Video & Transcript Research : 'declarant control'
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CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 090 Apr 14th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- place for that, so we wanted to make sure that that doesn't include the licensee who might not have control
- So much that Children's Hospital declared a mental health emergency.
- So much that Children's Hospital<01:04:44.840>
declared <01:04:45.320>as <01:04:45.480>< - c> a<01:04:45.520>
mental <01:04:45.920>health Hospital declared as a mental health - Hospital declared as a mental health emergency. emergency. emergency.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and spent much of the opening period on recognitions and announcements. Members welcomed students and staff from the San Luis Valley BOCES Transition Program, recognized Purple Up Day and military children at the Capitol, noted committee meetings later in the day, and observed a moment honoring former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Several members also shared personal remarks about being military children and invited colleagues to a Bible study.
The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 16, concerning retirement readiness and financial well-being. The sponsor said the resolution affirms Colorado’s commitment to strengthening retirement security through tools such as financial education, automatic enrollment, employer matches, and lifetime income options. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59 ayes, 1 no, and 5 excused, with Representatives Rutnel and Lindsay listed as co-sponsors.
The House next moved into special orders and considered House Bill 1233 on property tax procedures for non-residential properties. An amendment clarifying petty offense liability and appeal timelines was adopted, while another amendment on notice to property owners was defeated. Supporters said the bill adds penalties for false information, allows counties to request district court review, and improves fairness and accountability in non-residential property tax appeals; opponents argued it would impose costly new burdens on businesses. The committee report, as amended, and the bill were both adopted.
The chamber also adopted Senate Bill 128, which exempts certain destination management company fees from sales and use tax. Supporters said the bill codifies current practice, clarifies the definition of destination management company, and avoids taxing services twice; the Finance Committee report was adopted first, then the bill passed. Consideration then began on House Bill 1195, which restricts the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy services. Sponsors described a multi-page amendment adding definitions, allowing certain FDA-approved AI uses, moving some provisions to the Consumer Protection Act, and clarifying liability and consent; members broadly supported the need for guardrails and patient protections, and discussion continued on additional consent language.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (02/20/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So if we had to leave that to local control, if they want to paraphrase this and rewrite this and make
- So, okay, yeah, so I, you know, I have an issue with the, uh, babuin declare and convincing.
- /c><01:08:55.600>
the <01:08:56.000>uh <01:08:56.440>babuin <01:08:57.159>declare - <01:08:57.560>
and issue with the uh babuin declare and issue with the uh babuin declare and
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-HWN DEFER, WTL-PSM, WTL Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It amends SEWORM's authority to declare water emergencies and issue orders to address them, and to declare
- It amends SEWORM's authority to declare water emergencies and issue orders to address them, and to declare
- I didn't know that the actual land where the Hilton were docked, come on lagoon, is actually BLNR control
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means.
Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no.
The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 16 (1-29-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, there being 34 members present, quorum is declared.
- Bill 135, an act relating to the provision of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and declaring
- Bill 135, an act relating to the provision of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and declaring
- cancer patients, survivors, and their families, remembering those who have been lost to cancer, and declaring
- cancer patients, survivors, and their families, remembering those who have been lost to cancer, and declaring
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present. The chamber approved the journal from January 28, received notice that the House had passed House Bills 56, 320, 366, and 389 and requested concurrence, and heard a report that second-reading bills were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports advanced several measures, including Senate Bills 1, 3, 48, 84, 102, and 122, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar.
The Senate also received new bills and resolutions, including measures on SNAP benefits, unemployment insurance, medical licensing, proxy advisory services, child protection, disabled veterans, public school construction, and a concurrent resolution encouraging nuclear workforce training at Kentucky universities. The Rules Committee posted Senate Bills 20, 34, and 68 for the next regular orders, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Resolutions 60, 61, 63, 64, and 65 to the floor. Senate Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3 was introduced.
Several honorary and memorial resolutions were adopted, including Senate Resolution 63 honoring Reverend George Clifton Currington, Sr., Senate Resolution 49 honoring Dr. Jacqueline Sugarman, and Senate Resolution 31 designating Suits and Sneakers Day to recognize cancer patients, survivors, and advocates. Senators spoke at length about cancer awareness, personal family experiences, and Kentucky’s efforts to improve screening and treatment access. Announcements were made about an oversight committee meeting after adjournment and a Kentucky State Police Professional Association breakfast the next morning. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We also require certain standards in that staff are trained and they're collecting data in a controlled
- Once they adopt, we go through a final review. and then we have 60 days to declare that management plan
- If all the elements are there, if things have been addressed, we declare it administratively complete
- I mean do they have to report it even if they're not controlled by a district? Mr.
