Video & Transcript Research : 'Project 25'
Page 73 of 500
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, May 15, 2026
Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm<00:25:08.560>
going <00:25:08.680>to <00:25:08.800>ask <00:25:09.240>you, - > when<00:25:11.640>
do <00:25:11.760>you <00:25:11.880>think <00:25:12.160>< - :35.120>
and <00:25:35.400>kind <00:25:35.600>of <00:25:35.680>some <00:25 - Uh,<00:25:40.160>
initially <00:25:40.640>their <00:25:40.920>their <00:25:41.200 - 00:25:47.000>
a <00:25:47.080>pie <00:25:47.320>in <00:25:47.440>the <00:25
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, AEN-JDC Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- :05.440>
of <00:25:05.600>Women, <00:25:06.400>both <00:25:06.640>in <00:25 - Um, Kellen<00:25:09.360>
Walton, <00:25:09.919>the <00:25:10.080>Maui <00:25:10.480 - <00:25:38.480>
And <00:25:38.799>um, <00:25:38.880>I <00:25:39.120>just <00:25:45.960>Um, <00:25:47.080>I <00:25:48.080>I <00:25:48.480>also - /c><00:25:52.600>
prosecutor <00:25:53.600>how <00:25:53.919>desperately <00:25:54.720
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 400, the Judiciary’s biennium budget, and HB 727, a proposal to create a women’s court pilot program. On HB 400, Judiciary officials said the request includes operating funds of about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. Testifiers from the legal services community, including the Legal Clinic, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, supported the budget and emphasized the need for civil legal services and immigration-related legal help. Judge Kim also highlighted Big Island needs, including courthouse design funding and an additional district court judge.
HB 727 drew extensive testimony in support from Judiciary officials, treatment court staff, legal and behavioral health organizations, prosecutors, and individuals with lived experience in drug court. Supporters said women in the justice system often face trauma, abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges that are not adequately addressed in existing programs, and argued that a women’s court could improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Judiciary witnesses explained that the proposed program would be a specialty court within the drug court framework, initially focused on the Kona division of the Third Circuit, with possible future expansion to Hilo. A probation officer and a former drug court participant described the benefits of treatment court and the need for women-specific services, including spiritual counseling options.
After testimony, the committee recessed briefly for lack of quorum and later returned to vote. HB 400 was passed with amendments, including added amounts in the committee report for civil legal services and immigration-related legal services, and a revised defective date. HB 727 was also passed with amendments, including changes to the purpose section to make the First Circuit women’s court permanent, create a three-year Third Circuit Kona women’s court pilot, and remove the broader expansion language for the time being. The committee adopted both measures by vote, with Senator Chang excused.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight committee (10-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- 25 a development<00:09:24.880>
projects <00:09:25.360>reports <00:09:25.839>were - 00:25:03.279>
level <00:25:03.679>and <00:25:04.000>how <00:25:04.159>that <00:25:14.000>- <00:25:05.600>
kind <00:25:05.760>of <00:25:05.919>more <00:25:06.080>the - efforts,<00:25:07.200>
but <00:25:07.440>it's <00:25:07.679>worth <00:25:07.919>So <00:25:14.320>we've <00:25:14.559>kind <00:25:14.720>of - <00:25:05.600>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09
Approval of Minutes 00:00:48
KOAP Report 00:01:09
Update from CHFS 00:20:27, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared.
The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site.
