Video & Transcript Research : 'school testing'
Page 171 of 500
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 21 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is my pleasure to introduce the student council of New Hope Christian School.
- I've watched some of them participate in school sports since they were very, very young.
- >> testing? Yeah, it is working. My light was not working for a minute. Sorry.
- <00:36:30.480>
My <00:36:30.640>light >> testing? Yeah, it is working. - My light >> testing? Yeah, it is working.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Reverend Jerry Young of New Hope Baptist Church, and then took the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Mumford. The chamber quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill and resolution titles, and there were no messages or petitions. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, a William Carey University student, a county sheriff, the senator’s wife, students and church members from New Hope Christian School and New Hope Baptist Church, physical therapists and assistants from the Mississippi chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, and former Senator Chris Massie.
The main floor action was on Senate Resolution No. 2, which commended and congratulated the 2025 Jackson Academy Raider football team and head coach David Dugen for winning the MHSAA 4A Division I state championship. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after the title was read, and floor privileges were granted to the team. Coach Dugen addressed the Senate, thanking Senator Chassaniol, the school, families, coaches, and supporters, and describing the championship as the result of discipline, teamwork, and player leadership. The team presented a gift to Senator Chassaniol, and senators offered congratulations.
During announcements, senators noted several upcoming committee meetings and events, including White Coat Day at the Capitol, the Mississippi Ambulance Alliance reception, an Empower Mississippi summit, and multiple appropriations and committee hearings. Several senators also requested that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including John Guthrie, Colonel Jean Smith, Regina Roberts, and Brenda Le. Later, Senator Michelle and Senator Blackwell were added as co-authors to SR 2 without objection. The President announced that more than 500 bills had been assigned, that the Senate would not meet on Friday, and that the body would still meet Monday afternoon despite possible winter weather. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your test. The chair calls JC Essler. Thank you for being here today.
- Um, yeah, hang on, you're test, uh, on, uh, you're testifying on behalf of yourself and the Association
- That's what the governor of Texas expects of us, respects the school boards and school districts in any
- I didn't hear any tests when we talk about how important it is for the citizen to have direct input in
- It's also about equal rules for school district. City councils, cities, and mud boards.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :08:37.519>
our submit our testimony and stand on our submit our testimony and stand on our test - >
written <00:08:38.159>testimony <00:08:38.640>for <00:08:38.800>this test - written testimony for this test written testimony for this resolution<00:08:39.360>
as <00:08: - uh is included in the list of schools uh is included in the list of schools required<00:21:05.360
- required to complete a list of schools required to complete a list<00:22:27.919>
of <00:22:28.080
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education held a resolutions hearing on March 19 and heard testimony on a series of University of Hawaii-related measures. Topics included exploring an Alzheimer’s disease research center and federal funding requirements, establishing a BSN program at UH Maui, expanding student mental health services, supporting Hawaiian language resources at the Kawaihuani Center, creating a homeless student stability and housing resource program, forming a veterinary medicine expansion working group, and compiling a list of bachelor’s programs aligned with regional job needs. Testimony was generally supportive, with UH representatives often noting that several initiatives were already underway or that systemwide assessments and planning processes were in progress. For the veterinary medicine measure, UH said Windward Community College would not be the ideal location for a doctoral program, but the system would be willing to study the issue systemwide. For the Maui nursing program, UH said it had already received authorization to plan and was working through the curriculum approval process, with a goal of offering the program in fall 2026. For the student basic needs resolution, UH said a systemwide assessment covered all campuses and islands, with a report expected in summer or fall.
In decision making, the committee recommended passage of HCR 31/HR 30, HCR 73/HR 66, HCR 96/HR 92, and HCR 97/HR 93 as is, and all were adopted without objection. HCR 124/HR 120 and HCR 125/HR 121 were passed with amendments, including a technical amendment and a request to send a certified copy to the Kawaihuani Center director. HCR 195/HR 188 was passed with amendments to add a UH Hilo representative to the veterinary working group, and HCR 196/HR 189 was passed with amendments to include UH and HMC in the list of schools developing job-aligned bachelor’s program lists and to incorporate HMSO style changes. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee May 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- told me the number of students being 5150'd out of our high schools.
- Preyer on behalf of the California School Employees Association in support. Thank you.
- Again, there are four real tests for whether or not surveillance pricing is met.