- One of those options is controlled by the state of Texas leaders—you all.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- VICTIMS OF MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS AND ALYSSA'S LAW REQUIRED AN EMERGENCY PANIC BUTTON WHERE YOU CAN DECLARE
- IT REQUIRED DOORS AND HAD OTHER ACCESS CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.
- NEW ACCESS CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ALSO IN THAT LEGISLATION ALONG WITH NEW STAFF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS SUBSTITUTE
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- After two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared slavery illegal in Confederate
- Whether it's a nonprofit leader, veterinarians, animal shelter staff, or local animal control officers
- Following his service, Stephen built a career in production, control, logistics, aerospace, and manufacturing
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel.
On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-08
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This section requires that CCAP providers sign each bill that they submit and declare under penalty of
- this on the premise of video, reviewing video for their own child, and now there's no way for us to control
- It takes significant staff and resources to maintain internal controls and oversight of these programs
Bills:
HF2436
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 12 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Counties, municipalities, and any political subdivisions within the federally declared disaster areas
- > political subdivisions within the political subdivisions within the federally<02:14:24.280>
declared - /c><02:14:24.840>
disaster <02:14:25.560>areas <02:14:26.600>that federally declared cost <02:23:58.480>of <02:23:58.600>the <02:23:58.680>administration control- the cost of the administration control the cost of the administration of<02:23:59.400>
this <02
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber also recognized several guests and groups, including the doctor of the day, visitors from Quebec, the Sumrall High School boys soccer team, Starkville public safety officials, and the Hattiesburg High School choral arts program. A resolution honoring the long-standing partnership between Quebec and Mississippi was read and adopted, and Ms. Nathalie Rivard of Quebec addressed the Senate about historical ties and economic cooperation between Quebec and Mississippi.
The Senate then moved through a series of procedural actions on the calendar, including multiple motions to table reconsideration on medical cannabis and ARPA-related bills, and several motions to not concur and invite conference on workforce and budget measures. Among those were Senate Bill 2294, the Mississippi Future Innovators Act, Senate Bill 2288 on workforce training, Senate Bill 2401 on workforce development, Senate Bill 2189 on budget transfers, Senate Bill 2895 on ARPA funds, and Senate Bill 2917 on appropriations transfers. These motions were adopted, sending the measures to conference or otherwise advancing them as noted.
A major portion of the meeting focused on appropriations bills. House Bill 1935, the Education Department appropriation, was explained in detail and adopted after a strike-all amendment; the bill includes funding for the student formula, teacher and assistant pay raises, special education supplements, school attendance officers, testing contracts, early learning coaches, and CTE instructor raises, with offsets from reduced or eliminated line items such as school safety platforms and certain vendor programs. The Senate also adopted strike-all amendments and passed House Bills 1936 and 1937 for Mississippi Public Broadcasting and the Library Commission, and then moved on to House Bill 1933 for the Bureau of Building. The Senate recessed until 2:30 p.m. and announced an appropriations meeting shortly after recess, while leadership noted that many supplemental appropriations bills would be considered later with attention to whether they contained reverse repealers and would go to conference or final passage.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, we are putting children in this political battle that we're trying to have that we have no control
- Right now, we are putting children in this political battle that we're trying to have that we have no control
- Right now, we are putting children in this political battle that we're trying to have that we have no control
- <01:31:17.600>
a <01:31:17.840>calamity like he could declare a calamity like he could - declare a calamity and<01:31:19.600>
we <01:31:19.840>could <01:31:20.000>address
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- This allows courts to declare unlawful conduct and stop ongoing violations.
- This allows<00:08:37.200>
courts <00:08:37.599>to <00:08:37.839>declare <00:08:38.240 - >
unlawful allows courts to declare unlawful allows courts to declare unlawful conduct<00:08:39.279 - The bill ensures public employees maintain full control over their own earnings.
- Uh, why not let local control come into play here and allow districts to choose for themselves and allow
Keywords:
education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- some stability in markets, as farming is inherently dependent on so many factors that are out of our control
- capacity, state and federal tax forms, financial statements, certified financial audits, internal control
- This ensures that limited funds go to the most financially challenged Minnesota farmers during declared
- 14:14.480>
during challenged Minnesota Farmers during challenged Minnesota Farmers during declared - disasters and helps keep money declared disasters and helps keep money in<01:14:16.679>
the <01
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- senator Howard ir r is preparing to close close the roll having received44 ays and zero nay votes I declare
- Having received 44 aye votes and zero nay votes, I declare the nomination to have been confirmed.
- Having received 43 aye votes and zero nay votes, I declare the nomination to have been confirmed.
