Video & Transcript : 'predatory funding' :

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 12th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • In other states, they've set up and they've funded, and part of. 13 is this communications technology
  • They funded hotlines. in effect to both of the regulatory agencies, in this case it would be both the
  • The previous witness talked about a hotline funding. Was that be a good idea?
  • There is a rider in the budget that will fund this commission with 500 million dollars in it there's
  • the funding associated with it, then we can actually make some real progress and so.
Bills: HB 13 , HB143 , HB144 , HB145 , HB366 , HB470 , HB805 , HB912 , HB13 , HB143 , HB144 , HB145
Committee: House State Affairs
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 12th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The comptroller would then credit those funds to the general revenue fund.
  • That ensures the City of Austin does not redirect funds that it currently provides to the Austin Police
  • Funds under this credit, the General Revenue Fund may only be appropriated to the Department of Public
  • And what that would equal in terms of taking away funds from the city of Austin and shift it.
  • of dollars, probably billions over five years in price. property taxes, there's plenty of money to fund
Bills: HB 13 , HB143 , HB144 , HB145 , HB366 , HB470 , HB805 , HB912 , HB13 , HB143 , HB144 , HB145
Committee: House State Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, they dangerously block public and pedestrian spaces and are highly predatory.
  • The legislature can appropriate funds, but they want to make sure it's tech stock.
  • We've removed references of allowing grant money to be leveraged. for additional funding.
  • We want grant money to be spent on the projects, not leverage for other funds.
  • I'm sure you'll find that funding for these projects will be well spent.
Bills: SB35 , SB284 , SB296 , SB305 , SB857 , SB995 , SB1121 , SB1555 , SB1902 , SCR25 , SB 35
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House DFL Press Conference 3/25/26

Transcript Highlights:
  • These predatory technologies are on our doorstep.
  • UFCW members are not going to stand by idly and let harmful, predatory technology into our grocery stores
  • technology into our grocery predatory technology into our grocery stores.<00:15:37.839><c> We</c><00
  • They're saying just stop this predatory practice before it starts.
  • </c> They're saying just stop this predatory They're saying just stop this predatory practice<00:26:27.520
Keywords: 919, house, all
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.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a gap in the law that we are hoping to close from the predatory behavior to the actual physical
  • This is a gap in the law that we are hoping to close from the predatory behavior to the actual physical
  • that we are hoping to close<00:03:03.360><c> from</c><00:03:03.840><c> the</c><00:03:04.080><c> predatory
  • behavior to the close from the predatory behavior to the actual<00:03:06.640><c> physical</c><00:03:
  • discussions that could in an predatory discussions that could in an overly<00:04:52.960><c> broad</c
Committee: House Judiciary
Keywords: 958, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Recently, the New Hampshire AG's office has classified these funds as deposits and requires that any
  • If they're not in market, that could mean that those funds don't stay in New Hampshire.
  • </c><01:58:59.040><c> real</c> implemented by certain predatory real implemented by certain predatory
  • </c> prevention, preventing predatory prevention, preventing predatory practices<02:00:52.800><c> whereby
  • </c> by banning these predatory agreements. by banning these predatory agreements.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • public and private financing and funds, and the authorization and issuance of bonds.
  • public and private financing and funds, and the authorization and issuance of bonds.
  • And again, it's not due, it's because we don't fund our VSOs.
  • to I get that, but if we are not going to fund them and we're going to not make sure that there is a
  • But predatory actors do not reduce VA backlogs.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 9th, 2026

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • the funding that we then are able to take and leverage with funding from the federal government.
  • Predatory suppliers of electricity. Oh, what are we doing around predatory suppliers, electricity?
  • So HLC projects that the proposed funding in House 2 will fund about 11,500 vouchers.
  • able to fund roughly 700.
  • able to fund a roughly 622 organizations, but we're not able to fund roughly 700.
Summary: The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty. Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires. Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:20:46.960><c> for</c><00:20:48.159><c> um</c> if resolutions don't allow for appropriations of funds
  • So, we would request some funds just to be able to get it to us, whether it's an appropriation or some
  • So, we would request<00:21:10.400><c> some</c><00:21:10.640><c> funds</c><00:21:11.039><c> just</c><00
  • :21:11.280><c> to</c><00:21:11.840><c> however</c><00:21:12.240><c> the</c> request some funds just to
  • however the request some funds just to however the legislature<00:21:12.880><c> would</c><00:21:13.039
Bills: SCR96 , SCR109 , SCR164 , SCR172 , SCR166
Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> On line 328, you'll see the general fund On line 328, you'll see the general fund cost<00:05:07.760
  • </c> that has an other than general fund that has an other than general fund impact. impact. impact.
  • </c> some kind of other funding mechanism. some kind of other funding mechanism.
  • ><c> Unit</c><00:32:12.080><c> through</c> Funding the Medicaid Fraud Unit through Funding the Medicaid
  • That is 20% of our funding. 20% of our funding in that building comes from HUD COC. That's at risk.
Bills: HF4207 , HF4338
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - House Judiciary

