Video & Transcript Research : 'utility'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/26/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- uh Mr Kelly chair representative utilize uh Mr Kelly chair representative as<00:10:18.200>
I < - We utilize pontoon boats that have no seats in them; it's just a floor.
- pontoon boats that accessible we utilize pontoon boats that have<00:35:48.359>
no <00:35:48.520 - We're going to talk about the appropriation and how we plan to spend that or utilize that.
- <01:15:07.400>
certain <01:15:07.760>systems stigma with utilizing certain systems
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/09/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- The Minnesota Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee will please come to order.
- I think some of the um concern is that there are utilities today purchasing hydro power.
- utilities today purchasing hydro power. utilities today purchasing hydro power.
- Senator Mchuan, you make an excellent point about the public utilities commission and I think part of
- And, you know, we could go with utility scale everywhere.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We're utilizing it because they don't want to apply. It's various reasons. It's in the variability.
- So it continues to see increased utilization of the Ewa resource center.
- Can you tell us where your shortage for utilities are located, or is it buildings or offices?
- The subsidy is enough so that it covers utilities plus the operator.
- <02:52:57.680>
their has a lease uh for NPS to utilize their has a lease uh for NPS to utilize
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Health and Human Services committees heard Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s biennium budget request, with testimony from HHSC leadership on the Hilo/Big Island region (HTH 212) and the Oahu region (HTH 215), plus discussion of capital improvement projects and systemwide partnerships. HHSC described its role as the rural healthcare safety net, serving a high share of Medicare, Medicaid/Quest, and uninsured patients, and said its costs are elevated by state employee fringe benefits, which it said are about 64% compared with roughly 30% in the private sector. HHSC also said pandemic-era federal aid, including relief funds and PPP loans totaling about $100 million, reduced the need for general fund support in prior years.
For HTH 212, HHSC said its general fund request for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 was higher than the governor’s recommendation because of rising insurance, pharmaceutical, and contractor labor costs, and because it includes $13.2 million in FY 2026 and $2.3 million in FY 2027 for Epic electronic medical record implementation in East Hawaii. For HTH 215, HHSC said the requested general funds were aligned with the governor’s recommendation, in part because of increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for long-term care facilities under prior legislation. HHSC also said it was restoring a special fund ceiling so the region could spend its cash collections on operations.
Members asked about the 64% fringe rate, and HHSC explained the difference was mainly due to defined-benefit pension and retiree health insurance costs, which private hospitals generally do not bear at the same level. Members also asked about the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home, and HHSC said operations would be funded through the general fund corporation for the home when it opens, with management by Ohana Pacific, but no additional legislative operating funds were being requested at that time. Other questions focused on staffing and vacancies, including an abolished procurement position and an ongoing IT help desk recruitment need.
HHSC highlighted several capital and partnership projects, including a $25 million state CIP request matched by $25 million from the Benioff family for the Benioff Health Center, an ER expansion and reconfiguration at Corner Community Hospital, and $7.5 million in each fiscal year for Kauai EMR capital funds to join the Epic platform. Testimony also described collaborations with Queen’s, the University of California San Francisco, Hawaii Pacific Health, the Hawaii Cancer Consortium, the Department of Health, and the state hospital to improve specialty access, clinical trials, behavioral health, and patient placement across the system.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have the Public Utilities Commission in support.
- I'm Ashley Norman with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.
- Chair, uh, first we have the Public Utilities Commission in support.
- Ashley Oran with the Public Utilities Commission.
- <03:53:46.279>
we viability of of our electric utility we viability of of our electric utility
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Jan 20th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- and from criminal activities, creating cyberattacks on cities, critical infrastructure, hospitals, utilities
- And then if there is a cyberattack in our state that might disrupt utilities.
- If there is a cyberattack in our state that might disrupt utilities, critical function, medicine, or
- Law enforcement agency, utility company, critical infrastructure of the state.
- So there's utility companies, there's law enforcement agencies, there's cities, municipalities, there's
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It's loaded for certain things so that the county commissioners can utilize that when they go.
- They can take that card and utilize it to pay for those expenses.
- <00:04:34.639>
can that the county commissioners can that the county commissioners can utilize - <00:04:37.520>
allows utilize that uh and when they go. allows utilize that uh and when they - /c><00:04:51.840>
that <00:04:52.080>card <00:04:52.320>and <00:04:52.639>utilize
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas law contains various requirements that apply to certain insurers when engaging in utilizing...
