Video & Transcript Research : 'definition changes'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

LBT-EIG, EIG Public Hearings 02-03-2026

Labor and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:07:46.639> the the only people that can change the the only people that can change the
  • We may change that.
  • We may change that. comes over innet. We may change that.
  • If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
  • If not, Senator Chang, I discussion? If not, Senator Chang, I vote<00:43:47.520> yes.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote. The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Apr 2nd, 2025

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because that door of access has now been changed for that person.
  • changing underrepresented to low-income access. ...change, you know, and have a conversation about changing
  • This change codifies current state fire marshal rules.
  • I don't believe FDOT is caught in that, in that definitional scope.
  • They are definitely in your area. There are some here. I don't have it offhand.
Summary: The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably. Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/01/25

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • shady as far as changing definitions for one single purpose.
  • <00:38:25.400> in<00:38:25.599> the changing the definition of what's in the changing
  • single changing definitions for one single changing definitions for one single purpose<00:38:36.680
  • That doesn't change.
  • That doesn't change.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • In the years since, these services have continued to grow and evolve in a changing legal, regulatory,
  • So we definitely are using it internally.
  • We have definitely seen growth. There was a notable I don't know. We have definitely seen growth.
  • You know, that sort of thing definitely makes it harder for those things to sort of interact.
  • You know, that sort of thing definitely makes it harder for those things to sort of interact.
Summary: The hearing focused on transportation network companies in California, with the chair framing it as an informational hearing on the history, regulation, safety, climate, accessibility, and data issues surrounding Uber, Lyft, and smaller or autonomous TNC services. The CPUC described its decade-long regulatory role, including safety rules, background checks, insurance requirements, reporting obligations, and two major legislative programs from 2018: the Clean Miles Standard and the Access for All program. Members asked about complaint trends, data collection and disclosure, program implementation, and how the CPUC uses annual reports for policymaking, compliance, and program oversight. Uber and Lyft said the statewide framework has supported growth while providing safety and access benefits, but both companies emphasized that insurance is a major cost driver and argued that California’s UM/UIM requirement is unusually high compared with other vehicles. They said the Clean Miles Standard is pushing electrification but faces headwinds from EV affordability and charging infrastructure, while Access for All has expanded wheelchair-accessible service but still needs continued support. They also discussed transit partnerships, wildfire response, and the potential role of autonomous vehicles, with both companies saying human drivers will remain important and that future regulation should account for new technology. The final panel, including the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and UC Berkeley researchers, presented evidence that TNCs have increased congestion and reduced transit ridership, especially in dense urban areas. They described prior research showing TNCs contributed to congestion growth in San Francisco and noted that this work helped spur local taxes on ride-hailing trips to fund safety and transit improvements. The panel also discussed the CPUC’s evolving data-disclosure decisions, arguing that public access to TNC trip data is important for understanding transportation impacts and informing local policy.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • But over time, things do change. Population changes.
  • > changes.
  • <00:37:31.280> We<00:37:31.520> have change. Um, population changes.
  • We have change. Um, population changes.
  • This list could change.
Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary met on November 6, 2025, approved the minutes, and welcomed guests including Kentucky Specialty Courts manager Elizabeth Nichols and Boyle/Mercer Family Court Judge Bruce Petri. The committee then heard the Chief Justice of Kentucky, Deborah Lambert, deliver her state of the judiciary address, focused largely on judicial branch funding, facilities, technology, and specialty court programs. Chief Justice Lambert said the branch is facing a projected $14.3 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and asked lawmakers for supplemental support, access to reserve funds, and higher base appropriations to cover inflation and nondiscretionary costs. She also requested a 15% across-the-board pay increase for judicial branch employees, citing salary gaps with other state workers and declining judicial compensation relative to national averages. She emphasized that the branch has received a clean FY 2025 audit and said the requests were intended to sustain current operations rather than expand them. A major portion of her remarks covered court technology and facilities. She described the move to Chamberlain during Capitol renovations, the purchase of that building as a cost-saving measure, and the need to fund courtroom audio/video systems and a new statewide case management system. She also discussed courthouse maintenance, flood damage, mold issues, security system upgrades, and the $47 million asset preservation fund created last session, while asking for additional local facilities funding and one-time disaster-related support. Lambert highlighted specialty court and statewide program results, including foster care review boards, family recovery courts, court designated worker programs, drug and mental health courts, and the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She thanked legislators for prior bills and support, including House Bill 1, Senate Bill 26, and the CES law, and said 2026 recommendations will focus on civil commitment reforms under KRS 202C. During questions, Senator Wheeler asked whether some courthouses are being overbuilt; Lambert said most facilities are inadequate, though some may be larger than needed, and that future needs and population changes must be considered. She also noted that virtual hearings and technology have improved efficiency. No votes or formal committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the presentation.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session May 24th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this change brings greater scientific precision to the statutory definition, supports more consistent
  • The changes in our careers, the changes in our job titles, the changes in technology are happening rapidly
  • And so now we're making such a change.
  • This has changed significantly over time.
  • I think that it definitely harms.
Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 24th, 2025

