Video & Transcript : 'citizenship status' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census May 4th, 2026
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- If you could, people online, could you text the status of what they can see? We can.
- interviews in my book suggest that policymakers struggle mightily to maintain a nonpartisan issue status
- status, and this was perhaps in response to the decision, which I forget how it happened, not to include
- a citizenship question.
- Which I forget how it happened, not to include a citizenship question? Correct.
Committee:
Senate Senate Committee on the Census
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (3-25-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- status.
- status.
- </c> database um to check for citizenship database um to check for citizenship status.<00:13:22.960><
- 23.320><c> we</c><00:13:23.440><c> know</c><00:13:23.839><c> about</c><00:13:24.720><c> false</c> status
- What do we know about false status.
Committee:
Senate State & Local Government
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 23rd, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- I realize that we have had some change within the agency, and so just to get a little status report on
- I think that my conversation with the rep is that it's status quo. Everything goes on as is.
- status on driver's licenses and state identification cards of the cardholders.
- lawful status in the United States if you're not a citizen.
- I understand the eagle with the citizenship, but help me understand.
Bills:
HB372 , HB582 , HB593 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB762 , HB781 , HB845 , HB882
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee heard an update from Office of Motor Vehicles leadership, who said the agency had achieved efficiencies, was operating in the black, had improved employee morale and staffing, and expected to begin testing the driver’s license portion of its modernization project in September. Members then took up several OMV-related bills.
HB 781, creating a fleet vehicle registration program, was amended to delay implementation until January 1, 2028 or until the OMV registration system is updated, and was reported with amendments. HB 712, which waives OMV fees for driver’s licenses and state IDs for homeless persons who meet eligibility requirements, drew support from homelessness advocates and some members who said it would remove a barrier to work, safety, and housing; concerns were raised about verification and workload, but the bill was amended to require the department to waive fees and to require proof of homeless status, then reported by a recorded vote. HB 372, requiring OMV public education on roundabouts, was discussed as a safety and awareness measure, but the author agreed to voluntarily defer it in favor of pursuing a resolution or other approach.
The committee also advanced HB 746 on oversized trucking permits after amendments clarified a one-year moratorium on new local permit requirements while preserving existing permits, and HB 732, which would allow the OMV commissioner to waive or reduce certain fees in humanitarian cases such as hospice, was reported favorably. HB 722, providing for automatic reinstatement of driver’s licenses after payment of fees and fines except for DUI-related suspensions, was amended and reported with amendments. HB 593, increasing the maximum local service fee for certain OMV field offices, prompted debate over costs to motorists and local control; an amendment exempted Shreveport, and the bill was reported with amendments by a 9-5 vote. HB 613, adding an eagle image to indicate U.S. citizenship on licenses and IDs, was amended and reported with a recorded 8-5 vote after members questioned its practical effect and recognition outside Louisiana. The committee also heard HB 582 and HB 762 on insurance lapse fees and debt recovery, with HB 582 reported favorably after the author agreed to work with another member on a similar bill, while HB 762 was discussed as a way to avoid adding a 15% Office of Debt Recovery fee to OMV-related debts.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- What this bill would do is actually protect Idaho's economy and its workers by verifying legal status
- Verifying the status of each person that applies to their business is the right thing to do.
- Through birth citizenship. Mr. Speaker, I object.
- We are a nation of culture, laws, people who care about our citizenship.
- There is a process to apply for citizenship. It can be used.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- status.
- status.
- The new provisions in the amendment relate broadly to the citizenship or residency status of parties
- So it requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence. You're recognized. Thank you.
- Our country should not serve as the tourist destination with your child with U.S. citizenship.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings.
The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably.
The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session B Jan 28th, 2025
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a new day in Washington, and citizenship matters.
- Whose immigration status exactly is it that we want to share?
- Someone has birthright citizenship.
- So you're just taking into consideration immigration status.
- Education changes your financial status. It stops generational poverty.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar.
The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement.
A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- If they have some sort of status they can work.”
- status.
- In the FAFSA application, does it ask for citizenship status?
- It does ask for citizen status. Do you want to elaborate on that? Okay. Yes.
- also asks for your parents' information and their citizenship status.
Summary:
The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee.
The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations.
AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Feb 25th, 2026
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- , national status, or eligible immigration status using documents already recognized by the Department
- Do people lose their citizenship in our country?
- Missouri is already required to verify immigration status for those programs.
- They would have to re-show documentary proof of their citizenship.
- For Medicaid, we do require that we verify citizenship or non-citizenship for every person that applies
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing.
The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation.
The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/04/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- so there are important citizenship so there are important levels<00:11:24.200><c> of</c><00:11:24.480
- status, but not any of your underlying documentation or information.
- The DMV has a system where essentially they can make available to users what citizenship status is without
- The DMV has a system where essentially they can make available to users what citizenship status is without
- Because once you know that, then according to law they do not have to prove citizenship.
