Video & Transcript : 'portable wireless communication devices' :

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Keep them in good health, guard them from all harm, and strengthen them and their community. character
  • Patty was a pillar in Weatherford and in the Fort Worth communities. heard and as it was read in the
  • y'all still have that of Tarrant County and Parker County, and that you just infused yourself in our community
  • Thank you so much for what your family means. to a great community in North Texas. 207 Senator Bettencourt
  • A zip gun, a tire-deflation device, or improvised explosive. device.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • It represents our university, our community, and the values that we strive to live out daily.
  • I'd like to recognize some folks from Stigler, Oklahoma here in the north gallery with the Cowboys Community
  • Speaker, the Cowboys Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, and improves
  • communities and makes America, Haskell County, and all the other counties they serve in eastern Oklahoma
  • The crowd or the people that are going to buy this are going to be small and probably rural communities
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • It represents our university, our community, and the values that we strive to live out daily.
  • like to recognize some folks from Stigler, Oklahoma, here in the North Gallery with the Cowboys Community
  • Speaker, the Cowboys Community Action Foundation changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope,
  • and improves communities, and makes America in Haskell County and all the other counties they serve
  • The crowd or the people that are going to buy this are going to be small and probably rural communities
Summary: The House met in session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held an extended OU Day presentation recognizing the University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team for its 2025 national championship and honoring athletic director Joseph Castiglione. OU President Joseph Harris and Castiglione both spoke about the university’s growth, affordability efforts, health care expansion, and research progress, and the championship team was introduced and thanked the Legislature for its support. The chamber also received several gallery introductions, including visitors from Stigler, North Rock Creek, and Charles Page High School, along with the Doctor and Nurse of the Day. The floor then took up a package of public finance and procurement bills sponsored by Representative Strom. House Bills 3413 through 3420 focused on transparency, contract reporting, subcontractor disclosure, post-contract assessments, central purchasing rules, restrictions on bid information sharing, and limits on pilot programs and CIO contract justifications. Each bill was advanced and passed, with vote totals ranging from 87-95 in favor and only a few nays on some measures. Strom described the package as a response to audit findings and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in state and local spending. The House also passed several other measures. House Bill 3706, as amended, requires more elementary school math instruction time and drew questions about balance with reading and other subjects; it passed 74-19, and its emergency was approved. House Bill 3711 requires school districts to post instructional spending percentages and include them in bond materials, passing 79-16 with the emergency clause approved. House Bill 4139 created the Oklahoma Home Service Transparency Act and passed 89-5. House Bill 1268 created a deferred option retirement plan for certain emergency responders and law enforcement personnel and passed 92-1 after a title strike request. House Bill 3660, concerning natural organic reduction/cremation, passed 59-37 after debate over licensing and public health concerns. House Joint Resolution 1023 updating the workers’ compensation fee schedule passed unanimously, and House Bill 3298 standardizing judicial interviews of children in family proceedings passed 95-0. House Bill 3056, allowing sales of unpasteurized milk at farms, feed stores, and farmers markets, prompted extensive debate over safety, labeling, liability, and market access, but ultimately passed 43-11. The House then recessed until 1 p.m.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • service or jail and the SR22 community service or jail and the SR22 is is is significant<00:26:37.960
  • First, this is a very important loophole to close in a statute for our growers and for the community
  • who buy the coffee we would Community who buy the coffee we would also<00:58:41.559><c> request</c><
  • <01:19:03.560><c> and</c> um<01:19:08.120><c> both</c><01:19:08.360><c> portable</c><01:19:08.760><c>
  • It might be measured against the economic benefit that it might have for the community.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Are they out of, you know, not next to any communities where they're not disrupting the community?
  • But in the communities where we do develop, we have a very good relationship with the communities, including
  • a community-first strategy on that.
  • And for us, it's not a community value. What a community value is.
  • And for us, it's not a community value. It's the community value.
Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held its third interim hearing on Texas electric grid reliability and 765 kV transmission lines/private property rights. Chair Schwertner opened by noting record ERCOT summer demand of 91,089 MW and emphasized the committee’s focus on managing rapid load growth, ensuring adequate generation, and protecting homeowners, businesses, landowners, and ratepayers. The committee also adopted strict two-minute limits for public testimony and planned to hear invited witnesses first, then public testimony. PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, and OPUC Chief Counsel Benjamin Barclay testified on Senate Bill 6 implementation, large-load interconnection, transmission cost allocation, and market design. Gleeson said the PUC has adopted or is finalizing rules on net metering/co-location, large load interconnection standards, and a transmission cost recovery rule that would move from 4CP to 12CP, lengthen the interval to 30 minutes, and add a minimum demand charge to better allocate costs to large loads. Vegas explained ERCOT’s new batch process for large loads, saying it provides year-by-year capacity allocations, clearer financial obligations, and a transmission plan; he reported 205 GW eligible for Batch Zero, with 65 GW classified as baseload, 25 GW in an intermediate category, and 114 GW as allocated load. Barclay supported the changes as better protection for residential and small commercial customers, while warning that the minimum demand charge may need an exit-fee concept to address stranded costs if large loads leave. Members pressed witnesses on whether additional market changes are needed to attract dispatchable thermal generation and whether DRS/DRRS Plus could become a capacity-market substitute. Gleeson and Vegas said the current market still favors solar, batteries, and other low-variable-cost resources, and that more incentives may be needed for gas and other thermal generation; Gleeson said the commission’s reliability standard assessment will begin this year and conclude next year with a 2029 outlook. They described DRS as an ancillary service for intraday reliability and DRS Plus as a proposed real-time revenue mechanism for thermal resources during scarcity, not a forward capacity market. Senators also questioned whether 12CP could still be gamed, whether curtailment authority under SB 6 should be expanded from EEA 2 to earlier stages, and whether the batch process should be bifurcated so traditional industrial loads are handled differently from data centers. Witnesses said the batch process is intended to prevent speculative projects from driving transmission costs, that most large-load projects are data centers, and that future rules may need to better distinguish among types of large loads.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Jul 10th, 2025

