Video & Transcript : 'justified use of force' :

Page 95 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The transparency of all of the different riders and distribution charges to end-use customers can be
  • The transparency of all of the different riders and distribution charges to end-use customers can be
  • better use of their time and the board's time.
  • It was just something that kind of came to us, and again, looking at some of the hidden costs that ratepayers
  • Most of us could argue to the good.
Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays. The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process. Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • you and only elected officials and your future use, it would be come at the expense of the value and
  • 5%, which may be seen as a non-harbor use of the monies, and that may be enough to turn it into a tax
  • of the monies uh and that may be use of the monies uh and that may be enough<01:21:52.719><c> uh</c>
  • I'm representing the Ocean Legislative Task Force in support of our written testimony.
  • shall be used by the Department<02:16:34.639><c> of</c><02:16:34.800><c> Hawaiian</c><02:16:35.040><c
Committee: House Finance
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, we're kind of like a leave us.
  • They also use some of their that.
  • </c> was the rate of use was much higher was the rate of use was much higher amongst<02:30:27.200><c>
  • Thank you. would be for all of us and our union would be for all of us and our union partners,<02:58:
  • </c> to all of us including taxpayers. to all of us including taxpayers.
Committee: House Finance
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 21st, 2025

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's what we're trying to do. purpose of what it's being used for instead of the tax.
  • When they think of wastewater, they think of water that essentially has no other use.
  • taxpayers and tempers the use of debt without wholly eliminating that use.
  • us surprised, but particularly those of us from Bexar County.
  • One of the effects of that is that the Use of GOs, COs, and tax notes to all of the bonded indebtedness
Committee: House Ways & Means
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Business and Commerce Aug 1st, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know of a lot of I know of a lot of people that are elderly. That uh are defrauded.
  • of, but This bill actually tells us what we need to do, and that's always a lot of questions when that
  • Would any of you know, are we talking about individual acts of theft, or is this an organized ring of
  • Of a large number of just a sample of the properties that have been the subjects of either my cases or
  • In my, uh, hundreds of properties, I can think of a couple of cases where I would think that the notary
Bills: SB15
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State and Local Government Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't want to have specifically us held to a certain number of days or certain days of the week.
  • So we kind of almost force, if this were to pass, force ourselves to do it for... ...X amount of time
  • Senator Lee: Someone pointed out to us, I think to all of us, that if you drove from one border to the
  • I'm not used to that kind of service. We are service-oriented here.
  • I think that we can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, as some of us have heard, as a very old phrase
Bills: HB1162
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • None of us, Democratic or Republican, should want judges to do.
  • Today we'll discuss the use of nationwide injunctions.
  • One of the things that Senator Grassley noted and that many of us have discussed is that there is no
  • There's been a lot of debate within the committee about whether they're useful or not, and a lot of pushback
  • on the use of class actions.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope you'll review it, make full use of it and don't leave a bunch of whistleblowers out there that
  • And so using tax policy, using regulatory policy and tariff policy, it's the intention of the administration
  • Of course not. No one is going to do that. Congressional Republicans want to use magic math.
  • Many of us, and we didn't come to agreement, but many of my Republican friends, including the chairman
  • It defies the reality that all of us on both sides of the aisle had, and we may have agreed, had different
Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • McMahon has the tall task of reforming the Department of Education that has lost its purpose. purpose
  • What I think should be of great concern to every member of this committee, every member... of Congress
  • They fought the King of England, which now takes us back to the Department of Education.
  • That we are living in a time of massive income and wealth inequality and the Department of Education
  • And that is what a lot of what the Department of Education does. Is it a perfect entity? No.
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Of work, a lot of people involved. Again, not all of them are regulated by us.
  • Um, just for those of us in the room that are not lawyers, can you explain the um and cover of any more
  • Um, just for those of us in the room that are not lawyers, can you explain the um and cover of any more
  • </c> force is a better approach to get all of force is a better approach to get all of the<01:18:03.960
  • Let us know if these sorts of things.
Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Feb 4th, 2026

State Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, I just wish we also think about, in addition to security for leadership, us, especially because of
  • and that would be part of this.
  • :00.080><c> of</c><00:10:00.160><c> the</c> um especially because of some of the um especially because
  • Uh, it's sort of a, if you will, a vessel of a DECA, and um it just seems to us now there has been some
  • Uh, it's sort of a, if you will, a vessel of a DECA, and um it just seems to us now there has been some
Bills: HB66 , HB110 , HB114 , SB210 , SB228 , SB231 , HB66 , HB110 , HB114 , SB210 , SB228 , SB231
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have a little cleanup bill I'm bringing on behalf of the University of Monaval.
  • of the University of bringing on behalf of the University of Monaval.<00:01:41.600><c> Their</c><00:
  • </c> than being 25 years of old of age, it's than being 25 years of old of age, it's now<00:04:27.280
  • </c> until the beginning of a school year. until the beginning of a school year.
  • </c> just because of the timeline. just because of the timeline.
Bills: SB66 , SB74 , SB72 , SB149 , SB168 , SB66 , SB74 , SB72 , SB149 , SB168
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Housing Feb 18th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we have a number of bills before us for consideration today.
  • Please tell us about your bill. Thank you, Chair Bateman and members of the committee.
  • what types of uses?
  • I was just trying to visualize the type, types of uses.
  • And if any of those other people join us, then they can go next.
Bills: HB2304 , HB2664
Committee: Senate Housing
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Regina Burchum, Executive Director of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency.
  • of entry.
  • save a lot of lives.
  • And additionally, and only really in cases of emergency, a hospital or a medical provider can use the
  • of the director.
Bills: HB4284 , HB1250 , HB4190 , HB3086
Committee: House Public Safety
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • If nobody else has any questions, we relieve you of testifying before us. >> Happy to do so.
  • </c> voting on action of the of the first voting on action of the of the first one.<00:08:54.720><c>
  • The project consists of replacement of water lines along US 27, Heatherway, Kentucky 769, Mayfield School
  • </c> city of Flatwoods and the city of city of Flatwoods and the city of Greenup<00:15:00.639><c> will
  • of of I just I appreciate the process of of I just I wish<00:26:19.279><c> we</c><00:26:19.520><c> had
Summary: The committee met without a quorum for much of the meeting, so several agenda items were initially heard only for information. Early updates included six informational reports, such as an Auditor of Public Accounts compliance examination with no findings, university equipment and allocation reports, school district bond issuances, Western Kentucky University’s planned public-private partnership housing redevelopment, and quarterly Kentucky Communications Network Authority reports. Members then questioned WKU officials about the P3 housing project, including the number of RFQ responses, property tax responsibility, ownership of the student life foundation, and the status of repairs to residence halls. WKU said the foundation has owned the property since 2000, one hall would be razed or demolished at the end of the academic year, and repairs to the other two were expected to be completed by fall 2027. The committee also heard a Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources acquisition project for Mount River Farms in Wayne County and a Department of Corrections roof replacement project at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex, but no votes were taken until a quorum was later established. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and four grant reallocations, including loan increases for Adair County Water District and the City of Harlan, new loans for Litchfield, Louisa, Southeastern Water Association, and Flatwoods, and grant reallocations under the Cleaner Water Program. Members asked about Harlan’s 30-year term and special condition requiring a revenue increase; KIA explained the longer term is reserved for disadvantaged communities and that the condition was meant to reinforce standard debt coverage requirements, while depreciation is reviewed but not included in cash-flow calculations. After a recess, Senator Thomas arrived and a quorum was reached. The committee approved the prior minutes and then took a consolidated vote on the action items, which passed. The final items included a Kentucky Economic Development Authority revenue bond refunding for CommonSpirit Health, several Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit and single-family bond issuances, a Western Kentucky University bond issuance, and SFCC debt issues. Members discussed the housing transactions, noting they are developer-financed and not subject to a traditional bidding process, and expressed concern about whether the process could produce more units for the same amount of money. The meeting adjourned after all information items were approved and the next meeting date was announced.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • There are a for these kinds of of uses.
  • think many of us are grappling &gt;&gt; And I I think many of us are grappling and<00:37:50.160><c>
  • using a number of eligibility, they are using a number of different<00:40:32.000><c> proxies</c><00:
  • You heard Austin give us of control.
  • diversity,</c> the use of the language diversity, the use of the language diversity, equity,<02:10:48.800
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities. Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses. On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Finance Committee 4/28/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • All of us have been very we made.
  • The uses of the revenue in that fund.
  • us in the state of Minnesota.
  • /c><00:56:13.839><c> most</c> it helps us meet one of our most it helps us meet one of our most pressing
  • help us better meet the needs of students locally.
Bills: HF1388