Video & Transcript Research : 'awareness programs'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (10/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- that we passed in the budget. allowed under the tax credit program allowed under the tax credit program
- , where the program is at?
- credit program. credit program.
- health program to work smoothly?
- the auto dealers because I became aware the auto dealers because I became aware of<01:37:37.679>
Summary:
The committee first adopted the September 5 minutes and then approved the remaining consent calendar items after removing several bills for separate consideration, including 25-252, 25-248, 25-251, and 25-253. The committee then took up 25-252 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, where members asked about the arts tax credit program, staffing, and volunteer coordination. Department representatives said the program had recently been authorized, forms had been finalized, three of six laid-off staff had been rehired through a federal grant, and the agency was now trying to recruit participants. Members also discussed whether tax-credit-raised funds could count as federal match; the department said they could not, because federal rules require state dollars. The item was adopted.
The committee next considered 25-248 from the Department of Safety, which was described as a technical correction moving funds from equipment to hardware and software after consultation with the Department of Administrative Services. A member asked about “buy American” waivers, and the department said it would follow up with more information. The item was adopted. The committee then approved 25-251 from the Department of Administrative Services, which included discussion of ongoing problems with Anthem’s retiree health plan mail-order pharmacy. Department staff said many issues were tied to implementation changes and prescription renewal rules, that some complaints were being resolved through the vendor and the retiree health office, and that the contract would be rebid in the coming year, likely causing further changes.
On 25-253 from the Department of Health and Human Services, members questioned the department’s September 5 health alert and whether it diverged from CDC guidance. DHHS said the alert was an annual evidence-based guideline for respiratory virus season and immunizations, largely aligned with CDC recommendations, and that some differences reflected timing and population-specific guidance. The item was adopted. The committee then heard 25-237 from the Department of Justice on the annual litigation fund request. Attorney General John Formela said the request was about $4.3 million, roughly 40% below last year and below the five-year average, with major costs tied to YDC civil and criminal litigation and some DHHS class actions. A member criticized the large increase over the budgeted $350,000 and said the budgeting approach should be corrected in the next cycle. Another member asked about YDC settlement reductions; the attorney general said confidentiality limited specifics, but explained that under the new statute the office had accepted well over half of administrator awards, rejected some, and negotiated lower amounts in others while still resolving most cases. The item remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article II
Transcript Highlights:
- As you're all aware, we reached a 30-year peak crisis turnover in FY 2022.
- There is a novel rotation program in the South Texas area.
- Well, it's a novel program. I look forward to working with you on it. Sounds like a great idea.
- Um, Texas is only currently spending $6 million on these programs.
- It is imperative that programs are funded to reach Texans young and old in all 254 counties.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article II
Transcript Highlights:
- As you're all aware, we reached a 30-year peak crisis turnover. and FY 2022.
- There is a novel rotation program in the South Texas area.
- We're supporting a $4 million rider in the budget to expand the program.
- Texas is only currently spending $6 million on these programs.
- They are great programs, and they do incredible work, but their reach is limited by funding.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Public meetings are required so communities can be aware of proposed cloud seeding efforts.
- Public awareness and safety protocols need to be in place.
- I am not aware of any current labeling requirement.
- What happens to the program? Ed: Mr.
- And I was aware that there were still flights of gray wolf pups into the state.
Keywords:
cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, then heard several bills related to weather modification, water policy, wildlife, cosmetics, and groundwater management. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management in Arizona and bar public entities or recipients of public funds from supporting related technology development. Supporters argued it was needed to stop harmful geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 with one not voting to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1279, which would regulate weather modification licenses, require ADWR and ADEQ review of chemicals, public notice, and public meetings, and—under a proposed strike-everything amendment—shift complaint enforcement to ADWR and require rulemaking. Testimony was largely in support from stakeholders and SRP, while ADEQ was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and expertise to develop the required chemical limits on the bill’s timeline. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 5-2 with one not voting.
Members next passed SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing, with supporters citing cruelty concerns and industry alternatives; the bill received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include more detailed data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, drew opposition from ADWR over feasibility, cost, and the risk of misleading conclusions, but still received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. The committee also passed SB 1280, which would bar Game and Fish from using public funds to transport Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona; wildlife advocates opposed it as harmful to recovery, while Game and Fish said it would not affect core responsibilities and was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, was approved 5-1 with two not voting to extend certain irrigation grandfathered-right groundwater uses to subsequent active management areas. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jul 16th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- state Medicaid agencies can determine SSI clients are no longer eligible for the state's Medicaid program
- And yet we’re talking about embarking on a new program.
- This program has grown to meet the needs.
- This program has grown to meet the needs for centralized energy resilience planning and will continue
- Prosecutors may lack awareness of the related fines unless they're part of a specialized unit.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted.
The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes.
The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you aware that your subcommittees on appropriations met and allocated billions of taxpayer dollars
- HR 596 by Simmons recognizing March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
- HB 3727 by Patterson relates to the grant program in which certain railroad grade separation projects
- At medical educational programs for the Committee on Higher Education.
