Video & Transcript Research : 'temporary certification'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, April 30, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Foreign certifications<00:47:53.760>
on <00:47:53.920>their <00:47:54.160>own <00 - :47:54.319>
cannot <00:47:54.720>be certifications on their own cannot be certifications - This temporary extension will ensure that there is no disruption to the program while we work out our
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Direct admissions creates a direct pipeline to certificate programs, associate degrees, and four-year
- opportunity to testify today and thank you all for your public service to our state. direct pipeline to certificate
- programs, direct pipeline to certificate programs, associate<00:03:04.800>
degrees, <00:03:05.200 - A number of students have had no choice but to elect a temporary leave of absence for the spring semester
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It will fall next year as we sort of finish spending some temporary ARPA CCDBG dollars.
- And then lastly on this slide is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant, or TANF, which
- It will fall next year as we sort of finish spending some temporary ARPA CCDBG dollars.
- It will fall next year as we sort of finish spending some temporary ARPA CCDBG dollars.
- um finish spending some some temporary um finish spending some some temporary ARPA<00:35:03.079>
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- system, which again I know we're trying to solve for with the transitional services right now and temporary
- earlier religious involvement and providers, and in the past we've had that with orphanages or with temporary
- <01:15:12.920>
placement with temporary placement with temporary placement centers<01:15:14.840 - I know that there are internal rules for how those temporary placements or non-traditional placement
- ><01:19:41.159>
kids <01:19:42.159>um <01:19:42.520>you You know, is that a temporary
Keywords:
00:00:00 Introductions
00:00:22 Roll Call
00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85
00:14:03 Vote on SB 85
00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment
00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment
00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively.
Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression.
The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted.
Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (1-13-26) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- The week of Thanksgiving, about an hour before our board meeting, we were issued a TTRO, a temporary
- we were issued a TTRO, a temporary we were issued a TTRO, a temporary injunction.<00:21:08.720><
- That being a, you know, $67 million contract and locom's coverage and temporary coverage is the most
- <00:59:22.480>
coverage locom's coverage and temporary coverage locom's coverage and temporary - Uh, we're dealing with a $67 million contract for temporary staffing for the Kentucky School for the
Keywords:
This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all
Summary:
The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes.
For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved.
The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ninety-nine point eight percent of the 2,300 right-of-way parcels we had to acquire are done, including temporary
- is to see if there is a desire from the community to look at opportunities to build a potentially temporary
- Look at opportunities to build a potentially temporary station on that north side of Bakersfield in the
- So this North Bakersfield station, they are intending it to be a temporary station.
- They would ultimately build that one that's more in the kind of more... ...intending it to be a temporary
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan and next steps for the project. Chair Cortese opened by noting major changes since the 2024 plan, including new leadership, a bottoms-up review, scope changes in the Central Valley, loss of federal funds, and renewed interest in private investment and value capture. The Authority’s CEO, Ian Chaudhary, presented the project as moving into a construction and track-laying phase, citing progress on Central Valley structures, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, and a new procurement for track and systems. He said the plan reflects a more disciplined, optimized approach, with the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment targeted for revenue service around 2033 and the broader Phase 1 corridor envisioned as commercially viable through ancillary revenues, public-private partnerships, and future private financing.
Committee members questioned the Authority about station relocations, single-tracking, tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, transparency, and the feasibility of private financing. Chaudhary said the Merced and Bakersfield station locations were still under discussion with local governments and that no contracts had been finalized. He defended the reduced scope and single-track approach as a just-in-time strategy to avoid overbuilding, while maintaining high-speed standards. He also said the Authority was exploring land value capture, broadband, energy, and other corridor-based revenue sources, but acknowledged that some tools would require legislative action and that private financing options were still being evaluated. Several senators expressed support for the project but raised concerns about permitting delays, local opposition, constitutional and statutory limits, and the need for stronger accountability.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General then gave critical assessments of the draft plan. LAO staff said the plan assumes major statutory changes, understates risk, lacks transparency about scope changes, and may not fully fund even the smaller Merced-to-Bakersfield segment once borrowing costs and other uncertainties are considered. Inspector General Ben Belknap said the draft plan does not comply with newer statutory requirements in SB 198 and AB 377, citing three main deficiencies: unauthorized scope changes to the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, an inadequate funding plan that omits financing costs, and missing procurement milestone dates. He said the Authority’s presentation obscures the true cost and schedule impacts of the project changes, and that incomplete reporting limits legislative oversight. The Authority responded that it would address the OIG’s findings in the final business plan, and committee members indicated they expected a written response on compliance issues.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (06/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to welcome you to your new role, temporary but welcome. Thank you.
