Video & Transcript Research : 'precinct voting'
Page 169 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 46 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge you to join me by voting yes on this amendment, and I ask that when a vote is taken, it be taken
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so?
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting is expired.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so?
Summary:
The House met with several welcoming and ceremonial items at the start, including recognition of visiting school groups and a special order to escort Representative-elect Hannah L. Bowen to the Governor’s Office to be qualified. Members also observed moments of silence honoring former Senator Louis P. Bertinazzi and former Representative Evelyn B. Chesky, and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s notice of the 6th Essex District special election results was placed on file, with congratulations extended to Representative Owen of Beverly.
The main business was consideration of House 4150, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $529.8 million. The House suspended rules, advanced the bill through second and third reading, and later passed it to be engrossed. A consolidated amendment was adopted by a vote of 149-1, and the bill itself passed to be engrossed by 149-1. The House also took up Senate 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Cetra of the trial court, and ordered it to a third reading.
Two floor amendments drew debate and were adopted by roll call. Amendment 61, offered by Representatives Peisch and Moran, codified protections and practices for English language learners and students with disabilities, including district responsibilities for identification, services, assessments, and nondiscrimination; it passed 148-1. Amendment 27, offered by Representative Rogers, clarified that post-certified law enforcement officers at private colleges and universities are included in firearms-related exemptions under the state’s firearms modernization law; it passed 151-0. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Representative Chesky.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Brandt votes no. Senator Campos, yes. Senator Campos votes yes. Senator Gonzalez.
- Senator Shandover votes yes. Senator Gonzalez. Yes. Senator. Senator Gonzalez votes yes.
- Senator Padilla votes yes. Senator Steinborn, yes. Senator Steinborn votes yes.
- Senator Shendo votes yes. Senator Munoz, yes. Senator Munoz votes yes. We have a do pass.
- Senator Shando, Senator Shando votes yes. Senator Munoz, Senator Munoz votes yes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 02-05-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair, for the vote. Chair votes aye.
- Chair votes aye. Vice Chair, for the vote.
- no votes or votes or reservations no votes or votes or reservations hearing<00:57:10.480>
none - any votes or present any no votes any votes or reservations<00:58:40.160>
hearing <00:58:40.440 - votes or pres any no votes or votes or reservations<00:59:05.960>
hearing <00:59:06.200>none
Summary:
The committee heard several water, land, and natural resources measures. SB 5 would narrow the definition of historic property to properties eligible for the Hawaii Register of Historic Places or with important Native Hawaiian or ethnic cultural value. The State Historic Preservation Division said the bill would tighten the definition and could reduce or streamline reviews, while one testifier warned it could add another layer of review and delay. Support and opposition were both noted. SB 19 would appropriate funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources to establish positions, and it drew strong support from DLNR and multiple ocean and reef advocates.
SB 145, concerning declarations of water shortage and emergency, was supported by the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Board of Water Supply, which said rulemaking would improve transparency and public input. The chair also noted broader public concern about water use and pricing, especially on Maui. SB 44 would prohibit commercial sale of parrotfish caught by spearing and ban spearing them at night; DLNR supported the measure, while several fishers and gathering-rights advocates opposed it, arguing it would restrict traditional gathering and that resource management should focus on fish populations rather than methods. The committee noted 26 communications in support and opposition combined.
SB 427 would bar the state from leasing or extending public land leases to parties in arrears, out of compliance with environmental obligations, or convicted of a crime, and would require gubernatorial certification for certain federal leases. DLNR said existing law and BLNR procedures already address compliance and cure periods, while supporters argued the bill would help ensure accountability for contaminated or poorly managed lands. The committee also began SB 457, dealing with submerged land reclamation and leasing of submerged/tidal lands; DLNR again said current statutes and BLNR protocols were already adequate, describing existing review and enforcement practices for shoreline structures and easements. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Olson's motion to vote, change your vote, close the cue, clear the vote.
- Declare the vote. He received a majority vote.
- I declare the vote. They received a majority vote.
- Declare the vote. Don't they received a majority vote? Mr.
