Video & Transcript : 'communication technology' :
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Nov 5th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- —can contribute to ways in which we can grow our communities, for lack of a better way to describe it
- There's room to help think about how we can strengthen those benefits to the local communities. how we
- can strengthen those benefits to the local communities.
- We hear in our committees how those local rural communities are still feeling very stressed. communities
- It looks like they're all really in a new technologies kind of sector.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 099 Apr 23rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:38:58.640><c> and</c><00:38:58.960><c> communities</c> low-income communities and communities
- low-income communities and communities of<00:38:59.520><c> color</c><00:38:59.760><c> that</c><00:38
- </c> Colorado Communities for Climate Action. Colorado Communities for Climate Action.
- </c> for community resilience grant program. for community resilience grant program.
- Technology Committee will meet tomorrow Technology Committee will meet tomorrow at<01:34:28.080><c> 8
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and House messages. Committee reports advanced a number of bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 163, House Bill 1320, Senate Bill 160, House Bill 1210, and several board and commission appointments recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also received House action on multiple bills, including concurrence in Senate amendments to House Bills 1239, 1262, and 1110, a request for a conference committee on House Bill 1084, and transmission of several other measures to the Revisor of Statutes.
The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 22, designating July 12-18, 2026, as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week. Senator Cutter spoke in support, arguing that plastic pollution harms environmental and human health, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and cannot be solved by recycling alone. The resolution was adopted on a 25-9 vote, with several senators recorded in opposition, and co-sponsors were noted. The chamber also recognized guests from the Colorado Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals, as well as visitors from the Colorado School of Mines and former Senator John Evans.
Later, the Senate considered special orders on the consent calendar, including House Bills 103, 1026, and 1051, and adopted the committee reports and the bills. House Bill 1026 was amended and House Bill 1051 was advanced to third reading and final passage. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 117, concerning permissible methods for the sale of lottery tickets. Senator Bridges explained that the bill was intended to respond to lottery rules allowing online sales and credit card purchases, but said the measure had been narrowed in committee and then raised constitutional concerns under Colorado’s prohibition on slot machines outside limited gaming areas. The transcript ends during that debate, before final action on Senate Bill 117 is shown.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- to communicate via writing.
- </c> Science, and Technology alongside Dr. Science, and Technology alongside Dr.
- But learning about technology is very different from learning on technology.
- But learning about technology is very different from learning on technology.
- But learning about technology is very different from learning on technology.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, today you can... ...spoofing technology, I think that's great.
- So if your community, well, not your community, because you already have your problem taken care of..
- If your community, well, not your community, because you already have it, your problem taken care of.
- And getting those folks off the street is something that makes all of our community safer.
- They're getting technologically advanced, so Missouri is fighting them with a task force that's going
Summary:
The Insurance Committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 2874, which was approved 9-0 with one member present. The bill was described as a product worked on the previous year, and no substantive opposition was raised before the vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 2071, which would allow the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association to suspend operations rather than terminate, because the medical malpractice market is now considered robust and the association has not written a policy or received a claim in several years. The sponsor and Missouri Insurance Coalition said the association still costs roughly $300,000 to $350,000 annually to operate, with projected savings if suspended, while preserving the ability to reactivate if claims arise within the remaining liability window. Some members questioned whether a sunset would be more appropriate and raised concerns about the open-ended nature of suspension and the handling of the association’s reserve funds.
House Bill 1615 was then heard and would lower the statutory minimum number of directors for insurance companies from nine to five, while leaving maximum board sizes unchanged. The sponsor and supporters argued Missouri’s current requirement is outdated, out of step with other states and other regulated entities, and creates unnecessary barriers for smaller insurers without affecting solvency or consumer protection. Members questioned whether any insurers had avoided Missouri because of the nine-director rule; supporters said they had no specific examples but said the change would provide flexibility and align Missouri with modern governance practices.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2902, which would create a Motor Vehicle Threat Prevention Program and commission within the Department of Public Safety to fund grants and coordinate efforts against auto theft. The sponsor said Missouri ranks among the highest states for vehicle theft and argued the program would help local law enforcement, especially in rural areas, address high-tech theft methods and related crimes. Highway Patrol and NICB witnesses testified in support, citing rising theft rates, the use of stolen vehicles in other crimes, and examples from other states where similar task forces recovered stolen vehicles and made arrests. Several members questioned whether a new commission was necessary, suggesting the Highway Patrol or existing agencies could handle the work; no opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was closed with no further business before adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So the delay was part of system change or technology.
