Video & Transcript Research : 'authorizers'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- authorization to sell certain lands. authorization to sell certain lands.
- Sections six through 10 authorize the sale of certain lands.
- DNR already has authority to sell certain lands, but these require legislative authorization because
- In your handout, there's a map of the transfer that was authorized in 2024.
- authorized in 2024. authorized in 2024.
Keywords:
Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, environment
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/29/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- ... ...of the new legislation, but ADHS does not have any zoning authority.
- They have no authority to question zoning approvals that are submitted by the operator.
- We didn't even have authority to deny applications for false or misleading information or previously
- How quickly are urgent detox and residential authorizations decided by provider and service type?
- Prior authorization...
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:14 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- championing of our aerospace technology sector and your work that you do on the Spaceport America Authority
- for your consideration... ...Section 5(B)(2) of the New Mexico Constitution, I am authorizing for your
- Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senator Stewart, an act relating to public funds, authorizing transfers
- Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senator Stewart, an act relating to public funds, authorizing transfers
- You know, the Secretary of Health Care Authority, the Department of Health, Long-Term Care and Aging,
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, authorities to engage UASs are held at the federal level.
- But do they have the authority? Was that the part that I heard? They have a temporary authority?
- We can buy this stuff to do it, but we do not have the authorities.
- Do they have the authority? Was that the part that I heard? They have a temporary authority?
- We can buy this stuff to do it, but we don't have the authorities.
Summary:
The committee held a work session focused on the effects of tariffs on Washington’s economy, agriculture, and small businesses, followed by updates on emergency management, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, tsunami preparedness, and World Cup security planning. Office of Financial Management economist Abdelamintrawe Trieri said tariff increases are expected to raise prices, reduce output and employment, and lower state revenue over a four-year horizon, with the hardest-hit sectors including aerospace, food and beverage manufacturing, and agriculture. Members asked about updated tariff scenarios, crop-specific impacts, inflation versus deflation in different goods, and whether some manufacturing sectors could benefit; staff said updated numbers would need to be rerun as tariff rates changed.
Washington Department of Agriculture representative Ryan Hamm described how tariffs raise costs for farm inputs such as equipment, parts, packaging, and fertilizer, while also affecting exports of key commodities like wheat, potatoes, apples, cherries, dairy, and wine. He said some sectors support tariffs on competing imports, but retaliation and market restrictions have hurt exports, especially to China and, in the wine sector, Canada. Department of Commerce representative Andrea Chartock outlined export assistance, business finance, recruitment, and industry-sector development programs, and proposed expanding tariff-resilience support through market diversification, supply-chain optimization, and efforts to attract investment and federal funding. She also noted uncertainty around delayed federal STEP funding for small business export assistance.
Emergency Management Division Director Robert Ezell warned that federal disaster and mitigation funding is becoming less reliable, citing the denied bomb cyclone disaster declaration, delays in FEMA grant processing, and possible restructuring of FEMA that could shift more responsibility to states. He said Washington may need stronger state-funded public assistance, individual assistance, and mitigation programs, along with broader coordination among state agencies and local governments. Cybersecurity staff described state efforts to support local governments through the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, threat intelligence sharing, vulnerability assessments, and a proposed volunteer incident response team, while noting the loss of MS-ISAC funding and the importance of continued state matching funds for cybersecurity grants. Hazard mitigation and tsunami staff emphasized the need for sustained investment in flood, wildfire, earthquake, lahar, and tsunami resilience, including vertical evacuation structures and language-access outreach. Ezell also briefed the committee on World Cup security preparations and federal grants for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, explaining that the state can buy mitigation capabilities but current authority to use them remains largely federal; the committee asked follow-up questions about fan zones, training, and the meaning of drone mitigation. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment after the presentations and questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- This is only in response to an authority. authoritarian power grab.
- I just want to thank the author for your leadership on this bill.
- DFPI's enforcement authority is sort of like pulling someone over for reckless driving.
- Just two main. maintain the current regulatory authority and workload at the department.
- Really quick, I support my adult schools, and so I would love to be added as a co-author.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to start with the Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) first.
- Next, the New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee, Sabina Gainer.
- I am the lead staff attorney for the New Mexico Finance Authority.
- These include the Border Authority, the Colonial Infrastructure Board, the Spaceport Authority, among
- Of the policy, travel is authorized after July 1st. After July 1st, okay.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Legislature authorized DWC to conduct their informal hearings.
- SB 143 wisely authorizes two county pilots, one urban and one rural.
- So it's political subdivisions that have the authority to do it.
- Educational institutions also have the authority to do it.
