Video & Transcript Research : 'technology programs'
Page 148 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 7008 is a bill on the financial technology sandbox.
- The sandbox provisions offer financial technology innovators a more flexible regulatory framework to
- In the My Safe Florida Home program?
- I just want to thank you for continuing the program in this form.
- So thanks for continuing the good work on this program. Any further debate? Senator Pizzo.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably.
Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- My program does have expertise in this area. My program does have expertise in this area.
- So they're likely referring people to our program or to MassAbilities Benefits Counseling Program, but
- It's just a comment because technology is, everything's driven by technology these days, and it'll just
- So is the goal of the program to raise awareness of youth and young adult employment programs in the
Summary:
The Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met and began with roll call, but did not have a quorum, so approval of prior minutes and an inspirational quote were tabled. A planned presentation from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee was canceled shortly before the meeting, and the agenda shifted to an informal discussion with two Treasury employees, Steve Kroder and Bill Collievis, about veterans with disabilities in the workplace.
Kroder and Collievis described barriers veterans face, including stigma, employer misunderstanding, the need for frequent medical appointments, invisible disabilities such as PTSD and other service-connected conditions, and challenges for Guard and Reserve members balancing service with civilian work. They also discussed supportive practices in public employment, the need for better outreach to employers, the role of local veterans service officers, Military OneSource, TAP, and the importance of helping veterans navigate benefits and transition services. Commission members responded by emphasizing education, employer outreach, and possible resource-sharing through the commission’s website and toolkit.
The committee then heard a presentation from Commonwealth Corporation on its Young Adults with Disabilities employment grant program. Staff explained the program’s funding, eligibility, training and placement model, and data from the prior cycle, including participant demographics, completion rates, credential attainment, employment outcomes, and wages. Members discussed benefits counseling, underemployment definitions, stigma around addiction as a disability category, and the need to connect grantees and participants with work incentives and benefits information. Commonwealth Corporation said grantees now receive training on benefits impacts and that the agency is open to further partnership.
The meeting ended with a brief update on a planned commission event focused on youth and young adults with disabilities, inclusive workplaces, PCAs, and job coaches. Organizers said they were still securing a venue and were considering a hybrid or virtual format, with participation from youth organizations, the PCA Council, and the Arc of Massachusetts. The subcommittee then voted to adjourn.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, eradication programs were, uh, successful, uh, for the New World screw worms through Mexico.
- Our, uh, cattle fever tick, our inspectors that deal with the cattle fever tick eradication program on
- I'm the big game program director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Uh, they then switched to the, they call it the Southwest program.
- Um, Obviously it's a little bit older technology.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Olympics, Paralympics and World Cup Soccer May 13th, 2026
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (09/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- know what the program is doing.
- doesn't know what the program is doing. doesn't know what the program is doing.
- And you're asking that program is doing.
- program every possible program is<00:46:59.280>
adequately <00:46:59.920>restricted <00 - Is that technology exist?
Summary:
The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like.
Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms.
Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- trade or a two-year program or a four-year program.
- This is one of those types of programs.
- One thing that we do realize we would need a huge investment in technology to monitor this program just
- So the approved supplier program, which is the program that I am privileged to steward.
- So the New Mexico Grown Program Again, I spoke to the fact that this is an incentive program.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint License Plate Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it's a free book gifting program for children 0 to 5 years old. The cost is shared in Alabama.
- We have a statewide program.
- in each county to help take the program in each county to help take the burden<00:05:51.600>
of <00:06:17.919>and <00:06:18.080>I >> Very familiar with your program and I & - <00:06:20.800>
and are very familiar with your program and are very familiar with your program
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Jonathan Gould, of Virginia, to be Comptroller of the Currency for a term of five years, Luke Pettit, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Paul Atkins, of Virginia, to be Mar 27th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- To meet these challenges and tomorrow's demands, Transit must embrace technology, modern technology.
- Did you vote for the Consolidated Supervised Entity Program? I did.
- So I want to list a few of these important programs, including the Capital Investment Grants Program,
- the Buses and Bus Facilities Program, the Low or No Emission Program. and the Better Utilizing Investments
- funding for these important programs?
Keywords:
financial regulations, SEC, Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Transit Administration, nominees, Empowering Main Street in America Act, capital formation, economic growth
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several nominees within key financial institutions, including discussions surrounding the SEC, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency. Notable dialogue included concerns over regulatory balance, with various members emphasizing a need to streamline regulations to foster innovation while ensuring accountability and safety for investors. The importance of the proposed 'Empowering Main Street in America Act' was highlighted as a means to facilitate access to capital for small businesses, underlining the current administration's approach towards financial regulations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Crookston specializes in career-focused, technology-driven education programs that emphasize experiential
- Crookston specializes in career-focused, technology-driven education programs that emphasize experiential
- Crookston specializes in career-focused, technology-driven education programs that emphasize experiential
- Crookston specializes in career-focused, technology-driven education programs that emphasize experiential
- Crookston specializes in career-focused, technology-driven education programs that emphasize experiential
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 19th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And that has been a huge program. If you're wondering which programs are the most successful.
