Video & Transcript Research : 'conditional use permits'

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HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • notice that they're positioned over us notice that they're positioned over us but<00:07:41.680><
  • We've had over a hundred people who used to use our services for drug use now accessing drug treatment
  • <00:44:29.920> FDA On a federal level, the 2022 US FDA On a federal level, the 2022 US FDA
  • <01:05:41.359> I'm people who depend on us most. I'm people who depend on us most.
  • facilities as a condition of lensure. facilities as a condition of lensure.
Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-02 (11:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So why is that permitted?
  • It's just making sure that those funds that are not used in that revolving loan program are used to their
  • for us to want to do it.
  • This bill will bring us to the top.
  • Tristan is smiling down upon us today.
Summary: The House took up a series of Senate messages and concurred in several amendments before passing multiple bills. Early actions included unanimous passage of CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after removing a Senate-added trust-account provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties in business ownership after trimming registration requirements. The chamber also insisted on its housing amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 after the Senate refused to concur. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation. The House adopted an amendment restoring two teacher-prep courses, preserving the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College in partnership with USF, and modifying the teacher candidate testing framework and mentor qualifications. Supporters said it reduced barriers while keeping standards; opponents raised concerns about the remaining “identity politics” language and other provisions. The bill then passed 91-22. The House also passed HB 1101 on out-of-network providers after adopting a House amendment that kept the original bill’s notice and referral provisions with a good-cause exemption, despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. Later, the chamber approved CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, with members highlighting debris management, emergency planning, crane safety, and hurricane recovery provisions; it passed unanimously. The House then rejected concurrence in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration, and later spent substantial time debating CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, especially Schools of Hope, expanded co-location authority, funding, transportation, and school-district agreement terms. Critics argued the language was added late and could disadvantage traditional public schools, while supporters said it would expand options for students; the debate continued with the bill still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/07/26

Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:
  • . permits. permits.
  • They cannot issue permits, and they can use both the power and the responsibility to protect public health
  • /c> permits, and they can use both the power permits, and they can use both the power and<01:58:10.920
  • , considered one of the larger types of permits, we would be looking at using the health standards that
  • , considered one of the larger types of permits, we would be looking at using the health standards that
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 22nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, to use a caregiver's affidavit, you would be using it to be in contact with a mandated reporter
  • in the event of us being, if we were to be taken.
  • They're just not required by law to use it.
  • While these chemicals are banned at the federal level from being used in food, they are still permitted
  • Use.
Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-05-28 - 4:15PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, with that, members, as I said earlier today, the Senate messaged to us the Committee of Conference
  • Member from Poultney, can you please offer us a motion to suspend our rules to take up House Bill 639
  • <00:04:08.240> Senate<00:04:08.640> messaged<00:04:09.240> to<00:04:09.480> us
  • Public Service to provide a report to us Public Service to provide a report to us on<00:08:30.080>
  • . condition. condition.
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House took up two committee of conference reports. On House Bill 639, relating to genetic data privacy, members suspended the rules for immediate consideration and adopted the conference report. The conference compromise settled a dispute over cure periods by allowing a 30-day cure period for business activities of genetic data privacy businesses, effective January 1, 2027, with the cure period lasting 18 months and then repealing on June 30, 2028. A House member explained the House had sought a narrower cure period than the Senate, and the final report was adopted by voice vote. The House then suspended the rules to take up House Bill 710, relating to defining electricity generating facilities, and also adopted that conference report by voice vote. The bill updates the definition of a “single plant” to focus on facilities using the same point of interconnection, clarifies the change is not retroactive and applies only to new permit and certificate applications, and adds a Department of Public Service report on farmland conversion to solar by January 15, 2027. It also expands Public Utility Commission hiring authority for complex renewable energy cases, creates a decommissioning fund for abandoned clean energy facilities, requires the PUC to report on the decommissioning fee formula, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026. The conference committee reported unanimous support. After the two reports were adopted, the House stood at ease, then returned briefly for announcements. Members offered remarks thanking the Speaker for her service after news she would not run again, invited members to view an end-of-year legislative slideshow, and wished a member from Randolph a happy birthday. The House then adjourned until the next day at 10:00 a.m.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • work when she wants to let us work.
  • work when she wants to let us work.
  • work when she wants to Nature lets us work when she wants to let<00:02:51.879> us<00:02:52.080
  • Can you give us some examples?
  • Emily Herman is on a Zoom call with us and she'll be joining us.
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 2nd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • serve, lead them to repeal. repentance, to turn toward you, the God who through Jesus Christ reminds us
  • I want to thank you Sheriff for joining us here at the Capitol.
  • Paul Cameron, Lizzy Ivey, and Nate Robb with us. Also Justin Marino is here as well.
  • Today, let us foster compassion. understanding, acceptance for all those affected by autism.
  • And us. Yes, absolutely. I'm sorry, go ahead. Go ahead.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 30th, 2026

