Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 05/05/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd just like to make a comment that I support this bill, and I think it's incredibly useful to study
- This bill is being reported to our Disabilities Committee, but let me have a readout of the total.
- and Social Security Law in relation to the effective date of a reclassification for an accidental disability
- This bill is being reported to our disabilities committee, but let me have a readout in the total.
- in retirement. to the effective date of a reclassification for an accidental disability retirement benefit
Committee:
Senate Civil Service And Pensions
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on May 5, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures on a temporary task force on the Variable Supplements Fund (S1181), cost-of-living adjustments for certain retirees (S3414A), an optional 25-year retirement plan for Suffolk County fire marshals (S5754B), a heart disease presumption for certain NYC Police Department traffic enforcement agents (S8147B), a Civil Service Commission study of state agency job vacancies (S8209), employment of persons with autism spectrum disorder (S8640), an optional 25-year retirement plan for certain New York Power Authority employees (S9068A), and the effective date of a reclassification for accidental disability retirement benefits (S9909).
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- They really need your support, and we really hope that you support it and report it out.
- I'm only asking you to support this bill.
- My job is to support people with disabilities, medical needs, developmental support, and activities of
- Massachusetts, so we appreciate your support.
- My testimony is in support of two bills.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20.
Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund.
Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> to</c> disabled people with disabilities to disabled people with disabilities to access<00:24:29.279
- to hire aides to provide the support they need, but only if budgets keep up with the costs.
- to hire aides to provide the support they need, but only if budgets keep up with the costs.
- to hire aides to provide the support they need, but only if budgets keep up with the costs.
- </c> or somebody with a kid with disabilities or somebody with a kid with disabilities and<01:40:53.000
Committee:
House Ways and Means
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the governor has been supportive of our veterans.
- of focus. utilize community supports.
- Second, to support restarting county indigent programs, and third, to support public hospitals.
- So if you're a person with a disability and you do happen to work, which a lot of people with disabilities
- Not every person with a disability receives disability benefits, so not everyone is going to be automatically
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the issue as a major federal disruption that would reduce benefits and shift costs to the state, counties, hospitals, and other local systems. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center, each describing projected enrollment losses, higher state and county costs, and implementation challenges.
The LAO outlined H.R. 1’s main changes: new and expanded work requirements, more frequent eligibility redeterminations, restrictions on certain non-citizen eligibility, and financing changes affecting provider taxes and federal matching rates. The LAO estimated that 1 to 2 million people could be disenrolled from Medi-Cal and more than 600,000 could lose CalFresh, with additional costs from reduced federal support and possible state and county administrative burdens. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget includes about $1.4 billion General Fund in 2026-27 to respond to H.R. 1, with larger out-year reductions in federal funds and projected Medi-Cal caseload losses of up to 2 million by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, while noting the state could choose policies that would reduce some of those losses. The Food Research and Action Center warned that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, worsen health outcomes, and strain local economies and emergency systems.
Members questioned the witnesses about procedural disenrollments, regional variation, the overall growth in Medi-Cal spending, the future of the MCO tax, the CalFresh error rate, and the downstream effects on hospitals and county indigent care. Several senators argued that the federal law was driven by tax cuts for high-income earners and would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color. Administration witnesses said some impacts are still being analyzed, that counties and departments are working on implementation, and that the Legislature may need to use statute, reporting, and oversight tools as federal guidance develops. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it and or or as far as elderly and disabled or elderly or disabled? I saw it both ways.
- </c> disabled and elderly on a fixed income. disabled and elderly on a fixed income.
- </c><00:13:03.760><c> I</c><00:13:04.000><c> saw</c> disabled or elderly or disabled?
- </c> with disability. with disability.
- </c> income or they could be uh disabled. income or they could be uh disabled.
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
HB87, Marengo County, coroner, deputy coroner, county commission, expense allowance, mileage allowance, travel reimbursement, local act, local legislation, county general fund, public official compensation, county office, Section 45-46-60, Alabama Code, salary increase, allowance increase, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- And the governor has been supportive of our veterans.
- Second, to support restarting county indigent programs, and third, to support public hospitals.