- any The direction that I have been given, you know, from the governor's office relative to my temporary
- the governor's office relative<00:23:29.200>
to <00:23:29.520>my <00:23:29.919>temporary - <00:23:30.400>
role <00:23:30.880>would <00:23:31.120>be relative to my temporary - role would be relative to my temporary role would be one<00:23:32.000>
to <00:23:32.159>to
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on June 20, 2025 and first approved the May 16 minutes and the non-removed items on the consent calendar. It then took up a Health and Human Services item for $5 million in additional nursing facility payments (FIS 25158). HHS explained the transfer was for private and county nursing facilities and was the third and final transfer in FY25, funded through federal matching dollars, county cap funds, and general funds. Members asked about the size of the transfer, whether it signaled future shortfalls, and how projections were developed; HHS said the request reflected updated estimates and that they did not expect similarly large transfers going forward. The committee adopted the item.
The committee also considered an ARPA-related item to remove a line from a funding request because the issue had been resolved and the positions/funds were no longer needed. Members approved the item with that line removed. Commissioner Caswell then answered questions about ARPA spending authority, saying remaining projects must be expended by December 31, 2026 and that the item was intended to preserve authority for ongoing capital projects; any unspent funds would revert to the federal government. Members noted the recurring nature of these ARPA adjustments and the need to keep tracking deadlines.
The Department of Corrections presented several items, including a $10 million request tied to staffing shortages and overtime costs, plus additional corrections-related funding items. Interim commissioner John Skipa said 18 employees had received preliminary layoff notices pending final budget approval. He and staff said the overtime need was driven by staffing shortages, later collective bargaining pay increases, and double-time compensation for uniform officers forced into overtime; they also said one housing unit section had been closed to reduce staffing pressure. In response to questions about morale and operational risk, Skipa said the department was under strain, that leadership was in transition, and that staffing or budget reductions could create litigation risk. The committee also heard about the Site Evaluation Committee’s budget shortfall, which was attributed to fewer new facility applications but continued casework and public engagement, and approved that item. Finally, members discussed a YDC claims administration item, questioning the role and cost of the Verald Dana consultant; staff said the firm handles intake and processing of claims for the Attorney General’s office and had been involved since the claims process was created. Several items were adopted after brief discussion.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um uh as I of your birth certificate.
- I I know he doesn't have certificate.
- because I have his his birth certificate because I have his birth<01:01:59.319>
certificate. - And um he wants to birth certificate.
- They could get a copy of that certificate the same day.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause.
The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4.
House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That there is a clear choice about responding to what, by all accounts, will be a temporary disruption
- A temporary exposure, not permanent.
- states have stepped up in some way, whether it be through increased aid to food pantries or through temporary
Summary:
The Senate first adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4521, establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Roder of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, by standing vote, with 8 in favor and none opposed. The chamber also suspended rules to refer several petitions to committee, including a resolution to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications and a petition on officer training related to stage suicides. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including legislation clarifying the duties of the Adjutant General and enhancing access and support for military-connected families, both with new drafts, and a bill designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which was ordered to a third reading.
A major portion of the session focused on the House’s nonconcurrence in the Senate’s amendment to the fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget and the appointment of a conference committee. Senators from both parties debated how to respond to the federal government shutdown and the threatened lapse in SNAP benefits, with repeated calls for the Commonwealth to use available state resources to prevent hunger, protect vulnerable residents, and seek federal reimbursement. Several members criticized the governor’s use of taxpayer-funded communications on the issue, while others defended the administration’s limited initial response and emphasized fiscal constraints. The Senate ultimately insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee consisting of Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor.
The chamber also passed several local and special bills, including measures exempting Natick’s assistant fire chief from civil service, authorizing sewer service in Sharon, changing the term of the elected moderator in Holden, updating Medford’s linkage exaction program, and establishing sick leave banks for Candy J. Pike and Kathleen Roder. The Senate later adopted amended resolutions calling on the President of the United States to release contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown, adopted an order to adjourn to the following Monday, and then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Apr 30th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- Roza Irrigation District in the Yakima Basin is already planning a temporary shutoff this spring toward
- Rosa Irrigation District and the Yakma Basin is already planning a temporary shutoff this spring toward
- On the right, the Roza Irrigation District, where past funds have supported temporary water leases to
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first elected Rep. Reeves as chair and Rep. Dent as vice chair for the coming year by unanimous voice vote. Rep. Reeves then continued chairing the meeting after noting he would need to leave early, and the committee moved to its regular agenda on drought conditions in Washington.