- It is important to note that House Bill 1818 does not add any new utilization review requirements.
- I mean, each examination of the utilization? Yes. Okay. Does TDI do this already?
- Of things already on our books that maybe we're not utilizing to the best ability that we could, if that
- Under this bill, and we said the requirements of this bill to do utilization review exams, please align
Keywords:
HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- them versus utilizing the three professional service employees of our state agencies, and could we do
- The only requirement for us to go and do and utilize this fund today—and again, I personally feel that
- But they utilize that equipment on a day-to-day basis. That has been a best practice. Frame.
- But they utilize that equipment on a day-to-day basis. That has been a best practice. Mr. Chair.
- But the ones that are salvageable, you're utilizing them in the sun and the rain and the weather, they
Summary:
The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability.
Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-3-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- utility payments, those types of things. utility payments, those types of things.
- We also see the utilities as well. You can go to the next slide.
- Um so we also see<00:32:04.640>
the <00:32:05.039>utilities <00:32:05.519>as <00: - You can go to see the utilities as well.
- course the 267 uh utility payments to avoid<00:32:41.679>
any <00:32:42.000>type <00:32
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 369, which would add post-traumatic stress disorder to an existing 2018 hyperbaric oxygen therapy-related law for veterans. Representative Scott Sharp and HBOT for KY Vets representatives testified that PTSD and traumatic brain injury often overlap, that veterans are frequently misdiagnosed, and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown benefits in clinical trials and in Kentucky’s own funded program. Members asked whether the bill would require insurance coverage; the sponsors said it would not, and noted they are seeking broader approval through medical and congressional channels. The committee voted favorably on HB 369, with members expressing support based on personal experience and the needs of veterans and their families.
The committee then considered House Bill 419, for which a committee substitute was adopted before testimony. Representative Suzanne Miles and Kentucky Fire Commission/KCTCS representatives explained that the bill would expand the fire commission board from 14 to 18 members, clarify that KCTCS’s 5% administrative fee applies collectively to all funds rather than separately to each fund, and allow excess funds to help cover out-of-pocket cancer screening costs for volunteer and paid firefighters. A question about board staggering was answered by explaining that staggered terms were originally used to avoid all terms ending at once and were expected to continue. The committee passed HB 419 with favorable expression.
Later, USA Cares presented an update on how it has used prior state funding. The organization described its grant-based assistance for veterans and military families facing housing, vehicle, and utility crises, as well as career transition and housing-related support programs. Testimony emphasized that the aid helps prevent homelessness and reduce suicide risk, and the group reported it had used nearly all of the $2 million awarded in the last budget cycle to assist 364 families and more than 500 dependents. No vote was taken on the USA Cares presentation.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- New Yorkers are already experiencing skyrocketing utility bills.
- They cannot afford $350 a month... ...additionaly on their household utility bill.
- It is bad policy in Albany that's raising our utility rates.
- It is bad policy in Albany that's raising our utility rates.
- It is bad policy in Albany that's raising our utility rates.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, approval of the prior journal, and several ceremonial introductions. Senator Mayer welcomed students and alumni from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, highlighting early college opportunities for high school students. Senator Zellner introduced members of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Union Local 282 and honored fallen Buffalo firefighter Jayson Arno, with remarks praising firefighters’ service and sacrifice.
The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 1489, commemorating the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic independence. Senator Sepúlveda presented the resolution and spoke about Dominican history, sovereignty, the Dominican diaspora in New York, and the role of Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez. Senators Jackson, Weber, Bailey, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. The resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship.
The Senate next moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills on insurance, public health, education, social services, tax, penal law, and workers’ compensation. Several bills were approved by wide margins, including measures related to vaccination policy and education law; Senator Weik opposed the public health/vaccination bill, while Senator Mayer defended it as science-based. Senator Fernandez explained and secured passage of a workers’ compensation bill that would raise a pre-authorization threshold, clarify medical treatment guidelines, and restore access to out-of-network providers for injured workers.