- as their families and the workforce that supports them.
- So if you're a person with a disability and you do happen to work, which a lot of people with disabilities
- Not every person with a disability receives disability benefits, so not everyone is going to be automatically
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> transportation and support. transportation and support.
- , disabilities, disabilities, intellectual<00:31:16.880><c> disabilities</c> intellectual disabilities
- David Devin Stats in support. Jonathan Drew in support.
- </c> >> stand in support. >> stand in support.
- We want to support the support.
Bills:
HB2392 , HB2462 , HB2423 , HB1771 , HB2081 , HB2334 , HB2336 , HB1666 , HB2375 , HB2415 , HB2451 , HB2373 , HB1641 , HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th.
The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 10th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise in support of ACR 34.
- And so today I do rise in support.
- So today, I ask you guys to support ACR 34 and let So today, I ask you guys to support ACR 34 and let
- All of us support Medi-Cal.
- I rise in support of AB 100.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and prayer, then handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor actions. Members welcomed student groups from Hope International University and Vacaville High School, and later recognized several guests connected to public safety dispatch. The chamber also adopted multiple re-referrals and procedural requests, including moving bills between committees and taking up AB 100 on concurrence from the Senate.
A major portion of the session was devoted to ACR 34, designating April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day. Assembly Member Ta and several colleagues spoke in support of honoring Sylvia Mendez and the Mendez v. Westminster case as a landmark in civil rights and school desegregation. The resolution drew extended partisan debate over the framing of the measure and broader issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but it ultimately passed on a roll call vote, with the resolution adopted.
The Assembly also recognized Dolores Huerta on her 95th birthday through guest introductions and celebratory remarks, then moved through several bills and resolutions. AB 471 on air district board compensation, AB 677 on pupil records and access to screenings for housing-insecure students, ACR 31 designating California Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and AB 1150 on airport customer facility charges all passed. HR 30 recognizing Khmer New Year also was adopted with broad support.
The most contentious policy action was AB 100, the early action budget bill. Supporters said it provided funding for wildfire prevention, hospital payments, Medi-Cal, and recovery in Los Angeles fire areas, while opponents criticized the bill for health care spending and high-speed rail. After a failed attempt by Assembly Member DeMaio to amend the bill and an unsuccessful appeal of the chair, the Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments and sent AB 100 to the Governor. The day ended with consent calendar approvals and adjournments in memory for several community members, including Larkin Carol Wells, Carmen O. Perez, and Oscar B. Ramos.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- This was opposition, but you're in support? Oh, sorry. No.
- Are you in opposition or support of the bill? Support. Support. Okay.
- People with disabilities.
- That is a real threat for people with disabilities.
- Next in support of 2536. We'll now get down to two minutes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-CPN, CPN-HOU, AEN-TCA-CPN, EDU-CPN Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Kevin Carney in support. Railen Tenno in support. Kayla Marie in opposition.
- ><c> support</c> support railen tenno in support support railen tenno in support Kayla<00:05:01.039><
- First, we have HHFDC and support.
- Tagawa for Maui in support. Support. Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawaiʻi.
- We stand in strong support. committee members on strong support of committee members on strong support
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The joint Senate committee hearing considered HB 472 HD1 on digital identification and HB 1097 HD1 on public housing evictions, followed by HB 1325 HD3 on housing redevelopment and tenant relocation rights. HB 472 would require digital IDs to be accepted under certain conditions and allow law enforcement to use them as proof of identity; the committee heard limited testimony, then adopted a recommendation to pass with amendments, including changing “shall” to “may” and adding effective and defective dates. HB 1097 would shorten the storage period for unclaimed personal effects after a public housing eviction; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority supported the bill, while some members raised concerns about the impact on displaced families. The committee moved the bill forward with discussion of the agency’s eviction process, waitlist size, and the need to free units sooner for other applicants.