- To clear the vote, we want to see a majority vote.
Bills:
HB3765, HB4324, HB3678, HB4170, HB3495, HB3040, HB3062, HB4140, HB4106, HB4109, HB4104, HB3581
Keywords:
property rights, forfeiture, noncitizen, land ownership, felony, public safety, criminal procedure, sentence modification, resentencing, judicial review, postconviction relief, district attorney, prosecutor, victim rights, victim notification, Department of Corrections, inmate rehabilitation, sentencing reform, life without parole, nonviolent offense
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, there being 36 yea votes, no nay votes, Senate Bill 197 as amended is passed.
- or explain their vote. or explain their vote.
- change, or explain their vote? change, or explain their vote?
- no nay votes, Senate Bill 245 is passed. no nay votes, Senate Bill 245 is passed.
- or explain their vote? or explain their vote?
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received a message from the House announcing passage of House Bills 364, 534, 600, and 662 and requesting concurrence. The chamber then took up second-reading reports, placing several bills on the Rules Committee calendar, and briefly recessed for caucus meetings before returning to floor business.
The first major floor action was Senate Bill 11, a residential safe room rebate program aimed at rural tornado preparedness. Supporters described it as a way to use FEMA or private funds to help homeowners build personal storm shelters that could also serve neighbors; one senator opposed it over a fiscal note and concerns about unintended consequences in rural areas. The Senate adopted a committee substitute and passed SB 11 by a vote of 33–3.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 8 on public utilities and PSC intervention procedures. A committee substitute and floor amendment were adopted to clarify intervention standards, limit delay tactics, allow written comments from non-intervenors, and revise transmission-line approval thresholds; supporters said the changes would improve PSC efficiency and protect ratepayers, while some senators objected to a provision moving records from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the state auditor as politically motivated. SB 8 passed 30–5. Senate Bill 94, dealing with dealer compensation for warranty and recall work, was also amended and passed unanimously after supporters said it reflected agreement between auto dealers and manufacturers. Finally, Senate Bill 197 on economic development incentives was amended to create county tiers, expand incentives for distressed areas, allow cross-border projects near state lines, and correct clerical errors; it passed 36–0.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/12/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- These votes were from individuals who voted in person at the polls and through early voting at the Carlton
- These votes were from individuals who voted in person at the polls and through early voting at the Carlton
- These votes were from individuals who voted in person at the polls and through early voting at the Carlton
- My opponent received 143 of those votes. This was 31 more votes than I received.
- My opponent received 143 of those votes. This was 31 more votes than I received.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 22 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The vote on final passage is 50 yeas and 0 nays.
- The vote on final passage is 45 yeas and 5 nays.
- Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
- The vote on final passage is 50 yeas and 0 nays.
- Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes? Clerk will pursue the fast roll call.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa.
On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar.
The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cameras required in child care centers, HF4277 3/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, we've been talking for hours just to get votes, just to get votes, just to get votes.
- And, you know, we've been talking for hours just to get votes, just to get votes, just to get votes.
- continue to work on it prior to a vote continue to work on it prior to a vote on<00:09:14.040>
- with getting votes here. with getting votes here.
- votes, just to get votes. votes, just to get votes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-EDU, EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. >> Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I.
- Chair votes I. none. Chair votes I.
- >
others <03:43:17.840>voting members voting no without others voting members voting no - voting? No. Without others voting I. voting? No. Without others voting I.
- voting no without others voting I. voting no without others voting I.
Bills:
SB2003
Keywords:
Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict.
Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose.
The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1.
The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors. 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. Clerk will close the roll, tally the vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Good morning, Chair.
- Do we have enough to vote? No? Not yet. And so... No, not yet.
- I respectfully request an aye vote. Thank you very much.
- Yeah, we can catch up for missed votes. Item number one, AB 1619. The current vote is 6-0.
- I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition.
The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 9, February 19, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Closing vote. Vote closed. Senate File 41, 30 ayes, no nays. Closing vote. Vote closed.
- Closing vote. Vote closed.