- HB 3849 by KAA is relating to program categories and the unified Transportation Program for the subcommittee
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 5/5/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- program to the tune of $1.8 million. program to the tune of $1.8 million.
- Um, I'm not aware of a database, something like that. systemically from all public programs as systemically
- Is there a program here?
- Is there a program here?
- Is there a program this happening right? Is there a program here?
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jun 26th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- What is the program? What is the name of that program?
- City Representative: ...jobs program.
- That's the McKinney-Vento program.
- So, I'm aware of that effort. I'm not aware of more.
- When we brought all these programs together, there's capacity issues in these programs.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- the CHIP program, the childhood program the CHIP program, the childhood program and<00:04:54.080
- The good news is New Hampshire DES has been aware of this problem for years and has developed programs
- DES is very good at doing these kinds of grant programs, as you may, your communities may be aware.
- DES is very good at doing these kinds of grant programs, as your communities may be aware.
- DES is very good at doing these kinds of grant programs, as your communities may be aware.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It establishes a grant program for the critical infrastructure mapping grant program, very similar to
- It establishes a grant program for the critical infrastructure mapping grant program, very similar to
- Even if we ran it as a pilot program...
- On the budget, on a new government program.
- , and other self-betterment programs.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners.
For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- in that area and just bring awareness. in that area and just bring awareness.
- So um he was down there awareness.
- And then, moving forward outside of our challenge grant program, we hope to bring awareness to ag tech
- So when challenge grant program.
- program. Uh include facility expansions. program. Uh include facility expansions.
Summary:
The committee met and approved the August 21, 2025 minutes. The main presentation came from Brandon Reid of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, who reported that implementation of the Kentucky Agriculture Economic Development Board created by Senate Bill 28 and House Joint Resolution 31 is ahead of schedule. He said the board has been appointed and has met several times, has adopted guidelines and an application process, and has launched its application on the KDA website. He also noted new staffing, including a project manager, and said the office is already working on projects, though some are confidential because of coordination with the Economic Development Cabinet and nondisclosure agreements. Members praised the effort and emphasized the importance of having agriculture represented in economic development work. Reid also described ongoing outreach by Commissioner Jonathan Shell, including farmer appreciation and classroom visits across the state.
The committee then heard from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. executive director Jacob Ball about the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp., a public-private partnership involving Lexington-Fayette, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky, and Altech. They said the organization aims to make Kentucky a national and international hub for ag tech, and that it has already awarded challenge grants to startups. Ball explained that the program focuses on animal protein, nutrition, sustainability, mid-size farm solutions, and Kentucky traditions such as distilling and equine. He reported that two rounds of grants have totaled $925,000, with the first round’s seven companies leveraging that into nearly $7 million in follow-on investment, supporting 56.5 Kentucky jobs and creating more than a dozen new jobs. The presentation also highlighted statewide outreach, including applications and engagement from counties across Kentucky, and the goal of expanding participation in eastern Kentucky.
Members expressed support for both initiatives and discussed the value of agriculture-specific expertise in economic development. Reid said the Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Cabinet maintain regular communication and that the new board gives agriculture a seat at the table for future site and industry recruitment efforts. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Resolution 112 by Senator Niello, relative to Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week.
- As policymakers, we must continue to support victims and assist with these programs and community-based
- Manager Amy DeVoll, Client Services Supervisor Dave Crop, program coordinators Zella Mirieta, and Odalis
- Senate Resolution 112 by Senator Niello, relative to Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week.
- By declaring this week as FAP Awareness Week, we acknowledge a commitment to encouraging Californians
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several birthdays and guests. The body then handled procedural motions, including a successful motion to advance measures reported by the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and to adopt authors’ amendments, both on 28-8 votes. AB 28 and AB 2539 were moved to the inactive file at the request of the authors. The Senate also confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Maggie Hallahan to the Bodina Waterways Commission and Kansasaki to the Building Standards Commission, both by unanimous roll call.
On third reading, the Senate adopted SR 112, designating June 14-20 as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week, with remarks emphasizing the importance of family health history, early screening, and cancer prevention. The chamber also adopted SCR 181, declaring June 10 Family Justice Center Day in California; supporters described Family Justice Centers as trauma-informed, wraparound service hubs for survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking, and several members and advocates from the California Family Justice Center Network were introduced in the gallery. The Senate then debated and passed SJR 18, a resolution opposing Citizens United and urging limits on corporate and dark-money spending in elections. Supporters argued that unlimited political spending undermines democracy and transparency, while opponents raised concerns about unions, nonprofit advocacy, and the need for broader campaign finance reform; the resolution passed 28-8.
