Video & Transcript Research : 'computer science'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So everything from tourism to manufacturing, agricultural and natural sciences.
- And then, of course, we have our Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, again
- That gave us the ability to launch a vision that we had for an Academy of Science and Technology, a high
- We get over $1.8 million supporting our CTE programs to meet labor market demands and health science
- Health sciences is certainly the bedrock of many of our colleges.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received an overview of Florida’s career and technical education (CTE) system from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, who described the state’s CTE pathways, program types, enrollment and completion growth, quality audit metrics, and the Master Credentials List used to identify credentials of value. He highlighted record postsecondary CTE enrollment and completions, strong statewide performance in talent attraction, and several funding tools supporting expansion, including Open Door, the Florida First Responder Scholarship, Workforce Development Capitalization grants, Perkins funding, CAPE performance incentives, and apprenticeship grants. Senators asked about eligibility for Open Door and first responder aid, top industry certifications, and the teacher apprenticeship initiative.
A panel of college and technical school leaders then described how state and federal funding has supported local program growth and facility expansion. Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, North Florida Technical College, Lake Technical College, Florida Gateway College, and Manatee Technical College each cited increases in enrollment, high placement or licensure pass rates, and new or expanded programs in nursing, welding, CDL, automotive, manufacturing, public safety, and apprenticeship. Several speakers emphasized partnerships with hospitals, employers, school districts, and local governments, and noted that grants helped fund equipment, renovations, and new training hubs. Palm Beach State also raised a request to broaden line funding beyond nursing to other health science fields, and multiple presenters asked for more flexibility, multi-year support, and continued or increased funding to sustain growth.
Members discussed broader challenges, including the difficulty of sustaining grant-funded growth after initial awards, the lag between enrollment growth and funding formulas, and alignment problems for dual enrollment and technical programs with high school schedules. Senators also noted the need to balance support for high-demand core programs like nursing and welding with the ability to respond quickly to emerging industries such as AI and space. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond adjournment after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of reading and grounded in the science of reading and setting<00:12:16.720>
a <00:12:16.959>- <00:12:53.760>
of <00:12:53.920>reading <00:12:54.240>without the science of- reading without the science of reading without implementing<00:12:54.959>
the <00:12:55.120>- I understand that while we use methods in our district that are based on the science of reading, we do
- For example, Miss E in second grade, teaching a class of ESL students, uses the science of reading as
- <00:12:53.760>
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Calendar/2nd Readings 06:06
Report of Committees 07:10
Orders of the Day 09:21
HB 253 09:35
HB 508 16:18
HCR 44 29:09
HB 436 31:53
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 35:50
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 41:19
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:02
ConC/Rules Report 46:27
Floor Amendments 47:56
Adjournment 48:34, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval of the prior day’s journal. Committee reports were read for a range of bills and resolutions, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, an adult workforce diploma pilot program, parole board changes, alternative high school diplomas, campaign finance, child care, mental health treatment, gubernatorial transitions, unclaimed property, and state contracts. Those items received first reading and were placed on the calendar.
The chamber then considered House Bill 253, relating to reading and language arts instruction. Supporters said the bill follows the earlier Read to Succeed law by requiring instruction grounded in the science of reading and phasing out the three-cueing system, which they argued encourages memorization rather than phonics. A member from House District 93 opposed the prohibition, saying teachers need flexibility and that some district-approved methods remain useful in classrooms. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 94-1, then laid a motion to reconsider on the table.
House Bill 508, relating to the protection of veterans benefits, was also debated and passed unanimously 93-0. The sponsor said the bill regulates paid veterans-claims services, requires clear disclosures about free services, limits fees, bars certain practices, and adds annual reporting, while exempting attorneys and law firms. Several members spoke in support, citing personal experiences and the need to protect veterans from bad actors, though some also expressed concern about access to help and urged future federal accreditation language. House Concurrent Resolution 44, urging Congress to create a VA accreditation pathway for private claims companies, was adopted 95-0, and House Bill 436, creating a PGA HOPE-related state parks benefit for veterans and active-duty military participants, passed 94-0.
At the end of the session, the House received Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustments and declaring an emergency, for first reading and return to committee. Members also made announcements about upcoming breakfasts, meetings, guest groups, and other events.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/27/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, good morning, everyone, and welcome to Science, Technology and Energy for the last Monday of January
- Chairman, good morning to you and to members of Science, Technology and Energy.
- Okay, welcome back to Science, Technology and Energy for Monday, January 27th of 2025.