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • This particular fund funds crime victim notification, which is guaranteed to all crime victims in the
  • This funding will do that. But without this funding, the system faces disruption that would...
  • It's definitely needed funding.
  • The funding comes from the Arizona Lottery State Fund.
  • This funding does not come, it comes from the lottery, the state lottery fund, and the lottery fund,
Committee: House Judiciary
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 10th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • president, then we are hopeful that, Representative Walters: The president, then we are hopeful that funding
  • that you speak of, that we will name this for someone in hopes that the exchange is we will receive funding
  • If you look at a $3 billion investment, there's probably about six federal government funding sources
  • property increases in value, you can take assessments and apply it towards the revenues that you need to fund
Bills: HB129 , HB130 , HB148 , HB149 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB360 , HB384 , HB401 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716
Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 10 and took up a series of highway and bridge naming bills, beginning with House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. The bill was presented with extensive tributes from the sponsor, former colleagues, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry, all praising Salter’s public service, education background, and character. The committee reported HB 346 favorably without objection. Members then heard House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. The sponsor argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed, toll-free bridge project and described possible financing through development districts and federal programs. Some members questioned the political and practical logic of naming a bridge before it is built, while others supported the concept as a way to advance a needed infrastructure project. The committee adopted a roll-call vote and reported HB 221 favorably by 12-2. The committee also advanced several memorial highway and bridge designations, including HB 356 for the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr., HB 355 naming Highway 10 in Washington Parish as Veterans Park Memorial Highway, HB 675 naming part of U.S. 425 as the Bill Putt Linder Memorial Highway, HB 657 naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., HB 354 renaming the Magnolia Bridge for Caleb Easterling, HB 358 naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., and HB 384 naming part of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Memorial Highway. Several bills were amended to add or remove the word “Memorial.” The committee reported the measures favorably, with amendments where applicable, and then voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda before adjourning.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/04/2026 - Senate Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is publicly funded, but they are certainly privately operated. We both are on record. Okay.
  • It is publicly funded, but they are certainly privately operated. We both are on record. Okay.
  • You have publicly run, publicly funded; you have publicly funded, privately run; you have privately funded
  • Publicly run, publicly funded; you have publicly funded, privately run; you have privately funded, privately
Bills: HB2008 , HB2075 , HB2203 , HB2395 , HB2409
Committee: Senate Education
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:48 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're securing the funding. We have guardrails. We're codifying a system.
  • funds pursuant to the State Equalization Guarantee Distribution or funds appropriated for instructional
  • or general funding.
  • Relieve the early childhood trust fund rather than increase general funds.
  • Setting up the Early Childhood Fund was unprecedented. And it was very bipartisan.
Bills: SB132 , SB241
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Finance Feb 16th, 2026

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so your Grow projects are not this round from the Grow Fund, the Expendable Trust Fund.
  • capacity building fund.
  • The fund right now.
  • Money from the fund shall be... ...general fund or any other fund of the state.
  • Chair, into this fund.
Bills: SB132 , SB241
Summary: The committee first heard HB 158 as amended, which would require state agencies receiving appropriations from the Grow Fund to submit accountability and evaluation plans to the State Budget Division and the Legislative Finance Committee. LFC staff said the bill would put existing practice into statute and formalize agency reporting and evaluation responsibilities. The bill drew no opposition testimony, and after questions about whether agencies or LFC would do the evaluations, it passed on a 9-0 due pass vote. HB 255, the Public Safety Workforce Building Program, was then presented as a bipartisan measure to consolidate public safety workforce funding into a competitive grant program for local law enforcement, fire, detention, and public attorney offices. The sponsor said it would not require a new appropriation. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee approved it on a 9-0 due pass vote. The committee then took up SB 309, which would replace the lottery’s 30% return requirement with a fixed floor return for several fiscal years, with a reversion to the current law if the floor is not met. Lottery officials and supporters argued the change would let the lottery offer more competitive prizes, including higher-value scratchers, and potentially increase scholarship revenue; opponents, including Think New Mexico and a nursing student, warned it could cap long-term growth and reduce scholarship funding. After extended debate, the bill passed on a 7-2 due pass vote. Later, SB 79, creating a statewide mosquito-borne disease prevention program through the Department of Health, was presented by its sponsor as a response to West Nile virus and warmer winters. Testimony from the sponsor and the state entomologist emphasized rising mosquito risk and the need for county grants and statewide coordination. Although the committee initially moved to table the bill because funding had already been included in the budget, that motion failed and the bill ultimately received a due pass vote. The committee also heard HB 295, which would create a centralized accessibility reporting position in the Department of Health; after testimony for and against, an amendment stripping the appropriation was adopted, and the bill passed 5-3. The committee then heard HB 124, establishing an Office of New Americans within Workforce Solutions to coordinate workforce integration for immigrants with lawful status. Supporters described barriers faced by immigrant workers and the need for bilingual training and centralized assistance, while the sponsor said the office would have no first-year budget impact. The bill passed 6-4. Finally, the committee considered SB 273 and SB 274, both involving state financial support for affected entities and the Patient Compensation Fund. SB 273, which would provide temporary state assistance to communities affected by economic disruption, passed after debate about precedent and economic recovery. SB 274, which sought repayment from the Patient Compensation Fund for prior state infusions, drew opposition from hospitals and physicians who warned of higher surcharges and questioned the timing and legality; discussion continued around the committee substitute and the fund’s statutory restrictions.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 02-10-2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that's kind of common sense because, you know, those are usually, um, or always funds that people
  • This appropriates funds to uh FB 2919.
  • So, we are holding the amount that they put into the litigated claims fund, the amount of controversy
  • So, we are holding the amount that they put into the litigated claims fund, the amount of controversy
  • So, we are holding the amount that they put into the litigated claims fund, the amount of controversy
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - Senate Finance

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • because that's ultimately what the pension fund exists for, right?
  • of that school district to fund them.
  • of that school district to fund them.
  • Does it go to the general fund? Does it go to the school district?
  • Our state's general fund cannot stand to afford this as well.
Committee: Senate Finance