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- income property; SB 1050, veterans lifetime state park pass; SB 1051, hospitals patient immigration status
- SB 1051, hospitals, patient immigration status reporting; SB 1052, assisted living, hyperbaric oxygen
- Quinn Memorial Highway; SCM 1003, campaign finance, state authority; SCR 1001, citizenship identification
- SCR 1001, citizenship identification contribution early voting; SCR 1002, campaign finance aggregate
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- a law or policy that targets an emergency responder based on that emergency responder's protected status
- , which includes immigration or citizenship status.
- to limit the request for and disclosure of information about an emergency responder's immigration status
- , citizenship status, or place of birth.
- , citizenship status, or place of birth.
Summary:
The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1170, which would require disclosures when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence and address provenance tools and enforcement. Staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments. The committee rejected amendments that would have applied the bill to public entities and tribal nations, added technical-and-commercial-feasibility language, and created a geo-blocking provision or a right to cure. It adopted amendments allowing comparable existing detection tools to satisfy the bill, protecting covered providers from liability when disclosures are unintentionally altered despite reasonable preservation measures, and setting a January 1, 2028 effective date. Members then debated whether the bill was ready for enactment, with supporters emphasizing transparency and consumer trust and opponents warning it was premature and could hinder innovation. The committee voted 7-4, with two excused, to report the bill out of committee with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then heard House Bill 2186, which would expand state support for applicants seeking federal economic development funds, create a matching-funds account, and require a study of available federal grants. The prime sponsor said the bill would help Washington capture more federal dollars, especially for projects that require matching funds, and would expand the Fund Hub WA website beyond environmental grants. Testimony in support came from the Port of Seattle, the Washington Economic Development Association, the City of Pasco, a downtown Kennewick nonprofit, and the Department of Commerce, all saying the bill would improve competitiveness, help underserved communities, and leverage state dollars for larger federal returns. Commerce said it was still developing the fiscal note and technical edits. The hearing on HB 2186 was then closed.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2351, which would protect emergency responders and emergency response operations. Staff explained that the bill would bar local governments and incident command systems from assisting enforcement actions targeting emergency responders based on protected status, create emergency operation zones with restrictions on law enforcement activity, and change the obstruction statute to cover obstruction of emergency responders. The prime sponsor and many local officials, firefighters, and advocates testified in support, citing incidents where federal enforcement actions disrupted wildfire response and other emergencies. Some witnesses raised concerns about administrative burden, ambiguity, and possible unintended consequences, including a proposed mental-health defense and clarification of responder identification. The Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Association of Washington Cities said they supported the goal but wanted changes to avoid conflicts and reduce burdens. The hearing concluded without a vote.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- You're saying you prove their citizenship— Voting, you're saying you prove their citizenship, and how
- We are not doing anything to prove citizenship per se.
- So I don't know what goes beyond for the citizenship verification.
- They have to prove citizenship, which could be difficult without any... ...citizenship, which could be
- They have to prove citizenship, which could be difficult without any. citizenship which could be difficult
Bills:
SB1059 , SB1209 , SB1273 , SB1332 , SB1452 , SB1456 , SB1549 , SB1552 , SB1818 , SB1826 , SB1827
Committee:
House Transportation & Infrastructure
Keywords:
appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, nonoperating identification, homeless exemption, veterans, emancipated minors, Arizona Department of Transportation, transportation, infrastructure, pavement rehabilitation, funding, Arizona, SB1332, light rail, light rail expansion, Maricopa County, Phoenix
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 100 Apr 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their participation today will help fulfill requirements for their citizenship in the community and citizenship
- in the community and citizenship in the community and citizenship<00:47:18.760><c> and</c><00:47:18.920
- ><c> nation</c><00:47:19.359><c> merit</c><00:47:19.680><c> badges,</c> citizenship and nation merit
- We cannot allow the status quo to continue.
- the status quo to continue<01:04:12.280><c> and</c><01:04:13.200><c> I</c><01:04:13.320><c> know</c>
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- You're saying you prove their citizenship... ...you're saying you prove their citizenship, and how do
- We are not doing anything to prove citizenship per se.
- So I don't know what goes beyond for the citizenship verification.
- The citizenship was tied to the fee.
- They have to prove citizenship, which could be difficult without any... Chair.
Summary:
The committee heard several transportation-related appropriation and policy bills. SB 1273 would appropriate $14 million in FY2027 for pavement rehabilitation of Olga Frontage Road between Bowie and San Simon; after brief discussion about the road’s length and whether it was on a rural transportation priority list, the bill was reported out 3-2 with a do pass recommendation. SB 1452 would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s office, modeled on the retail theft task force, with reporting and investigative duties; Tony Bradley of the Arizona Trucking Association testified in support, describing cargo theft as a growing, sophisticated problem and noting the funding would come from the consumer fraud protection fund rather than the general fund. The committee adopted an amendment making the task force subject to appropriations and then passed the bill 5-0.
