Video & Transcript Research : 'absentee voting'
Page 163 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- voting voting no<00:03:22.879>
I <00:03:23.040>recognize <00:03:23.519>the <00:03 - for when you vote for this bill.
- And if you vote for this bill, you are voting to take away that protection.
- look what you're voting for when you<00:08:18.280>
vote <00:08:18.520>for <00:08:18.759> this you vote for this you vote for this bill<00:08:20.840>what <00:08:21.039>the<
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Not voting. Patterson, not voting. Burner. Calderon? Aye. Calderon, aye. Chen? Chen, not voting.
- Not voting. Zabur? Aye. Wallace? Not voting. Zibur? Aye. All right, 10-1.
- Not voting. Taw? Not voting. Wallace? Aye. Okay, 14-0.
- Ta, not voting. Taw, not voting. Wallace? Wallace, aye. Okay, 14.
- Not voting. Ta? Not voting. Wallace? Zibur? Taw, not voting. Wallace? Zibur?
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- explain his vote. explain his vote.
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work.
The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading.
The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It takes 54 votes. Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Thank you.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. I-70, no-0.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Procedural motions were adopted to allow certain members to speak on adjournment in memory and to host guests on the floor, and the chamber suspended Joint Rule 61 to allow the Appropriations Committee to meet and consider AB 1533. The majority leader also requested that SB 272 and HR 44 be removed from the consent calendar.
The main floor action was the Assembly’s Pride Month observance, centered on HR 43, which recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward and members of several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, community contributions, and current political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, arguing the resolution was divisive and included controversial policy references. After debate, 49 coauthors were added and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The chamber then held a Pride Month ceremony honoring 14 distinguished individuals for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by guest introductions recognizing APICA fellows, family members, educators, and community leaders. The Assembly later adopted the consent calendar, with SB 61, SB 66, SB 846, SB 229, and SCR 3 approved, and then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for John E. Brison and former Assembly Member William T. Bagley. The House adjourned until Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair: Having waived close, call the roll and announce the vote on HB 7023.
- When someone asks Floridians for their vote Rep.
- Chair: Call the roll and announce the vote on CS for HB, I'm sorry, 535.
- Please vote no on this bill. Thank you, Chair. Chair: Debate?
- Okay, having waived close, call the roll and announce a vote on HB 4045.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm really happy to be a yes vote today. Anyone else? Happy to be a yes vote today. Anyone else?
- But in voting power, they don’t lose the rights to do that.
- So it says voting power and agreement or a contract.
- By your vote, I will share— Vice Chair Trumbull. Yes.
- So I’m just going to change my vote today to a no vote to research and feel a little more comfortable
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to consider a full agenda of bills, moving quickly through 20 measures and several amendments. Early bills reported favorably included SB 976 on procedures for challenging court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care provider access outside regular business hours, and SB 584 on housing supports for foster youth and college students, which drew supportive testimony from former foster youth and was backed by members as a way to improve stability and educational opportunity. The committee also approved SB 1412 to modernize home health regulations and SB 1800 to create a Parkinson’s research consortium at USF, with members citing the need for more research and future funding opportunities. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including technical and conforming changes to the Parkinson’s bill and other measures.
The committee then advanced a series of health care and child welfare bills. SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening; SB 1156 revised the Home Health Aide Program for medically fragile children, including training, reimbursement, and work-hour flexibility; and SB 1490 reorganized services for medically fragile children by shifting program administration to AHCA and requiring a redesign plan for the Medicaid waiver. SB 1174 allowed foster home and child-caring agency licenses to be amended when a foster parent relocates, and SB 1620 implemented selected recommendations from the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, including a new research center at USF and school-based behavioral health review requirements. SB 1568 revised e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 78 authorized certain veterans’ nursing home beds and related certificate-of-need transfers. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate or supportive testimony.
Several bills prompted more extensive discussion and some opposition. CS for CS SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, included provisions on vaccination-related patient rights, medical marijuana reporting, background screening, temporary licensure, compact participation, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dentists; it passed despite concerns from Senators Berman, Brodeur, and Harrell about vaccination language and board/voting-power provisions. CS for SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from physicians and health information professionals over privacy, security, fines, and portal access; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill. CS for SB 1736, allowing insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives for individuals with developmental disabilities, and SB 1808, requiring timely refunds to patients, both passed. CS for SB 1842, requiring referring providers to help patients determine whether referred providers are in-network, also passed over concerns about burden on small practices.
The committee also advanced SB 1354, a behavioral health oversight bill requiring audits, performance reporting, and system transparency measures for managing entities, and SB 1768, which authorizes physicians to perform certain stem cell therapies using specified products and requires informed consent; both drew supportive comments but also concerns about patient understanding and oversight. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to create presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals during redetermination, and after reconsideration it reported SB 1606 favorably as a committee bill. The meeting ended with members noting their recorded votes on select tabs and adjourning after completing the agenda.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We respectfully urge your aye vote. Thank you very much. Public cards... Your aye vote.
- No one in my high school talked about the importance of voting or what made me eligible to vote.
