Video & Transcript Research : 'force'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026 at 02:54 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm retired from the Space Force, 35 years of Space Force and Air Force, and have a full commitment on
- One of the initiatives that I had when I was still within the Space Force was developing partnerships
- about people like the president of the university or somebody from the military base, if we have Space Force
- commission and who needs to be a part of it, including representatives from universities and Space Force
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill ensures that Arizonans are not forced to choose between their bodily autonomy and their ability
- not feel comfortable because of religious or medical reasons for their children, that they're not forced
- But these are the types of things that we're dealing with when we pass these laws that force patients
- So... ...intervention could be things that we can't foresee that patients or parents would be forced
- And if someone is being forced or discriminated against because they won't do something, it's wrong.
Keywords:
vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions, 1182, all
Summary:
The committee heard three bills, all on medical freedom or government staffing. HB 2248 would prohibit governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has received or used a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy and parental rights; opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, warned it was drafted too broadly and could undermine vaccine-related protections, school and daycare illness policies, and hospital safety. After debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 3-2 vote.
HB 2086 would bar government entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with stated exceptions for long-standing workplace safety and infection control measures, and it would apply to certain government-owned health care facilities. Supporters argued it was needed to prevent coercive mandates and protect individual freedom and business autonomy; opponents said it would interfere with private employers’ ability to protect customers and workers and could conflict with public health practices. The committee approved the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote.
HB 2688 would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget-unit positions vacant for at least 150 days and eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill would reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while members raised concerns about specialized or hard-to-fill jobs. After brief testimony in support, the committee passed the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote, then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida law provides that a person may not lawfully use force or violence to resist a law enforcement
- duty, some defendants have claimed an unlawful detention or arrest in an attempt to justify using force
- Florida law provides that a person may not lawfully use force or violence to resist a law enforcement
- And so kids don't have to watch their moms be forced to survive or rebuild alone.
- And so kids don't have to watch their moms be forced to survive or rebuild alone.
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues.
The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups.
Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Aaron Lukas, of Arkansas, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Kent, of Washington, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intellig Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Next to Little Rock Air Force Base, which likely influenced his interest in serving his nation on the
- But when your Army buddy, Joe Kent, an Army buddy, who is universally known in the 5th Special Forces
- And a member of our nation's most elite counterterrorism and hostage rescue task force, followed by continued
- way that will allow them then to achieve their ambition. for example, of taking Taiwan by military force
- the Department formerly known as Justice, the administration's disbanded the Foreign Influence Task Force
Keywords:
national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Veterans and military affairs panel approves HF194 2/12/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Armed Forces and be certified by the U.S.
- <00:01:13.799>
the <00:01:13.920>US <00:01:14.200>armed <00:01:14.479>forces - <00:01:15.360>
and discharged from the US armed forces and discharged from the US armed forces - We have the Air Force building, and we just raised the money for the materials they need.
- We have the Air Force building, and we just raised the money for the materials they need.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The the forced to pay the higher price.
- 35.680>
sell <01:06:35.839>the pharmacist is forced to sell the pharmacist is forced to - We don't want to force somebody sense.
- I mean, if they forced to sign the PBM?
- :12:00.320>
sell forcing the pharmacist to sell forcing the pharmacist to sell medication<01:12
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:31.000>
are Because without that runway, we are Because without that runway, we are forced - 31.680>
a <00:14:31.720>cycle <00:14:32.040>of <00:14:32.160>reactive forced - into a cycle of reactive forced into a cycle of reactive decisions,<00:14:33.440>
closing <00: - Both that task force<01:17:34.600>
and <01:17:34.800>the <01:17:34.880>county <01 - :17:35.120>
administrator force and the county administrator force and the county administrator
Keywords:
Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I just want to be clear that, again, nobody would be forced out of the bill.
- The money that I'm forced to give out of my own paycheck will never get back to me.
- The money that I'm forced to give out of my own paycheck will never get back to me.
- So, this has forced me to not only engage with an HR firm to help manage this process.
- It's forcing us to participate in a program that we will never be able to benefit from.