The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But<00:25:00.160>
we <00:25:00.360>have <00:25:00.760>to <00:25:00.880>start< - We have to<00:25:02.600>
start <00:25:02.920>holding <00:25:03.240>people <00:25: - And<00:25:05.920>
this <00:25:06.160>will <00:25:06.440>help <00:25:06.880>save - for bringing<00:25:58.360>
this <00:25:58.520>bill <00:25:58.760>and <00:25:58.880 - Eat<01:25:01.920>
here <01:25:02.240>do <01:25:02.360>you <01:25:02.400>want<
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.640>
proposed <00:25:01.440>posted <00:25:01.919>SD1. - Okay,<00:25:05.200>
that <00:25:05.440>brings <00:25:05.600>us <00:25:05.760 - >
to <00:25:05.840>the <00:25:06.000>end <00:25:06.080>of <00:25:06.159>- 06.640>
and <00:25:06.799>there <00:25:06.960>being <00:25:07.200>no <00:25- :08.080>
this <00:25:08.240>committee <00:25:08.559>is <00:25:08.640>now - 06.640>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing heard and then took action on a series of housing-related bills concerning HHFDC, HPHA, inclusionary zoning, nonprofit housing trusts, housing project exemptions, the rental housing revolving fund, and a new for-sale housing program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and HPHA, with additional support from groups such as Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Holo Collaborative, the Kobayashi Group, and others. On SB 2424, the Kobayashi Group argued the bill would help open housing to a broader pool of local households, including buyers slightly above income limits who still cannot afford market-rate housing. On SB 2342, the chair asked HHFDC for final figures on rental housing revolving fund appropriations since 2016 and was told the amount was about $1.1 billion, including conveyance tax revenue.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2189 with amendments, noting concerns about transparency and accountability in HHFDC’s loan-award process; SB 2190 with amendments; SB 2234 with amendments; SB 2177 with amendments; SB 2194 unamended; SB 2342 with amendments; SB 2060 with amendments; and SB 2070 with amendments. The committee deferred SB 2195 and SB 2196 after testimony comments, and deferred SB 2063 because the chair said SB 2060 would be used instead as the vehicle for mixed-income subaccount changes. SB 2424 was discussed in hearing but then deferred in decision-making pending legal advice on issues including owner-occupancy, county income restrictions, buyback rules, and county council approval. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2062 and its proposed SD1, but deferred that measure because the relevant changes had already been incorporated into SB 2060 SD1.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :22.200>
um <00:25:22.600>it <00:25:22.720>looks <00:25:22.920>like <00:25 - /c><00:25:27.040>
and <00:25:27.160>I'm <00:25:27.240>just <00:25:27.400>curious - c><00:25:28.400>
more <00:25:28.560>about <00:25:28.920>that <00:25:29.120>number - > was<00:25:30.440>
just <00:25:30.640>that <00:25:30.760>number <00:25:31.040 - ,<01:25:04.600>
but <01:25:04.720>we're <01:25:04.840>pretty <01:25:05.120>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >
every <00:25:17.799>single <00:25:18.120>Mark <00:25:19.120>uh <00:25:19.279 - <00:25:20.600>
into <00:25:20.799>a <00:25:21.000>system <00:25:21.840>uh - <00:25:22.520>
thirdparty <00:25:22.919>Auditors <00:25:23.360>are <00:25:23.600 - :00.960>
at <01:25:01.159>that <01:25:01.320>point <01:25:01.560>we <01:25 - >
did <01:25:06.119>not <01:25:06.360>exist <01:25:06.639>anywhere <01:25:
Keywords:
telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:25:04.800>
um <01:25:05.280>you <01:25:05.440>know <01:25:05.600>re - >
know <01:25:06.080>you <01:25:06.320>see <01:25:06.480>the <01:25:06.639to <01:25:12.000>me <01:25:12.239>when <01:25:12.480>we <01:25:12.719>- $60<01:25:17.679>
million <01:25:18.480>and <01:25:18.719>you <01:25:18.880>- >
on <01:25:28.560>on <01:25:28.800>us <01:25:29.440>as <01:25:29.840> - >
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 13, February 24, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's<00:25:18.799>
totally <00:25:19.520>voluntary <00:25:20.240>on <00:25:20.559 - I think that's<01:25:17.679>
just <01:25:17.840>a <01:25:18.159>a <01:25:19.120>< - <01:25:21.360>
but <01:25:21.679>something <01:25:21.840>to <01:25:22.080>be< - Any<01:25:25.360>
other <01:25:25.600>discussion <01:25:25.920>on <01:25:26.080>< - <01:25:32.400>
This <01:25:32.560>is <01:25:32.800>this <01:25:33.040>is<
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :25:03.000>
and <00:25:03.200>so <00:25:03.640>the <00:25:03.919>the like - > money<00:25:04.720>
is <00:25:05.360>uh <00:25:05.600>totally <00:25:06.080 - :10.039>
DOD <00:25:10.440>and <00:25:10.600>do <00:25:11.399>money <00:25 - :25:19.720>
um <00:25:20.279>no <00:25:20.679>that <00:25:21.080>uh yeah - <00:25:21.720>
bar <00:25:22.159>is <00:25:22.480>actually <00:25:22.720>
Summary:
The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee met and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The chair noted that agency overviews from the Office of Higher Education and other state agencies were not available, so the committee proceeded with University of Minnesota presentations instead. The committee also reviewed posted committee rules.
University of Minnesota representatives gave an overview of the university’s research enterprise, describing it as a system of five campuses with a possible expansion to St. Cloud, and highlighting research strengths across campuses in agriculture, energy, natural resources, health, and the Twin Cities flagship campus. They said the university has more than $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures, receives most of its research funding from federal sources, and is ranked highly for both overall research and interdisciplinary research. Examples discussed included the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Forever Green initiative, and research tied to sustainable crops, health, and commercialization.
