Video & Transcript Research : 'border wall'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 3rd, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Not just the ones we see on the street, the ones behind the walls.
- We support law enforcement, as I mentioned, outside patrolling and also inside the walls.
- let's talk about what the mission of the Department of Corrections is when somebody comes into the walls
- the problem is the individual that committed that crime is not the same person that lives in those walls
- We still got people going in the walls. We still got people committing crimes.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Representative Hoverson offered remarks recognizing World Autism Day, and the House then handled conference committee motions on several bills, including House Bills 1460 and 1248 and Senate Bills 2262, 2070, 2294, and 2297, with the Speaker appointing members to each conference committee. The chamber also set aside Senate Bill 2200 for re-referral to Appropriations and moved to amendments on Senate Bill 2128, which was the main subject of the day.
Senate Bill 2128, a major criminal justice and corrections bill, drew extensive debate over truth-in-sentencing, mandatory minimums, parole, transitional facilities, work release, electronic monitoring, and the fiscal impact of longer incarceration. Division A of the amendments removed mandatory minimums for resisting arrest and felony simple assault while keeping consecutive-sentence language; supporters said this preserved judicial discretion and reduced costs, while opponents argued it weakened public safety. Division A was adopted 70-23.
Division B proposed broader changes to preserve transitional programming, add penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring and escape, limit some work-release restrictions, create a parole board study, and fund electronic monitoring with a $600,000 appropriation. Supporters framed it as a compromise that balanced rehabilitation and public safety; opponents said it undercut the bill’s intent and left dangerous offenders with too much access to transitional release. Division B failed on a 46-46 tie. The House then took up the bill itself, with the Judiciary Committee reporting a do-not-pass recommendation as amended, and debate continued over whether the amended bill should advance, with members split between concerns about victims and public safety versus rehabilitation, prison capacity, and recidivism.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It's remarkably similar to current retail uses also on the other side of the border.
- other side on in Newington and the uh uh other side of<02:05:42.639>
the <02:05:42.719>border - c> So<02:05:43.520>
let's <02:05:43.760>assume <02:05:44.320>this of the border - So let's assume this of the border.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use.
Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects.
The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT Info Briefing - Wed Feb 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So presumably that mold is not just on the surface, but it's all in between the walls, or there is a
- great probability that it has been infused into the wall materials as well.
- or it's uh all in between the walls or it's uh there<00:23:25.240>
there <00:23:25.320>is< - <00:23:31.440>
materials infused into into the the wall materials infused into into the the - So the water intrusion through roof leaks and plumbing leaks and exterior wall leaks is one contributor
Summary:
The committee held an informational briefing on construction defects and operational problems at the newly opened Hawaii State Hospital Halola building, a $160 million facility with 144 beds for forensic patients. Department of Health and DAGS officials described ongoing issues identified before and after occupancy in April 2022, including anti-ligature safety defects, roof and building-envelope leaks, drainage problems, plumbing failures, HVAC corrosion and moisture-control issues, mold, and corroding materials. They said the problems have affected patient areas, showers, hallways, the gym, and other parts of the building, creating daily operational and safety challenges for staff and patients.
Officials said the state believes the defects are the responsibility of the design-builder, Hensel Phelps, but that they are working with the company and its subcontractors to address the problems while preserving the state’s legal position. The Attorney General’s office said it is conducting an inquiry and asked agencies to limit comments to factual matters. Witnesses explained that some defects appear to be latent and that repairs are being documented through photos, invoices, and testimony. They also said some work is being done by Hensel Phelps and some by other contractors, with efforts to preserve evidence for possible future claims.
Committee members questioned how the defects were missed during design-build inspection, whether the state should pursue litigation sooner, and how evidence would be preserved if outside contractors make repairs. Officials said the state has two funding requests pending: about $8 million for emergency repairs and about $28.8 million for longer-term repairs, for a total near $40 million, while noting that additional defects may still be discovered. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- statutes and deal with their own crimes, so it should not affect any type of immigration officers or border
- one thing I don't want to see, this is politicized as you know what's happened in Minneapolis or to Border
- the evidence back, sit down, and determine whether to charge somebody, whether it's going to be the Border
- I just think we need to keep it in perspective that this is not a Border Patrol issue. This is our.
