Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Occupations Code'
Page 158 of 500
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 12th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Banking website, there's 180 companies that are, have this type of license in Texas.
- We show you're registered as James Quintero on behalf of Texas Public Policy Foundation and show you
- I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- Those are all under the local government code 271.05612 and 3.
- And, you know, you hear it all the time that Texas is not a one size fits all.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Autonomous vehicles regulated 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- some that others have spoken about already today, such as impacts on labor, prioritizing single occupancy
- already today, such as impacts on labor, prioritizing<00:53:44.000>
single <00:53:44.319>occupancy - <00:53:44.800>
vehicles, prioritizing single occupancy vehicles, prioritizing single occupancy - reporting last month from *Fortune* magazine found that Tesla's self-driving robo taxis in Austin, Texas
- Robo taxis in Austin, Texas caused approximately four to eight times more crashes per mile driven than
Summary:
The committee took up House File 5313, a bipartisan bill to create a statewide framework for autonomous vehicles in Minnesota. The author said the bill is intended to improve safety, provide regulatory clarity, avoid a patchwork of local rules, and support economic development and mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill was described as a work in progress, and the committee adopted three author amendments: A12, a technical correction; A15, which states MDOT and Public Safety can absorb the bill’s incidental costs within existing resources; and A14, which added clarifying airport-related language requested by the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport/MAC.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation testified in support of continued discussion but said the bill needs more work in several areas, including an annual MDOT permitting process for AV operators, defining operational design domains, adding stronger enforcement authority, clarifying remote assistance roles, and requiring fully automated vehicles to be registered with Public Safety. MDOT said it has worked with the governor’s connected and automated vehicles council and more than 70 stakeholders on recommendations. Industry and transit witnesses strongly supported the bill, citing existing AV deployments and safety benefits. Southwest Transit’s CEO said its Eden Prairie AV service has carried 27,000 riders over 112,000 miles with no accidents, strong customer satisfaction, and increased ridership. A Whimo representative said the bill would create regulatory certainty and help expand AV deployment.
Several public witnesses emphasized accessibility and safety. A disability advocate described how autonomous vehicles could improve independence for people who cannot drive, including those with epilepsy and other disabilities, and urged passage of the bill. A former 911 dispatcher and state patrol employee said AVs could reduce crashes and protect drivers, pedestrians, and officers, contrasting a dangerous human ride-share experience with a safer autonomous ride. Another disability advocate and blind Minnesotan testified that AVs could help address transportation barriers, though he also noted ongoing discrimination problems with ride-hailing services for blind riders with guide dogs. After the amendments were adopted, the bill was moved to the Commerce Committee.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/18/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- to include the latest energy code.
- that then they've been updating the code that then they've been updating the code in<04:21:22.800
- <04:24:42.560>
have And I think that the energy codes have And I think that the energy codes - correct that uh that the this this code correct that uh that the this this code impacts<04:25:18.720
- The state of New Hampshire does have an energy code. It's just the 2018 energy code.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill provides much needed clarity for Texas property owners by reinforcing their ability to challenge
- While current law under Chapter 211 of the Local Government Code and the Texas Constitution provides
- of Selma, for example, small The city, a general-law city subject to all the laws of the State of Texas
- million rehabilitation of a building with no economic value and subjected us to dozens of spurious code
- I respectfully urge you to vote no on SB 2639 and stand up for Texas history for all Texans.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 2215, which would clarify that property owners may challenge municipal zoning ordinances that are adopted without following Chapter 211 procedures, and would expressly waive municipal sovereign immunity for declaratory, injunctive, and mandamus actions in those cases. The bill sponsor and witnesses argued it would simply enforce existing notice, hearing, and due process requirements and give landowners a practical remedy when cities fail to comply. Testimony in support came from attorneys and a landowner describing alleged zoning actions in Selma that they said occurred without proper notice or hearings and caused significant financial harm. After questions, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2639, which would add disclosure and compensation requirements for local historic designations, including compensation based on the greater of repair/restoration costs or the difference in appraised value with and without the designation. The bill author said it was intended to address situations where historic designation delays or blocks redevelopment and to ensure property owners are fairly compensated. A property owner testified in support, describing an Austin case in which a demolition permit led to historic designation and what he said was a costly forced rehabilitation. Opponents, including a preservation advocate and an East Austin resident, argued the current process is already rigorous, rare, and balanced, and that the bill would undermine cities’ ability to preserve historic places and community heritage.