New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • community.
  • It's still the community; it's just a part of the community that happens to be involved.
  • These are underserved communities.
  • we created a 35-portable campus.
  • subset of your community needs it.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/11/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • 00:34:04.680><c> restricts</c> system that is costly, restricts system that is costly, restricts portability
  • ,<00:34:06.520><c> and</c><00:34:06.720><c> frustrates</c><00:34:07.320><c> the</c> portability, and
  • frustrates the portability, and frustrates the practitioners,<00:34:08.600><c> municipalities,</c><00
  • good tracking of perpetrators who move about the state because the 100-plus jurisdictions do not communicate
  • </c> not communicate well with each other. not communicate well with each other.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:22:46.080><c> between</c> that would say that portability between that would say that portability
  • We’re in communication.
  • </c><00:47:10.800><c> I</c> there um we're we're in communication I there um we're we're in communication
  • We’re keeping tabs on that and, at any point, can communicate that there are these vacancies.
  • Mental Health Centers is because the Community Mental Health Centers have a Medicaid waiver.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • out as much natural gas as we can have pipelines for, and we will build out as much coal as the communities
  • our critical infrastructure test range: full-scale infrastructure for testing grids, transformers, wireless
  • We cannot build these large reactors in a remote community. We need to transform our thinking.
Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 6th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He earned his PhD in clinical community psychology from the University of South Carolina. and completed
  • He has a strong focus on serving the Spanish-speaking community in Oklahoma.
  • took swift steps above and beyond the requirements of her position to reestablish the line of communication
  • Her accomplishment brings great pride to Hayworth Public Schools, her community, and the state of Oklahoma
  • This fall, I plan on attending Redlands Community College and being a part of the judging team and then
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 6th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He earned his Ph.D. in clinical community psychology. ...from the University of South Carolina and completed
  • He has a strong focus on serving the Spanish-speaking community in Oklahoma. Dr.
  • took swift steps above and beyond the requirements of her position to reestablish the line of communication
  • Her accomplishment brings great pride to Hayworth Public Schools, her community, and the state of Oklahoma
  • I'm paging for Chuck Hall, and this fall I plan on attending Redlands Community College and being a part
Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including the doctor of the day, Dr. Mukesh Perek; nurse of the day, Cynthia Cochran; psychologist of the day, Dr. Colby Kipp; and a guest introduced by Senator Brooks, Marianella “Nellie” Castaneda, who was honored for her quick action in responding to a distress call that helped prompt a law enforcement response in a domestic violence situation. Senator Brooks and Castaneda both spoke about the incident and the importance of staff responsiveness and public service. The Senate also honored Jalen Lundry of Hayworth, named a national champion in the FFA Agriscience Fair for research on red wiggler worms and soil health. Lundry spoke briefly about her project and thanked Senator George Burns. The Pro Tem recognized April 6, 2026, as National Rifle Association and Oklahoma Rifle Association Day, with representatives from both organizations present in the gallery. The chamber also introduced the week’s pages, who each identified their schools, senators they were paging for, and future plans. No legislation was debated or voted on during the session. Instead, members made committee and floor announcements, including upcoming meetings of Revenue and Taxation, Appropriations, Public Safety, and the Senate Rural Caucus. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (02/11/2025)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:04:54.960><c> Services</c><00:04:55.560><c> tax</c> Communications Services tax Communications Services
  • at $200, and another community would take the same pole and assess it at $2,000.
  • The commission again had the power generation community, the assessing community, the municipalities,
  • Communications TDS Telecom Granite<01:46:29.719><c> State</c><01:46:30.239><c> Communications</c><01
  • :46:31.239><c> Dunbarton</c> Granite State Communications Dunbarton Granite State Communications Dunbarton
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 16th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This shows that California has the resources to better meet the needs of communities facing affordability
  • It also increases them staying healthy and thriving in their communities.
  • Any additional community members wishing to speak in support?
