Video & Transcript Research : 'minority groups'
Page 11 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-28 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And that person that's forcing that minor to then go out and recruit another minor could be put to death
- So this, currently right now, the person who is forcing the minor to go recruit other minors could potentially
- to go and recruit minors for sex trafficking, the minor in the middle is being forced.
- to go and recruit minors for sex trafficking, the minor in the middle is being forced.
- I think you should work with those groups.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized affordability, education, health care, public safety, and opposition to measures he said would roll back child labor protections, book access, and gun safety laws. The chamber also recognized military leaders from U.S. Army Special Operations Command and an intern from Senator Polsky’s office. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start.
The Senate then took up and passed several bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), local government land regulation, vessel-related voter freedom/boating provisions, blood clot screening and treatment, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, concealed carry licensing for certain officers and service members, timeshare management firms, disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and manufacturing fees, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veterans’ nursing home beds. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight earlier in the day, mammogram coverage, and others.
Debate on the disability history bill was especially extensive, with senators discussing the use of the word “disability,” the role of bias, and whether the bill fit with broader DEI-related policy debates. The bill’s sponsor and supporters framed it as a first step toward helping students understand and respect people with disabilities, and the chamber opened co-sponsorship before substituting the House version. Other bills drew focused questions about local government costs, impact fees, staffing burdens, grant criteria for small manufacturers, and the scope of utility preemption. Most measures passed on strong votes, including several unanimous votes, with the concealed carry/firearms bill passing 33-3 and the local government land regulation bill passing 26-8.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- group of patients, I can only see that as discrimination.
- But the provisions of this bill only apply to the smaller group.
- This deals only with minors, people who had the surgery when they were minors, and it allows them to
- With minors, people who had the surgery when they were minors, and it allows them to recover physical
- groups...
Bills:
SB1014, SB1094, SB1146, SB1177, SB1192, SB1194, SB1214, SB1372, SB1390, SB1398, SB1399, SB1494, SB1557, SB1561, SB1564, SB1602, SB1603, SB1621, SB1628, SB1629, SB1713, SB1752, SB1776, SB1813, SB1814, SB1821
Keywords:
gender transition, gender detransition, health insurance, medical procedures, insurance claims, official documents, Arizona law, gender reassignment, civil liability, minors, medical consent, detransition, dependent children, foster care, periodic review, court hearings, child welfare, public funds, prohibition, Arizona legislation
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several health-related bills, with the longest discussion centered on SB 1214, the Arizona Stem Cell Therapy Act. The bill would regulate stem cell and birth tissue therapies, bar use of tissues derived from aborted fetuses or embryos, require informed consent and disclosure for non-FDA-approved therapies, and create civil and criminal penalties for violations. Supporters framed it as a patient-safety and bioscience-innovation measure, while opponents objected to the abortion-related language and felony penalties. The committee approved SB 1214 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also advanced SB 1194, which would prohibit health professionals and institutions from denying care or reducing care quality based on vaccination status, and SB 1814, which creates a study committee on substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight. SB 1602, increasing monthly stipends for kinship foster care parents, and SB 1603, expanding child-only cash assistance eligibility for certain foster and relative placements, were both amended and passed unanimously. SB 1177, barring public funds from being used for gender transition procedures, and SB 1014, requiring insurance coverage for detransition care and related reporting, both drew strong support and opposition and were each approved on 4-3 votes.
Later, the committee unanimously passed SB 1628, requiring insurers and health plans to report claims-denial and prior-authorization data to DIFI for public reporting, and SB 1629, requiring AHCCCS managed care organizations to give advance notice and network-adequacy documentation before terminating high-volume providers without cause. Supporters of both bills emphasized transparency and patient access, while opponents argued the measures duplicated existing federal or state oversight. The committee then heard SB 1752, which would criminalize commercial harvesting or sale of mescaline while preserving a religious-use defense; the sponsor said it was intended to address improper sales of peyote-derived substances, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- another group of people.
- And that particular organization interacts with minority youth and sexual minority youth.
- child is in the best interest of the minor child.
- If there's any elevation of one group over another group, and it's not being applied fairly, that's going
- groups, such as our military veterans.
