Video & Transcript : 'Chapter 32' :
Page 118 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:00.080><c> Um</c><00:32:00.720><c> loss</c><00:32:01.039><c> of</c><00:32:01.200><c> USDA<
- c><00:32:04.480><c> tracking</c><00:32:05.200><c> uh</c><00:32:05.360><c> because</c><00:32:05.600><c
- </c><00:32:16.480><c> 2024</c><00:32:17.120><c> we've</c><00:32:17.360><c> lost</c><00:32:17.679><c>
- 00:32:23.919><c> plan</c><00:32:24.640><c> of</c><00:32:25.039><c> moving</c><00:32:25.360><c> folks<
- folks away from<00:32:26.080><c> DC</c><00:32:26.399><c> into</c><00:32:26.720><c> regional</c><00:32
Summary:
The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability.
Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people.
Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 751 (05/18/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> I<00:32:13.040><c> mean</c><00:32:13.160><c> Jairo,</c><00:32:13.480><c> one</c><00:32:13.640><c
- > of</c><00:32:13.720><c> the</c><00:32:13.840><c> you</c><00:32:13.920><c> did</c><00:32:14.120><c>
- put a control<00:32:14.880><c> in</c><00:32:15.000><c> on</c><00:32:15.160><c> page</c><00:32:15.760
- ><c> on</c><00:32:15.880><c> the</c><00:32:15.960><c> bottom</c><00:32:16.240><c> of</c><00:32:16.320
- </c><00:32:18.080><c> Again,</c><00:32:18.440><c> making</c><00:32:18.800><c> it</c><00:32:18.920><c>
Summary:
The committee of conference on HB 751 reviewed amendment 2026-1904H page by page, focusing on open enrollment rules, capacity definitions, statewide enrollment limits, denial criteria, transportation, and funding. Members discussed clarifying that districts may set capacity at zero if they truly have no room, creating a statewide enrollment cap of 500 that can increase by 25% if it reaches 90% utilization, and exempting seats already used by open enrollment students before October 1, 2026. They also discussed how the Department of Education would allocate seats through rulemaking, while local districts would still set capacity, with grandfathered seats preserved where districts already allow open enrollment.
A substantial portion of the meeting centered on when districts may deny open enrollment applications. The amendment would allow denials for reasons such as chronic absenteeism or disciplinary history, while requiring districts to consider whether those issues are tied to disability, McKinney-Vento status, foster care, or bullying. Members emphasized that such factors are to be considered, not used as the sole basis for rejection, and noted that the bill separately prohibits receiving schools from accepting or rejecting applicants based on pupil needs, special education needs, disability, aptitude, or athletic achievement. There was also discussion of whether interdistrict transfers should count toward open enrollment capacity, with a suggestion that a carve-out may be needed.
The committee also reviewed provisions on program-specific capacity, continuous enrollment, and transportation. It was explained that capacity can apply to a school, grade, program, or class, including CTE programs, and that students may be denied if a specific program is full or if they do not meet prerequisites. The group clarified that open enrollment pupils would maintain continuous enrollment without reapplying, though there was concern about how that would work if district capacity changes over time. Transportation would generally be the parent’s responsibility unless required by an IEP or 504 plan, though students may use an existing bus route if seats are available and the receiving district allows it.
On funding, the committee noted that the amendment changes the earlier HB 751 approach and instead ties open enrollment funding to base adequacy, differentiated aid, and an additional grant modeled on charter school funding, with dates removed at the department’s request. Members also raised concerns about how open enrollment would interact with existing tuition agreements and whether districts could use the new pathway to alter or pressure those arrangements. Department staff said districts would still be required to maintain a school of record and provide an adequate education free of charge outside the open enrollment program, and that if open enrollment enrollment became unusually large relative to district adequacy enrollment, the issue could be brought to the state board. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :48.320><c> used</c><00:32:48.559><c> that</c><00:32:48.799><c> for</c><00:32:49.120><c> hospitals</c
- /c><00:32:51.279><c> Hawaii</c><00:32:52.000><c> but</c><00:32:52.240><c> they</c> compliance.
- :32:54.640><c> mainland</c><00:32:54.960><c> that</c><00:32:55.120><c> are</c><00:32:55.279><c> not</
- .<00:32:56.000><c> So</c><00:32:56.159><c> that</c><00:32:56.399><c> enforcement</c><00:32:57.200><c>
- place</c><00:32:58.480><c> at</c><00:32:58.640><c> a</c><00:32:58.799><c> federal</c><00:32:59.120><c
Bills:
HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115
Keywords:
HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions.