- Our most popular program right now is the electric bicycle program, believe it or not.
- That is part of the program.
- That program was very successful.
- The current program that's running was either a two-year program.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The University of Arizona has a graduate legislative fellows program, and with me is Jake Pacheco.
- corporation 2330 line sitting vectors 2330 one electrical service providers 2332 Prohibition MRNA technology
- public schools, 2578 failure to secure weapon, 2579 appropriation free school, 2581 health insurance program
- child care assistance, 2649 unborn children's rights, 2650 rainwater harvesting, 2651 blue envelope program
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Committee on Science and Technology will not be meeting today
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That program is a more labor-intensive program to administer.
- Champions program and that grant program Champions program and that grant program is<00:33:51.399
- different programs.
- One of our other programs is a special use permit program that is a permit program that happens anytime
- and OHRV programs, as well as a federal Recreation and Rec Trail program.
Summary:
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority officials, led by Executive Director Rob Dapice, briefed legislators on the agency’s structure and funding. They explained that the authority is created by state law but is not a state agency, its debt is not state debt, and it is governed by a board appointed by the governor and approved by the Executive Council. The discussion focused on the Affordable Housing Fund and the lead paint hazard remediation fund, including how state appropriations and federal resources are combined to finance affordable rental housing and lead abatement work.
Dapice said the Affordable Housing Fund is used as gap financing for multifamily affordable housing projects, typically alongside federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, and that state dollars leverage roughly 2:1 to 10:1 in additional federal and private investment, averaging about 4:1. He said the fund has received historic appropriations in recent budgets, including $30 million over the last two biennial budgets and an annual $5 million set-aside from the real estate transfer tax. He also said the fund is usually structured as 0% interest, deferred loans rather than grants, with repayments returning to the fund if projects generate cash flow.
Members asked about rents, oversight, staffing, revenues, and whether the programs had added positions. Dapice said affordability restrictions generally last 30 to 99 years, rents are tied to income limits and capped so tenants pay no more than 30% of income, and compliance staff inspect properties regularly to verify income eligibility and rent limits. He said the organization has about 130 to 135 employees, down from about 145, with no new positions added because of the appropriations. He estimated total revenues at roughly $300 million, with administrative budget around $22 million, much of it pass-through grant money.
On lead paint remediation, he said the state first appropriated $6 million in 2019, plus $1 million in ARPA funds, and that the program has cleared more than 500 units. He said the federal grant program is not annual or predictable, with a recent award of about $7.75 million, and that the maximum federal grant per unit is $177,000, typically paired with up to $100,000 in state loan support. He also noted that the program can address homes before a child is poisoned if lead hazards are identified, but that cases involving an already exposed child are a higher priority. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I run the technology and justice programs at the ACLU of Massachusetts.
- It's critical defendants have the chance to review how this technology was used.
- related technologies.
- Special Commission to evaluate government use of face recognition technology.
- It's important to understand the limits of this technology.
Summary:
The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law.
On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:37.880>
now things at NDC all of our programs now things at NDC all of our programs - other programs other programs um<00:30:59.080>
I <00:30:59.200>think <00:30:59.679> - and then under the pro current program and then under the pro current program we<00:51:18.079>
- program and the grants program have Loan program and the grants program have been<01:04:51.760>
excellent - Some funds remain in the program.
- program and the grants program have Loan program and the grants program have been<01:04:51.760>
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- That also included every high school in the state uh having a driver's education program.
- uh having a driver's education program. uh having a driver's education program.
- All these funds, the intent would be to be diverted towards driver's education programs, both at our
- like the way they've drivers programs like the way they've been<00:07:42.319>
funding. - all paying $25,000 for the same program all paying $25,000 for the same program that<00:19:44.080
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 21104, a Gaming Commission criminal penalties bill presented by Commissioner Jay McDaniel. He said the measure is essentially the same as a bill passed by the Senate last year and would keep penalties low for people merely playing gaming, but make it a felony for operators of illegal online gaming platforms, with a $100,000 fine per conviction and forfeiture authority for funds tied to the crime. The committee substitute was described as clarifying that the penalties target the operator rather than the platform being used. After no questions, the committee moved and adopted the bill.