- Hello, my name is Cairo, and I'm a freshman in high school.
- Here to test. ...park. That was an amendment we took in the prior committee.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote.
AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion.
AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- When I was in high school in California and I went to three high schools throughout the state, I was
- I had actually fallen through a number of cracks going from school to school.
- And I didn't think college could have been a place... ...going from school to school.
- These schools are taking advantage of a BPPE exemption that allows training schools to bypass the BPPE
- standards to evaluate high school courses. ...of the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote.
Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote.
The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 30th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Nevada Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- with Communities In Schools, because they provide a lot of supports to students that are integrated
- Communities In Schools allows for those wraparound services on our campuses to come in and make sure
- districts and schools can use to assess the performance of pupils, schools, and districts.
- That school districts and schools can use to assess the performance of pupils, schools, and districts
- This bill further authorizes school district governing bodies, charter schools, university schools for
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- test, in different languages.
- and the driving test?
- them take the test and the driving test them take the test and the driving test yes<01:53:25.320
- Can you actually test it, like the old school, put a sniffer in the tailpipe and see if it's actually
- , tailpipe testing-type program.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles.
Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules.
Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 21 (2-5-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- "We're going to test you guys not over what we present in class.
- I still we take so many tests to have.
- school school when<01:12:35.040>
our <01:12:35.280>professor <01:12:35.679>said, <02:08:04.880>Athletic Kentucky High School Athletic Kentucky High School Athletic Association - Senator Chambers member schools.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. The House communicated that it had passed House Bill 4 and requested concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports for Senate Bills 18, 33, 85, and 132, and committee reports indicating Senate Bills 136, 183, 2, 4, and 71 should pass, with some substitutes and title amendments. The Senate also introduced Senate Resolutions 79 and 80 honoring Joseph Harden McFarland and Jeremiah Parsons.
The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 5, relating to Kentucky-grown agricultural product procurement. The sponsor described it as a way to improve school nutrition, support Kentucky producers, and keep food dollars in local communities. Several senators spoke in support, including references to the Make America Healthy Task Force and the idea of using food procurement as a tool for rural prosperity and better nutrition in schools. Senate Bill 5 passed by roll call, 38-0.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 73, which would allow home-based processors to use beef tallow in cosmetic products. The sponsor said the bill would expand existing home-processing authority beyond food products to cosmetics. It passed unanimously, 38-0.
Senate Bill 12, relating to medical provider coverage and level four trauma centers, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued it would help rural hospitals join the trauma network by allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to work under physician supervision, including remote supervision, and said it would improve access and save lives in underserved areas. Opponents, including a physician senator, argued the bill would lower trauma-care standards and could put patients at risk by allowing non-physician staffing in facilities that need immediate hands-on medical expertise. After lengthy discussion, the bill was advanced and then passed by roll call, with supporters emphasizing rural access and opponents warning about patient safety and the adequacy of physician coverage.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations.(2-4-26)
Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations
Transcript Highlights:
- that the House has made this a priority, especially with efforts to ask Murray State to start a vet school
- > so<00:02:38.160>
we <00:02:38.400>are <00:02:38.480>trying start a vet school - Uh so we are trying start a vet school.
- In 2025, three domestic animals tested In 2025, three domestic animals tested positive<00:18:30.000
- Um, you had talked about having requirements to go to school here, uh, live here, work here.
Keywords:
00:00 Call to Order
00:05 Roll Call
1:00 HB 357 Discussion
4:53 HB 357 Vote
6:40 HB 45 Discussion
8:00 HB 45 Vote
9:29 HB 48 Discussion
15:00 HB 48 Vote
16:25 HB 212 Discussion
20:17 HB 212 Vote
21:50 HB 49 Discussion
25:55 HB 49 Vote
27:16 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with House Bill 387. The bill was presented as a measure to ensure veterinarians are not subject to controlled-substance reporting requirements through regulation or other means, while also revising the controlled substance council to remove an emergency medicine physician and an acute care nurse and add two veterinarians. Supporters said the change was needed because veterinary reporting would be overly complicated, especially in rural Kentucky and for large-animal practices. The committee adopted the committee substitute, approved a committee amendment, and passed the bill unanimously, including the title amendment and emergency clause.