The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- As 1 Timothy chapter 1 states, the goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a good
- Glendale has 10, Chandler has one, Gilbert has one, Mesa has eight, Tucson has 42, and Phoenix has 32
- House Bill 2188, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to early
- House Bill 2960, amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Article 1, Section 12-119.06 and Title 41, Chapter 11,
- Members, by your votes of 32 ayes, 20 nays, 8 not voting, one vacant, you have passed House Bill 2445
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a memorial adoption of HCR 2064 honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted and sent to the Senate. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Eladio Pereira, and numerous student and constituent guests in the gallery. After routine desk business and bill referrals, the House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of measures.
Several bills were amended and advanced with do pass recommendations. HB 2170 was narrowed to restrict state purchases of certain electronic and information technology from China/Chinese-controlled entities and to address third-party resellers. HB 2375 dealt with middle housing in historic districts, with amendments limiting demolition of historic structures unless necessary for health and safety and preserving local discretion. HB 2380 focused on school district transparency and meeting location rules, requiring governing board materials online and keeping meetings within district boundaries, with debate over local control and comparisons to legislative caucus retreats. HB 2617, HB 2621, and HB 2671 also moved forward after amendments; HB 2621’s discussion centered on certificates of educational convenience and ensuring special education access for children in unorganized territory and DCS placements.
The committee also advanced HB 2720 on anti-human trafficking and prostitution-related reforms, including sealed records for sex trafficking survivors and an anti-human trafficking grant fund; HB 2772, allowing a DNR designation on driver’s licenses, prompted extended questions about emergency care and liability; HB 2784, dealing with school district excess cash refunds, was amended to phase in implementation; HB 2902, affirming support for the Electoral College, drew the most ideological debate, with supporters citing constitutional structure and opponents arguing for a national popular vote; and HB 2950, concerning a tourism/hospitality district, saw a failed attempt to make participation voluntary. The House also considered HB 4025, a study bill on the feasibility of building an oil refinery in Arizona, which sparked extensive debate over fuel prices, refinery capacity, environmental impacts, and whether a study was necessary, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (5-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We refer to<00:32:18.880><c> that</c><00:32:19.039><c> as</c><00:32:19.200><c> the</c><00:32:19.440><
- As<00:32:34.159><c> a</c><00:32:34.320><c> result,</c><00:32:34.720><c> federal</c><00:32:35.120><c>
- has become<00:32:36.240><c> even</c><00:32:36.559><c> more</c><00:32:36.720><c> challenging</c><00:32
- The<00:32:40.880><c> new</c><00:32:41.120><c> system</c><00:32:41.519><c> will</c><00:32:41.760><c> be
- such as<00:32:46.799><c> the</c><00:32:47.039><c> justice</c><00:32:47.919><c> impacted</c><00:32:48.559
Summary:
The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project.
The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs.
The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 4, 2025, 9:00 AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> safeguard</c><01:32:16.679><c> the</c><01:32:16.800><c> future</c><01:32:17.040><c> of</c><01:32
- ><c> me</c><01:32:27.520><c> be</c><01:32:27.679><c> clear</c><01:32:28.119><c> we</c><01:32:28.280><
- 01:32:41.119><c> has</c><01:32:41.280><c> shifted</c><01:32:42.159><c> dramatically</c><01:32:43.159>
- at a recent<01:32:43.719><c> Senate</c><01:32:44.040><c> hearing</c><01:32:44.880><c> the</c><01:32:
- </c><01:32:48.119><c> million</c><01:32:49.119><c> raising</c><01:32:49.480><c> the</c><01:32:49.679>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:32:01.519><c> not</c><00:32:01.760><c> been</c><00:32:02.039><c> taken</c><00:32:02.360><c> up<
- I can<00:32:07.519><c> use</c><00:32:07.720><c> it</c><00:32:07.840><c> finally</c><00:32:08.159><c>
- c> since</c><00:32:09.639><c> it</c><00:32:09.760><c> is</c><00:32:09.880><c> a</c><00:32:10.000><c>
- ><c> do</c><00:32:17.760><c> we</c><00:32:18.760><c> deal</c><00:32:19.080><c> with</c><00:32:19.200>
- ><c> um</c><00:32:21.480><c> I</c><00:32:21.559><c> don't</c><00:32:21.799><c> have</c><00:32:22.000>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/02/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- And sometimes<00:32:18.240><c> we</c><00:32:18.480><c> even</c><00:32:18.640><c> get</c><00:32:18.799