Keywords:
Immigrant Safety Act, immigration detention, civil immigration violations, ICE, federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, public bodies, local government, sheriff's department, school district, higher education, deputization, 287(g), 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 C.F.R. 287.7, intergovernmental services agreement, detainer, immigration cooperation, public property, attorney general enforcement
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray now that you would preserve our union, that you would maintain law and order within our borders
- would maintain law and order<00:16:36.240>
within <00:16:36.480>our <00:16:36.720>borders - , order within our borders, order within our borders, Lord.<00:16:38.639>
That <00:16:38.800
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Nov 7th, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, that was one of the concerns I had when we were down on the border last May, and we got a briefing
- Same way with the border and the east side of the state and so forth, but I'm wondering why we can't
- other ones, certainly in infrastructure, water systems, and workforce, because of our location on the border
- You know, we've looked at health, we've looked at hospitals, we've looked at border issues.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:07:27.359>
So, border with Sanford and so forth. - So, border with Sanford and so forth. So, that<01:07:28.240>
is <01:07:28.559>concerning. - <01:09:35.839>
It's represent border communities. It's represent border communities. - community piece of it and the border community piece of it and the challenges<01:10:27.920>
that< - Thank you for your time. ...is located just 25 miles from the North Dakota border, currently covers the
Bills:
HF1925
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, today I would like to welcome Sister Tracy Horan from the Kino Border Initiative.
- I'd like to welcome Sister Tracy Horan from the Kino Border Initiative. Is she there?
- The Kino Border Initiative is one of these incredible organizations in Southern Arizona that helps provide
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sarah Lee Davison of Tucson. Members also introduced numerous guests and advocacy groups, including Aliento students for Education Day, gun violence prevention advocates, agricultural producers, military veterans, and representatives from the Kino Border Initiative and Nucor Steel. A proclamation honoring the life of Peter Andrew “Andy” Grosetta was read, recognizing his long service to Arizona ranching and the cattle industry.
The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two bills. HB 2074, dealing with reporting related to partial-birth abortion, received an adopted Judiciary Committee amendment that changed the penalty to a class six felony and then was recommended do pass as amended. The bill drew sharp debate: supporters said it strengthens reporting and accountability for an already illegal procedure, while opponents argued it would criminalize health care workers and reflect punitive views toward women seeking abortion care. HB 2148, described as a transparency bill, also received an Appropriations Committee amendment and was recommended do pass as amended without significant debate.
The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and HB 2074 and HB 2148 were referred to engrossing. The House also announced several committee meetings for later that day and the next morning, including Appropriations, Federalism and Military Affairs, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, and Rural Economic Development, before adjourning until Thursday, January 29, 2026.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement.(7-1-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- out those flooded homes, repetitive loss properties, hardening with storm shelters, uh, also flood walls
- And many of you all live in areas where you see flood walls, Ms. Hancock, Mr. Senator Maynard.
- ,<00:39:19.680>
things shelters, uh, also flood walls, things shelters, uh, also flood walls - that we all want in our flood walls that we all want in our communities<00:40:25.160>
to <00:40 - in areas where you see flood walls, Ms. in areas where you see flood walls, Ms.
Summary:
The committee received a budget and program update from Kentucky Emergency Management on the state’s urban search and rescue buildout. Eric Gibson and Doug Hargrave said the legislature’s funding was used to create FEMA-type urban search and rescue capacity, including Kentucky Task Force 1 and 2, the incident support team, and the helicopter aquatic rescue/hoist team. They emphasized that the effort is not just equipment purchases but also training, credentialing, warehouse and training-facility development, canine program expansion, and coordination with local search and rescue agencies across the Commonwealth.
Gibson reported that the agency executed 99.4% of the $16.175 million appropriation by the end of the fiscal year and said the team met its readiness target ahead of schedule, with equipment already being deployed in recent flood response operations. He also said $500,000 per year was set aside for local search and rescue grants, with about $482,000 awarded to 29 teams in one year and $490,000 to 36 teams in the next, averaging about $20,000 per grant. Several members urged the committee to consider increasing support for local responders in future budgets, noting rising equipment costs and the importance of local teams as first on scene.
Members asked about staffing, coverage, and benefits. Gibson explained that the task force is a mixed workforce of full-time fire personnel loaned from local departments, professional service staff such as doctors and engineers, and temporary deployment staff, with workers’ compensation coverage provided through KYEM and/or home agencies depending on the arrangement. He also said local search and rescue members are not currently included in line-of-duty death benefits. In response to questions about coverage and deployment, he described the two task force locations as designed to keep resources within roughly 100 miles of every Kentuckian.
The discussion also turned to recent flood response and disaster recovery. Gibson said the state had mobilized up to 24 teams over the weekend, documented roughly 60 to 80 water rescues or assisted evacuations, and was seeing significant damage in counties such as Cumberland, Clinton, and Metcalfe, including agricultural losses. He said several counties were meeting FEMA public assistance thresholds and that the state was preparing a broader relief request that could include FEMA, SBA, and USDA assistance. He also updated members on efforts to claw back and reallocate unused “strained fiscal liquidity” funds by the statutory deadline, saying notices were sent and funds were redirected where possible to unmet local needs.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- other 10 tribal nations that<00:03:59.920>
are <00:04:00.159>either <00:04:00.400>bordered - /c><00:04:00.799>
or <00:04:01.040>bounded <00:04:01.519>by that are either bordered - or bounded by that are either bordered or bounded by the<00:04:02.640>
state <00:04:02.879> - 00:08:08.240>
exist <00:08:09.520>within <00:08:09.919>your <00:08:10.160>borders - enterprises exist within your borders. enterprises exist within your borders.