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • It requires transport services to use TrustLine-registered staff, get state permits, train on de-escalation
  • use.
  • With us today, we have our panel.
  • That is the North Star for us, yes.
  • That, to us, is a huge North Star.
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • There's only four of us, maybe five of us today, so you don't need to ask me to, um, call on you to talk
  • There's only four of us, maybe five of us today, so you don't need to ask me to, um, call on you to talk
  • For example, instead of saying 'fully permitted,' which is not a useful term in this case, simply say
  • 'permitted.'
  • <04:39:50.160> who<04:39:50.440> use and it's not just People Like Us who use and it's
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Human Services Apr 29th, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, that's, that's what's been explained to, to us in practice.
  • I remember those of us that were here.
  • The communities house the people we who raised us and protected us at one point.
  • Someday those will be us if everything goes right for us. Let's do the same for them.
  • You use it. Needs to check. Thank you, Chairman. Yes. Yes. Yes. Use for. Yes. You did.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-02-13 (12:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let us pray. The book of Deuteronomy reminds us that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
  • So my amendment would say, My amendment would simply save us from that fate, save us cost, potential
  • It’s a big day for most of us because there are so very few of us who are privileged to serve our state
  • But it's not even us.
  • We should not use our money.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of the special order report for the day. The chamber then moved into a special-order agenda focused almost entirely on immigration-related measures, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The memorial was adopted 85-27 after brief debate, with supporters arguing Florida should help maximize federal immigration enforcement and opponents saying Congress, not the state, should fix immigration policy. The House next took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses for illegal entry and reentry by adult unauthorized aliens and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members debated constitutional concerns, due process, racial profiling, fiscal impacts, and whether the bill intruded on federal immigration authority. Several amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to extend protections to Venezuelans with TPS, to remove the mandatory death penalty, to protect certain long-term immigrant workers and teachers, to expand exemptions for Haitians and humanitarian parole recipients, and to create a task force on best practices for immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive locations. A final amendment to strip the bill as unconstitutional was also rejected. The bill then passed 85-29. The final measure discussed was Senate Bill 2C, which creates a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establishes grants and incentive bonuses for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, repeals the fee waiver for undocumented students beginning July 1, 2025, and appropriates more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as a broad enforcement package, while questions from members focused on the impact on current students who receive in-state tuition and whether the bill would remove incentives for those already enrolled. The transcript ends during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And we are grateful for their work with us on that terminology.
  • And that's what's gotten us comfortable with the... ...bill.
  • Telework helps us stay focused and respond fast.
  • Any cosmetologist using the compact to provide services in Texas must abide by...
  • It establishes clear definitions and conditions for permitted groups and sets explicit standards for
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 1, 2025 - 12:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • And most of us know it.
  • I've seen it coming over my way from here, and most of us know it, and many of us are concerned about
  • the legislators who are helping us try to write the wrongful taking of the public's customary beach use
  • Please help us fix this.
  • Help us restore customary use to Florida residents... ...to all Florida residents so that we can all
Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee took up eight bills focused on water policy, coastal resilience, environmental regulation, beaches, wildlife funding, and carbon sequestration. HB 7001 preserved the public-record exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species before its scheduled repeal, and it was reported favorably 16-0. H.R. 661, expressing support for a “one-water” approach to the state water supply, drew discussion about whether it implied centralized control; an amendment aligning the resolution with Senate language was adopted, and the resolution passed 16-0 with a committee substitute. The committee also advanced HB 1345 on infrastructure and resiliency, which after a strike-all amendment authorized DEP to procure coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships and use incentives such as revenue-sharing, expedited permitting, public engagement, and workforce training; it passed 16-0. HB 477 on weather modification was substantially amended to return to current statute and add a $10,000 fine for failing to obtain a permit; the bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against weather modification and cloud seeding, and it passed as amended with a committee substitute. HB 6043, repealing the 2018 customary-use beach statute affecting Walton County, prompted testimony about beach access, tourism losses, and private property rights; it passed 17-0. The committee then approved CS for HB 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds and allowing use of the non-game wildlife trust fund for law enforcement and coordination with related agencies and landowners; it passed 17-0. HB 1169 revised water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and procurement practices, including restrictions on lobbyist funds and updated project preference rules; two amendments were adopted and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1063 created a task force to study carbon sequestration and related ecosystem services in Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters; after amendments removing a fiscal component and clarifying voluntary participation and property-rights protections, it passed 15-2. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 29th, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We hope third time is the charm for us. You have in your packet a picture.
  • It was a difficulty for us in even identifying more victims.
  • The communities are those who raised us and protected us at one point. Someday, those will be us.
  • If everything goes right for us, let's do the same for them. Please, let's pass this bill.
  • Before I start, let me ask, let us pause for a second and reflect.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • and higher rates of unsafe conditions and higher rates of unsafe patients<00:07:14.720> use<00
  • If you could name them for us, please. If you could name them for us, please.
  • You can help us.
  • costs us to provide for our families. costs us to provide for our families.
  • and they don't need to buy fuel from us. and they don't need to buy fuel from us.
Bills: HF3889, HF2567, HF3878
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/01/25

Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Anglers and boers in the US and Canada Anglers and boers in the US and Canada um<00:05:01.000>
  • goes towards getting permits it's also goes towards getting permits um<00:56:45.559> when<00:
  • Okay, I do have the A7 amendment. walk walk us through more amendments you walk walk us through more
  • double the number of lines you can use double the number of lines you can use both<01:24:03.719>
  • disputes but they're so they're using disputes but they're so they're using this<01:42:38.400>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Related to drug or chemical use, drug addiction is serious.
  • And you are correct, there was a lot of inconsistency in the use of those terms.
  • Can you give us some examples of what those would be?
  • Members, thank you for bringing this to us.
  • It removes an archaic provision in the Estates Code that is not used.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Apr 3rd, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And thank you truly for working with all of us. Additional debate.
  • That will be moving us to the special order calendar.
  • Responsible use of state funds? Definitely.
  • It creates a free long-term anchoring permit program.
  • I'm going to slow us down a little bit. Good morning, everybody.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including state championship athletic teams, visiting chambers of commerce, apprentices, students, and other guests. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with no committee reports or executive messages on the desk. A moment of silence was held for Walton County Deputy William Will May, who died in the line of duty. Among the major bills passed was SB 234, which strengthens restrictions on resisting law enforcement officers and increases penalties related to manslaughter of an officer; an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties was adopted, and the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 7020 on open government review of certain cybersecurity information, SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, SB 944 reducing the overpayment claim period for insurers/HMOs seeking reimbursement from licensed psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, SB 878 extending probation treatment options for misdemeanor offenses involving controlled substances, SB 538 updating the state court system, SB 480 expanding nonprofit agricultural medical benefit plans, SB 472 giving correctional education credit toward professional licensure, SB 86/House companion 421 expanding peer support for first responders to include support personnel, SB 164 on vessel accountability, SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements, SB 316 creating Series LLC rules, and SB 384 requiring notice to legislative delegations before municipal annexation of state-owned lands. The most debated measure was CS/CS/SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification, which Garcia said would prohibit unauthorized atmospheric interventions, create reporting and enforcement mechanisms through DEP, and impose felony penalties; Polsky questioned the bill’s practicality, federal preemption issues, and agency capacity, while supporters said it would address public concerns and close loopholes. The Senate also passed CS/SB 166 on public school administrative efficiency after adopting several amendments affecting school purchasing timelines, third-grade retention exemptions, teacher contracts, certification, facilities planning, and an OPPAGA study of cost-per-student-station limits; senators debated testing, teacher evaluations, and school accountability. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget process guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper on SB 2500 and SB 2502 amendment deadlines, and then adjourned until April 9.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (2-24-26)

Appropriations & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:04:27.759> for what we have before us for what we have before us for consideration.
  • > conditions.
  • us to have a it helps us make a uh helps us to have a better<00:41:18.079> uh<00:41:18.319>
  • least among us. least among us.
  • The very condition that qualified her for care was being used to justify taking it away.
Summary: The committee met on House Bill 1, which would implement Kentucky’s participation in the federal education freedom tax credit program. Sponsors said the bill would allow donors to receive a federal dollar-for-dollar tax credit for contributions to scholarship granting organizations, with no state dollars involved, and that public school districts could potentially create their own SGOs. Members asked about the removal of state tax language in the committee substitute, the meaning of the 11th Amendment waiver, whether SGOs could serve only public school students, and whether data collection could be added. The sponsors said the state tax language was unnecessary because the credit is federal, the waiver would allow federal-court litigation over the act, and a district could establish an SGO if it met federal requirements. The committee adopted the substitute and then reported HB 1 favorably with 16 yes votes, one nay, three pass votes, and one abstention. The committee then took up House Bill 2, an act relating to Medicaid and making an appropriation. The sponsor described the bill as a response to federal HR 1 and to concerns raised by the Medicaid oversight board, saying it would address program integrity, eligibility redeterminations, cost sharing, and managed care organization contracts. He said the bill would require periodic eligibility verification for expansion Medicaid enrollees, add modest cost-sharing for some services to encourage use of primary care over emergency rooms, and strengthen enforcement of MCO contracts, with penalties going into a restricted compliance fund. Members asked about the committee amendment, and the sponsor explained it restored flexibility on the number of MCOs in future procurement rather than locking in a reduction. Members also asked whether the bill had gone before the Medicaid oversight advisory board and whether a fiscal note was available; the sponsor said the board’s recommendations were incorporated and fiscal notes were included in the packet. After discussion, the committee adopted committee amendment one to PHS2 and then adopted PHS2 as amended for consideration. The sponsor continued outlining the bill’s provisions, emphasizing that it applied to the expansion population and was intended to align Kentucky law with federal requirements while improving oversight and accountability.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Wed Jan 29, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • you and we have uh joining us you and we have uh joining us representative<00:07:53.960> mahina
  • perspective it's setting the conditions perspective it's setting the conditions of<00:12:22.959>
  • <00:17:43.440> Readiness use resiliency Hub we're using Readiness use resiliency Hub we're
  • and I'm I'm not even sure if I'm using and I'm I'm not even sure if I'm using the<00:25:34.320><
  • <01:01:15.720> out the federal government to help us out the federal government to help us
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.