Video & Transcript Research : 'regular sessions'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/23/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Anardi also says that individuals who testified in favor of the bill last session were
- I'm going to adjourn the executive session on House Bill 63.
- <03:50:21.319>
way regular way regular way so<03:50:23.399>okay <03:50:23.640>thank - You've gotten those 12 monthly prescriptions, and so you're a regular patient of this thing.
- I think that's the concept. regular patient of this thing you're not regular patient of this thing you're
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 30th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- For a regular emergency room in a hospital when that's not the case.
- This work was through Senate Bill 194 in the 2021 session.
- Members, we're going to go into a work session. We only have...
- and prior to the session.
- and prior to the session.
Bills:
AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495
Keywords:
higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But this was something that you could see starting to change even last session, but on how legislators
- That were repetitious from sessions before.
- Some, I think we had a state rock, or, yeah, I think we had a rock this session.
- So I think I heard a term last session.
- You know, some states do require, I think, that the legislature has to vote two consecutive sessions.
Bills:
HCR3025
Summary:
The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it.
The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it.
Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- everyday ground hearing for a regular everyday ground hearing for a regular everyday Citizen and once
- layen that standpoint but just a regular layen that standpoint but just a regular layen that have to
- you had session you had session you had immunity but I don't know I don't know immunity but I don't
- charge for felony just like regular charge for felony just like regular charge for impersonating in
- session to require the governor regular session to require the governor regular session to require the
Bills:
HCR 21, HCR 22, HCR 23, HCR 24, HCR 25, HCR 26, HCR 27, HCR 31, HCR 41, HCR 42, HCR 43, HCR 44, HCR 45, HCR 52, HCR 53, HCR 66, HCR 67, HCR 73, HR 8, HR 10, HR 13, HR 20, HR 21, HR 50, HR 59, HR 61, HR 71, HR 74, HR 79, HR 84, HR 86, HR 90, HR 91, HR 102, HR 103, HR 107, HR 113, HR 125, HR 126, HR 132, HR 142, HR 145, HR 149, HR 150, HR 152, HR 167, HR 179, HR 181, HR 183, HR 186, HR 192, HR 196, HR 199, HR 207, HR 211, HR 212, HR 213, HR 216, HR 249, HR 256, HR 259, HR 261, HR 263, HR 272, HR 281, HR 285, HR 294, HR 295, HR 300, HR 305, HR 311, HR 313, HR 315, HR 316, HR 323, HR 331, HR 339, HR 340, HR 346, HR 349, HR 352, HR 357, HR 358, HR 360, HR 363, HR 374, HR 377, HCR 20, HCR 28, HCR 30, HCR 32, HCR 49, HR 14, HR 15, HR 19, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 29, HR 47, HR 48, HR 55, HR 56, HR 66, HR 85, HR 92, HR 93, HR 95, HR 96, HR 140, HR 155, HR 164, HR 204, HR 241, HR 242, HR 250, HR 253, HR 260, HR 262, HR 265, HR 279, HR 310, HR 312, HR 328, HR 332, HR 359, HR 362, HR 367
Keywords:
recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- She has called to defer that for the session. And Senate Bill 322 will be deferred.
- Yours is permanently or voluntarily deferred for the session, or do you want to wait until we see if
- This is not regular insurance. It's not private insurance. We're dictating what they have to do.
- The MAC, the Medical Advisory Council, does the regular updates.
- We are very grateful and excited that so much has been considered this session to prepare Louisiana's
Summary:
The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on May 7, 2026, and first deferred several measures, including House Bill 460, Senate Bill 322, Senate Bill 32, Senate Bill 22, and House Bill 561. The committee then took up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz, which would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) by MCG as the primary guideline, while keeping the existing variance and appeal process. Cruz and MCG representative Troy Prevo argued that ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and used in many states, and said it could reduce delays, disability duration, and costs. Dr. Jason Picard, the state medical director, testified that Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference in many cases because the state schedule lacks coverage for some body parts and treatments, and said the bill would not otherwise change the appeals process or care delivery.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would delay care or improve it. Several members questioned the private-company nature of ODG, the $400 annual subscription cost, and whether Louisiana doctors would be forced to rely on an out-of-state guideline. Rep. Glorioso and others raised concerns about preauthorization delays and proposed amendments to create tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and make the carrier prove by clear and convincing evidence that care was not medically necessary to challenge it. Chairman Cruz said he was willing to work with those ideas, and the committee also discussed adding an on-ramp or legacy language so current patients would not be disrupted.
