Video & Transcript Research : 'small modular reactors'
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VT
Transcript Highlights:
- So this amendment corrects those small omissions.
- >
poultry <01:07:35.800>flock Regarding a small backyard poultry flock Regarding a small - [clears throat] birds is a small [clears throat] birds is a small backyard<01:13:46.200>
poultry - > backyard<01:13:57.080>
poultry district allow small backyard poultry district allow small - It strips away all the small changes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they, you know, mostly small businesses that are employing people within the city and supporting
- We don't certainly have a lot of small businesses in our town: a lot of small retail establishments,
- They rent spaces to small biotech companies, they rent spaces to retailers and other entities, but a
- If I may, and maybe Earl, if you wanted to say, we do have several small businesses in Coolidge Square
- Charlemont is small.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support.
The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support.
Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a small business owner in Massachusetts. My name is Frank Zona.
- I'm a small business owner in Massachusetts. I operate Zona Salons and Zona Brothers Barbers.
- Because when you open a small business, you basically site select and you say, 10 miles around that is
- It's usually very small, a small percentage of the total overall cost of the fee, but that is basically
- it's a small percentage of the things like operating expenses for the Commission it's usually very small
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with both in-person and remote testimony. Committee chairs reviewed logistics for public testimony and then heard a series of bill presentations on topics including nitrous oxide sales, liquor license extensions and alcohol license density, cosmetology licensure compacts, electronic textbooks, HVAC supervisor licensing, and automotive warranty reimbursement rates. Several members asked questions about the public health, consumer protection, economic mobility, and regulatory impacts of the proposals.
Representative John Barrett testified in support of H. 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, arguing it is a public health measure aimed at reducing recreational misuse by young people while preserving legitimate culinary, medical, dental, and industrial uses. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported a local liquor license extension bill, saying delayed revitalization and staffing disruptions from the pandemic-era “Great Resignation” had slowed development and postponed demand for the licenses. MassPack supported H. 4597 to limit new alcohol retail licenses near existing stores after 2026, citing oversaturation and public health concerns, while the committee also heard testimony on a cosmetology compact bill from industry and state-government representatives who said it would improve workforce mobility, especially for military spouses, though members questioned its fee structure and interaction with existing reciprocity rules.
Representative Mindy Domb testified for H. 559, which would create a commission to study electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing, arguing that digital course materials can limit consumer choice, raise costs, and reduce students’ ability to share or resell materials. Student testimony echoed those concerns. The committee also heard strong support for H. 4719, a bill to create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, from industry witnesses who said it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy implementation; and opposition testimony on H. 4019, which would change how auto dealers are reimbursed for warranty work, with dealers supporting a fix to manufacturer reimbursement practices and manufacturers warning the bill would raise costs and allow overpayment. At the end of the hearing, the chairs read the agenda items and the committee adjourned by unanimous voice vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- On the surface, this might seem like a small issue, but for parents with children who depend on these
- For families already stretched thin, this is not a small inconvenience, but it can be a real hardship
- I'm a small business owner. I have about 20 employees here in Massachusetts.
- This legislation is an attempt to provide carriers with additional tools needed to retain such small
- businesses, which have since been prohibited. ...utilized to provide fair rate assessments for small
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a hearing with Chair Jamie Murphy and Senate co-chair Senator Feeney presiding. Members asked witnesses to keep testimony to three minutes and noted that written testimony could still be submitted. The committee heard testimony on several health insurance and pharmacy-related bills, including a proposal to allow controlled prescriptions to be transferred between pharmacies within the same chain, legislation affecting health savings account (HSA)-compatible plans and future insurance mandates, a bill on small business health insurance incentives, and H. 1212 on emergency insulin access.
Several parents and patients testified in support of emergency insulin access, describing severe diabetes emergencies, diabetic ketoacidosis, prescription delays, and the need for pharmacists to dispense insulin in urgent situations when doctors or insurers are unavailable. A parent also described the burden of repeatedly obtaining new prescriptions for ADHD medication when pharmacies are out of stock. Witnesses supporting the HSA bill argued that state coverage mandates can unintentionally disqualify HSA-qualified plans and that the bill would preserve tax advantages for enrollees while avoiding repeated legislative fixes. A representative of the Retailers Association supported the small business health insurance incentives bill, saying it could help retain small employers in the merged market by allowing carriers to offer financial incentives tied to cooperative purchasing and utilization efforts.
One witness, Kathleen Demarest, testified against a co-pay assistance restriction, saying a state rule had unexpectedly cut off her drug assistance before a generic was actually available, leaving her with very high out-of-pocket costs. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions about HSAs, insulin dispensing, and school support for diabetes care. After all scheduled witnesses had testified and no additional testimony was offered, the committee voted to close the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I have filed legislation to move possession of small amounts of marijuana from a Class B misdemeanor
- Can I—I know that you're asking about redistricting, but the thing is that these small, these not-so-small
- , THC is not such a small issue.