- So the delay was part of system change or technology.
- communities.
- that community in advertising.
- My name is Crystal Coles and I am with Housing and Community Development.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard updates from the Secretary of State, EDD, the State Controller’s Office, CalHR, and DGS on a range of budget proposals and federal policy impacts. Secretary of State Shirley Weber opened with remarks about California’s election system, emphasizing its safety, transparency, high voter registration and vote-by-mail participation, and the office’s response to bomb threats and other election threats. Her staff then presented funding requests for the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) and Help America Vote Act/VoteCal activities, describing them as needed to modernize campaign finance and lobbying disclosure systems and maintain election security and voter services.
A major portion of the hearing focused on federal election policy, especially the potential effects of a presidential executive order and the SAVE Act. Secretary of State staff said California would face significant, potentially unquantifiable costs if forced to comply, including new burdens on county recorders, county election offices, and the Secretary of State’s office, and warned of voter disenfranchisement, especially for students, seniors, disabled voters, military and overseas voters, rural residents, and people with limited transportation. Members and public commenters strongly opposed the federal proposals and argued California’s current system is functioning well. The committee also heard that federal HAVA funds were not expected to be at risk because the state draws them down into an interest-bearing account.
EDD reported on paid family leave, explaining that recent delays were tied to a system transition and increased claim volume, and said it was simplifying applications and adding staff and automation. Public testimony supported expanding paid family leave to chosen family. EDD also said it is prepared for possible unemployment spikes, citing a recession plan, a command center, and recent hiring. The State Controller’s Office requested funding to continue the Fiscal migration project, which would move the state’s accounting book of record to the new system by July 1, 2026; Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee expressed support for the project’s progress.
CalHR presented a proposal for a statewide recruitment, outreach, and education paid media campaign under AB 1511, saying its current advertising budget is too small to reach diverse communities effectively. The final item addressed Governor Newsom’s executive order requiring a return to office on a four-day schedule. CalHR and DGS said they were working department-by-department to assess space, parking, transit, and other logistics, but had not completed a statewide cost analysis. Members and many public commenters criticized the order, arguing it was rushed, costly, harmful to telework benefits, and potentially disruptive to workers, especially those with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:25:24.640><c> about</c> where we can have communication about where we can have communication
- </c> to encourage and improve communications to encourage and improve communications and<00:26:21.039
- </c> prestigious honor in community health. prestigious honor in community health.
- All told, Fairview will community.
- </c> community-based emergency departments. community-based emergency departments.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That Court Technology Fund has now been built up.
- That's why you see ongoing from that Court Technology Fund, and the rest. Thank you.
- The Idaho Children's Trust Fund would then subgrant those dollars to community-based programs.
- The Idaho Children's Trust Fund would then subgrant those dollars to community-based programs.
- The Idaho Children's Trust Fund would then subgrant those dollars to community-based programs.
Summary:
The Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committee met to consider several budget items and related language. For the Idaho Judicial Branch, the committee approved a motion adding $3.9 million from dedicated funds for court operations, including money for the Senior Magistrate Judge Fund, treatment court and family court services funds, the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund, and the Court Technology Fund. Members noted the court technology funding was being shifted to dedicated funds to replace general fund support, and the motion passed with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then approved a Guardian ad Litem Division budget increase of $165,300 from the general fund, including support for the Second Judicial District CASA program and restoration of part of a prior rescission. Testimony emphasized the role of CASA volunteers and guardian ad litems in child welfare cases. The motion passed despite some dissent, and the committee also adopted related language.
For the Millennium Income Fund, the committee approved a motion totaling $9,872,200, including funding for the Kamiah recovery center, the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, youth assessment centers, children’s advocacy centers, a statewide drug awareness media campaign, and an added $30,000 for statewide training and coordination of school resource officers. The added SRO funding drew questions about committee consultation, but the substitute motion passed. The committee also adopted maintenance and new appropriation language for the Millennium Fund items, including reporting and oversight provisions.