Bills:
S0212, S0218, S0442, S0460, S0532, S0554, S0644, S0686, S0692, S1054, S1106, S1128, S1134, S1138, S1338, S1434, S1506, S1620, S1748
Keywords:
sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups.
Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition.
The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- already recognizes the withholding minor already recognizes the withholding minor children<00:04
- This was just two months ago. were a minor under age were a minor under age 18<04:18:46.319>
the - minor for an abortion, and second, everybody else who takes a minor for an abortion.
- minor for an abortion, and second, everybody else who takes a minor for an abortion.
- minor for an abortion, and second, everybody else who takes a minor for an abortion.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 24th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Now I'm in the minority party.
- I've always been a woman that's in a minority and an African-American in the minority.
- I've always been a woman that's in a minority and an African-American in the minority.
- I've always been a woman that's in a minority and an African-American in the minority.
- I've always been a woman that's in a minority and an African-American in the minority.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- It's for the paying group, whether it's Medicaid or private pay, it doesn't matter.
- It's for the paying group, whether it's Medicaid or private pay, it doesn't matter. group, whether it's
- Now, this was prepared by a group, a work group of the Interim Juvenile Justice Committee.
- The work group consisted of a prosecutor.
- So if they would release the minor to the parent or legal guardian.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent.
Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions.
After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Reducing the Number of School Administrative Units in the State (10/29/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- 18.240>
vigorously the minority over here vigorously the minority over here vigorously objects - those groups, right?
- <00:52:27.440>
So, expense over over bigger groups. So, expense over over bigger groups. - >> I hope that's in the minority report. >> I hope that's in the minority report.
- remarks from the minority as complaints. remarks from the minority as complaints.
Summary:
The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended.
The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal.
The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Congressional districts 29 and 35 are both majority-minority districts.
- Minority districts are not a quest for partisan advantage.
- districts, including court VRA districts, then packs other minority groups into tight urban areas to
- Is that a partisan group? No, I think it's, yes, it's...
- I understand what a majority minority district is.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:59.360>
It both part of an affiliated group. It both part of an affiliated group. - the minority leader has an amendment. the minority leader has an amendment.
- Recognize the uh uh minority<01:26:26.480>
whip. minority whip. minority whip. - Recognize the minority leader. >> Yes. Recognize the minority leader.
- Recognize the minority leader. Yes. Recognize the minority leader.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened with a quorum and quickly moved through committee reports and second-reader bills, adopting committee amendments and sending several measures to third reading without objection. Bills advanced included SB 10 on State Highway Administration approval timelines for speed monitoring systems; SB 487 on speed monitoring systems in safety corridors; SB 689 creating a task force on post-release services and re-entry; SB 811 requiring reporting of new home sale prices in multiple listing services; SB 877 authorizing a Baltimore City stop sign monitoring pilot in the 41st district; SB 937, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, limiting use of criminal history in tenant screening; SB 984 barring private immigration detention facilities; SB 465 on out-of-court statements and second-degree assault; SB 187 on pre-release services for incarcerated women; SB 388, the Decade Act, revising multiple economic development and tax credit programs; and SB 844, the annual corrective bill.
Most of the floor discussion focused on explaining amendments and the policy effects of the bills. Supporters described the housing bill as expanding second-chance opportunities while adding safeguards, and a senator asked detailed questions about how landlords could screen for serious offenses and sex offender registry status. SB 984 was described as an emergency measure preventing state and local approval of private detention facilities and authorizing enforcement by the Attorney General. SB 465 was presented as closing a gap in Maryland law on witness intimidation and aligning the state with broader practice. SB 187 would rename and expand the women’s pre-release facility into a re-entry facility and require progress reports.
The most extended debate came on SB 165, the on-site wastewater systems bill. One amendment to exempt redevelopment properties from inspection was offered and failed by roll call with 27 votes in the negative. A second amendment to require consultation with Maryland Realtors in developing regulations was then offered; supporters argued it would help avoid delays in property settlements and bring real estate professionals into the regulatory process, while opponents said the bill concerned broader wastewater regulations, not just property transfers. The transcript cuts off during that amendment’s discussion, before the final vote is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- If there is any elevation of one group over another group, it's not being applied fairly and that will
- If it is open to all and not exclusively put out to one group.
