Video & Transcript : 'Republican' :
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DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 30th, 2026
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- force to be reckoned with during a time when you had very collegial workings between Democrats and Republicans
Committee:
House Administration
Summary:
The House Administration Committee met with a quorum present and considered four Senate bills. SB 314 updated Delaware’s rape shield law governing criminal proceedings and evidence; the sponsor said it was developed collaboratively by the Department of Justice and the Office of Defense Services, and there was no public comment. SB 347 made technical corrections to the Medical Debt Protection Act; the Delaware Health Care Association thanked sponsors for early collaboration, and there was no virtual comment. SB 349 named the Millsboro Bypass the Senator Richard S. Cordrey Bypass in honor of Senator Cordrey’s service; Senator Petty Jodget spoke in support, and the bill was released. SB 345 would prevent minors involved in trafficking-related prostitution offenses from being tried for prostitution; there was no public comment, and it was also released.
For each bill, the committee took a motion to release and approved it by roll call vote. SB 314, SB 347, SB 349, and SB 345 all received unanimous support from the members present, with Speaker Minor-Brown absent for the first two votes and present for the latter two. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- But when I called down, I got the House Republican office, the House majority office, and I said, 'Oh
- Oh, wait, that is a Republican office. But thank you.
- ><00:25:06.320><c> got</c><00:25:06.560><c> the</c><00:25:07.080><c> House</c><00:25:07.400><c> Republican
- </c><00:25:08.040><c> office</c> down, I got the House Republican office down, I got the House Republican
- ,</c><00:25:13.120><c> that</c><00:25:13.320><c> is</c><00:25:13.440><c> a</c><00:25:13.520><c> Republican
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House DFL school safety proposal fails committee vote 4/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- And they've not just been Democrat ideas or Republican ideas.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important.
Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments.
Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill passed the House unanimous, with the exception of two Republicans who voted no.
- Yes, maybe not the specific ballot issue that's up, but we all know that Republican legislators are very
- We worked with, this was not just a Republican stakeholder meeting. We had libertarians involved.
- We know whether there's a Republican running the executive branch or a Democrat running the executive
- information from local government and from other levels of government we know whether there's a republican
Bills:
HB2015 , HB2060 , HB2062 , HB2100 , HB2118 , HB2165 , HB2258 , HB2327 , HB2397 , HB2445 , HB2460 , HB2641 , HB2745 , HB2876 , HB2917 , HB4011 , HB4049 , HB4056 , HB4087 , HCR2013 , HCR2016 , HCR2040 , HCR2044 , HCR2048 , HCR2056
Committee:
Senate Government
Keywords:
budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, Buffalo Soldiers, monument, commemoration, Arizona, public funding, Wesley Bolin Plaza, military history, historical memorial, small land subdivision, land use
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me go ahead and start off with saying that Republicans don't own Christianity.
- But the point is, this is for all of us, Democrats, Republicans, seniors, juniors, sophomores, or freshmen
- Daley, if it was good enough for all of us, I mean, they're Republicans I can name.
- I mean, they're Republicans that I can name.
- And I've heard Democrats and Republicans alike celebrate that good policy.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me go ahead and start off with saying that Republicans don't own Christianity.
- But the point is, this is for all of us—Democrats, Republicans, seniors, juniors, sophomores, or freshmen
- Daley, if it was good enough for all of us, I mean, there are Republicans I can name.
- I mean, there are Republicans that I can name.
- And I've heard Democrats and Republicans alike celebrate that good policy.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1.
The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members.
In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We all, both Democrats and Republicans, should be encouraging students to take part in the democratic
- I don't care whether you're Democrat or Republican.
- It said the Republican National Lawyers Association has poll watchers in every election since 2024.
- So the Republicans never found that any of these folks were fraudulent. ...and signatures.
- So the Republicans never found that any of these folks were fraudulent, and they did not know what the
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and featured a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a newly awarded PhD, and the day’s doctor. The chamber also adopted a Senate resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. After routine business, the Senate moved to special order bills.