Keywords:
workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/01/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think if you're trying to create this legislative task force, I suggest you abandon that and go
- with a county-led task force.
- ,<00:13:37.519>
I <00:13:37.760>suggest this legislative task force, I suggest this - um just of all of county-led task force um just of all of you<00:13:43.760>
and <00:13:44.079> - Instead of forcing patients into court just to understand why they've been denied housing, employment
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- deceiving systems, and often force deceiving systems, and often force surviving<00:21:33.440>
- I serve as a member of the Hawaii Trauma and Informed Care Task Force.
- <01:32:17.040>
Over <01:32:17.360>the and Informed Care Task Force. - Over the and Informed Care Task Force.
- <01:32:19.679>
has last three years, this task force has last three years, this task force
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward.
The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes.
Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- My intention was to make the road safer and force this non-domicile license so you understand.
- In a recent outreach on the blade last week, I encountered 30 children forced into sexual acts with no
- And doesn't feel safe seeing Mom, and she is not being forced to see the mother, but the younger child
- , even though she has repeated it and it's clearly affecting her mental health state, has been forced
- But seeing firsthand what has happened to a young six-year-old who's being forced to see Mom, even with
Bills:
SB1004, SB1012, SB1100, SB1110, SB1170, SB1213, SB1317, SB1402, SB1413, SB1416, SB1476, SB1511, SB1573, SB1655, SB1656, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SCR1040
Keywords:
sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 1170, which would impose enhanced sentencing for selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to minors when the sale contributes to the minor’s death, and would treat the offense as a dangerous crime against children if the victim is under 15. The sponsor and families of overdose victims urged passage as a way to hold dealers accountable, while ACLU/AACJ opposition argued the bill would sweep too broadly, remove judicial discretion, and increase prison terms for people with substance use disorders. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 5-2 vote.
Members then considered Senate Bill 1012, which would change concealed-carry signage rules for Series 12 restaurants and limit liquor-license consequences in those settings. The sponsor and gun-rights groups said the bill was a narrow correction that would not expand carry rights or property rights, while liquor-industry opponents said it would override restaurant owners’ decisions about whether to allow firearms. The committee approved the bill 6-2.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1511, requiring proof of lawful presence for drivers using non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses in Arizona and allowing citations and possible impoundment when proof is not provided. The sponsor tied the bill to trucking safety and fatal crashes, while no outside speakers testified. The bill received a 6-2 do-pass recommendation. Later, the committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1100 creating a state registration/disclosure system for lobbyists representing foreign adversary principals, with Homeland Security supporting the measure and CAIR Arizona opposing it as overbroad; the amended bill passed 8-0.
Additional bills were heard and recommended do pass, including SB 1004 on GPS monitoring for homeless sex offenders, SB 1213 denying probation to unlawfully present defendants and requiring ICE notification, SB 1402 requiring probationers on electronic monitoring to pay the fee, SB 1709 mandating revocation and consecutive prison terms for probation violations by adults convicted of dangerous crimes against children, SB 1413 removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death from moving violations, and SB 1416 updating missing-child notification and photo-distribution procedures. The committee also heard SB 1725, which would create a civil cause of action and petty offense for excessive marijuana smoke or odor drifting onto neighboring property; supporters, including a 13-year-old student and the sponsor, said it would protect neighbors and schoolchildren, while opponents argued existing trespass law is sufficient and the bill could conflict with medical marijuana protections. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1725, before a final vote is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/17/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And so by this we would force every community that's adopted, who might still be at floor level, to force
- And so by this we would force every community that's adopted, who might still be at floor level, to force
- I personally represent the Air and Space Forces Association.
- I am a 25-y year Air Force Grady.
- I personally represent the Air and Space Forces Association.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families and Children. (2-5-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- You are forced into that adversarial process where you have to say terrible things about the other parent
- You are forced<00:06:40.639>
into <00:06:41.039>that <00:06:41.759>adversarial <00 - :06:42.639>
process forced into that adversarial process forced into that adversarial process - So the family, regardless of whether they wanted to stay out of court or not, they were forced then to
- then to be on or not, they were f forced then to be on motion<00:09:59.600>
docket.
