Video & Transcript Research : 'freelancer'
Page 1 of 4
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, there are definitely people who are self-employed freelancers who are in business for themselves.
- Um, there are definitely people who are self-employed freelancers who are in business for themselves.
- Um, there are definitely people who are self-employed freelancers who are in business for themselves.
- Um there are definitely people who are self-employed freelancers who are in business for themselves.
- Uh Sarah" "Definitely people who are self-employed freelancers who are in business for themselves.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- There are freelancers and self-employed folks in the task force. We heard from a lot of them.
- and uh and self-employed are Freelancers and uh and self-employed folks<00:05:07.320>
in <00:05 - We have thousands of people as freelancers in our database, and the only way I'm going to keep those
- Thank you for listening. thousands of of people as Freelancers in thousands of of people as Freelancers
- She references the Attorney General's task force on independent contractors and freelancers and says
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House higher education panel debates bill to restrict state aid for undocumented immigrants 2/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These students are full-time employees, parents to young children, freelance workers, overnight workers
- full-time employees parents to young are full-time employees parents to young children<00:20:21.919>
freelance - <00:20:22.679>
workers <00:20:23.640>overnight children freelance workers overnight - children freelance workers overnight workers<00:20:25.280>
construction <00:20:25.919>workers
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, more than 330,000 Kentuckians work as freelancers, contractors, or self-employed professionals
- more than 330,000 Kentuckians<00:17:58.560>
work <00:17:58.800>as <00:17:58.960>freelancers - , Kentuckians work as freelancers, Kentuckians work as freelancers, contractors,<00:18:00.560>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I should pause here and say that sections 1 through 3 were, um, the results of, um, perhaps freelancing
- I should pause here and say that sections 1 through 3 were, um, the results of, um, perhaps freelancing
- I should pause here and say that sections 1 through 3 were, um, the results of, um, perhaps freelancing
- Perhaps freelancing on my part to clean up the existing language, so it looks like three sections of
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- sometimes at the state, contracting for those needs can be quite challenging when you're working with freelance
- sometimes at the state, contracting for those needs can be quite challenging when you're working with freelance
- 30:14.080>
you're <00:30:14.240>working <00:30:14.480>with <00:30:14.640>freelance - when you're working with freelance when you're working with freelance writers,<00:30:15.679>
Keywords:
tourism, World Junior Hockey Championships, funding, economic impact, sports events, Minnesota, economic development, livability, marketing, partnerships, labor and industry, electrical licensing, electrical inspection, continuing education, online course approval, Internet continuing education, power limited technician, maintenance electrician, master electrician, technology circuits
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, & Judiciary (1-13-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, but then there's also about 200 contractors, freelance interpreters around the country that we have
- then there's also about uh 200 then there's also about uh 200 contractors,<00:03:28.720>
freelance - <00:03:29.280>
interpreters contractors, freelance interpreters contractors, freelance interpreters
Keywords:
00:10 Call to order and Roll Call
01:06 Information Items and Introduction of Kentucky Court of Justice
03:02 Discussion of Interpreter State and National Contractor Rates
06:35 Discussion of Certifications
08:44 Discussion of AI use in Interpretation
13:56 Software Service Initiatives
16:47 Data Security and AV system Upgrades
24:38 Drug Court Issues
28:43 Discussion of Jefferson County Record Storage
35:33 Boyle County Courthouse Construction
39.26 KY State Police Driver Testing
45:22 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a budget overview from the Kentucky Court of Justice focused on mandated services and several growth items in the judicial branch budget. Court officials said the requests were driven by legal and contractual obligations, including higher contractor rates for court interpreters and IT support, annual software-as-a-service costs, and upgrades to the court’s audiovisual record system (JAVS). They also discussed local facilities needs tied to Jefferson County lease space and the Boyle County Courthouse, though the bulk of the presentation centered on the court’s technology and service-delivery costs.