- Welcome, members, to Science, Technology and Energy.
- Chairman and colleagues on the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Something happened with the computer that night.
- So, by the time they fixed the computer, it said that I had not filed a report.
- Something happened with the computer that night.
- So, by the time they fixed the computer, it said that I had not filed a report.
- But something happened to their computer.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- folks it's totaling either you computer folks it's totaling either you computer folks it's totaling
- either 148 individual or in computer 148 individual or in computer 148 individual or in computer terms
- whizzes there little young computer whizzes there little young computer whizzes going in there connecting
- into America going in there connecting into America going in there connecting into America computers
- and pulling down all the data computers and pulling down all the data computers and pulling down all
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- As many of you who have been around know, they have a computer system they call RIMS that they put in
- system they call they have a computer system they call rims<00:26:56.600>
that <00:26:57.080>< - That consisted of three desktop computers that were already old.
- consisted of three desktop computers consisted of three desktop computers that<02:32:09.720>
- I'm going to now try to read my printer does not connect with my computer.
Summary:
The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken.
Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales.
Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 01-31-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the interim dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.
- , environmental science, engineering, economics, and social sciences to develop policy implementation
- <00:41:06.800>
environmental <00:41:07.480>science climate science environmental science - climate science environmental science engineering<00:41:08.920>
economics <00:41:09.560>social - <00:41:10.000>
sciences <00:41:10.839>to engineering economics social sciences to engineering
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1232, which would create a three-year wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center and coordinate testing with state and county agencies. The Department of Health, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and University of Hawaiʻi representatives supported the bill, saying it would help certify new wastewater technologies, lower costs for cesspool conversions, and provide data to the Department of Health. Testifiers said the prior testing effort ended after the departure of Dr. Roger Babcock, and that the new program would use National Sanitation Foundation standards, graduate students, and local wastewater facilities such as Wahiawa. Committee members asked about the $750,000 total cost, the scope of existing research, prior test sites, and whether the program would be tied to individuals or a permanent program. One member raised concerns about the fairness and data basis for sewer conversion decisions in local communities, and the University said it would follow national standards and share results openly.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 686, relating to a short-term management initiative for coconut rhinoceros beetle response and related appropriations. The Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaiʻi testified in support, while a county representative and other advocates urged broader statewide coverage, including Kauaʻi, and asked that appropriated funds be usable on any island. Testimony emphasized the need for immediate action, outreach, tree-trimmer training, canopy treatments, K-9 inspections, container fumigation, and biocontrol research. A member summarized the bill’s funding components, including amounts for training, residential palm treatments, response teams, inspections, fumigation, and research, and noted the importance of directing money toward on-the-ground response. Committee questions focused on how much funding remained available, how the agencies would coordinate with DOA, whether the department was prepared to manage all the bill’s functions, and how infestations were being communicated to the public.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 657, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology’s Center for Climate Resilient Development. The Department of Land and Natural Resources testified in strong support, and the Department of Health also supported the measure, noting that it relies on the center’s data to inform decisions and recommendations on projects. The discussion on this item was brief in the portion provided, with no vote or final action shown.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And so when we have people that were permitted X under science and trying to meet their mandate that
- It's built around the best science we have to hopefully limit permitting to a point where we extend,
- So either we believe that we have to, we have to apply the science that water districts have created
- And when the science says you permit this much, and then we allow people to do. 88% more than that.
- Let me tell you the best science I do have though. Yes sir.
Bills:
SB 1169, SB 1285, SB 1583, SB 1611, SB 1898, SB 1976, SB 2160, SB 2161, SB 2658, SB 2661, SB 2662, SB 2692, SB 1055, SB 1359, SB 2660
Keywords:
water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the examination is given on a computer-based learning center.
- 00:41:11.480>
given is given is given um um um on<00:41:13.880>a <00:41:13.960>computer-based - on a computer-based on a computer-based uh<00:41:15.800>
learning <00:41:16.280>center
Summary:
The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection.
Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection.
Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- lineman technician, computerized machining, additive manufacturing, heavy equipment operations, and computer
- manufacturing, heavy equipment additive manufacturing, heavy equipment operations, operations, operations, computer
- <00:20:28.640>
So computer engineering technology. So computer engineering technology.