- groups, Kiera Ibsen: such as military veterans.
- Also saying minorities are not your enemies.
- We've had comments on what elevates one group over another.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That group is the informal FFN, friend, family, and neighbor care group.
- [applause] [applause] Next up, Minority Leader Caldwell and Assistant Minority Leader Winter to honor
- Minority Leader Caldwell. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- [applause] Assistant Minority Leader Winter.
- We established a working group.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I went online and I basically, I was part of a big doctor group.
- It's my understanding that this group does not have that.
- Right now, group home consultants get referral fees for directing potential residents to group homes
- Does the Fort Worth department have a specific task force for group homes?
- child accompanies the minor to the shelter.
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 883, which would protect physicians’ ability to prescribe off-label medications and treatments, framed by the author as a “Right to Treat” measure tied to COVID-19 care. Supporters, including physicians and patient-choice advocates, said the bill would safeguard the doctor-patient relationship and prevent interference by boards, pharmacies, or hospitals. Several witnesses described using hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, budesonide, antibiotics, steroids, and monoclonal antibodies during the pandemic, and said they faced complaints, board scrutiny, or pharmacy refusals for those prescriptions. The bill was left pending after public testimony closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 331, which would extend hospital price-transparency requirements to additional health care facilities such as freestanding ERs, urgent care and retail clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and birthing centers. Proponents argued that broader disclosure of prices for shoppable services would help consumers compare costs and reduce surprise billing, while opponents from ambulatory surgery centers said the bill would impose costly compliance burdens on small providers and that insurers or the state already have much of the needed data. The bill was also left pending.
Senate Bill 2422 would expunge Texas Medical Board records and impose reparations for disciplinary actions tied to COVID-era treatment decisions, including references to ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, budesonide, and masks. The author and supporters argued that doctors were unfairly targeted for trying to save patients and should be made whole; the Texas Medical Board representative said most pandemic complaints were dismissed, that actions generally involved broader issues such as privileges, documentation, or informed consent, and that no physician was disciplined solely for prescribing off-label COVID medications. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2207, which would loosen Texas Medical Board rules on physicians advertising themselves as board certified, especially by reducing barriers tied to maintenance of certification requirements. Supporters said the current rule is overly restrictive, inconsistent, and costly, and that it drives physicians out of practice; they also said Texas is one of only a few states with such a rule. Witnesses described hospitals using the rule against physicians and said the change would improve transparency and competition. The bill remained pending after testimony.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And we talk about representative, we're replacing minority with an divert unrepresented.
- So how do we make sure they are not losing out now that we're changing everything from minority, which
- We're replacing the word minority students with underrepresented students so providing flexibility to
- This bill updates the licensing requirements for small residential group homes by not requiring them
- These groups who we play for and parent heart watch or and getting the cost down by doing these group
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It is not the minority leader.
- President, a group that says it's bipartisan or one that's there just for show.
- It is not the minority leader.
- President, a group that says it's bipartisan or one that's there just for show.
- President, a group that says it's bipartisan or one that's there just for show.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- enforce it against the minor.
- But you don't care about minors.
- This bill is not about keeping pornographic material from minors.
- This bill does not protect minors or do anything to reduce minors accessing pornographic material.
- From what I witnessed on Monday, only one group is living up to the legacy.
Keywords:
social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Minority Leader. Mr. Minority Leader. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Minority Leader Kirkmeyer...
- Minority Leader, Friselle Kirk Meyer, Mr. Minority Leader, Friselle, Kirk Meyer, Mr.
- Minority Leader. "What senators?" Mr. Minority Leader. "What senators?" Mr. Minority Leader.
- Minority Leader Simpson and I... Minority Leader Simpson and I...
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It was banned because of a minor character who happened to have been transgender.
- It is driven by well-funded groups such as Moms for Liberty, whose members are...
- Thank you to my colleague and Minority Leader for proposing this amendment.
- Thank you to my colleague and Minority Leader for proposing this amendment.
- And I first want to thank Minority Leader, including the minority leader and my good friend, the Senator
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students.
A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted.
The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/03/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- taking my question uh what age groups taking my question uh what age groups are<01:44:29.520>
- of the group to another group.