- I've also engaged in get-out-the-vote efforts online to get young Californians to vote with Power California
- We aren't exactly taught how to register to vote, what our board of supervisors do, or even why our vote
- We aren't exactly taught how to register to vote, what our board of supervisors do, or even why our vote
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on school safety, immigrant student protections, Holocaust and genocide education, civic engagement, and workforce pathways. SB 631 would expand the charter school revolving loan fund by increasing loan amounts and broadening eligibility, including for charter schools affected by natural disasters; it drew support from the Treasurer’s Office and the California Charter Schools Association and was advanced on a 4-0 vote, with the bill held on call. SB 472 would reinforce Holocaust, slavery, and genocide education requirements and create or expand teacher training and grants; it received strong support from survivors, educators, and Jewish organizations and passed 6-0, with several members asking to be added as coauthors.
The committee also took up a package of immigration-related school bills. SB 48 would bar school officials from allowing immigration enforcement access to campuses without a judicial warrant and protect student records; it was backed by Superintendent Tony Thurmond, teachers, school districts, and many advocacy groups, and passed 5-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 98 would require K-12 schools and higher education institutions to notify campus communities when immigration enforcement is present; it also drew broad support from student groups, colleges, and education organizations and passed 3-0 to Higher Education, with the bill held on call. Both measures were presented as responses to recent immigration enforcement activity near schools and the chilling effect on attendance and student well-being.
Other measures advanced included SB 848, which would strengthen protections against employee sexual misconduct in schools by updating safety plans, training, reporting, and misconduct tracking; it was supported by education groups and a survivor who described grooming at her high school, and passed 6-0 to Public Safety. SB 638 would create a statewide coordinating entity for education and workforce programs and support career pathways, with testimony emphasizing the need to align fragmented funding and improve access for underserved communities; it passed 7-0 to Higher Education. SB 316, on high school voter registration and pre-registration, passed 8-0 to Elections after testimony from students and civic engagement advocates, and SB 334, which would add sexual harassment prevention content and a Sexual Harassment Safety Week to school curriculum, was presented with support from student advocates and AAUW, with no opposition noted in the portion of the transcript provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Sorry, Senator Smith, I did vote for him.
- I would not have voted for him.
- Why did you vote for Scott Yenner? And do you have an explanation related to that vote, please?
- vote on individually, or we will vote as a block?
- And by your vote, Senators, Mr. R.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The bill sponsor said it would add consistency and transparency by requiring local education agencies and training providers to define their roles and funding shares in contracts, cap an LEA’s share at 10% when it serves only an administrative role, and require public meetings and published work papers for the district workforce education funding steering committee. Several industry and business groups appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without debate.
The committee then took up CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education, which was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment. The amended bill addressed presidential searches, trustee eligibility, interim presidents, polling by universities, mission reviews, and other governance issues. Members asked about the requirement that final presidential candidate groups include at least three applicants, the qualifications for interim presidents, trustee residency/alumni requirements, and limits on candidate polling. Senators Leek and Smith offered contrasting views, with Leek warning about candidate withdrawals and Smith supporting the bill as a way to depoliticize higher education governance. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to confirmation hearings for university and college boards of trustees. Several appointees and reappointees from FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UF, and UWF described their ties to their institutions and goals such as student success, workforce alignment, military support, research, and regional access. The UWF nominees drew the most scrutiny over their votes for former board chair Scott Yenor, whose public comments about women and other groups were criticized by senators and public commenters. Some nominees said they were unaware of the full scope of those remarks and would not have voted for him with that knowledge; others defended their votes as based on his education-reform views. Public testimony also raised concerns about UWF board members’ lack of higher-education experience and local ties. The committee confirmed the non-UWF nominees in a block vote and then began individual votes on the UWF nominees, with debate centered on Yenor-related concerns.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, not voting. Wiggs. Wilson. Not voting. Wilson, not voting.
- Vote count? Seven, two, three, one member not voting. Aye. Eight to three.
- She was a vote change. A vote change.
- Vote count? Seven, two, three, one member not voting. Aye. Eight to three.
- She was a vote change. A vote change.
Summary:
The committee heard several housing bills, with the longest discussion focused on SB 79, which would allow more housing near high-capacity transit stops and on transit agency-owned land. The author and supporters argued it would address California’s housing shortage, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and strengthen transit systems by putting more residents near rail and rapid transit. Supporters included housing advocates, local officials, environmental groups, and transit-oriented development organizations. Opponents, including many cities, the League of California Cities, and some tenant and legal advocacy groups, raised concerns about affordability requirements, displacement, demolition protections, local control, and the bill’s interaction with existing local planning efforts. The committee discussed amendments to strengthen anti-displacement protections, minimum density, affordability standards, and a local flexibility alternative, and SB 79 was moved out on a due-pass-as-amended vote of 8-1, with one member not voting.
The committee then took up SB 21, which would amend the Housing Crisis Act to allow limited unit reductions when converting deed-restricted SRO buildings into larger, more livable affordable units with private bathrooms, kitchens, and supportive services. The author and nonprofit housing providers said many SRO buildings are financially unsustainable and that the bill would preserve deeply affordable housing while improving conditions for residents. There was no organized opposition testimony at the hearing, though one business property group registered opposition. Members expressed support for the preservation-focused approach, and SB 21 was approved on an 8-0 vote and sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government.
