Video & Transcript Research : 'time limits'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 17th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Not at this time. No, not at this time. Thank you.
- You know, time and time again, I hear legislators get up here and talk about a patchwork of regulations
- We can't be doing these two things at the same time.
- And many of them could not go outside, at least not for an extended period of time, for some time, because
- And thank you, and we appreciate your time.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably.
SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And how do we make sure we allocate the limited resources we have, and they will be more limited as we
- And how do we make sure we allocate the limited resources we have, and they will be more limited as we
- It does limit financial stability.
- You've mentioned this a number of times throughout our comments today. Now is our time.
- You've mentioned this a number of times throughout our comments today. Now is our time.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on higher education funding, focusing on how Florida’s university system should be financed and whether a new funding model is needed. University system financial officers and Chancellor Ray Rodriguez discussed major cost drivers, including wages and benefits, utilities, maintenance, financial aid, research, and the effects of geography, institutional mission, and student mix. UF highlighted the cost of research and graduate programs; UCF and FAU pointed to growth, location, and cost of living; FAMU emphasized recruiting top-tier talent while relying on other revenue sources; and UNF noted the challenges of growth and long-term planning. Members also discussed the role of internal controls and audits in addressing excessive spending and questioned whether out-of-state tuition should be adjusted to help offset costs.
On revenue sources beyond state appropriations and tuition, the panel described auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. Several universities noted that some revenues are restricted to specific purposes and cannot be used for general operations. FAMU explained that a large share of its capital project funding reflected active campus construction, while UF said its component-unit revenue is largely tied to UF Health. The Chancellor emphasized that the system’s low tuition and strong state support are central to Florida’s national standing, but also noted that some auxiliary revenues are pledged to debt and must be managed carefully.
When discussing the current funding process, witnesses praised Florida’s performance-based funding model for aligning incentives with student success, transparency, and accountability. They also raised concerns about non-recurring appropriations, rising employee benefit costs, unfunded mandates, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of multi-year planning. Suggestions for improvement included more recurring funding, better coverage of mandated costs, greater flexibility in fee-setting, and possible weighting for mission, geography, and institutional type. The Chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a “version 3.0” of performance-based funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications, but any changes would require legislative action. On out-of-state tuition, most universities said they would prefer local board flexibility, while the Chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or fees could affect future state support and should be balanced carefully.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA Public Hearing 03-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll limit it to 2 minutes to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide testimony and so that
- within 10 miles per hour of the current speed limit for that road.
- Thank you for your time and thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.
- It gives them time to ramp up their process. Any discussion or questions?
- <00:37:45.920>
and about uh reductions of speed limits and about uh reductions of speed limits
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They're more comprehensive and take three to five times as long as the... to move house file 729 to be
- Thank you so much for your time, and I will let my testifiers share their perspective.”
- provider the consequence is many times provider the consequence is many times that<00:24:06.400>
- I mean, what were they trying to prevent from happening at that time?
- <00:37:11.040>
how the Caps what would be the limits how the Caps what would be the limits
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me ask you this: Can the dental board place limits on the amount of time a dentist devotes to their
- Would you be opposed to limits?
- If they said you can only spend so much time on Botox and you have to spend the rest of your time doing
- That would be the time that I would utilize. Nothing in this bill limits it to that, right?
- We have patients that we see, you know, on average. five, six times a year.
Keywords:
dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Appreciate the time.
- not limited to New Hampshire citizens. not limited to New Hampshire citizens.
- It's it's basically limited to persons. It's it's basically limited to persons.
- Uh, first time in 25 years. I guess this is the second time.
- Uh, first time in testify on any bill. Uh, first time in 25<02:48:01.040>
years.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs May 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I hear it time and time again.
- It's time we keep ours to them.
- Our homeless veterans response is not limited to outreach or point-in-time counts.
- Thank you for your time today.
- But the dividends, the investment, is paying back time and time again. But is it enough?
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need.
County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports.
Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU-EDU, HOU Public Hearings 03-17-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a 1-minute per testifier time limit.
- We have a 1-minute per testifier time limit.
- Um, we do have a limited amount of time left.
- Um, we do have a limited amount of time left.
- Um, we do have a limited amount of time left.
Summary:
The joint House committees on Housing and Education heard HB 1713, HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and transfer remaining balances in the school impact fee and certain fair share accounts to the school facilities special fund. The Department of Education testified in opposition, while the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, the Attorney General’s office (with comments and suggested constitutional amendments), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, NAP Hawaii, Avalon Development Company, Mark Development, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Landis Research Foundation, BIA Hawaii, and others testified in support. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered comments. The DOE said the bill would weaken a key tool for matching school facilities to residential growth, while supporters said the current program leaves funds unused or restricted in ways that limit their effectiveness.