During closing on SB 2639, the chair raised a concern that Section 3B appeared to apply retroactively to pending cases, which he said could be unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution’s prohibition on retroactive laws. The committee did not resolve that issue during the hearing, and the bill was left pending. The committee then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, I'll note that it's already embodied in Penal Code Section 1473.5.
- A hug should not depend on the zip code of where a child is detained.
- She then asked whether there is already a Penal Code provision that would address this issue. Mr.
- The only current tools are basically code violations for land use.
- This sweeping occupational consequence would devastate the livelihoods of dealers and their employees
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So somebody from Texas, say, couldn't come and trot in with an ID from Texas and say that they live here
- in and out of the voting booth with a Texas license plate on their car.
- Texas license is not good. It's not on the list, right? This bill does not affect the...
- The 2007 election code had 298 pages. The 2007 election code had 298 pages in it.
- Now they are probably registered as home in Texas or somewhere where it's better tax benefits.
Bills:
HR118, HR196, HR237, HR285, HCR85, HB442, HB443, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR63, SB25, SB202, SB319
Keywords:
water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're talking about making sure that your zip code, the color of your We're talking about fairness.
- We're talking about making sure that your zip code, the color of your skin, or how much you have in your
- Kent also helped open nine UC labor centers at all UC campuses and two labor occupational safety and
- health programs. ...campuses, and two labor occupational safety and health programs at UCLA and UC Berkeley
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and approval of the Senate journals. Members then considered several gubernatorial appointments to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Despite protest from Senator Grove over the lack of action on a separate rehabilitation appointment, the Senate confirmed Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, with each confirmation passing overwhelmingly or unanimously.
The chamber next adopted Senate Resolution 86 recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week and the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino civic engagement, and solidarity across communities. The Latino Caucus then introduced the honorees, including leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and the legacy band Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day to honor veterans who died by service-related suicide and their families.
Later, the Senate adopted SCR 123 for California Peace Officers Memorial Day after emotional remarks naming officers killed in the line of duty and honoring their families, and SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, with speakers citing racial disparities in health outcomes and maternal mortality. The body also adopted SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, with a guest recognition for a behavioral health advocate. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public participation, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 and SB 1195 on alcoholic beverage tied-house exemptions, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran and artist Victor Valar.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a process that is in Century Code that we are following.
- Another area: administrative code. Our new administrative code updates will go live April 1.
- And the yellow ones, it's color-coded as potential with limitations.
- And the yellow ones, it's color-coded as potential with limitations.
- And then there's also a $10 irrigated acre occupation tax.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jul 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- important role in our primary workforce: 18% of the 15.2 million people in the U.S. health care occupations
- I believe Texas has one, but I congratulate the Washington Legislature on writing a bill that's easy
- I wish they should get lessons to Texas because that bill's tough to read.
Summary:
The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed.
The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license.
The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- A child's safety should never depend on their zip code or how well their parents know the system.
- I'm a parent, I'm an occupational therapist, and I'm school personnel as well.
- Oregon, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, and Texas require the teaching of the dangers of opioids.
- Training still depends on zip code.
- Training still depends on zip code because there is no statewide mandate.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals.
A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements.
The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 43 (3-10-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- /c> Uh the Uh the uh uh uh money<00:23:45.520>
or <00:23:45.640>the <00:23:45.840>code - that we all pay a lot money or the code that we all pay a lot of<00:23:47.400>
attention <00:23 - To Licensing and Occupations and Administrative Regulations: House Bills 849 and 904.
- To Licensing and Occupations and Administrative Regulations: House Bills 849 and 904.
- >
and To Licensing and Occupations and To Licensing and Occupations and Administrative<01:40:16.480
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Administrative Rules Committee Mar 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Under anhydrous ammonia, it updates reference code to 40 CFR, which is a Code of Federal Regulations
- Code Article 33-43 took effect.