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met for its sixth regular-session meeting and first took up House Bill 5, as substituted by committee amendment, which would authorize KCTCS to partner with the Department of Corrections to create a vocational training campus at North Point Training Center. The sponsor and witnesses described the bill as a prison education and re-entry initiative aimed at reducing recidivism, saving taxpayer money, and meeting workforce needs, citing Michigan’s vocational village model as evidence that prison-based training can lower reoffending. Testimony emphasized that the program would include high-demand vocational fields, credentials, eligibility and security safeguards, data collection, annual reporting, and re-entry documentation such as certificates of employability and employment protections.
Several members voiced support, including comments that the bill builds on existing second-chance and employability efforts. One member asked whether post-release employment outcomes could also be tracked, and the sponsor said that would be encouraged and discussed as a possible friendly amendment. After discussion, the committee voted 19-1 to adopt the committee substitute and pass House Bill 5.
The committee then began consideration of House Bill 468, which would update the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to conform the state definition of disability to the 2008 federal ADA amendments and clarify the meaning of “qualified individual with a disability.” The bill sponsor said it would remove the Kentucky Human Rights Commission’s adjudicative authority over employment and public accommodations cases, while leaving investigative powers intact and preserving housing-related adjudication, with the goal of placing those disputes in court and preserving jury-trial rights. In response to questions, the sponsor said a local mandate analysis found the court impact would be minimal to moderate, and cited commission data showing relatively few hearings. The transcript cuts off during continued discussion of HB 468.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/17/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- They can hire staff and buy computers, uh, things that are directly connected to a campaign. currently
- c><00:49:04.960>
staff <00:49:05.359>and <00:49:05.599>buy <00:49:05.920>computers - <00:49:07.040>
uh can hire staff and buy computers. uh can hire staff and buy computers. uh
Summary:
The Senate convened with 39 members present, heard the invocation from Reverend Meredith West, and journalized her remarks. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and observances, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Second District Corridor 1 for “100 Q’s in Annapolis Day,” the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the Maryland 2A state championship, Arts Day participants, Rural Maryland Council members, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition advocates, and visitors from the Maryland Judiciary. Senators also spoke about the meaning of Kente cloth during Black History Month, and the chamber recognized a birthday and thanked protocol staff for Valentine’s Day decorations.
The Senate’s featured presentation was the annual Lincoln Day speech by the Senator from the 37th District. The senator reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s life, political career, and moral leadership, emphasizing his self-education, opposition to the expansion of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, and the idea that the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality guided Lincoln through the Civil War. The minority leader praised the address, and the Senate agreed without objection to journalize the remarks.
After the ceremonial portion, the Senate moved to business. Bond initiatives on the calendar were read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Executive Nominations Committee reported favorably on a list of recess appointees, including gubernatorial secretaries, district court judges, and a state board appointee, and the report was special ordered to Monday, February 16, 2026. The chamber then began second-reader consideration of Budget and Taxation bills: Senate Bill 25, altering the cyber security technology and service tax credit, was amended and ordered printed for third reading; Senate Bill 58, creating a property tax credit for retail service station conversions, was discussed with questions about who would receive the credit and why the incentive was needed, and consideration was ongoing when the transcript ended.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- What we're talking about is a mobile electronic device: a cellular telephone, portable computer, a GPS
- What we're talking about is a mobile electronic device: a cellular telephone, portable computer, a GPS
- What we're talking about is a mobile electronic device: a cellular telephone, portable computer, a GPS
- What we're talking about is a mobile electronic device: a cellular telephone, portable computer, a GPS
Keywords:
01:09 Roll Call
02:11 SB 7
12:42 SB 7 Vote
13:48 SB 30
17:26 SB 30 Vote
19:56 SB 28
46:35 SB 28 vote, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 regular session, welcomed new member Senator Gary Clemens and an intern, established a quorum, and took up several bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Aaron Reid, would let counties voluntarily handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates locally through county clerks, circuit clerks, sheriffs, or county judge/executive offices, with a $25 convenience fee retained locally and interlocal agreements allowed. Reid said the bill was meant to address long travel distances, long lines, and delays, especially in rural areas, and emphasized it was not a mandate or an unfunded requirement. Senators asked about fraud, local interest, and stakeholder views; Reid said the bill would not directly change fraud but would increase local accountability, and he said most agencies were neutral or supportive. The committee reported SB 7 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation on a roll call vote.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 30, also sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, a cleanup bill for the Motor Vehicle Commission that would allow restricted funds from license fees to carry forward from one fiscal year to the next instead of lapsing. Elkins said the change would let the commission use its own fee revenue for operations in future years, and the chair noted the commission’s work on dealer regulation and lemon law cases. Senator Burke asked what happened to the money under current law and whether there would be a cap on accumulation; Elkins said the bill would simply allow carryforward and did not set a cap. The committee approved SB 30 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation.