Members asked detailed questions about interpreter services, including whether services are provided in person, by phone, or by Zoom, and whether Kentucky could train and certify more local interpreters instead of relying on contractors from around the country. Court officials said the certification process is rigorous, that the branch is working with the National Center for State Courts on an apprenticeship program, and that they believe Kentucky may have flexibility to develop state-level certification if it meets court needs. They also said they are exploring technology and AI tools for translation, but have not found a solution that reliably handles complex courtroom context. Representative Sharp asked whether cases had been delayed for lack of interpreters; officials said they could provide aggregated data later.
The court also described its major IT modernization effort, including a statewide case management system, e-filing, and maintenance of many legacy applications. Officials said contractor rates need to be raised to compete for skilled labor during the implementation phase, but that those costs should decline once the new systems are fully built and only maintained. They explained that part of the request covers three SaaS initiatives: ongoing subscription costs for existing systems, annual fees for the CaseWorks system used in pretrial and specialty courts after federal grant funding ends, and adoption of DocuSign to streamline invoicing, procurement, and contract execution. In response to questions from Representative KC Carney, they said cybersecurity is taken seriously, that they recently conducted a tabletop exercise, and that some risk shifts to cloud vendors under contract, though no separate cybersecurity line item was included.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the JAVS audiovisual court-record system. Court officials said not all courtrooms are on the same version, and they want funding to bring all locations up to the current version and prepare for version 9, which they said would standardize the system statewide and support the official court record. When asked about costs, they said each upgrade can cost about $70,000 to $80,000 per system, that they aim to upgrade about 50 per year, and that the request reflects the need to keep pace with a four-year refresh cycle. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- school, if it's legal work, if you work in a courtroom, if there's community, um you would also do freelance
- school, if it's legal work, if you work in a courtroom, if there's community, um you would also do freelance
- 01.599>
do there's community, um you would also do there's community, um you would also do freelance - > that<00:38:02.720>
would <00:38:02.880>have <00:38:03.119>interviews, freelance - that would have interviews, freelance that would have interviews, hospital<00:38:04.320>
work.
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion.
The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date.
After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So can you freelance?
- So So can you<00:16:49.519>
freelance? Are <00:16:50.560>are <00:16:50.880>you <00:16:51.120>confident you freelance- Are are you confident you freelance?
Summary:
The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing.
Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need.
Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/11/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- brings authentic local stories to life, it also creates jobs, supporting nearly 30 full-time and 120 freelance
- 00:04:36.880>
full-time <00:04:37.560>and <00:04:38.080>120 <00:04:39.080>freelance - <00:04:39.800>
jobs <00:04:40.199>in 30 full-time and 120 freelance jobs in 30 full-time - and 120 freelance jobs in the<00:04:40.600>
last <00:04:41.440>year <00:04:42.440>with
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of my friends are professional musicians who, even though they are freelancers or contract workers
- Many of my friends are professional musicians who, even though they are freelancers or contract workers
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity.
In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/20/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <04:31:03.920>
developers, they are freelance developers, they are freelance developers, construction - If companies do offer these benefits to freelancers, companies may be forced to reclassify independent
- , offer these benefits to freelancers, offer these benefits to freelancers, companies<04:38:03.760
- I am in support of HB 1245 and urge you to pass this bill to protect women freelancers. or who pays me
- . freelancers. freelancers.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of how long Juan Esparza has dedicated his life to reporting the news, he began his career as a freelance
Summary:
The Assembly convened, initially without a quorum, and the clerk called the roll until a quorum was present. The body then proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent motions, including re-referrals of AB 1878, AB 2089, and AB 1660 to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including the 2025 Central East High School football team, Morgan Hill leadership students, Southlands Christian fourth graders, and journalist Juan Esparza Loera, whom members praised for decades of reporting in the Central Valley.
On the floor file, ACR 139 was presented to designate March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Supporters described the health and safety risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and emphasized the value of screening and treatment; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were recorded. AB 1656, a human-trafficking victim protection bill, was also taken up and passed 58-0 after testimony that it would expand “good cause” for trial continuances to better protect survivors and preserve continuity of counsel. The chamber also adopted the consent calendar, including AB 1583 and SCR 11, by 63-0 votes.