- community, as North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-44 and North Dakota Administrative Code Article 33
- And so the sole purpose of this rule update is just to align the admin code with the new Century Code
- So the department moved the language from one section of code to another section of code.
Summary:
The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously.
The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions.
The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact.
Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- There is an amendment that's bar code number 941, Chair: 889.
- And I do see an Amendment Chairman: bar code number 718509.
- Chair: You are recognized to explain the strike-all Amendment bar code number 873707.
- Chair: Bar code number 897687. You're recognized to explain the amendment.
- I don't want to be Texas. We ought to be better than Texas.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- And we also developed the QR code. I'll show you that towards the end.
- This is exactly what we saw in Texas and Arizona. In Texas,...
- I just wanted to know the outcome of the case in Texas and Arizona.
- The Texas bill that we heard about, that's about their abortion laws.
- That is how Texas has decided to enforce their abortion laws.
Keywords:
wrongful death, unborn child, civil liability, medical provider, parental rights, habitual felony offenders, violent crimes, enhanced penalties, criminal justice, recidivism
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing Florida’s high victim counts, the role of online recruitment, common victim and trafficker profiles, and several case examples involving sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and interstate trafficking. She highlighted Miami-Dade’s task force model, partnerships with law enforcement, schools, businesses, and shelters such as Camillus House’s Project Phoenix and the Thrive Clinic, and said the office relies heavily on technology, training, and victim-centered prosecution. Members asked about school-based trafficking, warning signs, social media platforms, and information-sharing about offenders across states; Fernandez-Rundle said more training and better interstate communication are still needed.
The committee then took up CS for SB 656, which would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Funding Program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a timely tool to combat online child exploitation and was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related violent offender designations by clarifying notice and clemency-related paperwork requirements; it too was reported favorably unanimously.
The remainder of the meeting focused on SB 164, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to recognize unborn children in civil law and allow recovery when a pregnancy is lost due to another’s negligence. Opponents from the ACLU, reproductive rights groups, medical insurers, and domestic violence advocates argued the bill is overly broad, could function as fetal personhood legislation, and could expose doctors, friends, family members, businesses, and abusive partners to lawsuits while chilling medical care, IVF, and pregnancy-related treatment. Supporters from pro-life organizations urged broader language and stronger protections for unborn children. No vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, that's the purpose of the list, so they can immediately identify which units have an occupant,
- a possible occupant, that is immobile, right, so they would attack those units first, in theory, how
- Yeah, that's the purpose of the list, so they can immediately identify which units have an occupant,
- a possible occupant, that is immobile, right, so they would attack those units first, in theory, how
- “Yeah, that's the purpose of the list, so they can immediately identify which units have an occupant,
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety met on March 21, 2025, and heard several resolutions related to corrections, emergency preparedness, and wildfire risk. Early items included HCR 62/HR 57 on flying the National League of Families POW/MIA flag year-round at the state Capitol, for which no one testified, and HCR 154/HR 49, which would request a comprehensive forensic audit of DCR and DAGS spending tied to planning and building a new jail to replace the Ahu Community Correctional Center. The ACLU strongly supported the audit, arguing that the state has spent millions on jail planning over many years without clear accounting, that a new jail is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible, and that public-private partnership arrangements could reduce transparency. Committee members questioned the use of the term “forensic,” the age of some cited allegations, and whether the auditor could instead conduct another type of audit; the ACLU said it was open to other audit language and offered to help compile background materials. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee also heard HCR 63, asking DCR to provide separate clinical counseling services for correctional staff, with one supporter, and HCR 23, which asks DCR to include circuit and district court facilities in planning the new Ahu Community Correctional Center and to establish a release procedure that avoids releasing detainees into residential communities or public spaces. DCR Director Johnson said the department supported the intent of HCR 23 and had discussed it with the Chief Justice and court administrator, adding that one multi-purpose courtroom could handle both district and circuit proceedings. The chair then moved on without further discussion.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HCR 37, which asks HEMA to work with other agencies on outreach and preparedness for kūpuna. Testifiers from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, AARP Hawaii, and the Hawaii Council of Community Associations supported the measure, citing the vulnerability of older adults and people with disabilities during disasters, lessons from the Lahaina fires, and the need for clear evacuation plans, siren reliability, and better coordination with care homes and condominium associations. Several speakers described local preparedness efforts and concerns about gaps in communication and implementation. The committee also discussed HCR 69/HR 62 on creating a vegetation management working group to reduce wildfire risk; the Division of Consumer Advocacy supported it, with testimony describing dangerous incidents involving vines and bamboo contacting electrical lines and causing sparking and a utility pole fire. The meeting ended with testimony and questions continuing on that topic, and no final committee action was shown in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our general contractors—everything that we build is to code: Florida building code, local building code
- So, our process is that once the general contractor gets the certificate of occupancy from the local
- The longer answer is we did a competitive procurement, and we are required per 2 CFR 200, Code of Federal
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably.