The consent calendar and special consent calendar were adopted without objection, with item 93 receiving a 35-0 vote and the remaining consent items passing unanimously. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Mazzola, Sr., a longtime San Francisco labor leader; Steve Zaley, a longtime county and state public servant; and James J. McClain Sr., a retired Air Force master sergeant and postal worker. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Apr 16, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 45
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Cali Bolosan joining us, and Hope Fuentes, those are two interns with the legislative internship program
- and<00:13:36.760>
then <00:13:36.920>also <00:13:37.200>Kelsey internship program - , and then also Kelsey internship program, and then also Kelsey Floyd,<00:13:38.360>
and <00:13 - join us tomorrow morning at 9:00 to join Goals Hawaii and Mothers Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness
- Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness on<00:22:04.320
Keywords:
affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 4/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Something that we're aware of, but I think we need to more uh focus on the fact that we have a looming
- Something that we're aware of, but I think we need to more uh focus on the fact that we have a looming
- something definite level at that point. something that<00:03:42.959>
we're <00:03:43.120>aware - of, but I think we need that we're aware of, but I think we need to<00:03:44.640>
more <00:03: - And will you have to come back programs?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/01/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This program has fostered goodwill, deepened the awareness of Ukraine's resilience, and highlighted the
- This program has fostered goodwill, deepened the awareness of Ukraine's resilience, and highlighted the
- This program has fostered goodwill, deepened the awareness of Ukraine's resilience, and highlighted the
- This program has fostered goodwill, deepened the awareness of Ukraine's resilience, and highlighted the
- This program is master contract program.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's different characteristics of the two programs. And, well, thank you. Yes, thank you.
- One is an enrollment dashboard where they can look and see how many children are enrolled in programs
- So I wanted to make you all aware of that in case you've got any calls about. ...system as well.
- But yes, ma'am, we are aware of it and looking into it. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you.
- But again, that PDG programs off the ground really going strong.
Summary:
The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard a presentation from Maddie San Juan of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas on the report “Holding It All Together: Working Moms and Child Care in Arkansas.” She said the research found Arkansas moms are working and want to work, but face major barriers from inflexible schedules, high child care costs, and the mental load of balancing work and caregiving. The report cited survey and focus group findings showing most mothers want full-time work, with flexibility as the top requested workplace support. It also highlighted that child care costs can consume a large share of family income, with one infant care averaging about $8,900 annually and infant-plus-toddler care about $17,500. She also discussed paid leave, noting many mothers returned to work before six weeks after birth, and shared a personal story from a working mom in Monticello to illustrate the strain families face. Committee members asked about labor force data, flexibility examples, child care voucher changes, and whether state or employer policies could help. San Juan also referenced partnerships with Excel by 8 and business leaders to address child care as both a family and economic development issue.
The committee then received an update from the Department of Education’s Office of Early Childhood on several administrative issues. Officials said new internal dashboards had gone live to improve transparency and data tracking for school readiness assistance, including enrollment, applications, and provider participation. They also said the state is continuing the CLASS transition and expects to release transition funding to providers soon, while emphasizing that OEP awards based on CLASS scores are separate from OEC’s work. They warned providers that a system transition from ACE to a new platform will likely delay payments from June 30 through about July 13, with payments owed during that period to be processed once the system is back online. Members also asked about Head Start audit requirements, market rate survey work, and an overpayment case involving a child care center that is under appeal.
Additional updates covered early childhood special education funding, with one member raising concerns that inflation has eroded the value of the funds and that rural areas need more early intervention support. Department officials said they would follow up with special education staff to review funding sources and needs. They also discussed the upcoming QRIS work, including a June 23 webinar, and said the local lead network has been recompeted and will consist of 23 local leads covering all counties starting July 1. Officials said the local leads’ job duties remain the same, and that a new stakeholder group has been formed to provide ongoing feedback on PDG and broader early childhood issues. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Firearms have no programs on campus.
- um, uh, state cannabis medical programs. um, uh, state cannabis medical programs.
- Um, and so it basically uh program.
- therapeutic cannabis program. therapeutic cannabis program.
- for your therapeutic cannabis program for your therapeutic cannabis program because<04:10:15.439
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that the Florida Field Infusion and Resuscitation Supply program is an unbelievable program.
- a little bit about that program.
- Madam Secretary, we've dealt with the Kids Care program.
- I ran the ADAP program from 1993 to 2005 myself with the Ryan White program and an incredible team of
- I ran the ADAP program from 1993 to 2005 myself with the Ryan White program and an incredible team of
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year.
AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment.
Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 12 (1-22-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, what happens under this program? A young person will go into this program.
- Very good program.
- with the program in the high school, and they enter this program at the college.
- And this program is called Grow Your Own. And that's what the program does.
- costbenefit analysis on the program. costbenefit analysis on the program.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34.
The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We'd protection programs independently.
- receive to participate in the program receive to participate in the program and<01:09:32.159>
- appropriates funds for the program. appropriates funds for the program.
- So, this bill is aiming to program.
- <01:23:07.840>
a <01:23:08.000>few um your aware make you aware of a few um your aware
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance.
County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing.
Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.