A lengthy discussion followed about the difference between the older school impact fee program and the separate fair share agreements tied to land use entitlements and change-of-zone approvals. DOE Deputy Superintendent Jesse Suki explained that fair share funds are tied to the district where they were collected, may be too small to build a full school on their own, and are held until needed for projects such as Core Ridge, Central and West Maui, and other planned schools. Committee members pressed DOE on why funds had remained unspent for years, how much money was in the accounts, and whether the department had reviewed audit findings about the program. Members also questioned whether homeowners ultimately bear these costs through developers passing them along.
The committee did not take a vote during the portion of the meeting provided. The discussion ended with members and DOE debating whether the current statute should remain in place, whether past entitlements should be affected, and whether the bill should be amended to better address remaining construction-related obligations and the use of collected funds.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- limit?
- <01:31:51.920>
limit <01:31:52.440>I really say like is there a time limit I really - say like is there a time limit I mean<01:31:52.800>
can <01:31:52.960>they <01:31:53.119 - Oh, one more time. There you go.
- Laws change all the time.
Summary:
The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools.
Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6.
The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Testimony Public testimony today will be limited to 4 minutes.
- How much more time? I believe we went to 1515 days.
- There's no limit on the fees.
- Um, whether that's a one-time, some of those are, uh, could be one time, uh, much like the Attorney General's
- Thank you, Madam Chair, um, and members, um, I appreciate the time on this bill today.
Keywords:
HB 148, Texas Education Code, Texas Education Agency, TEA, artificial intelligence, AI, machine learning, automated scoring, constructed response, open-ended answers, student assessments, state testing, standardized tests, public schools, education policy, assessment instruments, school accountability, test scoring, 2026-2027 school year, ad valorem tax
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IF YOU WANT TO WAIVE YOUR TIME YOUR POSITION WILL BE NOTED.
- I HAVE ADDITIONAL SLIDES ABOUT BIRTH CENTERS AND TIME FRAMES.
- WE DID THAT DURING THE SAME TIME FOR ADVANCED BIRTH CENTERS.
- WE HAVE MET ALL THE TIME FRAMES.
- WE CONTINUE TO LEARN MORE WITH TIME.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- period as well. time some opting out or is it mainly time some opting out or is it mainly really<00:
- duration of districts and how much time duration of districts and how much time they<00:20:27.919
- <00:21:25.320>
so how that's changed over time so how that's changed over time so Redevelopment - is the same as as that bill at the time is the same as as that bill at the time Madame<01:08:42.640
- there'll be office hotel and limited there'll be office hotel and limited commercial<01:09:38.759
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first approved the February 5 minutes. The main item was the Office of the State Auditor’s annual report on tax increment financing (TIF), presented by Jason Nord in place of Auditor Blaha, who was ill. Nord explained how TIF captures new property value to finance development, and reviewed statewide data for 2023 reported in 2024.
The report said TIF was used by 382 authorities statewide, with 378 authorities reporting on 1,678 districts. Redevelopment and housing/economic development districts made up the vast majority of districts, with housing districts becoming especially common in Greater Minnesota. Of the $238 million in tax increment generated in 2023, 78% came from the metro area, and most dollars came from redevelopment districts. The report also noted $7.4 million in increment returned to counties, cities, and school districts, and described long-term trends showing early growth in TIF use, reforms in the 1980s and 1990s, a drop after 2002 property tax changes, and another decline after many older districts reached maximum duration.
Committee members asked about uncodified districts, the location of the remaining pre-1979 district, whether the same cities continue using TIF over time, and how Minnesota compares with other states. Nord said the uncodified districts include housing replacement and special-law districts, the pre-1979 district is in Princeton, and the number of authorities starting or stopping use each year is usually small. He also said Minnesota differs from many states, including by allowing pooling. The presentation highlighted that TIF debt statewide is a little over $1.8 billion, mostly in pay-as-you-go notes rather than general obligation bonds, and that many districts decertify early—often years before their maximum term—supporting the chair’s interest in legislation to shorten redevelopment district duration and repeal renewal and renovation districts. No votes were taken on the report.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- time. Thank you for your time today. time. Thank you for your time today.
- The time to act is now.
- The time to act is now.
- Now is the time to act.
- Appreciate your time. today, Mr. Pagano. Appreciate your time.
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
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 25, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- limit on public comments.
- twominut time limit on public comments. twominut time limit on public comments.
- So that is limited to that.
- your time today. your time today.
- I'll remind you that it is a two-minute time limit, and Clayton will be timing that.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We've passed nearly 30 of these in my time in the legislature.
- By the time our crews arrived, there were four sinkholes.
- Right on time. Welcome. The housing element was approved.
- We did it in a timely manner back in 2022.
- it from the time that a city submits a new housing element to the time that HCD acts on the new housing
Summary:
The committee heard eight bills, with testimony largely focused on local government authority, housing, and public service operations. AB 1658 would make permanent higher change-order thresholds for Santa Clara and Los Angeles counties on large construction projects; county representatives said the existing temporary authority has saved time and money, and the bill passed 6-0. AB 2263 would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee-preference affordable housing on its properties; supporters said it would help retain workers facing extreme housing costs, and it also passed 6-0 as amended.