- Which you authored last session, Mr.
Bills:
HB111
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal trust fund authority to reflect updated projections for reimbursement from the FEMA, from the
- The administration itself is requesting that Control Section 90 be added to authorize the Department
- With respect to the request for changes in federal trust fund authority we think this is a reasonable
- And then I just wanted to make one additional. comment on the Federal Trust Fund Authority.
- In 25-26, $11 million ongoing and increased reimbursement authority and ongoing resources.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Housing Finance and Policy
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, CPN-EDT, CPN-HOU, CPN-EIG Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So this expansion of authorities is really important to improving biosecurity.
- So this expansion of authorities is really important to improving biosecurity.
- There's also a provision for the authority to administratively inspect all importations.
- our work to strengthen the authorities our work to strengthen the authorities of<00:04:10.560>
would be better if you had clear author would be better if you had clear author I<00:15:02.360><
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation.
The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted.
A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- authorization agent. authorization agent.
- authorized by the legislature in 2025. authorized by the legislature in 2025.
- Is that in the service authorization and do you need authorization for it? No, that's >> Dr.
- authorization and do you need authorization<01:10:36.760>
for <01:10:36.960>it? - authorization for it? authorization for it?
Keywords:
housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We are authorizing state universities and college systems to be able to authorize a school of hope, similar
- They can already authorize too; entities can already authorize a charter school, which obviously a school
- For purposes of Florida law, SB 1606 authorizes patients and their guardians, caregivers, and authorized
- . pursuant to an individual's authorization.
- authority from the patient. explicit authority from the patient.
Bills:
HCR35, SJR59, SJR84, SCR30, SB127, SB317, SB324, SB457, SB506, SB511, SB529, SB547, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB659, SB715, SB732, SB735, SB771, SB784, SB800, SB801, SB904, SB1026, SB1049, SB1065, SB1181, SB1224, SB1250, SB1383, SB1467, SB1524, SB1528, SB1531, SB1568, SB1585, SB1640, SB1681, SB1754, SB1757, SB1777, SB1972, SB1980, SB2007, SB2041, SB2046, SB2050, SB2055, SB2069, SB2080, SB2119, SB2138, SB2139, SB2154, SB2201, SB2225, SB2268, SB2306, SB2308, SB2310, SB2330, SB2366, SB2375, SB2392, SB2401, SB2422, SB2480, SB2514, SB2530, SB2533, SB2543, SB2544, SB2589, SB2610, SB2615, SB2623, SB2660, SB2662, SB2693, SB2695, SB2707, SB2722, SB2742, SB2753, SB2807, SB2843, SB2844, SB2858, SB2880, SB2885, SB2891, SB2925, SB2938, SB2986, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB914, SB963, SB1197, SB1415, SB1437, SB1786, SB326, SB767, SB769, SB783, SB1035, SB1271, SB1619, SB1637, SB1806, SB1, SB260, HB135, HB 1109, HCR35, HCR64, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB619, SB2742, SB646, SB1026, SB2880, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB584, SB1085, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1721, SB2366, SB1013, SB2797, SB2383, SB1754, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2929, SB1972, SB2540, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB2330, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB506, SB2514, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB410, SB659, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, HB1392, HB22, SB1551, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB127, SB506, SB529, SB584, SB659, SB735, SB771, SB784, SB800, SB1049, SB1383, SB1531, SB1568, SB1681, SB1972, SB1980, SB2007, SB2041, SB2046, SB2050, SB2080, SB2225, SB2306, SB2308, SB2366, SB2392, SB2544, SB2610, SB2660, SB2662, SB2807, SB2843, SB2844, SB2885, SB2938, SB2986, SB324, SB1065, SB1754, SB2330, SB2693, SB2858, SR448, SR463, HCR35, SB324, SB619, SB646, SB1026, SB1065, SB1754, SB2330, SB2693, SB2742, SB2858, SB2880, SB3063, HJR5, HJR98, HB 109, HB 114, HB388, HB421, HB431, HB879, HB 1244, HB1399, HB1445, HB1672, HB1695, HB1734, HB1875, HB1893, HB1950, HB2152, HB2217, HB2558, HB2559, HB2775, HB2789, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB3126, HB3135, HB3163, HB3229, HB3306, HB3513, HB3770, HB4134, HCR56, HCR102, SB3063, HJR5, HJR98, HB 109, HB 114, HB388, HB421, HB431, HB879, HB 1244, HB1399, HB1445, HB1672, HB1695, HB1734, HB1875, HB1893, HB1950, HB2152, HB2217, HB2558, HB2559, HB2775, HB2789, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB3126, HB3135, HB3163, HB3229, HB3306, HB3513, HB3770, HB4134, HCR56, HCR102
Keywords:
spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/26/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh so we'll be working with the authors Uh so we'll be working with the authors and<00:10:48.880
- to work with you to work with the author to work with you to work with the author in<00:42:30.560
- I'm a co-author. As Mr.