The committee also considered SB 1332, which would require the Auditor General and an independent transportation research entity to study Maricopa County light rail expansion and compare it with other transit technologies. Senator Kavanaugh argued the study was needed before committing billions more to light rail and said the governor’s office was open to the concept. Supporters, including local business owners, said the study would provide needed transparency and reflect concerns about business impacts and changing transportation options. Opponents, including Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix, and transit advocates, argued the state should not second-guess locally approved transit plans and pointed to existing studies, ridership, and economic development along light rail corridors. The bill passed 4-3.
SB 1059 appropriates $9.2 million for an additional right-turn lane at State Route 87 and State Route 260, and Senator Wendy Rogers used the hearing to describe several rural road projects she and Representative Blackman were pursuing, emphasizing safety, congestion, and local requests from mayors and councils. Members broadly supported the need for rural infrastructure, and the bill was reported out unanimously. The committee then took up SB 1209, which would exempt homeless individuals and others without a residence address from non-operating ID fees if they prove U.S. citizenship. Testimony from the Homeless ID Project and ADOT focused on how IDs help people obtain work and services, how citizenship and authorized presence are verified, and whether the amendment would create operational or fiscal issues; the discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown for that bill.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- of citizenship for documented proof of citizenship for registration registration registration and<00
- <00:28:27.880><c> um</c> citizenship um citizenship um so<00:28:29.679><c> that</c><00:28:29.880><c>
- </c><00:31:00.320><c> in</c> voters to self- attest citizenship in voters to self- attest citizenship
- </c> require it's this aspect of citizenship require it's this aspect of citizenship you<00:34:41.839
- </c><01:19:03.360><c> then</c> voters to prove their citizenship then voters to prove their citizenship
Committee:
House Election Law
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Feb 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And I hope that we can continue expanding to additional folks, regardless of immigration status.
- and what can be done with their current status.
- So, quickly to close out in terms of our status of the pilot implementation.
- Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency, also known as USCIS, which may include an interview.
- or lawful status.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - State Gov Elections and Indian Affairs Feb 11th, 2026 at 08:41 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we have found that this... ...of citizens that hold a unique political status.
- Under federal law, if you're a federally recognized tribe, you have dual citizenship.
- That's what we're recognizing as dual citizenship.
- I know that I said there's dual citizen—actually triple citizenship.
- But they hold this status.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass.
The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration.
House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes.
The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> identity, citizenship, doicile, and age. identity, citizenship, doicile, and age. Okay?
- ,</c> need to prove all four age, citizenship, need to prove all four age, citizenship, uh<04:09:56.080
- It must not depend on your disability status.
- It must not depend on your disability status.
- This bill would not disability status.
Committee:
House Election Law
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill enforces those status.
- The sentence will read: inquire about the citizenship or immigration status of an individual except as
- The sentence will read: inquire about the citizenship or immigration status of an individual except as
- </c><02:30:26.080><c> status</c><02:30:27.120><c> except</c> immigration or citizenship status except
- immigration or citizenship status except as<02:30:27.680><c> required</c><02:30:28.000><c> by</c><02
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1768, which would prohibit state and county law enforcement agencies and officials from entering into federal immigration-enforcement agreements under 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) and from assisting in certain immigration enforcement actions except in limited circumstances. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi all testified in strong support, arguing the bill would protect due process, reduce fear in immigrant communities, preserve trust in local police, and keep local resources focused on public safety. Testifiers said cooperation with immigration enforcement can chill court attendance, crime reporting, and cooperation with police, and they emphasized that the bill would not stop federal enforcement or affect other deputization agreements for environmental or other criminal matters. Committee members asked whether any 287(g) agreements currently exist in Hawaiʻi; testifiers said they were unaware of any and believed the bill would maintain the status quo. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up House Bill 1548, which would reduce the maximum sentence for misdemeanors from one year to 364 days and allow people previously sentenced to one year to seek sentence modification. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and the William S. Richardson School of Law immigration clinic all supported the measure, saying the one-day change could prevent severe immigration consequences such as detention, removal, and bars to relief that can be triggered by a sentence of 365 days or more. Testifiers stressed that the bill would not change criminal liability or public safety, but would align Hawaiʻi law with similar reforms adopted in other states. Members questioned whether the change would affect citizens or create an automatic immigration process; witnesses responded that the issue is the federal immigration consequence tied to the maximum sentence, not actual time served, and that citizens would not face that consequence. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 1548, with no final vote shown.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Since that time, the plan's funded status has continued to grow due to investment returns.
- So we will have to await a decision on the change in the status of the program, right?
- With a proposed improvement, that funding level At 110% funded status.
- This bill seeks to protect them due to their status and the stress that comes with their status on top
- This bill seeks to protect them due to their status and the stress that comes with their status on top
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
Keywords:
collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, electric transmission, energy policies, infrastructure, regulatory framework, transmission systems, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response