Video & Transcript Research : 'drip pricing'
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Price newsly follows what's happening with sales, and so we have seen that prices have either come down
- Prices have either come down slightly or flattened out slightly relative to what we had been seeing,
- So when you have sales down and price down, those are the two drivers of doc stamps.
- So had it all been fee for service and we'd never done managed care, what would the price increases have
- So because that's what would the price increases have been? We don't know, right?
Summary:
The committee met to hear Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s constitutionally required long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast reflects slower but still positive economic growth, continued above-average personal income growth, rising wages, and population growth that is increasingly driven by in-migration as Florida’s senior population expands. She highlighted weakening housing-related revenue, especially documentary stamp taxes, softer consumer sentiment, and the expectation that Florida will pass 25 million residents by 2030, with nearly a quarter of the population age 65 or older.
Baker said the outlook largely retained the March 2025 general revenue forecast, but the Legislature’s 2025 session actions significantly improved near-term funds available by redirecting or freeing up money, including contingency appropriations and reversions. She noted total state reserves are just under $15 billion, or about 30% of general revenue, and that the budget stabilization fund is at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures in the outlook were critical needs, led by a new emergency preparedness and response fund transfer and Medicaid growth driven mainly by medical inflation and behavioral analysis costs in managed care, not by caseload growth. Other high-priority needs were also identified, and Baker said the first year shows a projected surplus, but years two and three show shortfalls, meaning fiscal strategies will still be needed.
Members questioned Baker about the accuracy of the forecast, Medicaid managed care costs, the emergency preparedness fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook is a good representation of the total picture, though the Legislature will likely adjust it as conditions change, and that more information on federal changes would come in later estimating conferences. Senator Trumbull asked about the governor’s veto of $750 million, and Baker said it simply returned to unallocated general revenue rather than being spent or added to the budget stabilization fund. The chair closed by warning members to expect a difficult budgeting process and noting that the committee would adjourn without further action.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Here's just kind of a look at the prices of eggs.
- property tax for food items would be a major step forward in the state of Texas towards lowering food prices
- found is that the inventory tax on medicine and perishable goods increased costs for merchants and prices
- This is a rare opportunity for Texas lawmakers to make a real... ...difference on rising prices.
- coalition, our businesses compete fiercely in the marketplace to bring customers the best possible prices
Bills:
SB1331, SB1375, SB1443, SB1578, SB2251, SB2519, SB2553, SB2655, SB2764, SB2907, SB3030, SB3033, SB3035, SB3036, SB3037, SB3043, SB3047, SB3050, SB3051, SB3056, SB3057, SB3063, HB9, HB467, HB331, HB1244, HB1399, HB2559, HB2730, HB3307, HJR1, HJR99, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SJR78, HB1327, HB2723, HB9, HJR1
Keywords:
civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We all want lower gas prices, but as we watch the global oil prices spike today following recent international
- I want to thank the sponsor for our efforts this session to bring gas prices down.
- The price of crude today actually went down.
- It was only down 20 cents, but the price of crude was down today, which is a good sign.
- The price of crude today actually went down.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/13/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Since the beginning of 2020, home prices have risen around 25% in Minnesota, with the typical mortgage
- payment on the median-price home rising from $1,600 a month in 2020 to $2,750 a month in 2024.
- payment on the median-price home rising from $1,600 a month in 2020 to $2,750 a month in 2024.
- Home prices have risen around 25% in Minnesota, with the typical mortgage payment on the median-price
- <00:09:44.959>
under <00:09:45.440>control bringing rents and prices under control
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/21/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- You're going to hear more about the 340B report and prescription drug pricing.
- losses to Farmers increased food prices losses to Farmers increased food prices and<01:04:35.000
- <01:32:41.560>
of to the consumer to lower the price of to the consumer to lower the price - systems to what extent are prices systems to what extent are prices established<01:40:49.639>
- <01:43:22.000>
of expans expansion and the price of expans expansion and the price of prescription
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee convened for its first meeting of the 2025 session, with Chair Melissa Wiklund outlining the new co-chair arrangement, rotating gavel, committee size of 12, and the seven-vote threshold needed to move bills and motions. Members and staff introduced themselves, including several new senators, committee administrators, counsel, fiscal staff, researchers, and new pages. The committee then began its agenda with an overview of the Minnesota Department of Health from Deputy Commissioner Wendy Underwood.