- Closing Closing Closing vote<00:59:59.119>
closed. vote closed. vote closed. - I urge your I<01:21:19.920>
vote. I vote. I vote. - closing vote. closing vote. Closing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Respectfully asked for your aye vote.
- He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 13th on a 5-0 vote, respectfully asked for an aye vote.
- He was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on May 13th, respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 13th on a 5-0 vote, respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- I ask for an aye vote on SB 1338.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/15/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm voting Republican this year, right? I'm voting Republican this year, right?
- never gone to the public vote. Right? never gone to the public vote. Right?
- <00:39:52.240>
Then didn't vote for bail reform. Then didn't vote for bail reform. - count how many got votes. Correct. Yes. count how many got votes. Correct. Yes.
- So, we did try to address that. bipartisan vote. Obviously, u, we did bipartisan vote.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- You know how many showed up to vote? 277.
- As you mentioned, you voted it down with bipartisan support last year, so we hope to keep that and vote
- On election day, you show up and vote.
- Please vote no on this bill.
- If we vote in favor of this bill, we are voting against everything that we say when we stand in support
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- aye vote on SCR 136.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- I strongly urge your aye vote. Thank you.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote.
The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services.
Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Tarnas votes aye. Representative Belatti votes aye. Representative Poepoe votes aye.
- Representative Garcia: no vote. May I take the vote for the Senate?
- And Chair Tarnas votes I. And Chair Tarnas votes I.
- No vote for Garcia? No vote. No vote for Representative<01:02:31.400>
Garcia. - Senator San Buenaventura votes aye. Senator Chang votes aye. We have eight votes. Thank you.
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I respectfully ask for your aye vote. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Mr.
- All members wishing to vote. All members voting who desire to vote. All members who desire to vote.
- Members who desire to vote. All members desire to vote. This is for co-authors.
- All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
Summary:
The Assembly met with a quorum call at the start, then proceeded with Black History Month observances, including a libation ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks emphasizing remembrance, ancestry, and the importance of honoring Black history. The chamber also handled routine procedural matters, including dispensing with the journal, re-referring certain Senate budget items to the Budget Committee, and allowing guest introductions and other unanimous-consent requests.
The main floor action was on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 134, recognizing Black History Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the historical contributions of Black Americans, the ongoing effects of slavery and segregation, the need to protect voting rights and education, and the importance of solidarity across communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 132, declaring February 28 as Rare Disease Day. Members shared personal stories about ALS and other rare diseases, described barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage, and called for more research and support. The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with 71 co-authors added before adoption by voice vote.
The chamber then recognized a series of Black History Month Unsung Heroes honorees, including community leaders, health professionals, advocates, and public servants, and later heard additional guest introductions. The meeting concluded with adjournments in memory of Peyton Trilling and John Jackson, followed by announcements and adjournment until February 26 at 9 a.m.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP/WAL Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- votes, vice chair for the vote. Okay. votes, vice chair for the vote. Okay.
- Anyone voting no? Anyone voting with reservations? All members present vote aye.
- Voting Voting Voting on<01:13:53.760>
also <01:13:54.080>voting <01:13:54.400>no - Voting on SB 1074 chair, for the vote.
- Chair voting aye. Vice chair voting no.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted.
The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits.
Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Feb 6, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Any votes with Any votes in opposition? Any votes with reservation?
- Any votes with votes in opposition? Any votes with reservation?
- . vote. vote.
- . vote. vote.
- Voting on HP2357. the vote. Voting on HP2357.
Bills:
HB1838, HB1870, HB2445, HB2540, HB1886, HB1839, HB2269, HB1939, HB2037, HB1635, HB1941, HB1576, HB2568, HB2267, HB2590, HB2266, HB2597, HB2499, HB2500, HB2502, HB2607, HB2137, HB2357, HB1782
Keywords:
HB1838, Hawaii, Act 142, U visa, T visa, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, immigration certification, visa certification, Form I-918 Supplement B, Form I-914 Supplement B, noncitizen victims, crime victim, human trafficking, victim helpfulness, law enforcement certification, prosecutor certification, judicial review, circuit court, confidentiality
Summary:
The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing.
The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments.
The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.