The first measures taken up were CS/SB 68 on health care patient protection, which required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, readiness assessments, and a designated pediatric coordinator; it passed 36-0. CS/SB 350 on public records, protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the names of law enforcement officers who are victims in the line of duty, passed 33-4 after questions about access for victims’ attorneys. CS/SB 576 on local government cybersecurity established a state-administered cybersecurity protection program for local governments, prioritized rural and fiscally constrained communities, and was amended before passing 37-0. CS/SB 532 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and incorporating related provisions on legal notices, traffic citation distributions, and municipal fee splits, passed 38-0. CS/SB 696 on trademark registration modernized the filing system and passed 38-0. CS/SB 698 on septic system permits, addressing permit delays and aligning House and Senate language on liability if construction begins early, also passed 38-0.
The longest debate centered on CS/SB 1334 / CS/HB 991 on elections and election integrity. The bill would use REAL ID data to verify citizenship for voter registration and list maintenance, revise candidate-qualification rules, change acceptable voter IDs, add citizenship markers to driver licenses and ID cards by July 1, 2027, and make other election-administration changes. Multiple amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to allow attestations in lieu of documentation, exempt seniors, require human review over automated systems, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, and delay implementation to July 1, 2027. One amendment was adopted to retain a stock-trading disclosure for candidates. The chamber then continued debate on the underlying bill, with supporters citing state reports of non-citizen registrations/voting and opponents warning of disenfranchisement for students, seniors, and others who may lack the required documents.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We all, both Democrats and Republicans, should be encouraging students to take part in the democratic
- I don't care whether you're Democrat or Republican.
- It said the Republican National Lawyers Association has poll watchers in every election since 2024.
- So the Republicans never found that any of these folks were fraudulent... ...and signatures.
- So the Republicans never found that any of these folks were fraudulent, and they did not know what the
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public safety officials, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up several bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others substituted with House companions before final passage. No committee reports, governor messages, or House messages were on the desk at the start of the regular order of business.
The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, training, pediatric equipment, a designated pediatric emergency care coordinator, and participation in the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senators also passed CS/CS/HB 1113 on public records, clarifying confidentiality protections for victims and for law enforcement officers who become victims in the course of duty, though that bill drew questions about access to information in misconduct cases and received four no votes. The Senate then passed CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a Florida Digital Service-administered program to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and grants, with amendments shifting the grant-award deadline and rejecting House differences such as locating the program at USF and adding a sunset date.
The chamber also passed CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above Article V projections and revising related fee distributions, despite concerns from some senators and municipalities about revenue shifts. Additional bills passed included CS/CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration, and CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, which addresses long permit delays and clarifies liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. Several other bills were taken up, including elections legislation (SB 1334/HB 991) that generated extensive debate and multiple failed amendments on voter ID, citizenship verification, student and senior IDs, and implementation timing; the transcript ends while that bill is still under consideration, after the Senate adopted one amendment and rejected several others.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- because that's the frustration that we have seen with um and I both sides um not just our on the Republican
- because that's the frustration that we have seen with um and I both sides um not just our on the Republican
- because that's the frustration that we have seen with um and I both sides um not just our on the Republican
- ><c> but</c><01:09:35.279><c> making</c><01:09:35.759><c> sure</c><01:09:36.159><c> dollars</c> Republican
- side but making sure dollars Republican side but making sure dollars are<01:09:36.799><c> getting</c
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Because antitrust enforcement is something that is core to a free and fair economy, something both Republicans
- History shows that Democrats and Republicans have come together on this issue.
- Because antitrust enforcement is something that is core to a free and fair economy, something both Republicans
- History shows that Democrats and Republicans have come together on this issue.
- History shows that Democrats and Republicans have come together on this issue.
Summary:
The committee met as a subcommittee without quorum at first, then later established quorum and continued hearing several bills. SB 27, the annual CARE Court cleanup bill, would require courts to consider CARE referral for certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial, combine some hearings, allow limited data sharing among licensed medical professionals, and expand eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would clarify the meaning of “clinically stabilized,” streamline the process, and help more severely ill people receive treatment; opponents argued it would expand CARE Court too broadly, strain county resources, and divert attention from housing and voluntary services. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call.