Members asked questions about specific research areas, including biodegradable or renewable plastics, wheat research, food dyes, health and environmental toxins, and the market for winter camelina and winter pennycress. University staff said they could follow up with more detailed information and explained that the winter crop work is intended to become market-driven over time, while also improving soil health and creating new revenue streams for farmers. They also clarified that the university’s federal research funding includes money from NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and other agencies, and that the “other” funding category includes foundations, subawards, and internal university seed funding.
The committee then heard a second University of Minnesota presentation focused on partnerships, commercialization, and workforce development. Testimony highlighted collaborations with industry and government partners such as U.S. Steel, 3M, Medtronic, Cisco, and defense-related industry leaders, as well as programs supporting microelectronics, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation fuels. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee ended the segment by moving on to the next testifier.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- As<00:25:21.080>
Minnesota <00:25:21.480>becomes <00:25:21.920>more <00:25:22.160 - As<00:25:29.520>
we've <00:25:29.680>discussed <00:25:30.120>in <00:25:30.240> - And while<00:25:35.520>
this <00:25:35.720>is <00:25:35.840>good <00:25:36.040>- 37.520>
has <00:25:37.720>long <00:25:38.000>been <00:25:38.160>our <00:25- Dr.<00:25:41.240>
Becker <00:25:41.480>will <00:25:41.600>discuss <00:25:42.000>< - 37.520>
Bills:
HF3425
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/14/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- 25:42.159>
up <00:25:42.360>if <00:25:42.480>I <00:25:42.640>may <00:25:43.360 - multiple<04:25:15.840>
projects <04:25:16.479>that <04:25:16.600>are <04:25:16.800 - >
in <04:25:17.000>this <04:25:17.600>and multiple projects that are in this and - multiple projects that are in this and this<04:25:18.000>
doesn't <04:25:18.479>capture - how many<04:25:34.840>
projects <04:25:35.159>are <04:25:35.319>really <04:25:35.520 - how many<04:25:34.840>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- > them<01:25:15.440>
and <01:25:15.560>I'm <01:25:15.679>sorry <01:25:15.920> - >
at <01:25:21.800>$28 <01:25:22.800>the <01:25:22.920>next <01:25:23.199> - c> by<01:25:26.119>
54 <01:25:27.119>and <01:25:27.480>$53 <01:25:28.639> - 01:25:30.400>
some <01:25:30.560>of <01:25:30.679>the <01:25:30.840>districts - c> going<01:25:31.760>
up <01:25:31.920>at <01:25:32.040>a <01:25:32.400>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.000>
have <00:25:01.000>is <00:25:01.200>the <00:25:01.399>only <00:25 - <00:25:03.039>
Island <00:25:03.600>it <00:25:03.679>will <00:25:03.840>be - ><00:25:06.960>
all <00:25:07.440>of <00:25:07.600>our <00:25:07.760>partner< - >
Hilo <00:25:24.640>to <00:25:24.919>Puna <00:25:25.679>all <00:25:25.880- 25:27.279>
up <00:25:27.520>to <00:25:28.080>um <00:25:28.679>pahala <00:25 - ><00:25:06.960>
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief.
Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility.
Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (04/14/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.120>
also <00:25:01.120>in <00:25:01.440>terms <00:25:01.600>of <00:25 - <02:25:07.920>
I <02:25:08.080>now <02:25:08.319>make <02:25:08.640>them< - <02:25:10.240>
ought <02:25:10.399>to <02:25:10.560>pass <02:25:10.880>as - <02:25:21.359>
of <02:25:21.520>ought <02:25:21.680>to <02:25:21.840>pass - :00.159>
that <04:25:00.319>we <04:25:00.479>need <04:25:00.560>to <04:25:
Summary:
The committee met on April 14 and began by welcoming a new member, Representative Samban Denier, who briefly described his background as a Clarkson University environmental engineering graduate and Air Force veteran. The committee then moved into a work session on five energy-related bills, starting with Senate Bill 65 on stormwater management for solar arrays. Representative McGee presented amendment 1594H, which would exclude projects in shoreland areas from the bill’s permit-by-notification process and require the standard alteration-of-terrain permit review instead. Members asked for clarification, and McGee explained the amendment was requested by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and others to preserve the fuller review process for shoreland projects. The committee appeared satisfied with the explanation and moved on.
