:54.120>of <01:12: - adjourned until noon Wednesday January adjourned until noon Wednesday January 15th<01:17:08.239>
Summary:
The House convened for the opening of the 2025-2026 Minnesota legislative session. Secretary of State Steve Simon called the chamber to order, appointed a clerk pro tem, and Pastor Ben Mayatt delivered the prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk then conducted the roll call, and after an initial dispute over quorum and authority, the House determined that 67 members were present, establishing a quorum.
The main business was organizing the House. Members nominated and seconded Representative Lisa Demuth for Speaker, and she was elected on a 67-0 roll call vote. After taking the oath, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing service, civility, bipartisan cooperation, accountability, and focusing on practical results for Minnesotans. The House also adopted a resolution accepting the findings in the District 40B election contest and declaring a vacancy there, and another resolution adopting temporary House rules for the session, including a committee structure and a fraud prevention/state government oversight committee.
Members then adopted a resolution authorizing necessary House employees to continue working, and the Speaker announced appointments for Speaker pro tempore, Deputy Speaker pro tempore, and the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration. The House also approved permanent desk assignments for the Republican and DFL caucuses. The session ended with announcements about a reception and a Rules Committee meeting, followed by adjournment until noon on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :26.639>
it <00:12:26.760>might <00:12:26.959>do <00:12:27.160>more <00:12 - <00:12:29.519>
you <00:12:30.120>this <00:12:30.240>may <00:12:30.399>be< - :12:44.320>
clinical <00:12:44.720>setting <00:12:45.000>and <00:12:45.160>not - jail<00:12:45.680>
or <00:12:45.920>prison <00:12:46.560>the <00:12:46.800>the - day in<00:12:53.440>
and <00:12:53.639>day <00:12:53.800>out 247<00:12:57.680><
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is.
SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes.
SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition.
The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.
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