SB 82, dealing with so-called “infinite arbitration clauses,” would limit consumer contract arbitration provisions to disputes arising from the product or service actually purchased. The author and supporters said the bill would stop companies from forcing arbitration in unrelated claims and would not ban arbitration itself. Opponents from business and banking groups argued the language was too restrictive, could create litigation over related transactions, and should be clarified as prospective only. The committee approved the bill and placed it on call after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard two reparations-related bills. SB 437 would direct CSU to develop a genealogical methodology and framework for verifying descendants of enslaved people, with oversight, reporting, and guardrails tied to recently allocated state funding. Supporters said the bill would create a fair, evidence-based process; opponents, including professional genealogists and reparations advocates, argued the work is already well understood, the bill is unnecessary, and it could delay action. SB 518 would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, with divisions for genealogy, property reclamation, outreach, and legal affairs. Supporters framed it as needed infrastructure to implement reparations recommendations; opponents objected to locating it in the Department of Justice, warned about data privacy and law enforcement control, and criticized the inclusion of broader communities. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 52, the End AI Rent Hikes Act, which would prohibit the use of algorithms to collude on and artificially inflate rental prices; the author and supporters described it as a response to AI-assisted rent fixing in California’s housing market.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee membership is no longer tied, and with a two-seat majority on every committee, Republicans
- I know that this rule was in place in Republican and Democrat administrations of this House majority.
- I know that this rule was in place in Republican and Democrat administrations of this House majority.
- <00:59:39.920><c> and</c><00:59:40.160><c> Democrat</c><00:59:40.720><c> administrations</c> Republican
- and Democrat administrations Republican and Democrat administrations of<00:59:41.920><c> this</c><00
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you to the amazing staff, both of the committee and the Republican caucus, who worked together
- So I come from more of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, and I am a hawk when it comes to
- We're lawmakers who are parents trying to figure this out before we're Democrats and Republicans.
- I heard my colleague say earlier that he represents the libertarian wing of the Republican Party.
- means anymore when you're caping for big surveillance, and then you're talking... ...wing of the Republican
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda.
The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups.
Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-04-14
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is the Republicans in Congress pushing this down onto you, making you do their dirty work.
- So this is the Republicans in Congress pushing this down onto you, making you do their dirty work.
- So this is the Republicans in Congress pushing this down onto you, making you do their dirty work.
- So this is the Republicans in Congress pushing this down onto you, making you do their dirty work.
- So this is the Republicans in Congress pushing this down onto you, making you do their dirty work.
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
foster care, ombudsperson, investigative powers, children's rights, complaint process, HF4428, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, community engagement, work requirement, work mandate, employment requirement, community service, 80 hours, half-time student, income threshold, federal minimum wage, eligibility verification, benefit suspension, benefit termination
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- States across the political spectrum, Republican and Democrat, are already putting guardrails in place
- c> and</c><00:19:03.040><c> Democrat,</c><00:19:03.640><c> are</c><00:19:03.840><c> already</c> Republican
- and Democrat, are already Republican and Democrat, are already putting<00:19:04.400><c> guardrails</
- So I work with Republicans and lines.
- So I work with Republicans and independents<01:31:18.480><c> and</c><01:31:18.600><c> other</c><01:31
Committee:
Senate Labor
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Marquart was the chair in the House and I think that Chamberlain was the Senate chair, a Republican
- Chair Marquart was the chair in the House and I think that Chamberlain was the Senate chair, a Republican
- Chair Marquart was the chair in the House and I think that Chamberlain was the Senate chair, a Republican
- Chair Marquart was the chair in the House and I think that Chamberlain was the Senate chair, a Republican
- Chair Marquart was the chair in the House and I think that Chamberlain was the Senate chair, a Republican
Committee:
House Taxes
Keywords:
homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill in the country passed in Utah last year unanimously, led by a Republican, and there are
- The first bill in the country passed in Utah last year unanimously, led by a Republican, and there are
- Plug-in solar bills across the country have been able to pass with bipartisan support, even Republican
- Plug-in solar bills across the country have been able to pass with bipartisan support, even Republican
- Plug-in solar bills across the country have been able to pass with bipartisan support, even Republican
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
Keywords:
virtual power plant, VPP, distributed energy resources, DER, demand response, load management, grid modernization, peak demand, peak shaving, battery storage, energy storage, solar photovoltaic, solar panels, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, heat pumps, aggregator, public utilities commission, PUC, rate recovery
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Meanwhile, 29 Democrat and Republican states have lowered their tax rates, making Minnesota even more
- 00:08:48.519><c> 29</c><00:08:49.160><c> Democrat</c><00:08:49.600><c> and</c><00:08:49.760><c> Republican
- </c> meanwhile 29 Democrat and Republican meanwhile 29 Democrat and Republican states<00:08:50.680><c
- c> voted</c><00:53:18.599><c> for</c><00:53:18.799><c> this</c><00:53:18.960><c> and</c> single Republican
- voted for this and single Republican voted for this and when<00:53:19.240><c> you</c><00:53:19.480><
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/20/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we have forces and you can say they're Republican, you can say they're Democrat, whatever you want
- Now we have forces and you can say they're Republican, you can say they're Democrat, whatever you want
- Now we have forces and you can say they're Republican, you can say they're Democrat, whatever you want
- Next week, um, we are scheduled for 9:15 to allow the Republicans to practice in my office.