- Um but it it really I think author of.
- So bodies that have the authority to levy mostly property taxes and other bodies that have the authority
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I recognize the author of the amendment, Representative Cleor, who will explain the amendment.
- I recognize the author of the amendment, Representative Cleor, who will explain the amendment.
- <00:18:36.080>
and direct state aid uh that's authored and direct state aid uh that's authored - She said she had spoken with the author and would withdraw the amendment.
- I recognize the author of the bill, Representative Anania.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Further questions for the author?
- author author uh<00:20:19.600>
rips <00:20:19.840>have <00:20:20.280>harder <00: - like to get the bill in shape the author like to get the bill in shape the author would<00:24:32.320
- <00:55:15.160>
would the bill in the shape the author would the bill in the shape the author - guess than a question but if the author guess than a question but if the author would<01:20:11.639
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/08/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #17
Transcript Highlights:
- bill directs the Pharmacy Board to develop a statewide written protocol regarding the independent authority
- Social Security Administration determination letter to the definition of competent medical authority
- Additionally, it includes that the prohibitions do not limit the local government's authority in applying
- This limits the authority of the municipality in regulating that within this space. Yeah.
- Madam Whip and members, as passed by the House, House Bill 2428 authorizes a county to issue a voluntary
Summary:
The meeting was a Republican caucus review of several Senate and House bills, with staff summarizing committee amendments and members indicating whether sponsors concurred with Senate changes. Topics included electronic monitoring in residential rooms (SB 1041), dental school complaint forwarding and licensure exemptions (SB 1168), revitalization district contracts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), veterinary telehealth prescribing (SB 1286), insurance zero-estimated-exposure policies (SB 1428), advanced air mobility funds for border security (SB 1457), death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), ATV definitions (SB 1519), pet and fowl restrictions in planned communities (SB 1582), and pharmacist independent testing/treatment authority (SB 1713). The caucus also reviewed education-related measures on school district self-insurance procurement (SB 1497) and a strike-everything amendment to SB 1118 that instead allowed duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in historic areas if compatible with surrounding character.
The group then considered several blue-sheet House bills. HB 2120 made technical changes to align property-tax disability language with updated statute; the sponsor concurred. HB 2174 changed terminology from advisory organization to modeling and data organization and required model filing; the sponsor concurred. HB 2203 directed ADE to review statutory reporting requirements and report recommendations to the legislature; the sponsor concurred. HB 2383’s Senate amendment simply designated a 2014 trampoline court law as “TIE’s law,” with the sponsor concurring. HB 2877 was amended into an alternative education pathway for certified veterinary technicians, and HB 2875 adjusted municipal and county drone restrictions near airports, expanding the relevant airport buffer and preserving some local authority.
Additional bills discussed included HB 2428 on voluntary county emissions-reduction credit permits, HB 2176 on DHS health care institution complaint investigations, and HB 2050 on radiologic technology standards and radiologist assistant supervision. Members discussed that HB 2050’s Senate changes narrowed some supervision provisions to rural counties and critical access hospitals, prompting questions about the scope. Finally, HB 2010 on digital goods refunds was amended to shorten the refund window from 10 years to five years, but a sponsor said the amendment contained a drafting error and refused concurrence, meaning a conference committee would be needed. The caucus then concluded.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Will there be questions to the author? Questions to Senator Hicks? Will there be debate?
- Of Senate Bill 1732, will be questions of the author?
- For the questions of the author, signal for the questions.
- There'll be Questions of the author. Questions of Senator Dawet.
- There will be questions of the author and questions of Senator Stanley.