The session concluded with adjournments in memory for Salinda Gonzalez, a Yurok community advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and Sandy Steers, a Big Bear conservationist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Members highlighted Gonzalez’s work supporting Native communities and Steers’ decades of wildlife advocacy and public education. The Assembly then announced its next meeting for Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m., including the Women of the Year ceremony, and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Business and Professions
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, November 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- commissioner, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, corporate public relations manager, and as a freelance
- manager,<02:06:18.320>
and <02:06:18.560>as <02:06:18.719>a <02:06:18.880>freelance - <02:06:19.440>
writer <02:06:19.920>and manager, and as a freelance writer and manager - , and as a freelance writer and historian.<02:06:21.440>
Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We had representation from campaigns in support of freelancers. We had academics and researchers.
- representation for from campaigns in<00:48:10.760>
support <00:48:11.040>of <00:48:11.160>freelancers - in support of freelancers. in support of freelancers.
- We had, like I said, advocates for freelancers and independent contractors.
Summary:
The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target.
Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then.
Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope we get a senator in here by 9:10, or else I'm going to start freelancing. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary.
SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- brings authentic local stories to life, it also creates jobs, supporting nearly 30 full-time and 120 freelance
- supporting nearly 30 full-time<00:10:18.360>
and <00:10:18.880>120 <00:10:19.880>freelance - /c><00:10:20.600>
jobs <00:10:21.000>in <00:10:21.160>the full-time and 120 freelance - jobs in the full-time and 120 freelance jobs in the last<00:10:22.200>
year <00:10:23.200>
Keywords:
public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Data Practices 1/22/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They also are freelance court reporters that do depositions and civil trials, so that's what our association
- They also are freelance court reporters that do depositions and civil trials, so that's what our association
- a lot of mistakes. uh and they also see a lot of mistakes. uh and they also are<01:31:08.639>
freelance - >
reporters <01:31:09.760>that <01:31:10.000>do <01:31:10.639>uh are freelance - court reporters that do uh are freelance court reporters that do uh dep<01:31:11.199>
depositions
Summary:
The committee continued its hearing on enforcement and compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, first taking additional public testimony from Melissa Zimmerman and Matt Senot of the East Side Corridor residents in Owatonna. They described submitting roughly two dozen data requests across several government entities related to a proposed highway project, saying some agencies responded but others did not, and that even after they substantially prevailed in a data practices complaint and the court imposed a maximum civil penalty, they still did not receive meaningful access to the records. Zimmerman said the lack of access harmed their ability to comment on the project’s environmental review, and both witnesses argued that the law needs stronger enforcement, realistic timelines, better communication, and more accessible remedies for requesters who cannot afford repeated litigation. They also raised practical barriers such as inaccessible file formats, missing software on a county-provided laptop, and the need for electronic delivery options.
The committee then heard from Eric Johnson of Anoka County, who testified about Chapter 13 issues involving third-party polygraph data used in probation monitoring. He argued that when the state relies on third-party-generated summaries, the responsible authority’s obligations for access, retention, and correction are unclear, and there is no effective remedy when the third party does not respond. Johnson said the county directed him to seek raw data from the third party, which had not responded, and he warned that short retention periods can make data subject rights unenforceable if the records are destroyed before a request is resolved. Members asked about statutory citations and retention schedules, and several commented that the issue may warrant review of data-retention rules.
During member discussion, legislators broadly agreed that the Data Practices Act’s enforcement mechanisms are not working well enough and that many requesters cannot afford to pursue administrative or court remedies. Co-Chair Scott suggested staff compile the testimony into a report to identify possible legislative fixes, while Senator Lucero said there may be some “low-hanging fruit” that could be addressed quickly in the short session. The chair also floated the idea of involving the Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution in a mediation role to improve communication and reduce gridlock, though members noted that any process would still need to produce results consistent with the law. The committee then moved on to its next agenda item, a discussion of the BCA Fusion Center and its annual reporting requirements.