- </c> Republicans to practice in my office. Republicans to practice in my office.
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- of the day, it really is a public safety matter, and we came together in Alabama, Democrats and Republicans
- :08:00.639><c> uh</c><00:08:00.960><c> leadership</c><00:08:01.440><c> and</c><00:08:01.840><c> Republican
- </c> other uh leadership and Republican other uh leadership and Republican members<00:08:03.440><c> uh
- , uh to pass this and and Republicans, uh to pass this and and enhance<00:09:32.000><c> community</c>
- I think in the process, my Republican colleagues and even to me, as the state got an idea of what in
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:07
26RS BR 8 - AN ACT relating to machine gun conversion devices: 00:01:33
Department of Public Advocacy Update: 00:51:33
26RS BR 126 - AN ACT relating to boating under the influence: 01:23:46
26RS BR 60 - AN ACT relating to grooming: 01:33:23, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 29 minutes, and then heard testimony on a bill relating to machine gun conversion devices, often described as Glock switches or auto sears. Representative Jason Nemis presented the bill with Louisville police Chief Paul Humphrey and Lt. Drew Fox, arguing the measure would mirror existing federal law, make possession of these devices unlawful under Kentucky law, and give state and local law enforcement authority to seize and prosecute them without relying solely on federal agencies. They said the devices are small aftermarket or 3D-printed parts that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons and emphasized that the bill would not affect lawful gun ownership.
The presenters cited rising seizures and public-safety concerns, saying LMPD and Jefferson County seizures increased sharply from 2023 to 2024 and that the average age of possession had dropped. They argued the devices are used offensively, are inaccurate and dangerous, and have been linked to violent crime. Two Alabama legislators, Representatives Philip Ensler and Russell Bedsole, testified in support based on Alabama’s recent enactment of a similar law. They said local police and prosecutors there had been unable to act effectively because the devices were handled mainly by federal authorities, and they described bipartisan support, immediate enactment, and reported confiscations after passage.
Members asked about the bill’s penalty level, the source and manufacture of the devices, the scope of the definition of “conversion device,” and whether the bill could create constitutional problems given ongoing federal litigation over machine gun restrictions. The sponsors said the penalty would be a Class C felony and that the bill was intended to cover only the device attached to the firearm, not tools like 3D printers. They acknowledged that if federal machine gun laws were ultimately struck down, the state law would also be unenforceable. Some members supported the bill as common-sense public safety legislation, while Representative Roberts opposed it on Second Amendment grounds, arguing Kentucky should focus on expanding gun rights rather than adding restrictions already covered by federal law.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/JHA Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Next we have Jamie Detweiler, Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, on Zoom.
- Jamie Detweiler, Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, on Zoom.
- The Hawaiian Islands Republican Women stand in strong opposition to this bill, HB 438 HD1.
- </c> Jamie Detweiler Wan Island's Republican Jamie Detweiler Wan Island's Republican women<00:51:05.559
- women stand in strong Islands Republican women stand in strong opposition<00:51:15.400><c> to</c><00
Summary:
The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban.
After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations.
The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt.
The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.