AB 2134, the Family Friendly City Councils Act, would protect city council members taking parental leave from losing their seats or having absences counted against them. Assembly Member Addis’s designee and Sunnyvale Council Member Alyssa Cisneros described the bill as a response to public pressure and privacy concerns faced by elected parents; members spoke in strong support, and the bill passed 6-0 as amended. AB 2188 would raise Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s contracting authority to $250,000 per contract; supporters said it would reduce delays and administrative costs, while questions centered on oversight and bidding safeguards. After committee amendments, it passed 6-0.
AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve a temporary transactions-and-use tax for health care and related services in response to federal funding cuts. Supporters, including community clinics, Planned Parenthood, labor groups, and county representatives, said it would let voters decide whether to backfill major health care losses; opponents argued it would worsen affordability and tax burdens. The committee discussion highlighted concerns about equity and local control, and the bill was placed on call after a 5-2 roll call. AB 2033 would let general law cities use job order contracting for repair and maintenance projects; supporters said it would speed routine work, while AFSCME and some members raised workforce displacement and staffing concerns. It passed 8-0 as amended.
AB 2415 would let the City of Folsom shift some housing obligations away from its historic district to other transit-oriented sites, with supporters saying it preserves historic character while still meeting housing goals. It passed 10-0. AB 2741, heard at the end of the meeting, would give cities a grace period to cure housing element issues involving overlay zones after a court ruling found some HCD-certified overlays noncompliant. Cities and local government groups supported the bill as a fairness measure for jurisdictions that relied on state guidance, while housing advocates and legal aid groups opposed it, arguing it would weaken enforcement and allow noncompliant housing plans to persist.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to do and time to get uh to takes time to do and time to get uh to figure<00:02:25.400>
it <00 - AARP and uh since that time has become AARP and uh since that time has become their<00:10:41.000>
- It's limited to that.
- time time take take over any period of time time take take whatever<00:49:28.359>
reasonable < - c> whatever reasonable time frame that you whatever reasonable time frame that you want<00:49:29.640>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:20:58.760>
where may keep it uh focused and limited where may keep it uh focused and limited - this committee unanimously at that time this committee unanimously at that time um<01:26:06.000>
- <01:29:30.760>
it would have um being you're limitting it would have um being you're limitting - because there's going to be limited because there's going to be limited funds<01:31:43.520>
available - Okay, but a one-time—not for a rental? No, but a sale would be a one-time correct credit.
Keywords:
HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 08:02 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk read the bill first time.
- Clerk read the bill first time.
- Clerk read the bill first time.
- Read it first time. No objection. Chair, here's none. Clerk read the bill first time.
- Read it first time. No objection. Chair, here's none. Clerk reading bill first time.
Summary:
The Senate took up a long second-reading calendar of House bills, mostly advancing them to third reading after brief explanations of committee strike-and-insert amendments. Measures discussed included property transfer tax language for quick claim deeds, an FDA drug development trial grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide as a qualifying offense, 529 account definitions, Opportunity Zones, a barber apprentice program, municipal/county expenditures, criminal-record disqualification for professions, civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, online training for estate executors, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, peer support services, the Youth Summer Employment and Career Readiness Program, cybersecurity program authority, and several others. Several amendments were adopted, including technical or clarifying changes and substantive revisions such as raising contempt fines, adjusting compact background-check language, and adding employer immunity for the youth employment program.
The chamber also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 945 on pay for Adjutant General employees during a federal shutdown or furlough and Senate Bill 1042 on underground mine ventilation standards. Both bills then passed 32-0, and SB 1042 was made effective from passage by a 32-0 vote. The Senate received and advanced several House-passed supplemental appropriations for Homeland Security, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Revenue.
Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, including resolutions to study the eastern gray fox decline and an upland game bird stamp, utility regulation changes, civil service and personnel reform, constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds, E-Verify safe harbor, special education classroom cameras, a camping ban on certain public property, child care, tax efficiency, DUI-causing-death penalties, food regulation, mine subsidence, Medicare supplement guaranteed issue rights, medical cannabis fund allocations, domestic violence prevention, EMS funding, virtual currency kiosk regulation, metallurgical coal tax reduction, foundation allowance changes, workers’ compensation updates, wellness reimbursement programs, education code cleanup, school choice scholarship participation, and virtual instruction for foster students in temporary placement. The Senate then adjourned until 11 a.m. the next day, with committee meeting announcements following.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a first-time file.
- I pay rent on time every month.
- It's time-sensitive.
- It's time sensitive.
- Thank you for your time.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Jobs, Labor and Economic Development - 05/22/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's full-time, part-time, you know, incarcerated.
- There's full-time, part-time, you know, incarcerated.
- >
know, full-time, part-time, you know, full-time, part-time, you know, incarcerated.<01:17:45.600 - So, it's a time the one-year limitation.
- So, it's a time and<02:21:52.000>
geographic <02:21:52.640>area <02:21:53.399>limitation