Keywords:
00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:13 - Discussion of 26RS HB 109
26:47 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 109
32:30 - Discussion of 26RS HB 190
36:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 190
37:30 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Families and Children Committee met in the 2026 regular session and heard House Bill 109, which would amend Kentucky divorce law to waive the current 60-day waiting period for couples with minor children when the parties have already completed mediation or collaborative family law and are ready to finalize their decree. The bill sponsor, Representative Deetsz, argued the measure would reward families who have already done the work to resolve custody, parenting time, and property issues outside of court, and said it would not affect traditional litigation cases. She also explained that delays can be especially burdensome when retirement-account division requires a QDRO after the decree. Committee members discussed how long collaborative cases typically take, with the sponsor estimating about six months on average and longer in complex cases, and noted that some judges already require parenting classes or allow reconciliation conferences in certain circuits.
David Walls of the Family Foundation testified in opposition, saying the bill would make divorce easier for parents with children and move Kentucky in the wrong direction. He argued waiting periods can encourage reconciliation, protect marriage commitments, and reduce harms to children and public costs associated with family fragmentation. He urged lawmakers to preserve or even lengthen the waiting period rather than eliminate it, and framed the issue as protecting children and strengthening marriage.
During questions, Representative Bojanowski strongly objected to Mr. Walls’ characterization of divorce, saying her own divorce was necessary for her children’s well-being and that the bill simply shortens the process after mediation. Representative Elliott asked about typical timelines in collaborative cases and noted that some courts require parental education. Representative Moser asked whether counseling is required; the sponsor said it is not, though reconciliation conferences may be requested at a judge’s discretion. The transcript ends after discussion of the bill and before any recorded vote or final committee action.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Buying 30,000 acres next to an Air Force base, I get that.
- It would force them to relocate manufacturing and all supply chains from China.
- If non-citizens are prohibited from holding real estate in Texas, we would be forced to reconsider our
- The financial barrier will likely force students to settle for other areas of law. that they are not
- House Bill 4852 forces businesses to sign... ...sworn statements, forces them to compel the sworn testimony
Bills:
HB256, HCR19, HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19
Keywords:
severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Who's going to be forced, again, to pass this legislation? Who's next in this regard?
- Who's going to be forced, again, to pass this legislation? who's next in this regard?
- Who's going to be forced, again, to pass this legislation, and who's going to pay for it?
- And this was forced on Fresno County. And I completely reject the idea that...
- I believe it was forced onto other counties that also rejected it as well.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of elections-related bills. It first approved three consent items: AB 808, AB 1029, and AB 1072. The committee then took up AB 1249, which would require non-Voter’s Choice Act counties to offer at least one Saturday early-voting location before statewide elections and allow in-person return of vote-by-mail ballots at designated county offices or satellite locations. Supporters said it would expand access for working voters and those with transportation barriers; some members raised concerns about ballot verification and added workload for rural counties. The bill passed the committee on a divided vote and was placed on call for absent members.
The committee next considered AB 25, a voter ID and election integrity measure that would require citizenship verification, government ID for voting, tighter voter-roll audits, and a 72-hour ballot-counting deadline. The author and supporters argued it would restore public trust and improve election integrity, while opponents from the League of Women Voters, ACLU California Action, labor groups, disability advocates, and others said it would restrict access, burden vulnerable voters, and amount to voter suppression. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out on a narrow split and kept it on call.
Members also approved AB 1164, which clarifies when voters are entitled to a replacement ballot and updates the Voter Bill of Rights language; AB 1441, which would create an independent citizens redistricting commission in Merced County despite opposition from the county board over cost and local control; and AB 16, which would clarify county election officials’ authority to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots earlier and clean up outdated code. The committee also heard AB 1411, which would require non-VCA counties to prepare voter education and outreach plans and use a Secretary of State template, with the sponsor saying it would improve voter information statewide.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- more of a problem because now, just last year, we had just under 50 cases of black bears actually forcing
- important for our municipal jurisdiction to reduce the public's vulnerability to the destructive forces
- of California's wildfires. ...jurisdiction to reduce the public's vulnerability to the destructive forces
- very powerful people come in with the top water attorneys in the state of California, and you're forced
- to... ...water attorneys in the state of California, and you're forced to do it all again in the legal
Summary:
The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention.
AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/07/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:03:56.720>
reduced <00:03:57.200>use <00:03:57.360>of <00:03:57.599>force - , safer outcomes, reduced use of force, safer outcomes, reduced use of force, and<00:03:58.159>
- Also, we appreciate the change to narrow the amount of video from use-of-force investigations to be posted
- Also, we appreciate the change to narrow the amount of video from use-of-force investigations to be posted
- Also, we appreciate the change to narrow the amount of video from use-of-force investigations to be posted
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We were forced to do it.
- We<00:04:54.080>
were <00:04:54.240>forced <00:04:54.560>to <00:04:54.720>do< - And while that We were forced to do it.
- We may be forced to put that lucky.
- <00:07:12.880>
to and small businesses are not forced to and small businesses are not forced
Keywords:
public utility, interim rates, utility rates, rate case, general rate case, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, PUC, rate increase cap, rate freeze, refunds, customer refunds, ratepayer protection, electric utility, gas utility, regulated utility, ratemaking, return on equity, rate base, test year, rate design
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-HHS, PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM Public Hearings 03-23-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If they want to go and be on this task force, then they can bring a local flavor to it.
- If they want to go and be on this task force, then they can bring a local flavor to it.
- If they want to go and be on this task force, then they can bring a local flavor to it.
- If they want to go and be on this task force, then they can bring a local flavor to it.
- Task Force and I appreciate Task Force and I appreciate how<01:12:35.560>
it's <01:12:35.720>
Summary:
The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously.
For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously.
The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-WLA, EIG-HOU-WLA, EIG-HOU, EIG Public Hearings 03-19-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And so just to force the Land Use Commission to urbanize these lands based on, you know, on these old
- And so just to force the Land Use Commission to urbanize these lands based on, you know, on these old
- And so just to force the opportunities.
- And so just to force the land<00:04:21.640>
use <00:04:21.720>commission <00:04:22.079>< - process that the speed task force process that the speed task force recommended,<01:04:40.680>
Bills:
HB1700
Keywords:
housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees heard several housing, land use, and infrastructure bills. HB 6019 HD2 on electric vehicle infrastructure and HB 1728 HD1 on rainwater catchment systems both drew limited testimony and were advanced. For HB 1728, the chairs said they would designate the Department of Health as the regulator and incorporate suggested technical amendments from plumbing and rainwater industry groups. Both measures were reported out with recommendations to pass, with HB 6019 passed unamended and HB 1728 passed with amendments.
HB 1844, which would have required the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands designated for urban growth, drew significant opposition from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, who argued it would bypass land-use review and threaten agricultural land, water planning, and long-term resilience. Grassroot Institute supported the bill, and the Land Use Commission said the bill raised concerns. After discussion, the chairs deferred the measure in one committee and later the recommendation to pass it with amendments was not adopted in the other committee.
HB 1990 on penalties and liens for unresolved residential zoning violations was advanced with amendments. The chairs adopted Grassroot Institute’s suggested changes requiring any county sale of such property to be at no less than fair market value and requiring excess proceeds to be returned to the owner. HB 2424, which would allow county planning agencies to petition for temporary reclassification of certain agricultural lands to rural, also drew mixed testimony; the Land Use Commission raised due process concerns, and agriculture interests opposed it. One committee advanced it with amendments, but in the other committee the recommendation failed after members cited lack of county support.
The later portion of the hearing began on HB 1738 and HB 1739. HB 1738 would expand county authority to amend district boundaries for housing on parcels over 15 acres; OHA, Sierra Club, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau opposed it, while Grassroot Institute supported it. HB 1739 would require transit-supportive densities in county TOD areas and limit local restrictions; DPP raised concerns about timing, permitting, and conflicts with existing TOD frameworks, while OPSD and Grassroot supported it. The transcript cuts off before final action on these later bills.