The committee then heard three Department of Public Safety bills from Commissioner Tindle. Senate Bill 2232 would raise seat belt fines from $25 to $100 and direct the additional revenue into existing driver education-related funds, with the stated goal of supporting driver education programs and improving teen road safety. Members asked about the revenue impact and whether the money would be appropriated back to the department and schools; Tindle said the funds would still be subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was moved and adopted, though some members raised concerns about redirecting local fine revenue.
Senate Bill 2314 was described as a cleanup bill for driver’s license statutes, updating outdated references, removing obsolete paperwork requirements, allowing first-class mail and optional digital notice through mobile ID, and reflecting the department’s move from Jackson to Pearl. Members questioned whether first-class mail could shorten response time for suspension notices and how mobile ID notices would work; Tindle said the change was intended to save money and allow electronic notice if users opt in. The committee also adopted this bill. Senate Bill 2817 would reorganize DPS by consolidating several divisions into a new Mississippi State Bureau of Investigations, combine equipment and software purchases, raise autopsy fees from $1,000 to $1,200, increase salvage title inspection fees from $75 to $125, and open a broader discussion about the Highway Patrol’s future role. It was also moved and adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2230 from Senator Hill, which would extend electronic warrants to misdemeanors; members discussed efficiency, warrant databases, and Fourth Amendment concerns, but no final action on that bill was shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, CPN-EDT, CPN-HOU, CPN-EIG Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm one of the executive officers that helps with the MMA program.
- um I'm sorry could you MMA uh program um I'm sorry could you repeat<00:26:11.480>
the repeat - <00:26:52.200>
he actually in charge of this program he actually in charge of this program - <00:39:02.640>
and of grid interactive Technologies and of grid interactive Technologies and - day and age now with all the technology day and age now with all the technology all<01:08:31.239
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation.
The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted.
A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Nuclear is a technology that is developing, and it will be commercially available.
- Okay, super brief on the technology developments around cooling systems.
- They are also interested in education programs.
- to STEM, access to technology.
- Those are all programs that we want to think about promoting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- You've got alternative programs.
- You may not be paying technology fees depending on whether or not you're actually providing the technology
- If that program grows or goes away and you decide, "I don't want to run this program anymore," you still
- That seemed like the appropriate program.
- In-person program or school. Well, Mr.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Transportation (2-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The next one is off-road vehicles, which the pilot program ended.
- We have an amendment that allows us to extend this pilot program to July 2026, and it also amends the
- to examine certificates of Technologies to examine certificates of title<00:12:15.279>
before - <00:12:23.639>
ended vehicles which the pilot program ended vehicles which the pilot program - to July 2026 7 extend this pilot program to July 2026 7 and<00:12:30.120>
it <00:12:30.279>
Keywords:
Roll Call 00:32
Approval of Minutes 01:38
HB 20 Discussion 02:08
HB 20 Vote 06:00
HB 188 Discussion 07:07
HB 188 Vote 10:10
Administrative Regs 11:09, 958, all
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting’s minutes, and heard two House bills plus several Transportation Cabinet regulations. House Bill 20, sponsored by Rep. Hodson, would restrict the retention and sale of automated license plate reader data, limit storage to 60 days, and prohibit nonconsensual tracking devices such as micro-trackers and subcutaneous trackers. Hodson said the bill was aimed at protecting citizens’ privacy and noted it had passed the House previously; members asked about enforcement and deletion responsibility, and one member suggested criminal penalties might be worth considering in the future. The committee voted to report HB 20 favorably.
House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. Duvall, addressed driveaway plate businesses that transport vehicles for others. Duvall said Kentucky law had created confusion about how many vehicles could be on the road and had driven up insurance costs, hurting a Warren County business; the bill would let such companies purchase the exact number of plates needed, which he said would reduce exposure and premiums. He emphasized the bill would not affect dealer tags or trailer transport and said he was working on a floor amendment to make that clear. The committee reported HB 188 favorably as well.
The committee then reviewed five administrative regulations, including Transportation Cabinet rules allowing technology to be used in title examinations, extending an off-road vehicle pilot program to July 2026 and updating the definition of local government, aligning truck weight-mass rules with statute, adopting the MUTCD traffic control manual, and an emergency Kentucky State Police regulation adjusting a TSA-related hazardous materials endorsement fee because the federal change came too quickly for the normal regulatory process. Members asked whether the title rule covered rebuild titles, and staff said it applied to all titles. The committee noted the regulations had been reviewed and then adjourned, with the next meeting tentatively set for the following Tuesday.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Yes, we're—the information technology division where I work has actually built an e-citation program
- roll out the program. Yes. roll out the program. Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay.
- some of these um similar type programs. some of these um similar type programs.
- :26.240>
protocols are there technologies and protocols are there technologies and protocols that - development program manager, Todd Low. development program manager, Todd Low.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.