Keywords:
electric utilities, service areas, Tribal lands, Minnesota statute, energy regulation, utility rates, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, ratepayer, consumer protection, affordable energy, energy affordability, ability to pay, just and reasonable rates, rate regulation, electric rates, natural gas rates, energy conservation, renewable energy
Summary:
The committee approved the March 5, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3458, as amended, which would exempt tribes from utility exclusive rights and assigned service areas. The bill’s author and the Upper Sioux community chairman said the measure was prompted by a dispute over a solar project at the tribal casino and argued the issue is really about tribal sovereignty, not solar, citing tribal civil regulatory authority and prior court cases. The amendment A1 was adopted before testimony.
Testimony was split. Chairman Kevin Jensel of the Upper Sioux community strongly supported the bill, saying the tribe should not be forced to follow utility service territories and that the state should correct a long-standing omission in law. Derek Mo of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association opposed the bill, warning it would undermine the regulatory compact, reliability, long-term planning, and financing for electric service, especially in tribal areas. Justin Johns of East Central Energy also opposed the bill, but emphasized that many cooperatives have productive tribal partnerships and said his co-op has worked successfully with the Mille Lacs Band on solar, resilience, and workforce efforts; he cautioned that removing service obligations could leave difficult-to-serve areas underinvested.
Members discussed whether the Public Utilities Commission process already underway should be allowed to resolve the dispute and whether the bill’s scope could extend beyond the current solar issue. The chair responded that the bill was a legislative approach to a problem that had not been resolved and said the amendment addressed concerns about removing the obligation to serve. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted to re-refer House File 3458, as amended, to the General Register.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motion to refer inspector general bill to judiciary committee 2/25/26
Transcript Highlights:
- They want<00:12:27.680>
Governor <00:12:28.079>Tim <00:12:28.320>Walls, <00:12:29.040 - >
the <00:12:29.360>biggest want Governor Tim Walls, the biggest want Governor Tim Walls - go.<00:12:50.560>
And <00:12:50.720>if <00:12:50.959>Governor <00:12:51.279>Walls - And if Governor Walls wants to go.
- And if Governor Walls wants to challenge<00:12:52.399>
that <00:12:53.279>to <00:12:53.519
Summary:
The House considered a motion by Representative Nash to recall Senate File 856 from the Committee on State Government, Finance, and Policy and re-refer it to Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law. Nash argued the bill, which concerns creating or empowering an inspector general to address fraud, had already received two hearings and should move quickly because time was limited. Supporters of the motion said the bill needed further work on constitutional and data-practices issues in Judiciary, and that holding it in State Government would delay or effectively kill it.
Opponents of the motion, led by Representative Cleorne, argued the bill should remain in State Government because that committee was the proper place to address constitutional concerns and other substantive changes. Cleorne said the committee had already considered a delete-everything amendment and nine amendments, with only two adopted, and maintained the bill as amended raised separation-of-powers concerns. Other members said the bill had bipartisan support in the Senate, passed 60-7, and that further negotiations should happen in a working group rather than through floor maneuvering.
The debate focused heavily on whether the bill’s structure for selecting an inspector general was constitutional and whether the motion was an attempt to speed the bill along or to block it. Representative Norris said nonpartisan staff, the legislative auditor, and Senate and House authors had all indicated the bill needed fixes to be constitutional. After a roll call vote, the motion failed 67-66, so Senate File 856 remained in the Committee on State Government, Finance, and Policy.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a waiver for the United States to opt out of some of those within our physical borders.
- There is a waiver for the United States to opt out of some of those within our physical borders.
- There is a waiver for the United States to opt out of some of those within our physical borders.
- There is a waiver for the United States to opt out of some of those within our physical borders.
- then Representative Wall. then Representative Wall.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, um, but then we have to think of bordering states, not just Massachusetts, but Vermont.
- but then we have to think of bordering but then we have to think of bordering states,<00:40:39.520
- So, not only stores along the border.
- The Tax Foundation annually does a study of tobacco tax rates and cross-border sales.
- advantageous to drive across the border. advantageous to drive across the border.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- room, by the other hand, they're open and welcome to put whatever sign they want in a window or a wall
- evening before the hurricane hit, and many people's apartments were flooded, black mold went up all the walls
- destroyed because people couldn't leave town in time because of the university's failed policies. the walls
- fair to our students or all faculty who may not understand they shouldn't put up, like, plaster one wall
- To our students or our faculty who may not understand they shouldn't put up, like, plaster one wall
Summary:
The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up two bills. The first, PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education, would require colleges and universities to notify students and employees about existing campus political activity rules at orientation and on their websites, and to adopt standardized policies through the State Board of Education and Board of Governors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to mirror federal IRS/501(c)(3) guidelines, protect institutions from risking federal funding, and clarify what is and is not allowed; supporters framed it as an awareness and free-expression measure, while opponents warned it could chill speech, create vague enforcement standards, and lead to unintended consequences for students and faculty. Public testimony was largely opposed, with speakers from student, civil liberties, education, and advocacy groups raising free-speech concerns. The committee passed the bill 13-5.