Opposition testimony came from injured-worker advocates and representatives of medical and labor groups, including Joseph Jola St. and Robin Krumholt. They argued that Louisiana’s current guidelines are already working, that rates have fallen over time, and that the real problem is delay in approval rather than the content of the schedule. They said ODG is overly rigid, cost-driven, and can lead to denials that shift costs to workers, Medicaid, or private health insurance. They urged the committee to keep Louisiana’s existing system and instead adopt tacit approval under current law. The bill was still under discussion at the close of the transcript, with amendments being read and no final vote shown.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government.(1-29-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- day of first I I filed this bill first day of first week<00:07:41.120>
of <00:07:41.280>session - >
um <00:07:42.880>didn't <00:07:43.199>get <00:07:43.280>any week of session - and um didn't get any week of session and um didn't get any comment<00:07:43.840>
until <00:07 - Uh, we will be meeting probably pretty regular every Thursday at noon.
- <00:41:14.079>
every uh probably pretty regular every uh probably pretty regular every Thursday
Keywords:
HB 66 (discussion only) -- 00:05:33
Consideration of HB 213 -- 00:12:16
Consideration of HB 314 -- 00:22:11, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee opened its first meeting of the year with prayer, the pledge, a roll call, and a reminder of committee procedures, including sign-up rules for public testimony, decorum expectations, and recognition of staff. The chair noted the committee had a quorum and outlined the day’s agenda, which included three bills. Representative Hodgson presented House Bill 66 for discussion only, explaining that it would distinguish between boards and commissions that can meet entirely electronically and larger public agencies that should have a quorum physically present unless there is an emergency. He said the bill also aimed to require agencies to post member information and contact details online so the public can provide feedback. Representative Tipton asked whether the bill would apply to state and local bodies, and Hodgson said it would; no vote was taken on HB 66.
The committee then considered House Bill 213, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway, on reemployment of retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted unanimously. Callaway said the bill would reduce barriers to rehiring retired law enforcement officers, allow local agencies and universities to offer health benefits in lieu of retirement benefits, lower the service threshold for this specific rehiring from 20 years to 15 years, and give agencies flexibility on retirement contributions. She emphasized that the bill would not allow double dipping and had no quantified fiscal impact. Members raised a question about review by the Public Pension Oversight Board; Callaway said that had not yet occurred, and the chair noted the committee’s practice that pension-related bills are typically reviewed by that board first. Despite that concern, the committee voted 16-2 to report HB 213 favorably, with two members passing.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 314, relating to the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and declaring an emergency. After adopting a committee substitute, Representative Matt Lockett said the bill was intended to reorganize oversight of Kentucky Wired by moving KCNA into the Finance and Administration Cabinet under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, abolishing KCNA’s separate executive director, transferring KCNA functions and records to COOT, and restructuring the board with new members and two governor appointments from lists submitted by KACo and KLC. He said the measure was meant to provide stronger oversight and more direct control over the project, and that the emergency clause was needed because of budget implications. Members asked for clarification on the differences between committee substitutes, and Lockett said one prior substitute removed the attorney general from the board at his request, while the current one added the governor’s appointments. He also said a floor amendment would strike language related to a nonprofit board associated with Kentucky Wired. The transcript ends during discussion of HB 314, before any final vote is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- resolved text says that the House of Representatives of the 33rd Legislature of the State of Hawaii, regular
- session of 2025, the Senate concurring, requests that the insurance commissioner, the state fire marshal
- ><00:44:31.520>
state <00:44:31.680>of <00:44:31.760>Hawaii <00:44:32.640>regular - <00:44:33.040>
session of the state of Hawaii regular session of the state of Hawaii regular - session of<00:44:33.440>
2025.
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, technology, and related policy issues. Testimony generally came from state agencies and industry groups, with DBED, HTDC, and others mostly supporting measures that would create working groups, promote advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, encourage a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants, support Taiwan’s international participation, and explore import substitution. One measure on a tourism and gaming working group drew strong opposition from the prosecutor’s office, which argued it would signal support for gambling and could worsen social harms, while other witnesses supported it as a way to gather data before any policy decisions. The committee also heard support for relocating the Pearl City Post Office to improve traffic and safety, and for a resolution to focus HTDC on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
Several items were amended before action. The committee agreed to amend the tourism and gaming working group resolution to narrow and clarify its purpose, and to amend the Taiwan resolution to add the president of the Republic of China as a recipient. The import-substitution resolution was also amended to add a definition, include language about avoiding new import dependencies such as LNG, and direct state and utility purchasing power toward substituting imports. A resolution on HCR 211/HR 203 was rewritten to address lowering fire insurance rates and mitigating fire risk in Puna lava zones, but decision-making on that item was deferred to a later hearing so the new language could be posted publicly.