Finally, the committee approved $486,300 in dedicated funds for the Idaho State Historical Society for archival moving and IT hardware, along with reappropriation language for unspent archive-move funds. It also adopted statewide language making conditions, limitations, and restrictions in appropriation bills binding law. The meeting concluded with notice of the next day’s agenda and adjournment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Science & Technology
House Science & Technology Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- And Science and Technology is called to order. Secretary will note the roll.
- And so we thank you for the service that you give our community, our families.
- And yes, I do work in technology. There has to be a way for redress.
- Without objection, the Committee on Science and Technology is adjourned.
- Without objection, the Committee on Science and Technology is adjourned.
Summary:
The Science and Technology Committee met without any bills on the agenda and heard two presentations. Deloitte Infrastructure Insights demonstrated an AI-enabled transportation analytics platform, Infrastructure Insights Pro, focused on vulnerable road user safety. The presenter described how the tool ingests crash, GIS, and project data to generate map-based insights, trust scores for data sources, and draft concept reports that can reduce analysis time from six to eight months to a few hours. Members asked about use in other states, cost or effort savings, and the system’s deployment at Caltrans in California.
The committee then heard from OCTA and SoCure on digital identity and fraud prevention for state and local government services. The presenters argued that residents face too many separate logins and that governments should move toward a more secure, frictionless, and privacy-preserving single digital identity experience. They described identity verification using contextual signals such as device, location, and document validation, and said their tools are already used by Arizona agencies and in other states. Members raised concerns about Real ID, digital IDs, federal overreach, and privacy under the Fourth Amendment and the Arizona Constitution, emphasizing the need for state control and user choice.
No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported. The committee adjourned after discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The House Science and Technology Committee is called to order. The secretary will note the roll.
- So we thank you for the service that you give our community, our families.
- We can talk about that at length, but that is now a legacy technology system.
- And yes, I do work in technology. There has to be a way for redress.
- That happens in technology. Some people are weird, some people are weird like me.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:20.560><c> we</c> people in your communities we people in your communities we collaborate<
- </c> will experience delays in serving commun will experience delays in serving commun communities<00
- There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
- There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
- There are additional challenges in the well space with growing technology such as geothermal technology
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Dec 2nd, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology giving leadership a single point of truth for fleet conditions.
- The technology provides an accurate depiction of asset inventory.
- The technology can prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend vehicle lifespan.
- The devices contain crash detection technology, including accelerometers and gyroscopes.
- of the technology.
Summary:
The Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum and heard several presentations on state fleet management. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services described its new fleet tracking rollout using AT&T/GeoTab devices, funded with $804,000, to monitor vehicle location, fuel use, idle time, driver behavior, and maintenance needs in real time. Members asked about whether the system was unique to FDACS and whether it duplicated reporting to the Department of Management Services; the agency said it was still implementing the system and would follow up on those questions.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presented on its large and diverse fleet, including more than 4,000 assets, and explained that it uses both the statewide FleetWave system and the Samsara telematics platform. FWC said FleetWave is used for monthly reporting and replacement tracking, while Samsara provides real-time location and diagnostics, reducing administrative burden and improving accountability. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol then outlined their fleet operations, emphasizing that most assets support law enforcement, that multiple manual systems create data inaccuracies, and that they are seeking a $750,000 increase to modernize fleet management with telematics, automated receipt processing, and a centralized database to improve safety and efficiency.
The committee also considered SPB 7010, which would authorize the Department of Financial Services and local governmental entities to allow post-tax Roth contributions in deferred compensation plans, in addition to existing pre-tax contributions. After a brief explanation, there was no debate or public testimony, and the committee voted to submit the bill as a committee bill. The roll call showed the measure was favorably reported, and the meeting then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then they provide support in terms of both seeking and implementing grants for our local communities
- across the state, and that's one where... ...for communities across the state, and that's one where
- As technology is advancing, we have many, you know, robots and AI and things that are autonomous.
- and advanced technologies sphere.
- The bill was... ...technologies sphere.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright.
Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage.
Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you're a smaller community or you're a poorer community or you're a community-based organization
- So if I'm a community and I want to improve the fire safety of my community, there's not just one program
- So in the community, around the community, with fuel breaks.