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • My substitute does not change this.
  • Um, I do want to say the reason we're changing on is because the definition of public works is a lot
  • Um, Leadership in the city changed.
  • The bill is a simple change in definition of closing, which brings us in line with other states.
  • Um, so we changed the way that the language is written in the bill, but it doesn't actually change the
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Modifying when firearms are permitted on school property 2/25/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • should be treated with definitive should be treated with definitive respect.<00:32:33.039> And
  • We have a definitive plan.
  • , but the definition of securely is<00:41:31.359> being<00:41:31.599> changed<00:41:32.160
  • is being changed in this proposal. is being changed in this proposal.
  • Um, that wouldn't change. This expected. Um, that wouldn't change.
Keywords: 1183, house
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Statute Law Committee Dec 10th, 2025

Statute Law Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't expect any big changes, but maybe one or two declines.
  • And we definitely don't want to walk that line.
  • Definitely need a map or something because when we were down in the basement, it was like a maze.
  • What we'd like to do is change our Monday through Thursday hours to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with three giant
  • What we'd like to do is change our Monday through Thursday hours to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with three giant
Summary: The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, and received a publications update noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, with sales continuing a gradual decline but generally tracking prior years. The committee also heard that the office remains fully staffed and financially stable, with projected year-end funds remaining and a healthy publications fund balance. A major discussion centered on a proposal from retired Judge Ann Levinson to make the code more reader-friendly when chapters are repealed and recodified, especially after the civil protection orders reform in E2 SHB 1320, which consolidated multiple protection order laws into new chapter 7.105 RCW. Levinson argued that current disposition-table language such as “repealed by” can be confusing to the public and may appear to signal legislative disapproval, and suggested adding a simple pointer to the new chapter. Code revisers explained their current practice, the limits of their editorial discretion, and the technical and policy concerns involved, while expressing support for some form of “see also” guidance and noting that hyperlinking session-law citations in disposition tables may also help readers find the new law. The committee also discussed office operations, including a planned move from the modular offices back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, with improved space, storage, and enclosed offices. Staff proposed changing regular Monday-through-Thursday office hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with exceptions for active work, client requests, and floor action; the proposal was supported by a chart showing that many evenings have no work after 7 p.m., though late nights would still occur during busy periods. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of retiring staff, including editor Barb Sage after 37 years of service, and a farewell to Vice Chair Sam Thompson, whose successor had just been selected.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is due to Medicaid work requirements and eligibility changes, and $195 million is due to SNAP changes
  • There could be a change.
  • Back when those changes— When those changes were implemented, TANF caseloads were much higher.
  • We made some legislative changes here in New Mexico so that changes would go to families... not back
  • Can't change.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Jan 27th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • penalty um or adding it as a definition penalty um or adding it as a definition in<01:03:35.440>
  • I missed that definition and I was trying to see why there was a change or why there was a shift in—"
  • <02:32:53.120> It's changes, no vehicle bands. It's changes, no vehicle bands.
  • And so these definitely are mask?
  • . definition. definition.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/16/2026)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:21:27.480> the questions about are we changing the questions about are we changing the
  • However, in 2016, House Bill 1490 changed the definition of hazardous waste in RSA 147-A to add an exemption
  • <01:32:10.760> the<01:32:10.840> definition House Bill 1490 changed the definition
  • House Bill 1490 changed the definition of<01:32:11.480> hazardous<01:32:11.960> waste<01
  • Uh, you would have to give me the ability to change my mind. You can change your mind, Mr.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Executive Departments and Administration (01/15/2026)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • This doesn't change or recommend any change to how contracts are done currently.
  • This doesn't change or recommend any change to how contracts are done currently.
  • This doesn't change or recommend any change to how contracts are done currently.
  • This doesn't change or recommend any change to how contracts are done currently.
  • if you wanted to change. if you wanted to change.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 03/18/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • >> Gentleman, I'm told the definition is in the bill of the owner.
  • So, having read that definition, my concern is just How broad it is and whether or not that definition
  • What we passed in 2023 is this definition.
  • WHAT WE PASSED IN 2023 IS THIS DEFINITION. >> Through you, Mr.
  • Sponsor is definitely yielding. So, current law, through you, Mr.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:35 am