The first major presentation came from the state climatology office and the Department of Ecology on the 2026 statewide drought declaration. They described an unusually warm winter, low spring snowpack, and forecast above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for parts of the summer. Ecology said the declaration was based on Washington’s statutory drought criteria of reduced water supply and expected hardship, and that impacts were already being seen or anticipated for agriculture, fish, and some drinking water systems, especially in the Yakima Basin. Ecology also noted the drought response grant account had $3 million available, and that the declaration allows expedited water transfer processing and emergency response grants.
Committee members asked about funding, preparedness, and longer-term drought planning. Rep. Dent and others urged Ecology to work with the Legislature on broader mitigation strategies, including possible future legislative tools, funding needs, and reservoir or storage solutions. Ecology staff said they were open to continued collaboration and noted recurring drought has highlighted the need for more preparedness funding and resilience planning.
Dr. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington then gave a contrasting presentation, arguing that Washington was not in a drought emergency because reservoirs were full, precipitation was near or above normal in many areas, soil moisture was adequate, and agriculture was performing well. He said the low snowpack would not create a serious water shortage this year and urged the state to drop the drought emergency declaration. Committee members questioned him about reservoir capacity, state drought definitions, and forecast uncertainty. The meeting ended with several members thanking outgoing chair Sen. Warnick for her service and reflecting on future drought meetings and water issues in the state.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Apr 30th, 2026
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- Roza Irrigation District in the Yakima Basin is already planning a temporary shutoff this spring toward
- Rosa Irrigation District and the Yakma Basin is already planning a temporary shutoff this spring toward
- On the right, the Roza Irrigation District, where past funds have supported temporary water leases to
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first elected Rep. Reeves as chair and Rep. Dent as vice chair for the coming year, with the vote appearing unanimous. After a brief discussion about who would chair the rest of the meeting, the committee proceeded to its regular agenda focused on the 2026 drought situation in Washington.
The Washington state climatologist, Karen Mbacca, and Department of Ecology drought staff presented data showing a statewide drought declaration issued April 8 due to very low snowpack, warm winter temperatures, and resulting water supply concerns. They described the state’s statutory drought criteria, current reservoir and streamflow conditions, Yakima Basin water supply forecasts, likely summer temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the possibility of an El Niño developing later in the year. Ecology said the declaration makes $3 million in drought response grants available and allows expedited water transfer processing, and staff said they are already hearing concerns about impacts to agriculture, fish, and drinking water systems.
Committee members discussed the need for longer-term drought preparedness, possible legislative tools, and whether additional funding or reservoir/storage strategies should be considered. Rep. Dent and others asked about available grant money and future mitigation planning, while Ecology said it is open to working with the legislature and stakeholders on resilience measures. The committee then heard a contrasting presentation from Dr. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington, who argued there is no current drought emergency because reservoirs are full, precipitation and soil moisture are near or above normal in many areas, and agriculture is performing well; he said the state’s drought declaration is not justified by current conditions. Members questioned him about reservoir capacity, drought definitions, and forecasts, and the meeting ended with several members thanking departing legislators and noting the importance of continued water planning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Unemployment insurance is designed to provide temporary stability while people...
- Unemployment insurance is designed to provide temporary stability while people search for work.
- Individuals have to navigate layoffs, child care disruptions, family health issues, and temporary health
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests, including Scouting America Cub Scout troops and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day, and Senator Kavanaugh presented a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence.
The chamber then considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1036, dealing with unemployment insurance requirements, disqualifications, and determinations, drew the most debate; supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud and improving compliance, while opponents argued it would add red tape and harm struggling workers. The committee adopted a Government Committee amendment and recommended the bill do pass. SB 1056, on reporting vacant budget positions, also received a do-pass recommendation, and SB 1236, concerning AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, was amended with a Kavanaugh floor amendment and recommended do pass despite concerns from some members that it would restrict access for vulnerable populations. SB 1238, relating to the physician assistant licensure compact, was amended with a conforming Shamp amendment and recommended do pass.
On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1036 by 17-12, SB 1056 by 17-12, SB 1126 unanimously, SB 1189 by 27-2, and SB 1211 unanimously. The chamber also substituted and passed House bills identical to earlier Senate measures, including HB 2206 and HB 2396, both on SNAP-related issues, with debate focused on food access, administrative burdens, and federal error-rate penalties. HB 2190, the physician assistant compact bill, and HB 2796, the AHCCCS-related bill, were also substituted and passed. The Senate adopted HCR 255, a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy, observed a moment of silence, and then adjourned until February 17, 2026.