The committee voted to adopt several measures, including HCR 57/HCR 152, HCR 156/HR 151, HCR 19/HR 115, and HCR 33/HR 32, with some passed as amended and others passed as is. HCR 192 was adopted with amendments despite reservations from some members, and HCR 209/HR 2011 was adopted with amendments. The committee also recessed for decision-making during the hearing and later adjourned after completing action on the agenda.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The upcoming session, or the current session, I guess, since we've already started, is $892.3 million
- In this session, at the end of the session, we'll take a look at all of this again.
- The approach we use is similar to our regular forecast.
- The floor sessions are going to go completely differently.
- Last session, we had two meetings a day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Suspend the regular order of business. Thank you, Mr. President and members.
- In my first session, you said, and I just can't express how much I appreciate it.
- It took us several sessions, but we prevailed.
- And so, I knew, and I went up to the cocktail party before the session even started.
- Chairman, and a motion to suspend the regular order of business on SB1.
Bills:
SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025 at 10:08 am
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill has evolved significantly from what I filed in the first called special session.
- You know, members, in 10 sessions and now I think 16 special sessions. But I didn't. Why?
- I work on a regular basis, representing clients who have properties in floodplains.
- We're not going to take up in this special session.
- As you know, I voted against the original session, the 89th session version of this bill.
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- teacher safety, are also topics that we're addressing this session.
- Does that apply to charter schools as well as regular ISDs?
- It's very... time in the legislature as we start wrapping up this session.
- I teach Honors World History, Regular and Honors U.S.
- If the economy goes badly next session, I do not trust you to not cut that funding later.
Bills:
HB2
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 048 Mar 3rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Imagine if instead of just session.
- Last session, we heard the governor extol the virtues of the free state of Colorado.
- I'm just going to end this by repeating something I said last session.
- I'm just going to end this by repeating something I said last session.
- There's about that in executive session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Commerce and Consumer Protection Bill - 05/29/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- session.
- session.
- session.
- <01:34:59.600>
session <01:35:00.440>these convening of each regular session these - convening of each regular session these reports<01:35:00.960>
shall <01:35:01.159>include
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation held a hearing on several traffic safety and transportation bills. HB 1163 would update commercial driver licensing rules to meet federal requirements and allow limited-term non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and licenses; the Department of Transportation supported it as a fix to an FMCSA-identified issue, while Frank Schultz testified in opposition. HB 1166 would appropriate funds for the automated speed enforcement program; the Department of Law Enforcement, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Edgardo Diaz Vega supported it, while Chad Taniguchi opposed and Frank Schultz offered support. The committee then heard HB 1231, which would prioritize photo red light cameras in school zones and direct related fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School fund; DOT supported the intent but cautioned against limiting placement decisions, Judiciary raised concerns about added court workload, and several advocacy groups and individuals supported the bill as a pedestrian and school safety measure.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 1471, which would fund traffic-actuated signals, including leading pedestrian intervals and accessible pedestrian signals, and add a $5 vehicle registration fee for the Safe Routes to School special fund. DOT supported the bill with comments, saying its older signal controllers make LPIs harder to implement but that statewide upgrades are underway; the Department of Health also supported the safety and Vision Zero goals and said it is working with counties on public education. Testimony in support came from Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Bicycling League, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Path People for Active Transportation Hawaii, the Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, and others, with one opposition noted among many supporters.
Members asked questions about whether LPIs would address “beg buttons,” how red-light and speed-camera programs interact with county roads, and whether speed humps might be more effective in school zones. DOT explained that LPIs improve visibility but do not solve every signal issue, that newer adaptive signals use camera-based sensing, and that the department coordinates with counties and communities on crash mitigation and enforcement priorities. Officials also discussed the status of Safe Routes to School programs, noting that the federal program remains but is difficult to use and that the state program had been moved out of DOT; county coordinators and related coalitions were said to still be active. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- You can do that every session, or any special session that is put on the call.