  • Any additional community members wishing to speak in support?
  • Smaller restaurants are often family-owned and community-oriented, and each employee they onboard comes
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This shows that California has the resources to better meet the needs of communities facing affordability
  • It also increases them staying healthy and thriving in their communities.
  • Any additional community members wishing to speak in support? And strong support.
  • Any additional community members wishing to speak in support?
  • Smaller restaurants are often family-owned and community-oriented, and each employee they onboard comes
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation convened with a quorum, reviewed housekeeping rules for testimony and position letters, and reminded the public that bills with revenue impacts over $150,000 would be sent to the suspense file rather than voted on immediately. The chair noted that no bills on the agenda would be eligible for a vote that day because they would automatically be referred to suspense. The committee then heard several tax-related measures, with testimony generally split between bill authors/supporters emphasizing affordability, public safety, or conservation, and opponents arguing the proposals were inefficient tax expenditures better handled through existing programs or direct budget funding. AB 1565 proposed a $5,000 tax credit for small businesses that hire formerly incarcerated people within a year of release and keep them employed for at least six months. Supporters said the bill would reduce recidivism, help small businesses manage hiring risk, and save the state money by avoiding incarceration costs; one witness described personal experience overcoming a felony record. The California Tax Reform Association opposed the measure, arguing employment tax credits are ineffective and that existing programs are more targeted. Members from both parties expressed support, but the bill was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1596, which would create a five-year sales tax holiday for infant car seats; AB 1668, which would extend a welfare tax exemption for land trust-held open space; AB 1690, which would expand the Young Child Tax Credit to families with older children; AB 1698, which would create a tax credit for small restaurants that comply with food handler certification requirements; and AB 1620, which would allow a deduction for homeowners’ insurance premiums on primary residences. Supporters framed these bills as relief for families, small businesses, and land conservation efforts, while opponents repeatedly argued the tax code should not be used to subsidize these costs and that existing programs or market solutions were preferable. Each bill was ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to thank the emergency communications community.
  • community.
  • And lastly, emergency communications systems require redundancy.
  • We have the Public Safety Communications Bureau, the State Communications Center, and do many other things
  • related to emergency communications within the state.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The committee approved minutes from September 25 and December 2, 2025, then heard seven topic requests for possible Office of Performance Evaluations studies. Topics included the impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, Medicaid hospital billing, Your Health Idaho plan selection, fund balance management for boards and commissions under DOPL, the Board of Community Guardians, sexual assault in women’s prisons, and drivers of prison population growth. Requesters emphasized issues such as conversion of farmland to development, possible Medicaid billing upcoding, uninsured Idahoans’ costs, uneven board fund balances after consolidation, gaps in guardianship services, prison safety and oversight, and factors driving incarceration growth. OPE staff said all were feasible, with some smaller, medium, or larger in scope depending on the topic. After a secret ballot, the committee selected four studies for OPE: the Board of Community Guardians, drivers of prison population growth, impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, and oversight of sexual assault in women’s correctional facilities. Members noted the remaining topics received fewer votes, but the director said the office could potentially take on additional work later if capacity allowed. The committee also agreed to follow up on the Idaho Home Learning Academy report and the 2023 direct care workforce report, with follow-up timing suggested for December and June, respectively. The committee then received a follow-up report on Idaho’s 911 system. OPE said the system faces four major pressures: insufficient funding, staffing shortages, too many centers relative to call demand, and weak statewide data and oversight. The report recommended evolving the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission into a statewide program with authority to oversee the system, collect standardized financial data, set performance standards, and clarify cost responsibilities. The committee heard responses from the IPSCC chairman, the Military Division, and others, who generally agreed with the need for better data and coordination but stressed local control, outdated radio infrastructure, and the lack of a clear funding estimate. The committee discussed whether to pursue a follow-up focused on funding gaps and system costs, and OPE said it could do additional background work with the commission and Military Division to see what data are available.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to thank the emergency communications community.
