Video & Transcript Research : 'minority groups'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If anyone knows who's that group, please let me know.
- about here is there's a uh AC cael group about here is there's a uh AC cael group called<00:08:38.680
- <00:08:42.959>
please if anyone knows who's that group please if anyone knows who's that group - They are in large part what we have used in the past, with some minor changes.
- of issuing money to different groups of issuing money to different groups that's<00:56:52.359>
Summary:
The committee met on February 11 and began with introductions from members and staff, who shared brief personal and district facts. Chair Jim Nash then outlined the committee’s goals for the session, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation, the need to address a looming structural deficit, and the committee’s role in moving legislation forward. The committee also reviewed its rules for the year.
The main item was House File 3, authored by Chair Nash and referred to Ways and Means. The bill would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor to produce an annual report tracking whether agencies have implemented prior audit and evaluation recommendations, with the goal of improving internal controls, transparency, and accountability and helping legislators make funding decisions. Nash described the bill as a preventative measure to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, and said it was modeled in part on practices used in Colorado. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall testified that the office already produces similar update reports but lacks resources to independently verify many agency responses; she said the bill would provide a framework for more regular reporting and discussion, not a “shame tool.”
Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the bill would increase accountability and transparency for how public agencies manage taxpayer resources. A letter from the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits was also noted in support. Representative Clardy offered the A7 amendment to add an appropriation matching the fiscal note; Nash accepted it, saying savings could be found later in the process. The committee approved the A7 amendment by voice vote. During discussion, Representative Quam supported the bill’s focus on accountability, and Representative Freiberg questioned the Legislative Auditor about the office’s expertise on a specific ambulance-services recommendation in the report. Randall responded that the office’s staff are policy research generalists who use standards, best practices, interviews, surveys, and site visits to develop recommendations, and that the goal is to prompt further discussion rather than require blind acceptance. The transcript ends during that exchange, with no final committee vote on House File 3 shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- like to be on the planning group and one to two members of our advisory council as well.
- One of those two cases involves issues that might be of particular interest to this group.
- But I'll leave it at that and offer myself in whatever other ways would be useful to this group.
- There is a group that's the National Association of Direct Support Workers.
- So if there's a regional transportation group, it is for making things more accessible.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group.
The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office.
Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines.
Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/05/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- two of those categories together group two of those categories together so<01:16:24.320>
it's - The number of children, if any, who died of COVID, and the number rate of hospitalization of minors,
- that was affected the most with group that was affected the most with that<01:27:39.920>
syndrome - of groups like The advisory<01:54:27.040>
committee <01:54:27.360>on <01:54:27.480> - It is to protect individuals, not for a group of people that are sitting in this room.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- We take notes and then the group goes back to various committees.
- We take notes and then the group goes back to various committees.
- but you are shadowing another school psychologist for several hours a week, and you may be doing groups
- That's the difference between minor patches to buildings and beginning to work on safe, modern classrooms
- That's the difference between minor patches to buildings and beginning to work on safe, modern classrooms
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024.
The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students.
The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-21 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For minor and on the project scope.
- language that's before you exempts minor language that's before you exempts minor projects<00:34
- What I would have for a de minimis project would be minor changes to existing equipment.
- <01:38:35.280>
The <01:38:35.520>house tobacco products to minor. - The house tobacco products to minor.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/26 - Part 4
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , from bike groups, from motorcycle groups, from all the different groups that would have anything to
- , from bike groups, from motorcycle groups, from all the different groups that would have anything to
- , from bike groups, from motorcycle groups, from all the different groups that would have anything to
- , from bike groups, from motorcycle groups, from all the different groups that would have anything to
- , from bike groups, from motorcycle groups, from all the different groups that would have anything to
Summary:
The House began with a resolution recognizing May 15, 2026, as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16 as Police Week in Minnesota. Members read a series of “whereas” clauses honoring fallen peace officers, including three names added to the memorial this year, and thanking the thousands of officers serving across the state. The resolution was adopted without objection, and the chamber also received a Rules and Legislative Administration report placing several bills on the calendar for the day.
The main floor action was on House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy conference committee report. Supporters said the bill includes funding for identification verification systems in the MNSCU system to combat enrollment fraud, money to cover a shortfall in Fostering Independence grants for foster youth, and a small appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University. Several members praised the public conference committee process and the bipartisan work behind the bill. Others criticized the bill for not addressing the larger state grant shortfall and raised concerns about how grant dollars are allocated. The House adopted the conference report and repassed the bill 101-33.
The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 3825, a public safety vehicle bill that also carried a package of scope-of-practice and licensing changes. Members described provisions affecting acupuncture, athletic trainers, massage therapy, mortuary science, music therapy, social work title protection, pharmacist prescribing, physical therapy, and advanced practice nursing. Supporters argued the changes improve access, affordability, workforce flexibility, and patient care, while one member warned that some scope expansions were insufficiently scrutinized and could harm the health care system. After debate, the House agreed to the Senate amendments and moved the bill forward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- amendments were shared with each of our offices and also brought a number of our law enforcement groups
- This bill will convene a working group to recommend improved personal protective equipment, PPE, and
- I've seen firsthand how predators exploit every new technology to target minors, especially on social
- Minor so they can apply the appropriate protections.