- Having received 43 aye's and zero nays, I declare the executive nominations to have passed.
Bills:
HB1168
Keywords:
abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- That shot was a declaration of grit, determination, and perseverance.
- That<00:04:25.160>
shot <00:04:25.560>was <00:04:25.720>a <00:04:25.760>declaration - <00:04:26.440>
of <00:04:26.600>grit, That shot was a declaration of grit, That shot - was a declaration of grit, determination,<00:04:28.200>
and <00:04:28.360>perseverance.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then spent much of the session on recognitions and ceremonial resolutions. Members honored the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute girls basketball team for winning the Maryland State Girls 3A championship, and the Crofton High School boys indoor track and field team for a historic season that included county and region titles and the school’s first boys state championship. The chamber also recognized Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville for 100 years of service to seniors in the community.
The House received Senate Bills 10 and 84 from the Senate, waived separate readings, and referred them to the appropriate committees. Committee announcements noted upcoming bill hearings and vote sessions, including Appropriations, Economic Matters, Environment and Transportation, GLEE, Health, and Ways and Means, along with a reminder that amendments for the next day were due under House rules.
Members also announced the formation of the Maryland Legislative STEM and Emerging Technology Caucus, focused on STEM education and policy issues such as AI, quantum technology, autonomous systems, robotics, and data infrastructure. Additional announcements included a Veterans Caucus breakfast, a Women in Government lunch, Eye Week screenings, a Savage Race team invitation, a birthday recognition for Delegate Bonnie Cullison, and a joint press conference by several caucuses. After a final quorum call confirmed 126 members present, the House adjourned until Wednesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolution 483, having received a majority of the votes cast by the members elected to each house, are declared
- Resolution 484, having received a majority of the votes cast by the members elected to each house, are declared
- Resolution 485, having received a majority of the votes cast by the members elected to each house, are declared
- Cast by the members elected to each house, or declared duly elected as judges of the juvenile and domestic
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So in a way, like Benjamin Franklin said when they asked when they finished the Declaration of Independence
- c><00:10:09.839>
the they asked when they finished the they asked when they finished the declaration - c> independence<00:10:11.040>
and <00:10:11.200>the <00:10:11.279>bill declaration - of independence and the bill declaration of independence and the bill of<00:10:11.600>
rights
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So how do you control that? Well, Mr. Chair, well, thank you.
- I'm not sure how you control that, Senator Polsky.
- So it would be controlled the same way it's controlled now.
- And again, as Sarah mentioned, the president actually declared the region to be known as...
- And again, as Sarah mentioned, the president actually declared the region to be known as the West Bank
Summary:
The committee first considered CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility to certain contaminated or brownfield properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, added adjacency and density/intensity limits, and excluded agricultural land, park land, land outside the urban growth boundary, and land near military installations. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote, with limited support and opposition noted in waived appearance forms.
Members then took up CS/CS/SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators. The strike-all added public swimming pools and related child-centered locations to residency and presence restrictions. Testimony was sharply divided: proponents argued the bill would help protect children and law enforcement, while opponents, including treatment experts and homelessness advocates, said there was no empirical evidence the restrictions reduce abuse and warned of retroactive punishment and increased homelessness. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 8-1.
The committee also approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after an amendment allowing certain enclaves adjacent to interstates to be developed for commercial, industrial, or single-family residential uses and clarifying exclusions for protected areas. Opponents argued it would weaken zoning and comprehensive plans, while supporters framed it as a property-rights measure; the bill was reported favorably 10-0. SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, a technical update to nonprofit law modeled on prior for-profit corporate revisions, also passed unanimously after supportive waived testimony.
Later, the committee approved SB 1338 on charitable giving, which creates a donor remedy for endowment restrictions and limits state reporting burdens on certain regulated or exempt organizations; members discussed cy pres and the sponsor said further changes would be worked out later. CS/SB 532 on court fees was amended to let clerks retain all collections above revenue projections rather than half, with supporters saying clerks have been underfunded for years; it passed 10-0. The committee also favorably reported SB 218 on land use regulations, which restores normal land-use authority to counties not affected by recent hurricanes, and CS/SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability, which creates a presumption against liability for entities that comply with cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements; the cybersecurity bill drew concerns about retroactivity and the adequacy of compliance incentives but passed 9-2.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 28 (2-17-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Quorum is declared in the House, ready to proceed.