- Can I—I know that you're asking about redistricting, but the thing is that these small, these not-so-small
- , THC is not such a small issue.
Summary:
Senator Nathan Johnson presented a pair of bills he described as a comprehensive cannabis reform package for Texas. He said one bill would regulate hemp-derived THC with a 21-and-over purchase age, a 5 mg THC threshold, testing, labeling, licensing, packaging, and marketing standards, an advisory committee to report to the Legislature, and a tax structure that would direct revenue to public health, law enforcement, testing, and the Texas Compassionate Use Program. He also said the legislation reflects work by Chairman Ken King and is intended as an alternative to a total ban, which he argued would be unenforceable and undesirable.
Johnson said the second bill would decriminalize possession and personal use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, allow limited home cultivation, and create a path to expunction for people convicted of conduct that would no longer be illegal. He argued current Texas THC laws are inconsistent, harmful, and disproportionately affect communities of color, while also diverting law enforcement resources. He said the bills aim to create a more consistent and enforceable framework and to support medical THC use.
Supportive testimony came from Shawn Salvahi, a veteran and Texas Cannabis Collective representative, who said decriminalization and homegrow would help veterans and first responders and that leaders should correct mistaken policy. Senator Molly Cook, an ER nurse, also backed Johnson’s approach and opposed SB 5, saying prohibition has failed, worsened safety, and created criminal and economic harms. In questions, Johnson said the Senate is likely to move SB 5, that the House could still change the outcome, and that he has been consistent in opposing a ban since 2018. The discussion also briefly touched on redistricting, with participants urging attention to flooding and criticizing proposed maps, but the main action was the presentation and defense of the THC bills ahead of floor consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House tables bill to delay implementation of paid family/medical leave, HF11 3/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This means even less money in workers' paychecks and an even heavier burden on small businesses already
- of Economic Development will tell you it's ready, and listening to a recording this weekend of the small
- business call that happened last small business call that happened last fall<00:03:33.120>
with - And if you do one more thing, I keep talking about small business, but I will tell you right now, one
- It has to be recognizing small businesses are different.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Many small businesses in my community have been asking for relief.
- Even these small things are wins for our local communities.
- I happen to represent all small cities in my district.
- But I just want to hopefully spotlight more of the small cities.
- Don't forget the small cities, too. Small cities, like the ones that got helped by AB 617. Exactly.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So it is a small hit to Mosquito, for instance.
- And so $50,000 for a small school, is that... $50,000 for a small school, is that apples and apples for
- Is it about the $50,000 for the small school?
- The rurality was the proxy for a very small place.
- Chair, with very small schools.
Keywords:
student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have districts as small as five students.
- There is precedent through the Education Code to treat small LEAs differently.
- LeAngela Reed, on behalf of the Small School Districts Association.
- Feasibility: Can it be done even for small or rural LEAs?
- Isabella Farland, on behalf of the Small Schools District Association, in support.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members.
AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes.
The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- are jacking up prices, crushing small are jacking up prices, crushing small businesses,<00:34:25.679
- And as a small business owner myself and chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, I understand
- <07:56:57.200>
business to spend time with small business to spend time with small business - 11.120>
shops <08:05:11.360>on Small business owners operating shops on Small business - The One Big our small businesses.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They want to make sure small farmers.
- <00:29:34.320>
custom prime act would allow small custom prime act would allow small custom - access to locally raised meat on small access to locally raised meat on small farms.<00:50:12.079
- And we need something done for the small farmer.
- And we need something done for the small And we need something done for the small farmer. farmer
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after prior drafting issues were corrected. The changes narrowed the bill to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, clarified labeling for amenable and non-amenable species, removed an exemption from federal law, struck a seasonal date range at Representative Bixby’s request, and reinstated a previously removed section. Supporters said the amendment now had clearer language and better safeguards, while some members still expressed reservations about the underlying policy.
Testimony from DHHS food safety officials emphasized that the department does not inspect custom-exempt facilities and would have little oversight unless there were a complaint or foodborne outbreak. They noted concerns about removing the September 1 to April 30 date range, explaining it had been included in the original bill because of temperature and storage concerns for large animals, and they also said the amendment appeared to focus documentation requirements on bison, elk, and red deer. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the proposal would create food safety risks, whether farmers should instead be educated and helped to aggregate processing capacity, and whether the bill would expose farmers, retailers, and restaurants to federal enforcement risk.
Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail, and he said he needed to consult further with Farm Bureau leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the broader term “dairy and beef cattle” rather than “beef cows” for consistency. Supporters argued the bill would help small farmers, expand local food access, and reflect an intrastate policy choice despite conflict with federal law. The committee then moved into executive session and voted to approve amendment 2025-3090H, with members stating they would likely have different views on the bill itself.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Then 10% based on that size factor of the small colleges.
- Then 10% based on that size factor of the small colleges.
- Keep the lights on and address all the needs of your students as a small college. Thank you.
- But it's a very small part of our enrollment.
- amounts are very small.
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education.
The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement.
Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Jan 29, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- then dox just said if it's small then dox just said if it's small producers<00:24:13.000>
do< - <00:24:41.320>
majority address large medium and small majority address large medium and small - <00:41:54.040>
businesses to help scale up our small businesses to help scale up our small - Small projects, you know, evaluation of this product or that, we can continue to do with small grants
- do with small grants, but a larger effort definitely is needed.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We have districts as small. Districts.
- There is precedent through education code to treat small LEAs differently.
- Small LEAs are exempt from the budget reserve cap.
- On behalf of the Small School Districts Association, thank you.
- We represent over 500 contractors and small business owners.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout my career, I've developed myself as a small business owner.
- I'm from a small family, so there's literally only me.
- One of them was in a small town in North Dakota, Gwinner, North Dakota.
- A very small farming community, about 100 miles southwest of Fargo.
- They ended up landing a Bobcat plant in a small town that was dying.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- It would prevent a locality from prohibiting the use of a small portable solar generation device on a
- It also includes provisions relating to the installation of small portable solar generation devices by
- It would prevent a locality from prohibiting the use of a small portable solar generation device on a
- It also includes provisions relating to the installation of small portable solar generation devices by
- Under the bill, small portable solar generation devices are excluded from the provisions of net metering
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- LASTLY, MODERNIZE ECONOMIC CENTERS TO SUPPORT ALL FLORIDA BUSINESSES SMALL RURAL AND URBAN.
- AND WE HAVE CHRIS DOOLIN WITH SMALL COUNTY COALITION WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- IN THE SMALL COUNTIES, WE BENEFIT FROM THESE FROM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTANT STANDPOINT.
- REGIONAL COUNCILS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CRITICAL SERVICES TO SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES BY ENSURING THAT WE
- CHANGING THIS MODEL WILL REQUIRE SMALL COMMUNITIES LIKE BAKER TO SUFFER A MUCH LARGER FINANCIAL BURDEN
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, we our city um for our small town.
- 21.040>
people <01:15:21.520>according small community of 705 people according small community - And again, another small city.
- And again, another small replacement.
- what I brought forward today was small what I brought forward today was small cities,<01:39:43.840
Bills:
HF604, HF1972, HF578, HF1951, HF629, HF864, HF874, HF1155, HF884, HF2365, HF643, HF234, HF2655, HF2637, HF2535, HF2530, HF2344, HF584, HF524
Keywords:
airport funding, bonds, transportation, capital investment, Karlstad, community center, Breckenridge, state bonds, economic development, HF578, Faribault, River Bend Nature Center, bonding bill, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR grant, nature center, visitor center, environmental education, multicultural center
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And also there is the account two small water projects within this section.
- funding that goes into that small water. funding that goes into that small water.
- account two small water projects within this<00:10:46.399>
section. - So, we're going to take small timber sales, get them out quickly.
- <00:50:55.599>
timber So, we're going to take small timber So, we're going to take small timber
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (09/09/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and very small slaughter plants to use the Federal Meat Inspection Act custom-exempt meat processing
- <00:10:24.240>
slaughter smallcale and very small slaughter smallcale and very small slaughter - farms in New Hampshire have very small farms in New Hampshire have very small margins. margins.
- talked about, we're such a small talked about, we're such a small community, community, community
- about a a bed and breakfast or a small about a a bed and breakfast or a small hotel<00:34:54.480
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on retained House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. The discussion centered on the bill’s conflict with federal law and whether any state action could help small farmers process and sell cuts of meat locally. Representative Comtois argued the current federal system unfairly burdens New Hampshire farmers and consumers, while committee members and witnesses repeatedly noted that federal action would likely be required. Mr. Johnson explained that the committee’s prior resolution asked USDA to allow small and very small slaughter plants to use custom-exempt criteria with a third-party inspector, and said discussions had been held with federal offices, but no change had been secured.
Members and witnesses described the practical limits facing small producers, including the scarcity of USDA-inspected facilities in New Hampshire, long booking lead times, and the cost of shipping animals out of state. Representative German and others noted that slaughter schedules and seasonal grazing patterns make compliance difficult for smaller farms. Farm Bureau representatives said they were continuing to educate federal officials, but that the USDA secretary’s visit to a local operation had been rejected. They also explained that one local operation can process USDA-inspected meat, but that still involves federal inspection. Several members asked about possible exemptions, workarounds, or whether a state bill would be needed if federal relief were granted; the response was that a federal exemption or rule change would be sufficient and no state action would then be required.
The committee also heard broader policy views. Senator Dan Innis said there was strong Senate support for helping small farms and that the issue is mainly federal overreach and economics, not food safety, while acknowledging the risk of federal enforcement against farmers. He compared the issue to other federal-state conflicts and said the current law reflects outdated concerns from the early meatpacking era. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to include limits on the number of animals processed, similar to poultry rules, to make it more politically viable. No vote was taken during the work session, and the bill remained under discussion for possible amendment before the retained-bill deadline.