Video & Transcript Research : 'small systems'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN Public Hearing 01-28-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Establishes a climate food systems.
  • c> grant<00:13:29.519> program resilient food systems grant program resilient food systems
  • small farmers. small farmers.
  • as a small farmer or small<01:25:37.600> rancher<01:25:38.000> as<01:25:38.159> well
  • small rancher as well. small rancher as well.
Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns. The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program. SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them. Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Health and Welfare Mar 24th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's about making sure the system reflects reality.
  • Just wanted to make a small joke about that. Hey, thank you for being here.
  • Something about how the system operates, I guess.
  • The fact that they are in the system, whatever that is that led them there, has to be a traumatic experience
Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on March 24 with a quorum present. The committee voluntarily deferred House Bills 184 and 902, then took up HB 557 by Rep. DeWitt, which would define long-term care pharmacies in Louisiana law and align the state definition with federal classifications. The author and a pharmacy representative testified that long-term care pharmacies serve nursing homes and similar facilities, operate under different requirements than retail pharmacies, and should not be misclassified in contracting or policy discussions. After adopting a technical amendment updating the federal classification reference, the committee reported HB 557 favorably with amendments. The committee next heard HB 584 by Rep. Boyd and Taylor, which addresses the practice of giving foster children garbage bags to move their belongings between placements. Testimony from the author and DCFS indicated the department had already begun transitioning to duffel bags and that the bill would help ensure bags or luggage follow the child and that local districts participate. Members discussed whether the bill had a fiscal impact and whether it should be referred to Appropriations; DCFS said the change was already being implemented with existing resources and no additional funds were needed. The committee adopted amendments, including technical changes and language placing responsibility on host families to keep the luggage with the child, and then reported HB 584 favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee considered HB 747 by Rep. Miller, which would revise the licensure structure for medical psychologists by combining the medical psychologist license and certificate of advanced practice, eliminating the separate certificate, lowering fees, and reducing administrative burden. Supporters from the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists and others were noted, and the bill was described as a government-simplification measure. The committee reported HB 747 favorably.
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Jul 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • therefore, I suggest to you that if we went to our universities. ...that have probably state-of-the-art systems
  • It's an assault on the American electoral system.
  • Senate Bill 25 by Eckhardt, relating to emergency warning systems operated by municipalities and counties
  • Senate Bill 26 by Alvarado, relating to a disaster recovery loan program for small and micro businesses
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of congressional redistricting, where the committee established the procedures to ensure a fair and transparent process. Led by Senator King, the session focused on adopting a resolution that authorized a special committee dedicated to congressional redistricting and allowed for regional hearings to gather public input via videoconferencing. Concerns were raised about ensuring adequate notice for public participation, especially from marginalized communities potentially affected by proposed changes. Disagreements emerged regarding the timeline for regional hearings and how to address the implications of the redistricting process on minority districts. Overall, participants acknowledged the complex nature of redistricting and the importance of engaging constituents in the legislative process.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • > blocking<00:13:02.160> constituents school system were blocking constituents school system
  • VVSG 2.1, that's voluntary voting system VVSG 2.1, that's voluntary voting system guidelines,<00
  • <01:16:38.640> We used uh the heart voting systems. We used uh the heart voting systems.
  • 10 operating system.
  • So what that does is that system.
Summary: The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion. Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that. Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • > blocking<00:13:06.160> constituents school system were blocking constituents school system
  • <00:29:29.200> are just a city versus a county system are just a city versus a county system
  • facilities and the entire voting system facilities and the entire voting system is<00:57:49.839>
  • <01:16:42.640> We used uh the heart voting systems. We used uh the heart voting systems.
  • . system. system.
Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Energy REVISED Apr 9th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It sets up a battery recycling system through ODEQ for small and medium batteries.
  • I'm looking on page nine of the bill and it kind of sets out how this collection system would work.
  • Complex in the system that it's trying to set up.
  • Large cities, small cities, you name it, they've all got a stake in this.
  • We all know it eventually goes into the sewer system.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Energy REVISED Apr 9th, 2026

Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • through ODEQ for small and medium batteries.
  • They're called a small class and a medium class.
  • There is a system in place already.
  • There is a system in place already.
  • We're moving to a post-drying system so that we can landfill our sludge.
Summary: The committee took up several measures dealing with environmental regulation, waste management, and energy. Early on, it passed sunset-extension bills for the Oklahoma Climatological Survey and several environmental advisory councils. It then heard extensive debate on HB 1907, the Battery Stewardship Act, which would create a battery recycling system for small and medium batteries through DEQ. Supporters argued it would reduce landfill and garbage-truck fires, protect the environment, and create recycling value, while opponents raised concerns about added regulation, costs shifted to producers and retailers, and the creation of a new state FTE. Despite those objections, the bill passed 8-3. The committee also considered HB 3403, a pilot study on biosolids and sewage sludge applied to farmland. Members debated a committee substitute that shortened the study timeline from five years to three years and added a phased rollback of land application. Supporters said the study was needed because of unresolved questions about PFOS, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and other contaminants, while critics argued the timelines conflicted and the bill could be hard to implement. The committee substitute was adopted, an amendment to delete key rollback provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 8-2 after testimony from Oklahoma City utilities officials and multiple rounds of questions about testing, health risks, and disposal practices. The committee then passed HB 3175 to establish the Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, with members noting it would have minimal fiscal impact and could help Oklahoma build nuclear expertise and jobs. It also passed HB 3986, expanding a gross production tax exemption for wells completed with recycled water, and HB 3466, which removes the statutory requirement that the Corporation Commission maintain a petty cash fund. Finally, HB 3411, another biosolids-related bill to buy testing equipment and provide information to landowners, and HB 4246, a rural water transparency/lowest-bid bill, both passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The meeting ended with the chair thanking members and adjourning.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I call the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to order.
  • The Senate created this committee to help all small businesses compete with larger firms.
  • The ramifications of this action, if permanent, will be felt by all small business owners.
  • These are just small people, and they're looking for help from the government.
  • all small businesses, not just a select few.
Bills: SB298, SB300, SB371
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • before continuing to support the VA health care system as a civilian.
  • I was building systems to have to support against this quickly evolving threat.
  • As you just kind of mentioned, those systems are pretty expensive.
  • They fly the MQ-9 Reapers, the unmanned aerial system.
  • With respect to specific acceleration of the different unmanned systems, CCAs, and other follow-on systems
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Apr 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

Bills: HB1541
Summary: The committee reconvened on April 4 to consider two bills. House Bill 1280, Representative Brandenberg’s bill on election approval of projects, was briefly discussed after the chair said legislative council had raised constitutional concerns and the bill could invite lawsuits. Despite that caution, a member moved a do pass recommendation, it was seconded, and the committee approved HB 1280 by roll call vote. The committee then turned to House Bill 1318. The chair explained that after consulting attorneys, the phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of law” in line 7 was considered problematic and would be removed through a crafted amendment. He also said the proposed sunset clause was not a good idea and indicated the bill would be held until the following Thursday morning to allow further review. A member asked about other lines, and the chair said those provisions remained as previously amended. The committee discussed procedural handling of the bill, including whether reconsideration of a prior motion was needed, and confirmed the bill would remain in committee. No further action was taken before adjournment.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock May 14th, 2025

Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:
  • They don't want small farms to compete, even at the community level.
  • It's a class system; it's categorized by Class One through Class Nine.
  • I mean, I would say that you get a higher quality egg from an ungraded system from small producers than
  • So you have small producers that.
  • Oh, there's a small one in here, here's a large one in here.
Bills: SB1864
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • But upgrading or building these systems is costly and complex.
  • Now even small rains flood faster and angrier.
  • The system, and the water was more predictable. That system worked.
  • ALICE is our local cashier, our child care provider, our small business owner.
  • Safety radio communication systems for interoperability.
Summary: The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending. The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms. The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Small Business Administration is intended to support small businesses by providing capital, contracts
  • Mulligan also owns two small businesses. Dr.
  • Two of my sisters currently run a small business today, and I have owned and operated two small businesses
  • Mulligan, letters from the National Small Business Association, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council
  • Start a small business ecosystem.
Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...where we're not building a new system, but working off the existing system.
  • the system?
  • That's what we have: flood warning system, early warning system.
  • And so this is not a critique of the system; this is a system that makes sense.
  • Hoffman, how does the... ...system differ from the USGS system?
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
  • There certainly were differences that we saw in meeting with health systems, clinics, and other providers
  • Two,... ...down additional federal dollars to help support our system.
  • The health care system is already making decisions based on...
  • But year two, year three, year four, what are those systems changes?
  • This needs to be looked at as a system.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 05/14/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • update to their workers' compensation insurance verification website, um, and may also result in a small
  • also<00:02:36.160> result<00:02:36.480> in<00:02:36.640> a<00:02:36.959> small
  • <00:02:37.680> increase<00:02:38.000> in may also result in a small increase in may
  • also result in a small increase in calls<00:02:38.720> and<00:02:38.959> questions<00:
Bills: SF1832
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:30 am

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Transcript Highlights:
  • We need to grow those and take advantage of small businesses as well.
  • Within the Small Business Office, within the Industrial-Based Policy Office, there's a program called
  • I want to move on to small business defense production because Mr.
  • The current acquisition system is too slow, too complex, and too risk adverse. to effectively engage
  • Policies, priorities, and a focus on small business.
Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For decades, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, or SBIR, and the Small Business Technology
  • Triton Systems is a multi-award winning SBIR and STTR company, and was awarded the Small Business Administration's
  • The Small Business Technology Council.
  • Rothside, every day I hear from small businesses in North Carolina, particularly small businesses with
  • But the system systems and the programs and the structures that we've put in place were predicated on
Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • cryptocurrency mining operations, artificial intelligence computing facilities, and battery energy storage systems
  • You know, I have a small parcel of land on the north side of town out in the country, just a few acres