- </c><00:32:26.720><c> And</c><00:32:26.960><c> so</c><00:32:27.840><c> the</c><00:32:28.159><c> same<
- allows<00:32:32.799><c> for</c><00:32:33.120><c> testimony</c><00:32:34.320><c> on</c><00:32:34.720>
- <00:32:36.880><c> that</c><00:32:37.120><c> you</c><00:32:37.360><c> would</c><00:32:37.519><c> have<
- Um when<00:32:51.200><c> you</c><00:32:51.440><c> talk</c><00:32:51.600><c> about</c><00:32:51.760><c
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/23/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:29.679><c> And</c><00:32:29.840><c> if</c><00:32:30.080><c> amended,</c><00:32:30.559><c>
- </c><00:32:33.440><c> So</c><00:32:33.679><c> therefore,</c><00:32:34.080><c> we</c><00:32:34.240><c>
- So two parts.<00:32:47.519><c> First</c><00:32:48.000><c> part</c><00:32:48.799><c> if</c><00:32:49.360
- </c><00:32:54.799><c> second</c><00:32:55.240><c> part</c><00:32:56.240><c> after</c><00:32:56.559><c
- we uh if<00:32:58.240><c> if</c><00:32:58.640><c> this</c><00:32:58.880><c> bill</c><00:32:59.120><c
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/30/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:32:10.159><c> But</c><00:32:10.399><c> in</c><00:32:10.559><c> order</c><00:32:10.640><c> to</c>
- >> And<00:32:21.840><c> at</c><00:32:22.000><c> this</c><00:32:22.159><c> time</c><00:32:22.399
- </c> Your<00:32:30.000><c> card</c><00:32:30.320><c> did</c><00:32:30.480><c> make</c><00:32:30.640><
- </c><00:32:39.519><c> for</c><00:32:39.679><c> the</c><00:32:39.760><c> city</c><00:32:39.919><c> of<
- :40.559><c> and</c><00:32:40.799><c> I'm</c><00:32:40.960><c> also</c><00:32:41.279><c> the</c><00:32
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> the</c><00:32:09.799><c> very</c><00:32:10.080><c> best</c><00:32:10.360><c> as</c><00:32:10.519
- best as he begins this next him the very best as he begins this next chapter<00:32:12.240><c> in</c>
- <00:32:20.519><c> chair</c><00:32:20.799><c> now</c><00:32:21.080><c> recognizes</c><00:32:21.760><c>
- :51.600><c> Henderson</c><00:32:52.279><c> chapter</c> the commander of the Henderson chapter the commander
- of the Henderson chapter of<00:32:52.880><c> the</c><00:32:53.080><c> military</c><00:32:54.039><c>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber Fri May 8, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 58
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that was voted out of the House and Senate before conference committee gave them the power under chapter
- We even give it to franchise corporations for ferry systems in chapter 268 or corporations do that do
- ... chapter 268 or corporations do that do railway systems in chapter 273, and we give it to departments
- HCR 18, HCR 32, HCR 33, HCR 53, HCR 98 HD1, HCR 105 HD1, HCR 122, HCR 173, and HCR 179 HD1.
- Beginning with HCR 18 and HCR 32. HCR 32, HCR 33, HCR 53, on the top of page seven.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:32:18.399><c> potentially</c><00:32:18.880><c> be</c><00:32:19.120><c> left</c><00:32:19.360><
- NEPA<00:32:22.640><c> and</c><00:32:23.039><c> NEPA</c><00:32:23.840><c> Minnesota</c><00:32:24.320><
- </c><00:32:27.679><c> be</c><00:32:27.840><c> selected</c><00:32:28.320><c> based</c><00:32:28.640><c
- economic impacts um<00:32:34.880><c> and</c><00:32:35.760><c> uh</c><00:32:36.000><c> also</c><00:32
- this</c><00:32:39.840><c> bill</c><00:32:40.159><c> were</c><00:32:40.399><c> to</c><00:32:40.559><c>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:32:01.720><c> the</c><00:32:01.800><c> seating,</c><00:32:02.400><c> raising</c><00:32:02.760><c
- 32:13.960><c> employees</c><00:32:14.560><c> to</c><00:32:15.240><c> monitor</c><00:32:15.840><c> and
- ><00:32:21.880><c> and</c><00:32:21.960><c> a</c><00:32:22.040><c> half</c><00:32:22.320><c> new</c>
- c> at</c><00:32:23.679><c> this</c><00:32:23.920><c> time</c><00:32:24.240><c> is,</c><00:32:24.679><
- , we should<00:32:32.480><c> just</c><00:32:32.679><c> be</c><00:32:32.760><c> doing</c><00:32:33.160
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-TCA, PSM Public Hearings 02-05-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- 32:15.880><c> 500</c><00:32:16.279><c> ft</c><00:32:16.480><c> of</c><00:32:16.559><c> a</c><00:32:16.720
- was</c><00:32:20.399><c> just</c><00:32:20.480><c> the</c><00:32:21.080><c> penalties</c><00:32:22.080
- :32:38.919><c> so</c><00:32:39.039><c> I</c><00:32:39.159><c> don't</c><00:32:39.279><c> know</c><00:
- </c><00:32:42.519><c> that</c><00:32:42.720><c> section</c><00:32:43.279><c> correctly</c><00:32:43.720
- :46.960><c> right</c><00:32:47.080><c> now</c><00:32:47.240><c> I</c><00:32:47.360><c> think</c><00:32
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion.