The committee next discussed Senate Bill 230 on electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources. Members concluded that section one was unnecessary because a better definition of advanced nuclear resources had already been added to House Bill 710, and that section two would allow investment in advanced nuclear resources in a way they had already rejected in another bill due to ratepayer risk. Several members agreed the bill was redundant and supported an ITL motion. They also discussed Senate Bill 232 on net metering terms and conditions, focusing first on whether hydroelectric generators could be listed in ISO New England while also taking net metering credits. Granite State Hydropower Association representative Heidi Kroll testified that generators are subject to checks and balances, that double-dipping is not occurring, and that rules and tariffs already require participation in one market arrangement or the other.
Discussion on Senate Bill 232 then shifted to section two, which would bar retroactive changes to net metering tariffs in place as of January 1, 2025. Representative McGee proposed alternative language to protect existing customer generators, group hosts, and municipal hosts from retroactive changes, while others said the language was needed to provide stability for current participants operating on thin margins. Some members supported the clearer wording; others argued the committee should not tie the hands of the PUC and DOE, noting future circumstances could require regulatory flexibility and that conflicts could be resolved in court if necessary. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:25:00.319>
I <03:25:00.560>was <03:25:00.640>one <03:25:00.880>year - :25:05.040>
they <03:25:05.200>they <03:25:05.359>edit <03:25:05.680>the - >
say <03:25:08.960>in <03:25:09.120>their <03:25:09.520>uh <03:25:09.680>- all points<03:25:13.760>
of <03:25:13.920>view <03:25:14.080>on <03:25:14.319>- . project. project.
- :25:05.040>
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334.
The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :58.360>
was <01:25:58.960>quite <01:25:59.119>a <01:25:59.239>few <01:25: - c> not<04:25:30.840>
going <04:25:30.960>to <04:25:31.159>pay <04:25:31.640>< - 25:38.880>
higher <04:25:39.199>than <04:25:39.359>later <04:25:39.720>on - :25:46.520>
make <04:25:46.720>sense <04:25:47.000>to <04:25:47.159>me Of - >
you <05:25:01.040>it's <05:25:01.160>a <05:25:01.440>high <05:25:01.718>
Summary:
The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities.
Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented.
Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion.
The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:25:19.600>
articulate <00:25:20.159>than <00:25:20.320>she <00:25:20.480> - give<00:25:27.919>
you <00:25:28.080>kind <00:25:28.159>of <00:25:28.240> - what<00:25:51.039>
retail <00:25:51.520>end <00:25:51.760>users <00:25:52.080 - <00:25:55.760>
eligible <00:25:56.240>project <00:25:56.640>is applicant and - an eligible project is applicant and an eligible project is because<00:25:58.159>
ultimately <
Summary:
The committee took up several energy, utility, and infrastructure bills. Bill 2527 on solar decommissioning was presented as a landowner consumer-protection measure that would set statewide baseline requirements for solar lease agreements, preserve some freedom of contract, preempt duplicative local rules, and protect landowners from reclamation costs; after no questions, it was moved and passed. The committee also discussed changes to the Gulf Coast Regional Utility Act in HB 2058 and HB 2309, including new first-right-of-refusal language, prohibitions on unauthorized service, civil penalties and enforcement tools, and legislative intent language aimed at preventing duplication and protecting public investment; both were adopted as committee substitutes and passed. HB 2018 was amended to extend similar oversight to water systems, and it was reported after questions about the scope of the change.
Several bills focused on water and wastewater oversight. SB 2311 and SB 2312 would create statewide A-to-F grading systems for drinking water and wastewater systems, require annual public reporting, and direct the health and environmental agencies to adopt objective scoring rules; both were passed. SB 2526 would create a Mississippi Rural Water Oversight Committee, require rate studies, capacity studies, and asset management plans for water associations, and provide staffing and funding support from existing revolving-fund resources; it was adopted as a committee substitute and reported, with supporters saying it would help identify and assist troubled associations. The committee also heard a bill creating the Metro Jackson Water Authority, allowing a lease of city system assets, special revenue bonds to refinance legacy debt, and supplemental revenue sources such as sanitation fees and possibly sales tax revenues; the sponsor said no general fund money would be used, and the bill was reported.