Finally, Vice Chair Douglas introduced Senate Bill 28, a hands-free/distracted driving bill sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon. Higdon said the measure was revised from prior versions to address concerns raised last year and would prohibit drivers from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving, while still allowing hands-free use, navigation, emergency reporting, and certain device functions. He cited safety research, support from advocates, and the death of Kimberly Burns in a distracted-driving crash as motivation for the bill. The proposal also included enforcement limits, a $100 fine, no license points, signage at highway entry points, and distribution of fine revenue to trauma and veterans-related funds. The transcript cuts off during Higdon’s presentation before any committee questions or action on SB 28 are shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- contemplated as a bill that would travel on its own, the global tracking sheet that I maintain on my computer
- 00:07:56.840>
my tracking sheet that I maintain on my tracking sheet that I maintain on my computer - 58.879>
bundle <00:07:59.280>this <00:07:59.560>this <00:07:59.800>as computer - um would bundle this this as computer um would bundle this this as part<00:08:00.159>
of <00:08
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Capital Investment Cmte hears St. Paul bonding requests for sports facility upgrades 3/20/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , buildings along the Capitol complex, Swift, certificates of participation, which was the state computer
- participation which was the<00:35:04.520>
uh <00:35:04.640>State <00:35:04.920>computer - <00:35:05.359>
s <00:35:05.640>or <00:35:05.880>accounting the uh State computer - s or accounting the uh State computer s or accounting system<00:35:07.720>
um <00:35:08.720>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- But, you know, with a department the size that we do and our services, it cannot just be done by computer
- challenges, but with a department the size that we do and our services, it cannot just be done by computer
- computer right it has to be done face computer right it has to be done face Toof<00:58:25.799>
face
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony.
The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy.
One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I recently found my notebook, or I had a recipe card file back from before the days of computers.
- before the a recipe card file back from before the days<00:12:55.440>
of <00:12:56.040>computers - 57.959>
had <00:12:58.079>to <00:12:58.279>find <00:12:59.279>the days of computers - uh you had to find the days of computers uh you had to find the name<00:12:59.560>
and <00:12:
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we can all get in this discussion all we want on what the science is.
- It's important on what the science is.
- absolutely nothing to do with science. absolutely nothing to do with science.
- It's important that we associate our science and labeling policies based on their science and not let
- science science and<00:32:10.320>
labeling <00:32:10.720>policies and labeling policies
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. - Part 1 of 2 Feb 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- us and gave no indication that if confirmed as HHS Secretary, he would stand by the long-settled science
- I close with this, colleagues: today we're going to make a judgment about the future of science in this
- us now that's pretty simple: Do Senators want their legacy to include disregard for basic health science
- I need someone at HHS who is going to say we're going to be a leader in medical technology, science,
- Kennedy having experience in managing a large organization in medicine, no experience with science. .
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the things that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, NASM, released
- ,<00:02:55.400>
Engineering, <00:02:55.920>and Academies of Sciences, Engineering, - and Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine<00:02:56.520>
NASM <00:02:57.640>uh, - But prove it through actual testing, and let science guide what their course of action should be going
- And let science guide what their course of action should be going forward in the future. Thank you.
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs considered two resolutions related to Red Hill and PFAS contamination. HCR 186 urged the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee health care authorization for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve access to care. Testimony from Moira Flanary and Board of Water Supply’s Ernie Lau supported the measure, emphasizing lasting health impacts, the need for continuity of care, and National Academies recommendations for continued eligibility and access to treatment.
The second measure, HCR 200, urged the U.S. Department of Defense to reassess prior determinations and closure decisions under CERCLA in light of evolving scientific understanding of PFAS and recent federal hazardous substance designations. Mr. Lau testified in support, arguing that military investigations should not rely only on old records or AFFF documentation and should instead use current testing methods to identify contamination. He said PFAS is persistent, mobile in groundwater, and likely to require long-term remediation, and he also answered questions about cleanup challenges and the Board of Water Supply’s ongoing litigation against the Navy over Red Hill-related costs.
At the end of the hearing, the committees voted to pass both HCR 186 and HCR 200 unamended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on both measures. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not have quorum, so its votes were deferred until April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 225.