- I mean, we have a bill here, AB 1043, that deals with age verification designed to protect minors, and
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition.
Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/28/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- majority report will there be a Minority majority report will there be a Minority Report<00:20:22.159
- <00:20:28.000>
Report The Minority Report The Minority Report and<00:20:29.520>that <05:17:30.360>- Representative McGee will write the minority report.
you significantly uh more large group you significantly uh more large group - <05:32:36.520>
leader Simpson of course is the minority leader Simpson of course is the minority
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Barr provided the data in the scientific research, and the Policy Navigation Group really put a price
- Barr provided the data in the scientific research, and the Policy Navigation Group really put a price
- Barr provided the data in the scientific research, and the Policy Navigation Group really put a price
- Barr provided the data in the scientific research, and the Policy Navigation Group really put a price
- backlog of uh permit renewals and minor backlog of uh permit renewals and minor facility<00:15:45.079
Summary:
The committee approved the January 21, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on its report about Minnesota’s environmental permitting system. The presenters said the report was based on research by Barr Engineering and the Policy Navigation Group and argued that permitting delays can discourage investment and make Minnesota less competitive for manufacturing, mining, energy, clean tech, and other industrial projects. They highlighted that Tier 1 permits are generally issued quickly, but Tier 2 air and water permits often take much longer than the state’s 150-day goal, with some median timelines ranging from 419 to 771 days for Tier 2 air permits and similar delays for industrial water permits. The report also said Minnesota’s permit timelines were longer than peer states and estimated that reducing delays could increase annual output by $260 million to $910 million and support 960 to 3,400 additional full-time-equivalent jobs per year.
Committee members asked about which businesses fall under Tier 2 permits, the economic impact of permitting delays, and whether the Chamber had discussed the report with the governor or MPCA. The presenters said Tier 2 permits typically involve higher-emitting facilities such as manufacturing, utilities, mining, and other industrial operations, and that the economic estimates were based on modeling rather than exact lost-job counts. They also noted that the governor had been briefed and that MPCA had been invited to the hearing but did not attend.
The committee then took up House File 8, which Chair Heintzeman said is intended to improve permitting efficiency while maintaining environmental standards. He described provisions that would reduce the number of 60-day wetland application extensions, require MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, break out data on missed timelines by municipal versus industrial applicants, treat failure to meet the 150-day Tier 2 deadline as a final action subject to judicial review, and require quicker notice when applications are incomplete. He also outlined sections that would allow separate construction and operating permits, expand expedited permitting, and change environmental assessment worksheet petition rules. The bill was moved to be re-referred to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, and the discussion began, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the bill is shown.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Sep 3rd, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Even the teacher groups came up and said, wait a minute, this doesn't work.
- It simply said that just as Article III, Section 10 enables quorum breaking by a minority faction of
- Doesn't the minority party have rights? Or is there a sense of feeling of superiority?
- They exist. to ensure that the majority cannot steamroll the minority unchecked.
- We're making some minor substantive changes.
Bills:
SB 1, HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/13/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- almost treating the... ...all of this protection, almost treating the consumer or the student as a minor
- There are so many groups of children that have no voices to speak for them. Thank you.
- There are so many groups of children that have no voices to speak for them: kids in rural communities
- And roughly a third of this group over here is off social media completely, which by any measure is a
- Two, that that customization is specific for one consumer or one group of consumers.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There was some more conversation between the manufactured housing group and the Department of Labor and
- There was some more conversation between the manufactured housing group and the Department of Labor and
- Um, so thanks to Majority Leader Murphy, Minority Leader Johnson, and our minority lead Dornneck for
- Um, so thanks to Majority Leader Murphy, Minority Leader Johnson, and our minority lead Dornneck for
- Minority Leader Johnson, and<00:04:56.479>
our <00:04:56.800>minority <00:04:57.280>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:34.160>
Contractors Contractors, the Minority Contractors Contractors, the Minority - Our group is more than willing to sit down with any group in discussion of this bill so that we can come
- :50.840>
of down with any group in discussion of down with any group in discussion of this<00: - I've worked with these very same groups I've worked with these very same groups on<00:46:53.840>
- I'm sorry, great group of contractors.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Administrative Rules Committee Mar 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Those targets include SARS-CoV-2, Group A Strep, RSV, Influenza, and Rhinovirus.
- Most of them were relatively, I wouldn't say minor, but they were kind of moving on the edges of the
- Never have they been allowed to administer that to minors. A few... Into adults, right?
- Never have they been allowed to administer that to minors. A few states have started doing that.
- They had a couple minor changes, some sites that were outdated.
Summary:
The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously.
The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions.
The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact.
Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/30/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- > educational<00:26:54.360>
group <00:26:55.080>and DC but a big educational group - I mean, they would go to certain minority groups and say, they're doing this, and we're going to ban
- <01:16:46.480>
groups <01:16:46.800>and <01:16:46.920>say go to certain minority - groups and say go to certain minority groups and say you<01:16:47.320>
they're <01:16:47.520>< - My oldest, or my daughter, is no longer a minor, but when she was a minor, as a dad, I would let her
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...and I'm the Vice President of Compliance and Public Policy for The Wine Group, the second-largest
- The Wine Group opposes AB 1585 for a number of reasons, but I'd like to focus on a couple of reasons
- The Wine Group opposes AB 1585 for a number of reasons, but I'd like to focus on a couple of reasons
- The ambiguity isn't a minor drafting problem; it's the whole problem.
- groups.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely split between supporters and opponents on policy and implementation. Assembly Member Wynn presented AB 2507 to strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early consultation across agencies. Supporters from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance said the bill would improve respect, coordination, and program outcomes; no opposition was heard. Wynn also presented AB 2024, a cleanup bill intended to reduce delays in outdoor advertising permit processing by requiring agencies to act on submitted applications. Supporters said it would clarify existing law and reduce uncertainty, and members expressed interest in the measure as a final fix to longstanding interpretation problems. Both bills were later approved and sent to Appropriations.
Assembly Member Connolly presented AB 1585, which would require wine labeled “American” to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” designation with California’s 100% sourcing rule for California-labeled wine. Supporters, including growers, farm bureaus, consumer advocates, and family wineries, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling, protect consumers, and help an industry facing bankruptcies, vineyard removals, and job losses. Opponents from major wineries and Wine Institute argued the bill could confuse consumers, create costly label changes, and disrupt blends and cross-regional products that are currently legal under federal law. After extended debate, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations.
Assembly Member Ransom presented AB 1605, a DUI safety bill that would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, limiting their ability to purchase alcohol. Supporters from law enforcement and roadway safety groups said the measure would address recidivism and help prevent alcohol-related crashes and deaths, while retailers and restaurant groups raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens. The committee discussed committee amendments and the bill passed to Appropriations. Assembly Member Hoover’s AB 2211, allowing craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the distilling industry and no opposition. The committee also took up AB 1578, which would require local and state elected officials to take anti-hate speech training; supporters said it responds to rising hate crimes, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and objected to the lack of a clear definition of hate speech. After a lengthy exchange, the bill passed on a party-line-leaning vote to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2717, extending a sunset for off-site advertising displays at large sports venues, was introduced as a venue-revenue and fan-experience measure tied to major upcoming events, and the transcript indicates it was being considered with committee amendments.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:21.319>
in award uh same group in award uh same group in 2024<00:03:23.200>um activities of the individual or group activities of the individual or group was<00:07:25.639> - How long has this group or Ms.
- <00:15:41.319>
of Grassroots organization group of Grassroots organization group of citizens - <00:30:12.120>
that with a menu of uh outside groups that with a menu of uh outside groups
Summary:
The committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard an overview from the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement on its community engagement awards program. Amber Cameron explained that the office supports partnerships across the university’s campuses and that nominations for the Outstanding Community Service Awards were evaluated by faculty and staff selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall application quality. She said the community partner award was based only on the nomination materials and described the award process, including that nominations could come from individuals, grassroots groups, or organizations and that the award carried a $5,000 prize.
The main discussion focused on the 2024 community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality. Cameron said the nomination documented a long-standing relationship with the university through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning, including work in 130 course offerings over 24 years across 17 academic departments and participation by about 1,000 students. She cited examples from the nomination such as student research and policy work that contributed to Travis’s Law. Committee members questioned the organization’s age, its letterhead and public activism, the meaning of its relationship with the university, and whether the work was appropriate for an award. Cameron responded that the award did not require formal tax status and that her office facilitated the process rather than judging the organization’s broader views.
Members also asked for additional information on the vetting process, the courses involved, the award funding source, the ceremony, and related materials. Cameron said the awards were funded through OMN funding, that the program was being sunset and replaced with a new internal engaged-scholar awards structure, and that she would follow up on requests for documents, speaking notes, and other details. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the committee moved on after the testimony and questions.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:10:24.880>
by bottles and containers may seem minor by bottles and containers may seem - House Bill 1782, relating to artificial intelligence for protection of minors.
- product design regulations for minors product design regulations for minors and<01:59:24.159>
- <01:59:33.920>
without emotional repentance for minors without emotional repentance for minors - age group? age group?
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations.
The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 22nd, 2026 at 11:13 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And Senator Ingle, then the minority leader, called up to the chair, and he said, Wirth...
- I've got some students from Snell Middle School, the Snell Minors, and also have...
- I've got some students from Snell Middle School, the Snell Minors, and also have a group from Cobre High
- But one of the things that I just want to share with the group is he's a very brave person.
- The same group. We'll give you details if you show up tonight. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.