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And there are no laws in place to protect individuals from these predatory persons, and they definitely
  • Definitely not, Madam Chair, Representative, definitely not against the film industry.
  • History has shown, including in the 2012 budget period, that surpluses can quickly change.
  • So then did we change any language in the bill other than just dates and things like that?
  • and that's important to understand what is the definition of lobbying.
Keywords: 996, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Health and Human Services (03/18/2026)

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • this statute isn't going to change this statute isn't going to change somebody's<01:39:19.760>
  • we've talked a lot about the definition we've talked a lot about the definition section<01:40:06.400
  • committee whose work aims to change committee whose work aims to change those<01:51:39.360> rules
  • Three years ago, our system changed.
  • making it changing the date. making it changing the date. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (02/18/2025)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:59:12.559> out a multi-year conversion changing out a multi-year conversion changing out
  • <01:14:39.440> for two line 25 modifies a definition for two line 25 modifies a definition
  • the resources by resistance to change the resources by resistance to change and<02:06:31.480>
  • <02:08:16.119> in<02:08:16.360> this and the changes in this and the changes in this
  • for change.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • changes have been largely positive.
  • So it definitely has increased in the.
  • So there has been no change between the language of the original.
  • Change in the national conversation around community schools.
  • So that's a notable change I wanted to highlight.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 29th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Will there be changes?
  • Will it be changes?
  • It's just a change in the calculation, not a change in the outcome.
  • It's just a change in the calculation, not a change in the outcome.
  • Will there be changes? Will there be changes?
Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, gallery introductions, and extended farewell remarks from Senator Jett, who reflected on his six years in the Legislature, his focus on representing constituents, protecting families, and holding government accountable. Several senators responded with personal tributes, praising his conviction, faith, family involvement, and willingness to ask difficult questions. No votes were taken during the farewell portion. The chamber then considered House Bill 2268, a PACE appropriation to support comprehensive care for low-income seniors and expand services in rural Oklahoma. The bill was amended to restore the title, advanced, and passed 34-9, then passed as an emergency measure 36-7. House Bill 3000, a cosmetology and barbering measure, made multiple changes including board reorganization, adding a human trafficking specialist and massage therapist, shifting some licensing functions to Service Oklahoma, and eliminating the massage therapy advisory board. It drew significant debate over process and policy, especially from senators concerned about late changes, lack of board input, and the human trafficking rationale; it passed 25-19 and then as an emergency 33-11. The Senate also passed House Bill 3043, allowing the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to hire prorated seasonal staff for veterans homes, 37-6; House Bill 3066, creating a revolving fund for federal workforce training money for behavioral health recruitment and retention, 38-6 and as an emergency; and House Bill 3078, allowing donation options on state payment forms for the ODVA revolving fund, 45-0 and as an emergency. Additional measures passed included House Bill 3143, extending the moratorium on new medical marijuana business licenses to 2028, 39-7; House Bill 3144, capping medical marijuana commercial grower licenses at 2,550 after amendment, 34-12; House Bill 3244 on identity theft, 46-0; House Bill 3298 on child interview procedures in court cases, 46-0 and as an emergency; House Bill 3320, replacing the traditional sunset process with more immediate legislative review of agencies, 33-13 and as an emergency; House Bill 3321, requiring county data collection and reporting related to court costs and financial obligations, 45-0 and as an emergency; House Bill 3329, a trailer bill adding a repealer and a sunset for the Board of Psychological Examiners, 33-10 and as an emergency; House Bill 3431, expanding restrictions on foreign entities owning or leasing land and critical minerals, 43-0; House Bill 3464, setting safety and training requirements for certain projects involving fire code compliance and decommissioning, 43-0 and as an emergency; and House Bill 3499, expanding special judges’ authority over vehicle title orders, which was presented and advanced as the transcript ended.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Women's health is changing.
  • Women's health is changing.
  • Women's health is changing.
  • Definitely not an OP.
  • <02:00:26.440> the change that this bill could change the change that this bill could change
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.