Underwood described MDH’s mission and structure, emphasizing public health’s focus on prevention, population health, and the social and economic factors that drive health outcomes. She highlighted the state’s health disparities, the department’s five bureaus, and major work areas including infectious disease response, newborn screening, environmental health, chronic disease prevention, health regulation, health equity, and operations. She also discussed the Center for Health Care Affordability, saying the department has been meeting with stakeholders and has hired a director to begin work on advisory bodies and community engagement around rising health care costs.
Members asked questions about physician shortages, burnout, administrative burden, and health care bureaucracy. Senator Grunhagen argued that excessive paperwork and micromanagement are worsening access and workforce shortages, while Senator Abeler asked for data on whether past disparity programs have been effective and whether some efforts should be consolidated. Underwood said MDH has rural health programs, workforce supports such as loan forgiveness, and research on administrative costs and low-value services, and she noted the department has published legislative reports with more data to come. The chair then moved the committee to a broader discussion of public health system development in Minnesota, introducing City of Bloomington officials to present on a recent report.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Price, welcome.
- Price, welcome.
- Price is going to speak.
- Price, welcome.
- Price.
Summary:
The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- An act relating to a prescription drug pricing...
- To ensure price transparency across the rental car industry, AB 1374 would require that the real price
- This ensures that the upfront price is the real price consumers pay, enabling consumers to make informed
- Our families are priced out.
- . ...projects, drive up costs, and ultimately increase housing prices.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber.
Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12.
The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Likewise on our grain fees that we had talked about, those changes and that fee structure and that pricing
- <00:05:02.639>
has fee structure and uh that pricing has fee structure and uh that pricing - That will especially help grantees in the face of really soaring land prices.
- Um though after soaring um land prices.
- price price projections.<00:50:15.280>
And <00:50:15.440>she <00:50:15.680>didn't
Bills:
HF2446
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/19/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- , other prices rise.
- I can't change the face price, even though all my other costs go up.
- <00:22:01.080>
even I can't change the face price even I can't change the face price even - Now, there may be other factors, like higher grocery prices.
- There may be other factors, like higher grocery prices.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's good for sales tax increases with prices going up.
- the ordinary, hardworking citizen of the state out there, it's good for sales tax increases with prices
- So when price changes, and we have some price fluctuations, we're going to see huge shocks, and that's
- But basically, it is the change as price fluctuates.
- I had some notes before, the last few months, about the natural gas price.
Summary:
The council opened with a prayer, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received the February 2026 Monthly Revenue Report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year to date, and said the updated forecast now shows a larger expected surplus. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fee fluctuations, inflation, and economic development incentives; Silva attributed several changes to timing, refunds, tax cuts, weather, and price volatility, and generally described the state’s revenue trend as positive.
The Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Medicaid studies, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and other subcommittee reports were adopted. The Medicaid studies report drew extended discussion about DHS staffing and contract nursing costs at state hospitals and human development centers; DHS officials said they were working on a recruitment and retention plan, reported significant vacancies and turnover, and said the state was not at risk of overspending the contracts. Several members urged reducing reliance on contract labor and moving staff onto state payrolls.
The Review Subcommittee report prompted questions about a Department of Public Safety aircraft maintenance item and a Department of Shared Administrative Services contract for Deloitte to implement performance and goals management software tied to the state’s new personnel system. After discussion, the aircraft maintenance item was held briefly and then withdrawn from the hold, while the shared services contract was explained as a one-time integration/configuration project for a system that will support employee evaluations and performance-based pay; the report and the separate contract vote were approved. The Personnel Subcommittee also heard testimony from Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald about reductions in force at the Division of Services for the Blind, which he attributed to funding shortfalls and fiscal mismanagement; members questioned the impact on blind and visually impaired clients, the status of board appointments, and whether federal funds could be at risk. The report was adopted with immediate consideration, and the meeting ended after filing the remaining APER report and adjourning.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Price is going up everywhere, but per diem for the kids and increase in residential beds.
- Prices are going up everywhere, but per diem for the kids and an increase in residential beds.
- And frankly, to sum it up, we're operating a 2025 business with 2008 prices.
- And frankly, to sum it up, we're operating a 2025 business with 2008 prices. business with 2008 prices
- In addition, the price of stamps has increased in that 10 years from 47 cents to 78 cents, which is a
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems.
DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support.
The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- They charge the price of Gulf, and it's imported shrimp.
- so low that they're making our prices go low to compete with them.
- They're labeling it as Gulf shrimp and getting the price of Gulf shrimp when it's really the import.
- Of farm-raised shrimp, prices have been driven down so low that the profit margins are nonexistent.
- It's the high fuel prices.
Bills:
HB1958, HB2031, HB2879, HB3285, HB3995, HB4487, HB4558, HB4560, HB4876, HB4899, HB5212, HB5317, HB5543, HB5567, SB1333
Keywords:
firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 16, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, I believe you would see a lowering of prices for consumers. Members, any more questions?
- exemption rents one-bedroom units for $1,500 a month, which is about the average of other rental prices
- The rental prices for non-affordable rental units in that town, and under this law the owner of that
- And the fuel prices— I know for me, I will go and fly to another facility that has lower fuel prices
- in because of some of those lower prices.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26.
Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage.
During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- level of input of sending our out of state, which I would also so just that, you know what the sticker price
- is, not always necessarily what the final price issued in Payson.
- And so there is, you know, just being able to raise that price does provide a lot of flexibility and
- And what's the price of last to city when we compete against other states?
- And, you know, until we're even close to some of the market prices for comparable programs and the out
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 001 Jan 15th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Violence can never be<00:59:25.119>
the <00:59:25.440>price <00:59:25.680>of <00: - ...be the price of our democracy.
- of everyday goods, and costs, the prices of everyday goods, and putting<01:08:00.000>
consumers again to keep health insurance prices again to keep health insurance prices from<01:08:31.920>- promote fair market pricing practices in the<02:10:28.320>
state. - promote fair market pricing practices in the<02:10:28.320>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- process, and I do wonder if part of that is they use it to exact large fees that end up raising the price
- process, and I do wonder if part of that is they use it to exact large fees that end up raising the price
- <00:36:30.880>
of <00:36:31.040>a we can make ultimately the price of a we can make - ultimately the price of a home<00:36:31.760>
more <00:36:32.000>achievable <00:36:32.480 - some out and skyrocketing costs, pricing some out and forcing<00:39:53.680>
others <00:39:54.000
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/27/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Commuter rail and MTA funding. >> I have some questions on congestion pricing.
- And, of course, congestion pricing.
- Funny little fact about congestion pricing: that's not bringing in revenue for now.
- TRAFFIC HE ENFORCEMENT CAMERAS AND OF COURSE CONGESTION PRICING.
- SORT OF MID-PRICE, AND THEN ONE WAS A COMPLETE TEARDOWN.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions.
The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading.
The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/10/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- First, in the mid-2000s, oil and propane dropped in price.
- mid2 Oil and Propane dropped in price mid2 Oil and Propane dropped in price that<00:50:28.799>
- > price<00:50:29.480>
differential <00:50:30.480>drives that price differential drives- btu propane depending on what the price btu propane depending on what the price is<00:56:21.720>
- dyamics and wreck prices dyamics and wreck prices but<00:59:29.160>
in <00:59:29.400>general - > price<00:50:29.480>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, WLA-AEN-EDT, WLA-AEN, WLA-AEN-PSM Public Hearings 03-20-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- their family on a 5-acre parcel, and that is a completely different economy with much lower land prices
- their family on a 5-acre parcel, and that is a completely different economy with much lower land prices
- their family on a 5-acre parcel, and that is a completely different economy with much lower land prices
- their family on a 5-acre parcel, and that is a completely different economy with much lower land prices
- and much greater labor access prices and much greater labor access than<00:27:55.200>
we <00:27
Bills:
HB1979
Keywords:
environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays.
Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement.
The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced.
The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So they're paying market rent, market prices.
- We're spending more than 15% of the purchase price, a lot more than 15% of the purchase price.
- You need to be reducing that rent below the market price. Don't fall for the trap here.
- Things prices are going up, taxes are going up, food is going up, medicine is going up.
- And let's talk about what that actually costs because the price isn't just financial.
Keywords:
HB 21, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem tax, property tax, delinquent taxes, tax delinquency, penalty reduction, interest rate, split payment, installment payment, tax relief, county tax collector, taxing unit, property owner, tax collection, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax increase election, supermajority, 60 percent threshold