HB 1325 HD3 drew extensive testimony and discussion. The bill would require developers of certain HHFDC affordable housing projects to provide displaced tenants with a right of first refusal for a comparable unit or relocation assistance, along with information, tracking, and enforcement provisions. HHFDC supported the measure but suggested amendments to require both relocation assistance and a right of first refusal, without requiring the same rent as the prior unit. Legal aid, housing advocates, community organizations, and many tenants testified in strong support, emphasizing displacement during public housing redevelopment, inadequate communication, accessibility problems, and the need for enforceable rights to return. Several tenants described confusing notices, unsuitable replacement units, and hardship for elders, disabled residents, and children. The discussion also highlighted concerns about developer compliance and the need for state-level enforcement.
No final vote on HB 1325 was shown in the transcript excerpt, but the hearing included substantial questioning of the housing authority and testimony from affected residents. The committee also discussed the broader redevelopment context, including large-scale public housing demolition and replacement plans, and the potential consequences for families if relocation and return rights are not clearly enforced.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/20/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> exams without preparation or support. exams without preparation or support.
- So, please support homeschool children by supporting this amendment.
- So, please support homeschool children by supporting this amendment.
- I would ask that you would support this. I'm in full support of both.
- </c> to support CR uh CACR24. to support CR uh CACR24.
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:02.640><c> Um,</c> disabled or serious mental illness.
- Um, disabled or serious mental illness.
- And, Senator, I would agree that most people do support this, and I think it's just about the actual
- </c><00:23:46.559><c> this</c><00:23:46.880><c> and</c><00:23:47.039><c> I</c> most people do u support
- this and I most people do u support this and I think<00:23:47.280><c> it's</c><00:23:47.520><c> just
Summary:
The committee first took up two fire commission regulatory amendments. Bruce Roberts, director of the Fire Commission, explained that one amendment updates financial disclosure reporting rules to align with changes to KRS 95A.55, including revised definitions, reporting requirements, and moving compliance reviews from every four years to an annual basis. The second amendment changes the deadline for fire departments to submit state aid documentation from July 31 to September and adds flexibility for departments affected by natural disasters by allowing a waiver process for missing, lost, or damaged documents. The committee approved the agency amendment by motion, second, and voice vote with no opposition.
The main policy discussion centered on a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence and probation/parole. Senators Hickden and Herren said the proposal would restore only voting rights, not citizenship or the right to run for office, and would still exclude certain offenses such as treason, bribery in an election, sex offenses, violent offenses, and offenses against a child. They argued that Kentucky is one of only three states without automatic restoration, that the current governor’s executive order is temporary, and that the issue should be settled by constitutional amendment. Members asked about the relationship to expungement, costs, and whether election-related crimes should be included among the exceptions; the sponsors said expungement is separate and that they were open to refining the language. Several members voiced support, and the sponsors said they hoped to continue working on the proposal before the next session.
The committee also discussed a practical issue involving schools used as polling places and conflicts with KDE testing days. The chair raised the possibility of adjusting testing schedules or using NI days at affected schools, while members noted that county clerks already have authority to use tax-funded buildings for elections and that schools have long been used because of ADA accessibility. Some members suggested a simpler fix would be to prevent KDE testing dates from overlapping with election dates, rather than changing NI-day rules or limiting clerks’ authority. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 09/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- You've supported funding for food banks. You supported funding for Market Bucks.
- Are there disability his disability?
- </c> farmer supports. farmer supports.
- </c> without supports. without supports.
- </c> bipartisan support out of the Senate. bipartisan support out of the Senate.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm asking you to support Senate Bill 1111 because it supports a tool that directly helps crime victims
- We are in strong support of Senate Bill 1111.
- She's already doing it, so I support this as well. Yes.
- We are open and supportive of a fair and equitable tax.
- I cannot support that, but I fully support the effort, and let's keep on talking. I vote nay.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate patient brokering in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Sponsor Sen. Werner described patient brokering as a continuing abuse tied to the state’s Medicaid fraud crisis, especially affecting Native Americans, and said the county attorney had the capacity to handle statewide oversight. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0-1 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1111, as amended by a strike-everything amendment, to create statewide rules for automated license plate readers. Supporters from law enforcement said ALPRs are important for investigations, missing persons, stolen vehicles, and violent crimes, and argued the bill adds needed guardrails and training requirements. Opponents, including the ACLU, Institute for Justice, and private citizens, warned the systems enable mass surveillance, can be inaccurate, and raise Fourth Amendment and privacy concerns; they also objected to broad terms like “legitimate” law enforcement purposes and the lack of a clear retention limit. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1111, as amended, a do pass recommendation by a 7-2-1 vote.