The committee also advanced HB 2641, which was stripped down to a study committee on wind turbine facilities, grandfathered existing projects, and imposed a moratorium on new construction until the study is completed; members asked about existing projects and were told current projects under construction would not be penalized, and the committee substitute passed. SB 2783 would make targeted definition changes to BEAD-related broadband grant programs so remaining federal funds could support other state initiatives, including AI workforce training, and it was reported after questions about future federal guidance. Finally, HB 2787 would add propane to the school gas-leak testing statute; the sponsor said the inspections would not require additional state funding because propane dealers and the State Fire Marshal’s office already handle the checks, and the bill passed.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
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a <00:25:16.240>look <00:25:16.559>at <00:25:16.679>it <00:25:17.120> - :25:21.720>
of <00:25:21.919>all <00:25:22.360>resources <00:25:23.360>uh - >
then <00:25:26.919>you <00:25:27.000>know <00:25:27.159>where <00:25:27.279 - >
so <00:25:52.919>that's <00:25:53.039>a <00:25:53.120>lot <00:25:53.240> - :34.199>
I <01:25:34.320>I <01:25:34.400>think <01:25:34.520>we're <01:25:
Summary:
The committee met for an agency overview from Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. After member and staff introductions, Ho described Minnesota Housing’s mission, structure, and role as a mission-driven financial institution that issues bonds, uses earnings to support operations, and works across the housing continuum from homelessness prevention to homeownership and preservation. She emphasized that the agency is not a builder or regulator, but funds and partners with developers, local governments, nonprofits, and lenders. She also noted the agency’s four divisions, including a new local government housing programs division created after the 2023 legislative session expanded the agency’s responsibilities.
Ho reviewed funding and program activity, saying Minnesota Housing spent $1.96 billion in fiscal year 2024 and helped more than 73,000 households. She highlighted that the agency’s work is heavily competitive and often oversubscribed, with many projects selected through RFPs and grants but more applications than available resources. She discussed 2023 and 2024 investments, including homeownership, rental, and manufactured housing projects, and said roughly half of competitive dollars have gone to Greater Minnesota over the last several years. She also explained the difference between funds committed and funds actually disbursed, noting that construction and rehabilitation projects can take many months to close and draw down funds.
The commissioner also updated members on new programs created in 2023 and 2024, including first-generation down payment assistance, the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program, public housing rehabilitation, state housing tax credits, and other local and regional initiatives. She said some programs are already closed out, while others remain in early implementation or are still accepting applications. Ho mentioned a forthcoming technical amendment to adjust a high-rise sprinkler program after eligibility issues limited participation. She closed with examples of projects preserved or funded, including a St. Louis Park preservation deal, public housing preservation in Greater Minnesota, a St. Cloud challenge project, and the first-generation down payment assistance program, which distributed $50 million to about 1,450 first-time buyers, most of whom were Black, Indigenous, or people of color. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:25:32.279>
I <00:25:32.440>have <00:25:32.720>tried <00:25:32.960>to uh the <00:25:33.840>entire <00:25:34.200>discussion <00:25:34.600>and <00:25- :35.000>
it <00:25:35.080>was <00:25:35.200>brought <00:25:35.399>up <00:25 - of this bill<00:25:41.760>
um <00:25:42.760>is <00:25:43.279>is <00:25:43.679>- <00:46:39.400>
did the projects and all these projects did the projects and all these projects - <00:46:39.400>
Summary:
The committee approved the January 21, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on its report about Minnesota’s environmental permitting system. The presenters said the report was based on research by Barr Engineering and the Policy Navigation Group and argued that permitting delays can discourage investment and make Minnesota less competitive for manufacturing, mining, energy, clean tech, and other industrial projects. They highlighted that Tier 1 permits are generally issued quickly, but Tier 2 air and water permits often take much longer than the state’s 150-day goal, with some median timelines ranging from 419 to 771 days for Tier 2 air permits and similar delays for industrial water permits. The report also said Minnesota’s permit timelines were longer than peer states and estimated that reducing delays could increase annual output by $260 million to $910 million and support 960 to 3,400 additional full-time-equivalent jobs per year.
Committee members asked about which businesses fall under Tier 2 permits, the economic impact of permitting delays, and whether the Chamber had discussed the report with the governor or MPCA. The presenters said Tier 2 permits typically involve higher-emitting facilities such as manufacturing, utilities, mining, and other industrial operations, and that the economic estimates were based on modeling rather than exact lost-job counts. They also noted that the governor had been briefed and that MPCA had been invited to the hearing but did not attend.
The committee then took up House File 8, which Chair Heintzeman said is intended to improve permitting efficiency while maintaining environmental standards. He described provisions that would reduce the number of 60-day wetland application extensions, require MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, break out data on missed timelines by municipal versus industrial applicants, treat failure to meet the 150-day Tier 2 deadline as a final action subject to judicial review, and require quicker notice when applications are incomplete. He also outlined sections that would allow separate construction and operating permits, expand expedited permitting, and change environmental assessment worksheet petition rules. The bill was moved to be re-referred to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, and the discussion began, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the bill is shown.