Next, SB 92 was heard, a measure to close a density bonus loophole by limiting how much additional commercial floor area a project can receive and preventing the law from being used to justify very large nonresidential projects with only minimal affordable housing. The author cited a San Diego project as an example of the problem, and the City of San Diego supported the bill as a reasonable fix. Several labor and housing groups also supported it, while no formal opposition witnesses testified. The committee accepted amendments, members praised the effort to curb abuse while preserving feasibility, and SB 92 passed on a 7-0 vote.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 522, which would extend just-cause eviction protections to units rebuilt after disaster if they had previously been covered by the Tenant Protection Act. The author and the Los Angeles City Attorney said the bill would help preserve rental housing in disaster-affected communities, especially after the Pacific Palisades fires, and would not create new rent control. Opponents, including apartment, realtor, and property owner groups, argued it would add burdens to rebuilding and could discourage reconstruction. Members raised questions about whether existing law already protects returning tenants and whether the bill was necessary, and the hearing continued into committee discussion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pacheco, I think, was not voting. Pappin? Pappin, aye. Sanchez? I had a not voting. Not voting?
- And Tangapaw was not voting still. I voted on 8802 already. I vote not voting. That's okay.
- I had a not voting. Not voting? Not voting. Stephanie? Aye. Stephanie was an aye.
- And Tangapaw was not voting still. I voted on 8802 already. I vote not voting. That's okay.
- Not voting to no. Not voting to no. Other one? AB 866. Okay, AB 866 vote change, Sanchez.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion.
AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes.
The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 3, February 11, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Closing vote. Vote Vote closed. 42 I. 19. No. One excused.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 36 I. 25. No. Closing vote. Vote closed. 36 I. 25. No.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. Closing vote.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. Closing vote. Vote closed. 58<02:57:05.600>
I. - Closing vote. Vote closed. Closing vote. Vote closed. 57<03:03:00.319>
I.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Expand inside-the-vehicle video ban 3/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Your green vote today will make Minnesota roadways safer. Vote green. The clerk will take the roll.
- Caddy, you're voting right now. Anderson, P.E. Anderson, P.E. votes I. Jones. Jones, I.
- Anderson, P.E. votes I. Anderson, P.E. Anderson, P.E. votes I.
- Anderson, P.E. votes<00:02:51.000>
I. <00:02:51.680>Jones. votes I. Jones. votes I. - Jones votes I. Jones, I. Jones votes I. Momani-Dietschly. Momani-Dietschly. Momani-Dietschly.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 027 Feb 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- vote yes to adopt it. vote yes to adopt it.
- vote yes to table it. vote yes to table it.
- Your vote will be aye. If not, your vote will be no.
- So if you want to table it, the vote would be I. If not, the vote would be nay." "Please vote I."
- Members will vote. Recorded vote: 77 yeas, 24 nays.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Protect Voter Registration Apr 24th, 2025 at 09:04 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The right to vote is guaranteed to every eligible American.
- I stand with the voters who voted for this bill.
- And we wonder why Texas is the lowest voting state in the nation.
- There is no widespread issue of non-citizen voting in Texas.
- No one should ever have to pay to register to vote.
Summary:
The committee meeting involved various discussions pertaining to legislative initiatives and public policy concerns. Members engaged in debates around significant topics, highlighting their diverse perspectives. The atmosphere was lively with members presenting arguments for and against certain measures. Testimonies from the public were also a key feature, shedding light on community sentiments related to proposed bills.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh chair for the vote, concerns? Okay. Uh chair for the vote, please.<00:10:20.320>
Okay. - <00:10:26.720>
Representative chair votes I. Representative chair votes I. - Okay, seeing none, chair for the vote, please. Okay, um, members, we're voting on STR 5 SD1.
- , Okay, seeing none, chair for the vote, Okay, seeing none, chair for the vote, please.<00:11:16.720
- Thank you, uh, chair for the vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 6th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- Members, this vote is for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The members will vote. Have all the members voted? Lock the machine.
- Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted?
- The members will vote. >> Have all the members voted?
- members will vote. members will vote. Got<02:07:57.199>
me. - Clerk, one lock machine, and the members will vote. >> All the members voted.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/10/2026 - Joint Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- I vote aye. Mr.
- With that, I vote aye.
- I vote aye. Representative Travers. Mr. Chair, please explain your vote.
- Members, by your vote of 15 yes, one voting no, two voting present, you have returned all the budget
- Members, by your vote of 15 yes is one voting no, two voting present.
Summary:
The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process.
Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership.
The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM, PSM-EDU Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:50.959>
Senator votes yes. Vice chair votes I. Senator votes yes. - Are there any reservations or no<00:19:17.679>
votes? no votes? no votes? - chair Lee for the vote. chair Lee for the vote.
- Uh, Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.
- Uh, Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.
Summary:
The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted.
The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation.
In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.