The only contentious item was Calendar 117, a bill amending the Executive Law related to climate resilience and the Office of Resilience. Senator Walczyk offered an amendment to repeal the statewide cap-and-invest program, but the chair ruled it nongermane; the Senate upheld that ruling on a 21-aye vote. Senators Harckham, Borrello, Krueger, Lanza, Martins, and Gianaris spoke at length on climate policy, energy costs, and the bill’s merits. The bill ultimately passed 51-9. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 8, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the basis of this bill, is utilizing underutilized schools to their full capacity.
- It's about utilizing underutilized schools to their full capacity and their full potential.
- We want to make sure that we're utilizing that school to its full capacity.
- That's part of the School of Hope utilizing the facility for their capital outlay, which they wouldn't
- So, thinking, if the School of Hope is utilizing their cafeteria and using those services, they come
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. CS/HB 1267, by Rep. Boussada, would require school districts to allow Schools of Hope to use vacant or surplus facilities or co-locate in schools with capacity, with non-instructional services handled through a pro rata agreement and a performance-based agreement requiring Schools of Hope to meet expectations within five years. Supporters argued it would better use underfilled public schools and help students in the bottom 10% of schools statewide; opponents raised concerns about local control, funding, and the effect on public schools. The bill passed 13-2. The committee also heard CS/HB 1115, by Rep. Valdes, which would require sharing certain discretionary sales surtax revenues with eligible charter schools based on enrollment, create a standardized charter school monitoring tool, and align Schools of Hope sponsoring-entity rules with charter school processes. Supporters said it would improve consistency and accountability; critics questioned fiscal impacts and district flexibility. That bill passed 13-2.
The final bill, CS/HB 1213, by Rep. Alvarez, would create a K-12 School Route Optimization Pilot Program using five counties to test AI-assisted analysis of school bus routes and walking conditions, with the goal of improving child safety for students who currently walk long distances. Members discussed hazardous conditions, possible use of safe-school transportation funds, and the bill’s lack of fiscal impact. Public testimony included support from education and parent groups. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Transportation and Public Works Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- construction because we already have the plans ready to go when we do receive funding, or we can utilize
- Of where we've utilized the laws of House Bill 2.
- If we have to do the full scope of work, which includes expansion to a four-lane right-of-way and utilities
- If it's a large-scale maintenance project, we have a statewide price agreement that we utilize for seeding
- That is not our project, but they do utilize some of our contractors and some of our specifications.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- programs like Medicaid, around utilizing programs like Medicaid, Medicare,<00:56:42.559>
SNAP - Looking at how we utilize farmers.
- Looking at how we utilize bofuels,<00:57:42.160>
this <00:57:42.400>new <00:57:42.559>- <00:57:50.799>
utilizing <00:57:51.200>biouels the state of Kentucky. utilizing biouels- In the three they can then utilize.
- <00:57:50.799>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think, obviously, we've got to figure that out: who is being funded, utilizing which sources?
- Utilization of Tier 2 or the disbursement of Tier 2 is higher than that at this point?
- For the Tier 1 rate, was utilization what was expected?
- There are some funds that have not been utilized.
- There are some funds that have not been utilized.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard testimony and took up three main budget areas: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance and the statewide system of support, and universal school meals with kitchen infrastructure grants. Public commenters and agency witnesses generally supported continued or increased funding for ELOP, with several groups urging stabilization of Tier 2 rates, more support for older youth, and preservation of equity guardrails and local flexibility. On school meals and kitchen infrastructure, testimony broadly supported universal meals and additional kitchen funding, while the LAO questioned the need for a fourth round of kitchen grants and recommended rejecting it until clearer unmet-need data are available.
For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing for the program and $62.4 million ongoing to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579 and tying future changes to program requirements. CDE said the program is showing positive results in attendance and math, but data on enrollment patterns, TK participation, and some overlap with other programs are still being collected. Members raised concerns about possible double-funding with ACEs and 21st Century programs, the lack of site-specific data, and whether the current structure best targets students most in need; the issue was left open.
For differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the current statewide system of support and the Governor’s proposal to shift to universal and targeted assistance with a three-year cycle. Finance said the proposal would provide more stable county office funding, broaden universal supports, and give the State Board more flexibility to revise eligibility criteria; it also proposed $131.9 million ongoing for universal and targeted assistance. The LAO objected to changing the system before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria and recommended revisiting the proposal later, while several members worried that a three-year entry window and broader board authority could weaken subgroup-based equity protections. The committee also discussed school meal funding, with Finance proposing $1.8 billion for universal meals and $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for kitchen infrastructure, while CDE emphasized ongoing needs, deferred maintenance, and the importance of flexibility for innovative strategies such as food pantries. The committee held the issues open and invited additional public comment before moving on.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Curbing private equity purchases of single-family homes 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are stomping on our public energy utilities, and I can say that as a community that just had our
- They are stomping on our public energy utilities, and I can say that as a community that just had our
- and I can our public energy utilities and I can say<00:40:31.760>
that <00:40:31.920>as - Um, we'll also note that Blackstone is utilizing and colluding with Real Page and Yieldstar software
- and colluding with Real Page utilizing and colluding with Real Page and<00:42:51.920>
Yieldstar
Summary:
The committee took up House File 2687, as amended by a DE1 amendment. The amendment narrowed the bill to prohibit private equity companies from buying single-family homes and to limit corporations and partnerships to owning no more than 50 single-family homes, with enforcement through the Attorney General’s office. The committee adopted the DE1 amendment, and the author, Representative Bajaj, described the bill as a step toward expanding homeownership and reducing corporate concentration in the housing market.
Representative Bajaj and supportive testimony argued that corporate ownership of single-family homes makes it harder for first-time buyers and working families to compete, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, and can lead to absentee ownership and poor maintenance. Ellen Sahli of the Family Housing Fund cited research on single-family rentals showing that larger portfolios are associated with worse renter experiences, higher rents, and more repair problems. Rachel Ruby Jones testified in support based on her experience renting from Havenbrook, describing flooding, delayed repairs, safety concerns, and poor treatment by management, and said private equity ownership can shift risks and costs onto vulnerable tenants.
Opposition focused on market effects and the bill’s scope. Mark Brunner of the Minnesota Manufactured Home Association said the language was too broad and could unintentionally affect manufactured home communities on leased land. Paul Eger of Minnesota Realtors warned that market prohibitions could create unintended consequences, especially in a cyclical housing market, and suggested alternatives such as tax incentives for sales to owner-occupants and more first-time buyer assistance. In member discussion, Representative Nash questioned whether the problem was widespread and pressed for details on enforcement and divestiture; Representative Agbaje said the current language is forward-looking, would not force existing owners below the cap, and would rely on lawsuits and remedies the Attorney General deems appropriate, with more detail to be worked out later. The chair indicated the bill would be laid over for further consideration and likely move next to Judiciary, with some discussion of whether Commerce should also be a stop.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But on top of that, we found another $106.8 million, and we utilized, actually, we utilized federal funds
- So, but on top of that, we found another $106.8 million, and we utilized, actually we utilized federal
- funds, And we utilized, actually, we utilized federal funds, available federal funds, but we just found
- The sheriff has discretion as to, again, which model they choose and how they utilize that money.
- And I'm also supportive of utilizing state funding... ...immigration law.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote.
A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11.
The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0.
Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing BR Sub. on Econ. Dev., Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy (2-12-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:42.000>
in <00:10:42.120>the in 1% funds that will be utilized in the in 1% - funds that will be utilized in the coming<00:10:42.720>
months <00:10:43.720>why <00:10: - utilities broadband and structural<00:31:50.279>
updates <00:31:50.760>and <00:31:51.120 - Major renovation to campsite utilities is also a part of this project.
- The utility infrastructure replacement phase two will include electrical projects that coincide with
Keywords:
Reuploaded to restore full meeting
00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call
01:14 Approval of Minutes
01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet
27:44 Department of Parks
59:23 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative.
Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA.
The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:18:47.440>
Commission comments um Public Utilities Commission comments um Public Utilities - Utilities Commission as a utility Utilities Commission as a utility analyst<00:19:03.559>
I'm - Commission I stand the Public Utilities Commission I stand the Public Utilities<00:19:07.320>
Commission - Next up, we have HB 978, HD1, relating to electric utilities.
- HD1 relating to Electric utilities HD1 relating to Electric utilities Char's<02:14:37.360>
recommendation
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure.
HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices.
HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 1715 by Assembly Member Schiavo, relating to public utilities.
- Plasma donors may utilize to become a donor.
- We must utilize as many resources as possible, and this bill's goal is...