Next, SB 1116, as amended, was heard to require behavioral health claim denials and appeals at AHCCCS to be reviewed by someone with relevant clinical experience. Sen. Werner said the bill responds to improper denials and appeals handled by staff without behavioral health expertise; AHCCCS was neutral but said the bill could create compliance and staffing issues because “relevant clinical experience” is not well defined. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-0. SB 1122, also as amended, would bar AHCCCS from requiring prior authorization or 100% prepayment review for certain behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan unless a provider is on a corrective action plan; Werner said it was aimed at ensuring providers are paid and reducing patient brokering. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1122 10-0.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1072, which would appropriate ongoing state and Medicaid funds to DES for rate increases for home- and community-based services and room-and-board services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with reporting on workforce outcomes. Supporters from APAD and providers said the direct care workforce is in crisis, with large numbers of vacancies, overtime costs, and unassigned authorizations, and argued the funding is needed to retain staff and maintain care. Members discussed wage disparities, whether funds would reach caregivers, and the limits of legislative control over private provider pay, but no vote on SB 1072 was reached before the transcript ended.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Pietro, Board of Family Voice, waving in support.
- Pietro, Board of Family Voice, waving in support. Victoria Zep. Victoria Zep, waiving in support.
- in support.
- Senate Bill 1340 would support students with specific learning disabilities.
- This is continued effort in that direction to support that work. ...efforts in that direction to support
Bills:
S0042 , S0196 , S0878 , S0902 , S0914 , S1092 , S1168 , S1340 , S1404 , S1414 , S1684 , S1686
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404.
Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/19/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:36.160><c> of</c> I'm here to testify a strong support of I'm here to testify a strong support
- </c> uh and $6 million in 27 to help support uh and $6 million in 27 to help support some<00:19:03.200
- </c><00:48:49.839><c> Chair,</c> your support. And so today, Mr. Chair, your support.
- </c> veteran service officer supporting veteran service officer supporting formerly<00:50:05.520><c>
- I am a 60% rated disabled veteran.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 14th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- permanency is achieved so that they are made aware of services available to their child and aimed at supporting
Bills:
SB137 , SB504 , SB1213 , SB1216 , SB1221 , SB1224 , SB1232 , SB1238 , SB1255 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1264 , SB1266 , SB1325 , SB1441 , SB1448 , SB1450 , SB1460 , SB1496 , SB1543 , SB1589 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB1687 , SB1716 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1769 , SB1921 , SB1932 , SB1936 , SB1980 , SB2011 , SB2030 , SB2084 , SB2112 , SB2170 , SB2182
Committee:
House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license, Oklahoma Title 43, family law, juvenile justice, Department of Human Services
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Michael's Catholic Preparatory School, I strongly support private schools.
- So members Senate Bill 2 does not do enough to support Texas English language learners.
- how we support our special education children.
- Disabled students, families surveyed for their experience better. Civic engagement.
- Seventy seven percent of Republicans. in Texas support expanded school choice.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 25, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We heard your<00:25:38.720><c> support.</c> your support. your support.
- We are in strong support of HB 469, the disability travel placard. Just a really quick story.
- We are in strong support of HB 469, the disability travel placard. Just a really quick story.
- strong support of HB469, strong support of HB469, the<02:52:58.399><c> disability</c><02:52:58.960><c
- . support. support.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places.
Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii.
A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> security disability security disability and<00:50:05.200><c> state</c><00:50:05.839><c> disability
- </c> in the disabilities? Thank you. in the disabilities? Thank you.
- </c><01:32:31.120><c> and</c> different uh disabilities and different uh disabilities and capabilities
- I wholeheartedly support that. Wyoming Guardianship would support anything that would do that.
- </c><01:36:55.440><c> Wyoming</c> wholeheartedly support that. Wyoming wholeheartedly support that.
Committee:
House Revenue