- In the past, during special sessions, it has usually taken a couple of sessions, and of course... ...
- when we do it during the regular session, we have the full 140 days or so.
- Even if we just did half or a quarter of what's typically done in a regular session of redistricting.
- The tradition has been that before a regular redistricting session after the census, usually both the
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:22:41.840>
Sessions. - Sessions. The is recognized. Texas, Mr. Sessions. The is recognized.
- regular people do. Working families do. regular people do.
- chambers of Congress under regular chambers of Congress under regular order. order. order.
- That's called regular order. the senate. That's called regular order.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 5 years and requires the insurance commissioner to submit a report to the legislature before the regular
- session of 2031.
- 5 years and requires the insurance commissioner to submit a report to the legislature before the regular
- session of 2031.
Bills:
SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001
Keywords:
natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Jan 17, 2025, 12:00 PM HST - Day 3
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- passed in the last legislative session passed in the last legislative session Governor<00:38:46.960
- I feel it, um, and I'm really looking forward to this session.
- session, then convene in joint session at 10:00 a.m. in this chamber for the Governor's State of the
- a.m. for our regular will convene at 900 a.m. for our regular session<01:20:56.320>
then <01:20 - c><01:20:58.520>
at session then convene in joint session at session then convene in joint session
Summary:
The House convened, completed roll call with 48 members present and three excused, deferred reading of the journal, and received Senate communications noting adoption of House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and guests, including Congresswoman Jill Tuda, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii participants and students, Okinawan visitors, Farrington High School students, James Campbell High School students, and Waiau High School students, many of whom were introduced in connection with Chamber Week activities and educational presentations.
The main business was unfinished business on House Resolutions 6 and 7, which adopted the House rules for the 33rd Legislature, including rules for the Committee on Standards of Conduct. Members generally supported the rules package as a transparency and modernization update, citing earlier public access to testimony, a public list of Speaker appointees, changes to conference committee eligibility, telework for staff, social media guidance, and a public list of bills introduced by request. Several members raised reservations or opposition, focusing on concerns about staff involvement in approving written remarks, budget information timing, the Vice Speaker’s role, social media/free speech issues, and whether some changes reduced public access or conflicted with constitutional open-meeting requirements.
No vote on the rules package is recorded in the excerpt. The debate ended with multiple members yielding time and the discussion continuing on the merits of the proposed rule changes, especially the balance between transparency, internal House procedure, and public participation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- We initiated what we're calling a scallop strategic plan and some visioning sessions.
- the most pressing issues considered by the fishing industry through several different visioning sessions
- We had a regular spring bloom, and the meat weights are up.
- We had a regular spring bloom, and the meat weights are up.
- I've tried every session to lead the effort to get rid of the cod and put in the scallop.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Massachusetts sea scallop fishery, especially the economic importance of the industry, federal scallop management, and two policy questions: reopening the Northern Edge area on Georges Bank and allowing permit stacking/permit consolidation. Chairing senators emphasized their interest in hearing both sides, their frustration with federal bureaucracy, and their view that the issue should be guided by science while protecting the long-term resource and local communities.
Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council and Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the Magnuson-Stevens framework, annual catch limits, rotational area management, and the role of industry-funded surveys and the research set-aside program. They said scallops remain the most lucrative council-managed commercial fishery on the East Coast, but recent changes include more small scallops, lower biomass in some areas, higher natural mortality, and shifting abundance toward Georges Bank. On the Northern Edge, they explained that the council previously considered opening the area through a framework/joint action with habitat management, but discontinued the action in 2024 because of conflicting objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and other species. They said the issue could be revisited through future council priority-setting.
Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund argued that the fishery needs modernization to remain economically viable. They supported reopening the Northern Edge and strongly backed permit stacking, saying it would allow two permits on one vessel while keeping ownership caps in place, reducing costs, improving safety, and helping family-owned fleets avoid financial distress and outside investment. Port of New Bedford representative John Regan stressed the port’s central role in the state economy, the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure, and the importance of any permit changes preserving local ownership and participation. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members asked that the witnesses keep the committee informed as the council and federal agencies consider next steps.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee - Morning Session Jan 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- And you get called out on a regular basis.
- And then the two that we're hoping to get approved through this session, we're hopeful to graduate 50
- Depending on the vehicle size, some are just regular car wreckers.
- And I'll be able to present by next session.
- I'll come back to you throughout the session this year and let you know what the cost of privatizing