  • So while Members from the community and has two full-time staff.
  • Lastly, emergency communications systems require redundancy.
  • We have the Public Safety Communications Bureau, the State Communications Center, and do many other things
  • related to emergency communications within the state.
Summary: The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee approved minutes from September 25 and December 2, 2025, then heard seven topic requests for Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE) studies. Presentations covered the impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, Doppel fund balance management, Medicaid hospital billing, Your Health Idaho plan selection, boards of community guardians, sexual assault in women’s prisons, and drivers of prison population growth. OPE staff said all of the topics were feasible, with some categorized as small, medium, or large projects. After a private ballot, the committee’s top-ranked topics were boards of community guardians and drivers of prison population growth, followed by impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure and sexual assault in women’s correctional facilities. The committee then voted to assign those four studies to OPE. The committee also approved follow-up work on the Idaho Home Learning Academy and the direct care workforce reports, with OPE suggesting a December follow-up for Home Learning Academy and a June target for direct care workforce, with possible extension if needed. The committee then released the report on challenges facing Idaho’s 911 system and heard a detailed presentation on funding, staffing, system efficiency, consolidation barriers, and governance. OPE recommended that the Legislature consider evolving the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission into a statewide program with stronger authority, standardized reporting, and clearer cost responsibilities. Testimony from the IPSCC chair and the Idaho Military Division generally agreed with the report’s direction, emphasized aging infrastructure and funding gaps, and said more data and legislative action would be needed for long-term sustainability. Committee members asked about the $1-per-line 911 fee, staffing shortages, consolidation authority, and whether 911 should be treated as an essential service. OPE and witnesses noted that local control remains central, but the state lacks consistent data and a statewide decision-maker. The committee then approved a motion for OPE to do a feasibility review of additional cost analysis for the 911 system before deciding whether to launch a deeper follow-up study. The meeting ended with OPE updates on a state administrative office space review, an upcoming career technical education report, and a reminder that legislators can request background research from OPE.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • slash critical funding for their communities.
  • Community health centers are the backbone of the safety net.
  • John's Community Health, in support. Thank you. Good afternoon.
  • I'm a state worker with Housing and Community Development.
  • I'm a state worker with housing and community development.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary C May 5th, 2026

Judiciary C

Transcript Highlights:
  • And when we talk about parts, we're now including a lot of wireless communications, so that would, I
  • Some areas of communication may be better than other.
  • And then the responsibility is on them to communicate with their constituencies and their communities
  • with that crisis intervention program as a community effort.
  • So this is wisdom in our communities that we need to encourage to be part of our communities, not trying
Committee: Senate Judiciary C
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

GVO Public Hearing 03-25-2025

Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we operate the wireless network, lots of cell sites, and we have a switching and data center.
  • HSPLS can play a key role communities.
  • </c><00:10:54.320><c> I</c> ledge session starts for communities.
  • I ledge session starts for communities.
  • Uh, it very closely aligns community.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary C May 5th, 2026

Judiciary C

Transcript Highlights:
  • And when we talk about parts, we're now including a lot of wireless communications, so that would, I
  • Some areas of communication may be better than others.
  • And then the responsibility is on them to communicate with their constituencies and their communities
  • I mean, people are doing a lot of good work here in the community.
  • So this is wisdom in our communities that we need to encourage to be part of our communities, not trying
Committee: Senate Judiciary C
Keywords: 974, senate, all