AL
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to House Bill 2563. does is create the prescribed burn manager self-insurance program, which is a temporary
- foresters, and we were to extrapolate the acres across the entire state, essentially the $25 million temporary
- You know, we want one that is temporary and you can get out of it. But great question.
Keywords:
HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We consider that a temporary repair because we do whatever it takes and ask questions later as essentially
- Those temporary repairs then are planned to roll into permanent repairs.
- with the county, and have actually been constructing those permanent repairs since the time the temporary
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to continue its review of hurricane impacts and state response. The committee first heard from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which described its four core functions—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—and highlighted its 24/7 State Watch Office, regional training efforts, and disaster assistance work. Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruitt detailed the state’s 2024 storm response, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, citing large-scale mission support, flood-control deployments, meal and water distribution, power restoration, debris removal, and billions in disaster funding and mitigation dollars. He also discussed debris management challenges and recommended that local governments update and exercise debris plans and maintain contingency contracts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It allows our school districts temporary flexibility on their school start time.
- <00:19:55.440>
two-year It simply adds this temporary two-year It simply adds this temporary - I do not have a temporary job. I have an important and essential job.
- <03:43:13.439>
Lunch jobs as temporary and seasonal. - Lunch jobs as temporary and seasonal.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Member and staff expectations are explained in the permanent and temporary rules documents found in members
- explained in the permanent and temporary explained in the permanent and temporary rules<00:03:12.400
- I should note this was a temporary reduction for fiscal year 26 and 27 in crafting the budget last year
- <00:19:06.000>
reduction <00:19:06.559>for note this was a temporary reduction for - note this was a temporary reduction for fiscal<00:19:07.200>
year <00:19:07.440>26 <00:19
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a little bit of the program overview that I have: it's a temporary, targeted program to meet current
- c><00:02:17.080>
it's program overview that I have it's program overview that I have it's temporary - 18.680>
program <00:02:19.480>uh <00:02:19.599>to <00:02:19.760>meet temporary - targeted program uh to meet temporary targeted program uh to meet current<00:02:20.480>
needs - The sunset was just to make clear that this was a temporary program.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now we are paying for six staff and three temporary staff to deliver the federal LIHEAP program
- staff to deliver the and three temporary staff to deliver the federal<00:36:19.760>
Li <00:36: - I know there are some temporary restraining orders in place, but I think, I imagine, it would impact
- I know there are some temporary restraining orders in place, but I think it would impact this program
- There's also a temporary restraining order, is my understanding, around that, so we have not received
Summary:
The Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee heard Senate File 486, as amended by the A2 delete-everything amendment, which would create a supplemental, year-round energy assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce alongside LIHEAP. Senator Dibble said the bill is intended to help low-income households pay utility bills throughout the year, including summer months, by providing crisis grants, ongoing monthly assistance, emergency heating system repair or replacement help, outreach funding, and reporting requirements. The committee adopted the A2 amendment before hearing testimony on the bill as amended.
Supportive testimony came from Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board, Jenny Glumac of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Mackey of Minnesota Valley Action Council, Ron Elwood of Legal Aid, Jamie Fitz of CenterPoint Energy, George Shardlow of the Energy CENTS Coalition, and Kent Sulum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association. Witnesses said energy burdens are especially high in rural Minnesota, utility arrears and shutoffs have increased, and most shutoffs occur in summer when LIHEAP is unavailable. They argued that year-round assistance would help vulnerable households, reduce shutoffs, improve health and housing stability, and create administrative efficiencies by using existing LIHEAP infrastructure.
Several witnesses cited data on the need for assistance, including high energy burdens in rural areas, more than 91,000 Minnesota households disconnected for non-payment in 2024, and the large share of LIHEAP recipients who are seniors, people with disabilities, children, or veterans. Amanda Mackey described a client story illustrating how energy assistance can stabilize a household and lead to broader benefits. Senator Mathews offered comments supporting help for households in need but said the bill is a stopgap and tied the need for expanded assistance to prior legislative actions that increased energy costs. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the transcript provided, and members indicated they would return to questions after testimony.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the mandatory minimum jail sentence for first conviction of knowingly or intentionally violating a temporary
- everybody into one category without any distinction between a simple text message, so a violation of a temporary
- <01:08:05.960>
was <01:08:06.119>relating <01:08:06.440>to <01:08:06.599>temporary - sb94 this was relating to temporary sb94 this was relating to temporary restraining<01:08:07.480
- intentionally violating a temporary intentionally violating a temporary straining<01:08:13.920><
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken.
SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing.
The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.