On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added.
On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:00.760><c> And</c><00:32:00.920><c> when</c><00:32:01.080><c> you</c><00:32:01.240><c> do<
- <c> between</c><00:32:05.240><c> a</c><00:32:05.280><c> quarter</c><00:32:05.600><c> percent</c><00:32
- We<00:32:11.600><c> are</c><00:32:11.720><c> hearing</c><00:32:12.000><c> a</c><00:32:12.040><c> lot<
- I'll give you<00:32:15.760><c> kind</c><00:32:15.960><c> of</c><00:32:16.040><c> an</c><00:32:16.120>
- <c> example</c><00:32:16.600><c> of</c><00:32:16.760><c> of</c><00:32:16.880><c> one</c><00:32:17.000
Keywords:
gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Mon Jan 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- > in</c><00:32:15.880><c> 2019</c><00:32:16.639><c> we</c><00:32:16.799><c> have</c><00:32:17.000><c>
- ><c> so</c><00:32:19.120><c> you</c><00:32:19.240><c> can</c><00:32:19.360><c> see</c><00:32:19.600><
- :26.799><c> and</c><00:32:27.320><c> um</c><00:32:28.000><c> in</c><00:32:28.159><c> terms</c><00:32:
- the State Constitution and HRS<05:32:08.360><c> chapter</c><05:32:08.638><c> 10</c><05:32:08.840><c>
- > of</c> HRS chapter 10 and 10 as stewards of HRS chapter 10 and 10 as stewards of this<05:32:10.840>
Summary:
The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology.
Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break.
After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
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Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken.
SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases.
The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
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ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Act, amending Title 48, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Chapter
- act relating to the Restroom Access Act, amending Title 48, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Chapter
- Amending Title 48, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new chapter 21 to Title 48, Idaho Code, to provide
- , Idaho Code. ...House Bill No. 550, Idaho Code, to revise certain rulemaking authority, amending Chapter
- Good lady from 32. Wait to you hear that. Now you can go.
Summary:
The House convened with 68 members present and approved the House Journal from the previous legislative day. The chamber also received notice of a temporary substitute for Legislative District 17, Seat B, and a Senate Joint Memorial transmitted from the Senate. House Concurrent Resolutions 23 and 24 were introduced and referred for printing; HCR 23 seeks a U.S. constitutional convention to impose congressional term limits, while HCR 24 honors fallen Kootenai County and Coeur d’Alene firefighters and supports Idaho first responders.
Standing committee reports moved several bills forward. The Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee reported House Bills 532-539 printed and referred them to the Transportation, Local Government, and State Affairs committees as appropriate. The Business Committee recommended House Bill 514 do pass. The House also received first readings for a large group of bills, including measures on juvenile correction public records, child enticement, social media restrictions for children, public employee retirement contributions, military leave, counselor licensure for military chaplains, restroom access, cosmetology licensing, boating enforcement, hospital district dissolution petitions, midwifery authority and rules, and property tax assessment.
On the Third Reading Calendar, Representative Ben Adams asked unanimous consent to hold House Bill 493 for one legislative day while the sponsor works with an affected stakeholder; there was no objection. During announcements, members welcomed visiting county officials, the Idaho Vacation Rental Alliance, nurses in the gallery, and noted upcoming meetings including the Rural Health Transformation Program and an Energy Caucus luncheon. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026.