- to harden communities.
- grant funds for the small community wastewater will be going to disadvantaged communities.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That I share with you is that I actually grew up in this community.
- community of El Paso.
- I think it's just one community that.
- Down here, we all see ourselves as one community for the border.
- They like to engage in a lot of community outreach, help build parks, and contribute to community benefit
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Business and Labor Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Business and Labor Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And I know those are always the kind of red flags for some people in the community.
- And it was a very high degree of accuracy; that technology determines if it’s a valid or a fake ID.
- That technology determines if it’s a valid or a fake ID.
- The good news is this technology already exists.
- they had two different technologies, and we scanned all of its box using both technologies.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, the Committee on Environment, Energy and Technology returns misdirected House Bill 841 to the
- Services, Appropriating additional monies to the Office of Information Technology Services for fiscal
- The Office of Information Technology Services for fiscal year 2026, authorizing additional full-time
- We will quit volunteering our time for athletics, which are the backbone of our communities. we will
- quit volunteering to take athletics, which are the backbone of our communities.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate. The Governor reported signing House Bill 624, while the Senate transmitted enrolled Senate Bill 1332 for the Speaker’s signature, sent Senate Bill 1361 to the First Reading Calendar, returned several House bills for enrollment, and reported House Bill 610 had failed in the Senate. Committee reports moved multiple bills forward, including appropriations measures and policy bills on elections, youth service organizations, agriculture, health and welfare, revenue and taxation, and general government. House Joint Memorial 19, calling for elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, was referred for printing. Several new appropriation and policy bills were introduced and referred, including House Bills 866 through 874 and Senate Bill 1361.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 822, a parental-notification bill concerning minors’ requests related to social or medical transition in schools, child care, and health care settings. Supporters argued it protects parental rights and prevents schools or providers from withholding important information from parents, while opponents said the bill’s definitions were vague, its notification standard was unclear, and the potential penalties—up to $100,000—would chill teachers, coaches, child care workers, and medical providers. Concerns were also raised about committee procedure and the burden on professionals, while supporters responded that the bill only applies when a minor requests help facilitating a transition and that existing processes would prevent the hypothetical problems raised.
House Bill 822 passed the House on a 59-9 vote, with two abstentions and two excused, and was sent to the Senate. After passage, the House suspended Rule 27 by a 57-11 vote to prevent a minority report on the bill from being printed in the journal, prompting objections from minority members about procedural fairness. The House then held remaining third-reading bills one legislative day, made announcements, and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on March 12, 2026.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Community Service in Department of Community Service in support.<00:27:58.240><c> Chair
- </c> director of Department of Community director of Department of Community Services.<00:28:01.840><
- I'm a community advocate, also the community engagement coordinator here on Kauai for HCAN.
- Mahalo. the community engagement coordinator the community engagement coordinator here<00:55:44.480><
- </c> to Department of Information Technology to Department of Information Technology of<01:01:57.839>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing.
For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities.
The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 24th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- So to begin, Platforms and all the other platforms underneath this emerging technology.
- And we wouldn't want to risk discouraging technological innovation in New Jersey.
- labels. ...of a variety of retail technology, including electronic shelf labels.
- And as Jessica can certainly explain better, it's not technologically possible with these tags.
- Matt Hirsch, Housing Community Development Bank, in favor, another to testify.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So many of those communities.
- </c><00:03:55.680><c> that</c> a state highway in your community that a state highway in your community
- </c> highway goes through their community highway goes through their community that's<00:05:00.080><c
- </c><00:16:28.600><c> in</c> between all the major communities in between all the major communities in
- </c><00:39:40.240><c> of</c> part that connects the communities of part that connects the communities
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSG/TRN Joint Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 9:50 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Francine Murray from the hoi Community Francine Murray from the hoi Community Development<00:19:
- </c><00:52:45.799><c> makes</c> something that modern technology makes something that modern technology
- </c> warranty repairs advances in technology warranty repairs advances in technology since<00:58:02.160
- </c><01:18:03.840><c> safe</c> action to help keep our community safe action to help keep our community
- </c><01:18:47.719><c> with</c> helping vulnerable communities with helping vulnerable communities with
Summary:
The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations.
HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land.
The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.