- Children of the group to transferring Children of the group to another<03:01:58.920>
group <03 - <03:13:10.239>
that minimal interventions for minors that minimal interventions for minors - procedure undertaken to treat a minor procedure undertaken to treat a minor born<04:07:58.920>
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 10 (1-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the post-secary education working group the post-secary education working group and<00:05:29.199
- Representative Gentry minority member.
- Representative Cole minority member.
- Representative Moore to minority member.
- The committee ranking minority member.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:27
Report of Committees 05:14
Orders of the Day 06:02
HB 184 06:16
HB 265 09:38
HJR 24 13:00
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 19:39
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:58
Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 28:48
ConC and Rules Report 37:47
Impeachment Committee Announcement 40:50
Adjournment 41:13, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 95 members present. Members approved the prior journal, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and received committee reports advancing House Bill 96 on the Postsecondary Education Working Group and House Bills 34 and 214 on veterans-related benefits. The chamber then considered and passed House Bill 184, which concerns health savings account qualified insurance plans and would delay certain state cost-sharing limits until the federal IRS minimum deductible is met. The bill passed 94-0, and the motion to reconsider was tabled.
The House also passed House Bill 265, dealing with regulatory authorizations by the Commissioner of Insurance. The sponsor explained that the bill creates a statutory dissolution process for self-insured workers’ compensation pools and removes the Department of Insurance’s approval role for new pools in response to past insolvency problems. That bill passed 95-0, and the clincher was applied. The chamber then adopted House Joint Resolution 24, as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 and a title amendment, by an 87-1 vote. The resolution directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to withdraw a Medicaid 1115A waiver application related to mandatory community engagement requirements, with supporters saying the request is no longer needed under current federal law.
Later, the House honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through House Resolution 5, which recounted his civil rights legacy and Kentucky’s civil rights history; the resolution was adopted without objection. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, withdrew House Bill 292, and received a long list of new bill introductions covering topics including nicotine products, elections, opioid antagonists, local purchasing, vital records, inheritance tax, state parks, unemployment benefits, civic education, psychologists, the Court of Justice, citizenship requirements for elected officials, attorney privacy in criminal cases, sex crimes, and audiology. The Committee on Committees then referred and reassigned numerous bills to standing committees, named new ranking minority members, and appointed an impeachment committee. The House recessed briefly for committee meetings and then adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- group has had.
- that our working group has conversations that our working group has had<00:08:59.000>
and <00: - <00:09:13.079>
that uh I served on that working group that uh I served on that working group - <00:09:17.440>
of interesting diverse group of interesting diverse group of stakeholders<00 - Minor error—what is the definition of minor? Small or insignificant.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee continued hearing several bills. HB 399 would create an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit; it drew support from the Judiciary, Public Defender, State Bar, Financial Services Association, and others, and there was no opposition. HB 560 would appropriate funds for Judiciary contracts with community-based organizations; many service providers and coalition representatives testified in support, emphasizing the growing gap between contract payments and the actual cost of services, especially for domestic violence, youth, legal aid, and other vulnerable populations. HB 648 would establish a two-year pilot program in the First Circuit probate and family court for guardianship and conservatorship-related resources; the Office of the Public Guardian and disability advocates supported it, while suggesting amendments to clarify that the bill refers to professional evaluations, including psychological, neurocognitive, or functional evaluations, rather than just physicians’ letters.
The committee also heard HB 990, which appropriates funds for claims against the state, with the Attorney General noting 21 claims totaling about $6.5 million plus two additional resolved claims and requesting corrections to identify two matters as judgments rather than settlements. HB 991 would clarify that the Attorney General may conduct FBI fingerprint-based background checks on contractors and employees; it was supported by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and others, with an amendment to include subcontractors. HB 998 would provide that omissions or errors in citations do not require dismissal or reversal if they do not prejudice the defendant; the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and members discussed whether the language adequately protects due process and how it would apply when identifying information is unavailable.
Finally, HB 1174 would address payment-under-protest lawsuits by allowing interest earned on certain funds to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails and by setting procedures for premature filings. After testimony, the committee moved into decision-making and recommended passage of HB 399, HB 560, HB 648, HB 990, HB 991, HB 998, and HB 1174, generally with amendments where noted, including effective-date changes and the requested clarifications. The measures were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.