The committee then heard House Bill 45, which would modernize Kentucky CPA licensure. The sponsor and the State Board of Accountancy said the bill updates outdated rules, supports workforce mobility and remote practice, reduces barriers to interstate commerce, and adds a new licensing option to address time and cost concerns for candidates. The committee passed the bill unanimously. House Bill 48 followed, a long-updated physical therapy practice act revision. Testimony said it would clarify and streamline the statute, add definitions for physical therapist assistants, change certification language to licensure, allow expungement of minor non-patient-harm violations, clarify sexual misconduct language, adjust disciplinary and fee-setting provisions, and ease requirements for some internationally trained practitioners. The committee again passed the bill unanimously.
House Bill 212 was next and would allow licensed veterinary technicians, under direct veterinarian supervision, to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets. The sponsor and Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association said the change would help shelters, humane societies, and mass vaccination clinics, improve recordkeeping, and address rising rabies concerns in Kentucky. The committee approved the bill unanimously. Finally, House Bill 49 was presented by Representative Matt Cook and the Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors as a scholarship program funded by $5 from each annual license renewal plus fines and penalties, aimed at encouraging Kentucky students to enter engineering and surveying and remain in the state for six years after graduation/licensure. Members asked about the service commitment and funding source; the sponsor said the program would use existing funds and not raise renewal rates. The committee passed the bill unanimously, with the chair noting it as a positive example of board modernization.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 12th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- They're offered a pregnancy test. If they are pregnant, they're given a drug test.
- And they're offered the pregnancy test. They're not required to take the pregnancy test. I'm sorry.
- If they are pregnant, they're given a drug test.
- And they're offered the pregnancy test. They're not required to take the pregnancy test. I'm sorry.
- of sentencing, the pregnancy test in particular, and the shackling.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 12 and took up a series of bills, mostly on juvenile justice, gaming-related background checks, bail/electronic bonds, and corrections policy. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably SB 258 on juvenile traffic violations, SB 321 on electronic bonds, SB 134 on limiting certain child sexual abuse material offenses for juveniles under 17 in specific circumstances, HB 75 on promotional play for racetracks as amended, and SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain fourth-offense impaired driving cases. Later, the committee also advanced SB 440 on the Renaissance District board membership, SB 393 on explosives regulation, SB 487 on charitable gaming rental arrangements, SB 339 and SB 288 on criminal background check procedures in the gaming and related regulatory systems, and SB 325 on excluding certain persons from sports wagering.
A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 201, which would change juvenile homicide sentencing procedures, including first- and second-degree murder cases, and how reviewing courts consider parole eligibility and prior death sentences converted to life. Supporters said the bill aligns sentencing with existing Supreme Court precedent and gives courts clearer guidance; opponents from children’s rights and civil liberties groups argued it weakens the “rarest and uncommon” safeguard for juvenile life-without-parole sentences and could expand harsh sentencing beyond constitutional limits. After debate and testimony, the committee adopted an amendment and reported SB 201 favorably by a 7-3 vote, with Representatives Adams, Knox, Moore, and others voting no.
The committee also heard SB 523 on clemency and sentencing considerations for defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Survivors’ advocates and domestic violence organizations supported the bill’s overall purpose but objected to the mandatory pre-sentence investigation language, warning it could introduce biased information and harm survivors; the Board of Pardons and Parole said its staff and trauma-informed victim assistance coordinators are trained to handle these cases. The committee adopted an amendment narrowing the bill and then reported SB 523 favorably. Finally, SB 320 on DNA detection and crime lab reporting was advanced without opposition, and SB 470 on pregnant women in custody passed after testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and discussion of pregnancy testing, bonding options, and prohibiting shackling during delivery and postpartum periods.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- private schools.
- It is expected that in the next school year—I'm sorry, the school year after the next school year—it'll
- It is expected that in the next school year—I'm sorry, the school year after the next school year—it'll
- /c><00:26:49.440>
of school that was our school of school that was our school of record<00:26: - schools.
Summary:
The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility.
Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability.
Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- every single day families in schools every single day families in Minnesota<00:13:36.480>
the - In addition to being places for students to learn, schools are also many people's workplaces.
- So infants who test positive for a congenital or heritable disorder, they often require urgent medical
- positive for a so infants who test positive for a congenital<00:27:12.000>
or <00:27:12.200>- I had five additional doctor's appointments to deal with this, a glucose meter, test strips, lancets,
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They are here with the University of New Mexico School of Law Wild Friends Citizen Science Program, and
- We have school photo day in the House lounge January 30th and 31st. Put it on your calendar.