- Members, I am proud to present AB 2553, a bill relating to public utilities.
- Assembly Bill 2369 by Assembly Member Rogers, an act relating to public utilities.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through a large House of Origin floor file, with the Speaker repeatedly urging members to be at their desks and keep support bills brief. Early actions included dispensing with the journal, re-referring AB 2285 to the Banking and Finance Committee, and then taking up dozens of third-reading items, with many bills passed by voice or recorded vote and others passed temporarily or retained on file.
The floor debated and passed a wide range of measures on land use, housing, labor, public safety, health care, utilities, taxation, and consumer protection. Among the bills approved were measures on land surveyor review (AB 1933), nurse midwife access for pregnant and postpartum patients (AB 1696), historic-district transit zoning flexibility (AB 2415), EV charging infrastructure fees and timelines (AB 1820), foreclosure bidding protections (AB 1957), tribal cannabis commerce (AB 2506), outdoor advertising permitting (AB 2024), commercial building permit timelines and third-party plan checkers (AB 2418), DUI penalties (AB 1685 and AB 1687), utility rate transparency (AB 1715), CalWORKs work-penalty changes (AB 1755), dynamic electricity rates (AB 1787), interior designer licensure (AB 1796), compost labeling and contamination rules (AB 1812), modular housing standardization (AB 1815), small claims limits for businesses (AB 1827), Native American Day as a paid state holiday (AB 1841), hospital staffing and maternity access bills (AB 1868 and AB 1882), protective orders tied to release dates (AB 1889), and a series of public health, missing persons, and teacher credentialing measures later in the file.
Several high-profile bills drew extended debate. AB 2624, expanding Safe at Home privacy protections to immigrant service providers, prompted sharp disagreement over free speech and alleged limits on online posting, but supporters said it protected workers facing threats and doxing; it ultimately passed 49-19. AB 2023, creating a framework for regulating AI chatbots used by children, was framed as a child-safety measure after testimony about chatbot-related harms and suicide risks, and passed 58-8. Other notable votes included AB 2208 on Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, AB 2299 on CalFresh/SNAP losses, AB 2115 apologizing to California Native peoples for historic state harms, and AB 2311 on public hospital physician employment; the transcript ends as the Assembly continues working through the remaining file.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
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Keywords:
residential pools, swimming classes, certification, private business, health safety, health care, prior authorization, managed care, medical assistance, mental health, substance use treatment, chronic conditions, health insurance, insulin, healthcare access, pharmacy regulations, patient assistance, affordable medication, healthcare, pharmacy
Summary:
The committee met at 1:00 p.m., confirmed a quorum, and approved the April 8, 2026 minutes. The first bill heard was House File 4712, which was laid over after the committee adopted a DE2 amendment. Representative Schultz said the bill would create a narrow additional exception to public pool limitations so highly certified swimming instructors could use certain pools for specialized infant, youth, and developmental-disability swim instruction. The only testifier, Tessa Seppelt, described ISR instruction as water-safety and drowning-prevention training for very young children and children with developmental delays, and said access to appropriate facilities is the main barrier. Members raised questions about emergency egress, public safety, and insurance coverage, and the author said he would follow up on those concerns.
The committee then took up House File 4801, a bill by Representative Nadeau aimed at health care program integrity. He said it would align commercial and Medicaid partners to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse by changing prior authorization and retrospective review processes, improving data sharing on suspected fraud, addressing conflicting or duplicative services, allowing managed care organizations to verify provider credentials, and making risk corridors in MCO contracts permanent. The Minnesota Council of Health Plans supported the bill, saying it would help detect fraud and improve coordination, while the Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics opposed it, arguing that expanded prior authorization would delay care, increase physician burden, and harm children with chronic conditions. Members debated patient safety, fraud detection, and whether the bill would undermine recent prior-authorization reforms. The bill was laid over.
House File 3756, a technical update to the insulin safety net program, was also laid over. Representative Backer said the bill clarifies that a hospital-use intravenous insulin product is not part of the program because it is sold only to health care institutions and infused by practitioners, not dispensed to patients for self-use. The Board of Pharmacy testified that the language was drafted to avoid affecting future legitimate uses, and members asked whether the definition could limit new uses if treatments change. The committee then began House File 4860, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s presentation is completed.