- :54.720>
is indicating their presence of quorum is indicating their presence of quorum is declared - House Bill 490, an act relating to employment at public postsecondary education institutions and declaring
- <00:36:24.400>
an education institutions and declaring an education institutions and declaring - House Bill 651, Representative Bray, an act relating to public water and wastewater systems and declaring
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:26
Report of Committees 05:13
Orders of the Day/ HB 6 06:22
HB 480 14:13
HB 562 17:55
HB 136 25:53
HB 257 29:47
HB 490 35:54
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:30
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 52:44
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:49
ConC/Rules Report 57:12
Floor Amendments 58:49
Adjournment 58:59, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from February 13, 2026. The Senate also transmitted Senate Bills 72 and 110 for concurrence. Committee reports advanced several bills, including measures on deputy coroner training, local jail booking procedures, local business tax collection, peace officers, Kentucky National Guard benefits, and first responder mental health.
The chamber then considered House Bill 6 on child care. The sponsor described it as the product of extensive stakeholder collaboration aimed at improving affordability, quality, access, and data in child care, including changes to the low-income subsidy program, employee child care assistance, Kentucky All-Stars, micro-centers, and a military child care pilot program in House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 84-11 with one abstention after supportive remarks from members emphasizing workforce needs, family support, and military families.
House Bill 480, relating to state contracts, was explained as requiring clearer contract terms for appropriated funds, partial payment protections, a 1% penalty for late payment, and semiannual reporting on whether cabinets are paying bills on time. A member noted a planned amendment to limit the bill to state-funded appropriations, but the bill passed 96-0. House Bill 562, relating to alternative high school diplomas, would create a Kentucky alternative diploma for certain students with disabilities and require the Education and Labor Cabinet to maintain employer information for graduates; members spoke in strong support of the bill’s workforce and dignity goals, and it passed 96-0. House Bill 136, relating to campaign finance, was amended to remove a $15,000 cap and allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security costs for candidates; the sponsor cited rising threats to elected officials, and the bill passed 97-0. The transcript ends as the House moved on to House Bill 257.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 32 (2-23-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- With 96 members indicating their presence, a quorum is declared and the House is ready to proceed.
- House Bill 455, an act relating to artificial intelligence and declaring an emergency.
- relating to artificial<00:12:49.360>
intelligence <00:12:50.120>and <00:12:50.200>declaring - <00:12:50.640>
an artificial intelligence and declaring an artificial intelligence and declaring - Joint Resolution 81, Representative Bray, a joint resolution authorizing the release of funds and declaring
Summary:
The House convened with 96 members present, approved the prior journal, excused absences, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications. The Senate clerk reported passage of Senate Bills 39, 70, 80, 127, and 154 and requested concurrence. The House then took up several bills on third reading.
House Bill 168, relating to boating under the influence, was explained as “Keegan’s Law.” The sponsor said it would require law enforcement to seek a search warrant for blood testing of boat operators and improve notification so Fish and Wildlife officers are alerted more quickly after 911 calls involving incidents on waterways. House Committee Substitute 2 was adopted, and the bill passed 88-0. House Bill 455, relating to artificial intelligence and declaring an emergency, was amended by committee substitute and two floor amendments. Supporters said it clarifies that AI may not perform direct therapy, make independent therapeutic decisions, generate treatment plans without professional review, or detect emotions/mental state, while still allowing therapists to use AI as a tool. It passed 88-7. House Bill 185, relating to employment and occupational licensing for people with felony records, was described as allowing applicants to seek licensing before completing education and requiring a clear connection between an offense and the occupation; it passed 95-0. House Bill 249, relating to involuntary commitment, was explained as closing a gap in the law for mentally incompetent defendants accused of felony sex offenses; House Floor Amendment 1 broadened the qualifying offenses to all felony sex offenses under Chapter 510, and the bill passed 94-0.
After the floor action, the House received House Bill 1 back from committee for second reading and heard announcements, including committee meeting notices and a birthday recognition. A member also gave a Black history tribute to Garrett A. Morgan, highlighting his inventions and civic contributions. The House introduced a slate of new bills and resolutions, including measures on high-acuity youth medical treatment, data privacy, municipal utility service, tax credits for employers, campaign finance, infantile seizure disorder, commercial surrogacy, dentistry, paid leave for state employees, crimes and punishments, postnuptial agreements, local government, land use, alcoholic beverages, and several resolutions. The Committee on Committees and Rules Committee then reported referrals and posted bills for the next regular orders, floor amendments were introduced, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:27.120>
I <00:13:27.279>have <00:13:27.440>control. - Uh, in February, of course, tariffs were declared on Canada and China, two of our key trading partners
- Uh, February, of course, tariffs were declared on Canada and China, two of our key trading partners.
- Uh, February, of course, tariffs were declared on Canada and China, two of our key trading partners.
- Uh, February, of course, tariffs were declared on Canada and China, two of our key trading partners.
Summary:
The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability.
Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people.
Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.