- He is the son of Shawna Allison Bicenti, who is the head of school at Navajo Preparatory School, and
- House Bill 65, introduced by Representative Armstrong, an act relating to public schools, clarifying
- that local school boards and governing bodies of charter schools... shall determine the total number
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- there's only three cases in high school there's only three cases in high school sports<00:30:06.000
- of mine emailed me a picture of the test of mine emailed me a picture of the test during<00:32:45.240
- Thank you. found out about this test um and then found out about this test um and then they<00:33:05.399
- employee medical school student Medical School<04:20:59.760>
employee <04:21:00.199>or - <04:21:00.399>
any <04:21:00.760>professional School employee or any professional School
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised.
After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting.
HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.
NH
MN
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/20/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- , a public charter school, a non-public school, or the education freedom account.
- Uh, in grammar school, middle school, few hundred a year. Thank you very much.
- including the school district. including the school district.
- schools?
- , private schools, homeschooling, schools, private schools, homeschooling, or<03:50:47.520>
other<
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/18/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- based crew uh program like high school based crew uh program like high school kids<01:49:02.239>
- We do a lot of school tree plantings.
- We work with Project Learning Tree, mostly with private landowners and schools.
- <03:43:35.080>
tree a lot of school tree a lot of school tree plantings<03:43:36.920>uh - I said with private land owners schools I said with private land owners schools um<03:43:45.279>
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Mar 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- It goes through FDA extensive testing.
- <00:20:18.400>
for they go through expensive testing for they go through expensive testing - When it's done in the batch testing.
- Each goes through FDA extensive testing.
- council member who is still in school council member who is still in school right<01:54:03.840><
Bills:
HB2323, HB2324, HB1509, HB2164, HB2165, HB2367, HB2619, HB1765, HB2187, HB1864, HB1452, HB2314, HB1898, HB2558, HB2319, HB1643, HB2121
Keywords:
workers' compensation, treatment plans, vocational rehabilitation, electronic submission, reporting requirements, occupational safety, hoisting machines, discrimination protection, Department of Labor, safety standards, treatment plan, injured worker, medical treatment authorization, employer response deadline, secure electronic transmission, facsimile, fax, mail submission, denial of care, medical necessity
Summary:
The committee heard several administration bills related largely to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. On HB 2323 HD1, which would modernize workers’ compensation notice and filing procedures, DLIR and other agencies testified in support of the original bill language but said HD1 removed key components and weakened the bill’s clarity and continuity. HB 2324 HD1, which would repeal state hoisting-machine certification requirements and the separate crane operator certificate, drew support from DLIR; members asked about whether the change would affect safety or local operators, and DLIR said OSHA-compliant certifications already exist and the union supported the change. HB 1509 HD1, which would require faster employer responses to treatment plans and impose penalties for nonresponse, received support from DLIR and others, while DHRD said it wanted an amendment.
The committee also took up HB 2164 HD1 on compounded prescription drugs in workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill as a way to define compounded drugs and curb inflated pricing, but DHRD and a medical provider opposed it and asked for amendments. Testimony focused heavily on whether the definition should include 503B compounding facilities and whether physician dispensing should be limited to the first 30 days after injury. HB 2165 HD1, dealing with unemployment insurance eligibility and removing the two-year limit on recouping overpayments, was supported by DLIR but opposed by Unite Here Local 5, which argued it would make it harder for striking workers and other claimants. Members questioned the impact of changing reporting deadlines from calendar days to business days and raised concerns about future benefit offsets; DLIR said the bill was needed for federal conformity and that the committee would revisit the offset percentage and effective date.
Later, the committee heard HB 2367 on pay transparency, requiring salary ranges in job postings and removing the small-employer exemption. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, Hawaii Women Lawyers, and an individual testifier supported the bill, saying pay transparency promotes fairness, trust, and pay equity; one testifier described being underpaid compared with a predecessor and said posting ranges would save applicants’ time. HB 2619 HD1, concerning homemade food products and farm kitchens, received generally supportive comments from the Department of Health, which requested an amendment to preserve flexibility in future rulemaking. HB 1765 HD1, on spear-fishing safety warnings, drew support from a safety educator and comments from DLNR; supporters said warning labels would help prevent hypoxic blackout deaths and were low-cost and easy to implement. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.