The second measure, PCS for HB 1437, addressed disputes under mutual management plans between conversion charter schools and district school boards. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap by providing a clearer dispute-resolution path through mediation by the Department of Education or, ultimately, an administrative law judge at DOAH. Members asked about appeal rights and whether DOE is perceived as favoring charter schools; the sponsor said the bill simply sets the process for the current issue and that the administrative law judge provision serves as the final step. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 18-0.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- What is the investor community appetite on Wall Street for all this securitization?
- You know, how does Wall Street view the risk of these utilities at this time?
- What is the investor community appetite on Wall Street for all this securitization?
- You know, how does Wall Street view the risk of these utilities at this time?
- securities unless you ask the experts who are going to be the ones that have to go and sell that to Wall
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745, by Assembly Member Irwin, would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum payments to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates and moving the credit to the summer months when bills are highest. The author and UC Santa Barbara economist Dr. Kyle Meng argued this could significantly lower summer rates and better help households during extreme heat. Supporters, including UCS, NRDC, and some labor representatives, favored the concept, with some urging that the gas climate credit also be redirected. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed 18-0 to the floor.
The committee then considered AB 825, also presented as an affordability package aimed at reducing electric bills by addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, permitting delays, and a review of ratepayer-funded programs. The bill would authorize securitization for undergrounding expenses, remove the first $15 billion in undergrounding capital investments from the rate base for return purposes, create a public transmission financing program using Proposition 4 funds and IBank support, revive the California Power Authority as a public sponsor, and establish a task force to review energy efficiency and demand response programs. The author and witness Matt Friedman of The Utility Reform Network said the bill could save ratepayers billions over time through lower-cost public financing and securitization.
Testimony on AB 825 was mixed. Support came from several consumer and clean-energy groups, while utilities and labor raised concerns about the bill’s impact on utility financial stability, wildfire fund participation, liability, and whether the $15 billion securitization cap could discourage undergrounding. Some witnesses also objected to the task force’s potential effect on energy efficiency and demand response programs. Committee members discussed the need to balance affordability with utility creditworthiness and wildfire safety, and several asked for more analysis of market impacts and liability issues. Despite those concerns, AB 825 passed the committee 13-0 and was sent to the floor.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- it on an insert in your menu, but there was a loophole that allowed people to either put it on the wall
- or in the menu, and it was originally intended for delis to be able to put it on the wall.
- it on an insert in your menu, but there was a loophole that allowed people to either put it on the wall
- or in the menu, and it was originally intended for delis to be able to put on the wall.
Keywords:
teachers retirement, credit purchase, St. Clair County, DAY Program, pension reform, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 3, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 8
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- but um I understand that there are concerns and I would look forward to further discussions in my wall
- <00:22:37.280>
discussions <00:22:37.919>in <00:22:38.159>my <00:22:38.880>wall - <00:22:39.200>
and <00:22:39.360>gha further discussions in my wall and gha further - discussions in my wall and gha committees.<00:22:41.039>
So <00:22:41.520>um <00:22:41.760
Bills:
HB1601, HB1616, HB1603, HB1604, HB1605, HB1606, HB1802, HB1569, HB1619, HB1730, HB1749, HB644, HB1620
Keywords:
biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii, extension, Department of Agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, but I think the advice Tim Palente gave his successors is never do that, and I don't think Tim Walls
- 09:22.399>
Tim never do that and I don't think um Tim never do that and I don't think um Tim Walls - Walls will make that mistake. Walls will make that mistake.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House DFL Media Availability following 2025 adjournment of 2025 session 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any—tell us about what your um meeting with Governor Walls was like earlier today, or was it
- 03:56.000>
meeting <00:03:56.319>with <00:03:56.480>Governor <00:03:56.799>Walls - <00:03:57.439>
was your um meeting with Governor Walls was your um meeting with Governor Walls
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Balancing the Budget – Senator Eric Pratt Mar 24th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- County, our commissioners have said that we'll see almost a one-to-one shift in property tax, and the Walls
- that<00:05:09.759>
and <00:05:09.919>and <00:05:10.400>the <00:05:10.639>walls - <00:05:10.960>
budget <00:05:11.280>would tax that and and the walls budget would tax - that and and the walls budget would be<00:05:11.520>
the <00:05:11.759>largest <00:05:12.080