Bills:
SB1534, SB1473, SB1379, SB1743, SB1769, SB1195, SB1245, SB1420, SB1945, SB514, SB346, SB1593, SB1782, SB1366, SB1497, SB366, SB1895, SB2048, SB2005, SB2006, SB710, SB1480, SB2135, SB2130, SCR16, SB1457, SB1732, SB1317, SB1533
Keywords:
charitable organization, charitable nonprofit corporation, nonprofit corporation, nonstock corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable solicitation, charitable contributions, fundraising, professional fundraiser, professional solicitor, professional fundraising counsel, Secretary of State registration, Form 990, Attorney General enforcement, district attorney, consent judgment, civil penalty, nonprofit governance, board of directors, fiduciary duty
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA DEFER, TCA Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First, providing HCDA the authority to develop parcels outside of their community development districts
- Thirdly, amending chapter 206E, HRS, to authorize HCD to issue community facilities district bonds to
- <00:02:52.840>
for <00:02:53.000>hcda <00:02:53.519>to legislative authorization - for hcda to legislative authorization for hcda to issue<00:02:53.959>
bonds <00:02:54.400> - which will also apply uh and authorize which will also apply uh and authorize uh<00:03:35.120>
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 229 HD1, a transportation measure previously heard jointly with another committee. Members recommended passing it with amendments. The amendments would shift the left-lane restriction from a speed-based standard to apply to vehicles over 10,000 pounds and vehicles towing another vehicle or trailer on roads with three or more lanes in the same direction. The committee also indicated the Judiciary Committee would handle the penalty amounts, while preserving exemptions for passing, left turns, public transit, school buses, and emergency vehicles, and keeping the bill limited to counties with populations over 500,000. The motion was adopted without discussion.
The committee then considered HB 1 HD2 relating to the HCDA and transit-oriented development financing. The proposed amendments would give HCDA authority to develop parcels outside community development districts, allow community facilities districts within TOD zones, authorize CFD bonds and HCDA bonds to finance infrastructure, especially transit infrastructure, and incorporate the structure and intent of SB 1669, along with technical changes. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted.
Later, the committee heard HB 1167 HD1, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Transportation. DOT testified in support and clarified that the requested appropriation was $1 million from state highway funds. The committee recommended passing the bill with amendments, including changing the defective date to July 1, 2025 and noting the $1 million request in the committee report for further consideration by Ways and Means. The motion passed, with the chair, Senator Kanuha, and Senator Dort voting in favor and the vice chair excused.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/17/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- funds that have been authorized funds that have been authorized appropriated<01:03:22.839>
in - <01:30:13.920>
by highlight this afternoon was authored by highlight this afternoon was authored - <01:30:44.199>
the receive inaccurate bills authorizing the receive inaccurate bills authorizing - January Senator fren was a chief author January Senator fren was a chief author of<01:31:07.679>
- <01:32:10.159>
of Senator Weber was the chief author of Senator Weber was the chief author
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Jan 31, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- of HB 603 and the native authors of HB 603 and the native Hawaiian<00:40:07.280>
caucus <00:40 - <00:47:31.079>
to <00:47:31.200>do do that by act we're authorized to do do that by - So what do we do then without this type of statutory authority? That's the only way we could do it.
- <01:58:37.400>
H um I am reluctant to uh authorize H um I am reluctant to uh authorize H Holmes - <01:58:53.880>
the amend this so that it authorizes the amend this so that it authorizes the
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 410, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ biennium operating budget. OHA asked for a modest increase over its base budget, including $1.2 million to fund 13 new full-time positions for a strategy and implementation team tied to its long-term plan, with emphasis on housing, education, health, and economic resilience. OHA also described a broader effort to work directly with executive branch departments to improve outcomes for Native Hawaiians. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals speaking in favor and one testifier expressing strong frustration about Native Hawaiian rights and access to resources. The chair noted there were 38 additional written/supporting testimonies and three in opposition. Members asked about OHA’s funding sources and public land trust revenues; OHA said it is not receiving the full 20 percent share, described a public land trust working group and system issues, and said a related bill would seek funding to begin an inventory. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then considered House Bill 304, which would make the Hawaiian version of a law binding when the law was originally drafted in Hawaiian and later translated into English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language and looks to the original language for legislative intent. The Attorney General supported the intent but recommended narrowing the bill with a proviso to avoid ambiguities, limiting it to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were not later amended, codified, recodified, or reenacted in English. Public testimony was generally supportive, though one speaker raised broader sovereignty concerns. Members questioned how many laws would be affected and whether the proposed amendment would undercut the bill; the Attorney General said the amendment was meant to address uncertainty in interpretation. No final action was reported.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 603, which would direct OHA to administer a Native Hawaiian business marketing program to promote Native Hawaiian-owned businesses through marketing and technical assistance. OHA supported the concept, saying a label or branding program could help consumers identify and support Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, but requested that funding be redirected to a working group to study program design, implementation, enforcement, and long-term viability. The chair noted four supportive testimonies had been received, and a member asked OHA to confirm that its programs serve all Hawaiians, not only those eligible for homelands; OHA said it serves all Hawaiians in the state. The transcript ends before any vote or further action on HB 603.