The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs.
The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- and to issue code interpretations.
- , the uniform fire code, the uniform building code, standards code, whatever it is, two feet is two feet
- The codes are updated every several years in the three-year cycle.
- The codes are updated every several years in the three-year cycle.
- rather than the California Building Code.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 26, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- not allowed to be used at all um codes not allowed to be used at all um and<02:02:27.920>
and - who are in them occupants who are in them okay<02:02:52.599>
thank <02:02:52.800>you <02 - Page 4, line 18, we would delete "the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy."
- end quote page certificate of occupancy end quote page five<02:47:25.240>
lines <02:47:25.600> - violation means a building code violation means a building code violation<02:47:41.200>
that<
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.
HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies.
The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative occupational licenses.
- Representative Leon state fire code.
- Sherman, the chair of the Building Code Sherman, the chair of the Building Code Review<01:58:25.160
- ,<01:58:58.680>
fire housing are, what building code, fire housing are, what building code - ,<01:59:12.640>
keep certain building fire codes, keep certain building fire codes, keep everyone
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There also may be concerns with respect to the Internal Revenue Code and the Age Discrimination in Employment
- the may be um concerns with respect to the Internal<00:03:30.920>
Revenue <00:03:31.360>code - Like our testimony says, occupational exposure is incredibly detrimental to their health. thank you so
- 43.000>
says firefighters um like our testimony says firefighters um like our testimony says occupational - <00:09:44.040>
exposure <00:09:44.480>is occupational exposure is occupational exposure
Summary:
The joint hearing covered Senate Bills 470, 828, 730, and 1383. SB 470 would create a deferred retirement option program for police officers. The Employees Retirement System warned it could worsen the system’s $14.1 billion unfunded liability by stopping employer and employee contributions during the DROP period, and the Attorney General raised possible tax-qualified status, Internal Revenue Code, and age-discrimination concerns. Police and other supporters testified in favor, but the committees ultimately recommended deferring the bill indefinitely.
SB 828 would expand workers’ compensation medical benefits for firefighters to cover an additional respiratory condition. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Hawaii Firefighters Association supported the measure, citing occupational exposure and health risks. The committees recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted by both committees.
SB 730, which concerns allowance on service retirements, drew support from the Department of Human Resources Development and the Department of Law Enforcement, but also comments from the Attorney General and ERS. DHRD said the bill could help recruitment and retention but requested more time to work on language with ERS, Budget and Finance, and the AG’s office. The committees postponed decision-making until Friday, February 7, at 3:15 p.m. in Conference Room 225.
SB 1383, relating to fire protection, received broad support from the Governor’s office, Department of Defense, DLNR, Hawaiian Electric, and others. The committees agreed to pass it with amendments, including language suggested by the Hawaii Insurance Council on wildfire-related insurance issues and a committee report link to the Lina fire forward-looking report, phase three. The amended recommendation was adopted by both committees. Later in the meeting, the committees also heard SB 1360 and SB 1361 on ERS administrative and reporting matters, SB 340 on HLRB enforcement authority, and SB 997 on energy; SB 1360 and SB 1361 were presented as housekeeping measures, SB 340 drew disagreement between the Attorney General and HLRB over enforcement authority, and SB 997 was amended to incorporate prevailing-wage renewable energy rate language from SB 743 and then passed with amendments.