Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Concurrent Resolution'
Page 172 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:31:13.200>
Abler, Senator Abler, Senator Abler, >> thank<00:31:15.440>- Thank you, Senator Moren. it then. Thank you, Senator Moren. Senator<00:37:35.920>
Coleman. - Senator? Senator?
- Senator Mann to your bill. adopted. Senator Mann to your bill.
- Our >> Thank you, Senator Senator McUade.
- Thank you, Senator Moren. it then. Thank you, Senator Moren. Senator<00:37:35.920>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Special Order Calendar Group Feb 23rd, 2026
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/23/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:20:44.159>
Green. Senator Green. Senator Green. - Um, I see Senator Dibble, then we'll go to Senator Green. >> Um, Senator Rarick and then Senator Gustafson
- Senator Dibble. Senator Green. Senator Rarick. Senator Gruenhagen. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- I believe we have Senator Green, then Senator Rarick, then Senator Gruenhagen. Senator Green.
- Senator<01:29:50.960>
Grunhagen. Senator Grunhagen. Senator Grunhagen.
MN
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh Senator Coleman. All right. Uh Senator Coleman.
- Senator Johnson Stewart, Dibble and Senator Johnson Stewart, mostly<00:43:51.400>
Senator <00: - visiting Senator up. visiting Senator up.
- Senator<01:11:33.000>
Limmer. Senator Limmer. Senator Limmer. - Senate Senate and<01:46:43.640>
Ms.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Taking Courage from the Interim / Increasing Security at the Capitol / Affordable Housing Efforts Feb 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to the Senate floor.
- Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight. >> Thank you.
- to the Senate floor.
- Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight. >> Thank you.
- Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight. Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight.
Summary:
The program opened the 2026 Senate session with tributes to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and others lost or injured during the interim, including Senator John Hoffman, who returned to the floor after surviving an attack. Senators repeatedly framed the session around courage, grief, civil discourse, and a commitment to govern despite heightened fear and political violence. The Capitol itself has changed in response, with locked doors, new security systems, more law enforcement presence, and new visitor guidelines.
A major segment focused on Capitol security. Senator Bonnie Westlin said the Axtell report, commissioned by the Department of Public Safety, was the basis for new screening measures and identified weapon screening as the top priority. She said the goal is to create a safer perimeter for members, staff, and the thousands of annual visitors, while keeping access workable through single entry points and Evolv screening machines. She also discussed Senate restrictions on guns in the gallery, possible future legislation to ban guns on the Capitol complex, encrypted badges, internal access controls, and behavioral threat assessments. She noted some recommendations will require funding, with the Department of Administration seeking about $41 million.
The program also highlighted the Senate fiscal review, described as a nonpartisan summary of the enacted budget that is being moved toward a more interactive web format. Another segment featured Senator Eric Lucero on affordable housing and home ownership. He said the Minnesota Housing workforce and affordable home ownership program is intended to increase owner-occupied housing supply, but argued that 123 homes built statewide is not enough to address the shortage. Lucero blamed regulation and permitting delays for higher costs, said Minnesota homes can cost $50,000 to $150,000 more than comparable homes in neighboring states, and said he will continue pushing for regulatory rollbacks to make home ownership more attainable.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Increasing Security at the Capitol – Senator Bonnie Westlin Feb 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight. >> Thank you.
- So, the Senate office building, our gallery, our floor.
- <00:04:36.160>
to <00:04:36.800>make The Senate has the capacity to make The Senate - So, the Senate office our scope.
- <00:04:52.720>
that um on the floor of the Senate that um on the floor of the Senate that
Summary:
The interview focused on changes to security at the Minnesota Capitol complex in response to rising political violence and recent attacks on public officials, including the June 14 assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hartman and the attempted assassination of Senator Hoffman and his wife. The senator said those events, along with broader threats against elected officials, created urgency to strengthen protections for members, staff, and visitors.
The discussion centered on the Axtell report, a Department of Public Safety security assessment of four priority buildings: the Capitol, Centennial Office Building, Judicial Center, and Minnesota Senate Building. The report included a public executive summary and a confidential detailed analysis. Its top recommendation was weapon screening, which the advisory committee adopted as the highest-impact measure to prevent weapons or other dangerous items from entering the buildings.
The senator described visible changes such as screening at entrances, single-entry points, Evolv machines, and X-ray screening for bags, as well as a Senate rule barring guns in the gallery after concerns about member safety. She argued these measures do not significantly reduce access because most state capitols already screen visitors, and said restrictions on firearms in government buildings are consistent with constitutional limits in sensitive places. She also noted that permit holders may still enter with firearms for now, but said she plans to introduce a bill to ban guns on the Capitol complex entirely.
Additional recommendations discussed included encrypted staff badges, more consistent access controls across buildings, and behavioral threat assessment training. The senator said some proposals will require legislative action and funding, citing an estimated $41 million request from the Department of Administration, while other measures could be implemented administratively from the non-public security report.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Affordable Housing Efforts – Senator Eric Lucero Feb 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, thank you for being here.
- You are one of the senators they specifically mention in this report.
- Senator, great conversation. Thank you so much for being here today.
- >> Senator,<00:07:21.599>
great <00:07:21.919>conversation. - Thank you >> Senator, great conversation.
Summary:
The discussion focused on Minnesota’s affordable housing and workforce homeownership development program, which aims to increase the supply of owner-occupied single-family and multifamily housing. The senator said his connection to the issue comes from his background as a real estate agent and his role as the Republican lead on the Senate housing committee, and he framed the goal as making homeownership more affordable across the state.
Asked about the annual report, he said it showed some progress, including 123 homes built through the program, but argued that the number was far too small to address Minnesota’s broader housing shortage or rising costs. He said housing prices are climbing for both renters and buyers, and that government funding alone cannot solve the problem.
The senator attributed much of the affordability problem to government regulation, including permitting delays and building code requirements, which he said make homes in Minnesota $50,000 to $150,000 more expensive than comparable homes in neighboring states. He said the state should roll back regulatory barriers so the free market can increase supply and lower prices, and he emphasized that homeownership is important for family stability, education, work, and preserving the American dream. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the exchange.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 02/20/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:03:15.280>
Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson. - Senator Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson.
- >> Senator<01:03:19.039>
Mc. >> Senator Mc. >> Senator Mc. - Senator<01:45:07.520>
Nelson, Senator Nelson, Senator Nelson, Senator Utke, and Senator Karan - Uh, Senator >> Thank you, Senator McUade. Uh, Senator Man. Man. Man.
Summary:
The Senate Rules and Administration Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability met on February 20, 2026, to hear from Minnesota Management and Budget State Budget Director Anna Mingi about federal funding changes affecting the state budget. Before testimony began, Senator Rasmusson objected to a draft committee report that had been prepared in advance of the hearing, arguing it was inappropriate to summarize testimony before it occurred. The chair responded that nonpartisan staff had prepared the draft from Mingi’s submitted presentation and could revise it after the hearing if needed.
Director Mingi explained that federal dollars make up more than one-third of state spending and support about 650 federal awards totaling over $23 billion this year, with more than $15 billion supporting state entitlement programs. She said the federal funding environment had changed significantly since January 2025 through executive orders, pauses, terminations, new grant conditions, delayed awards, and the July 2025 passage of H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill. Her main focus was H.R. 1’s effects on health care and food assistance, including work requirements for some adults, changes to eligibility for legal non-citizens, limits on retroactive Medicaid coverage and directed payments, new limits on provider taxes, and SNAP changes that shift some benefit and administrative costs to the state and counties. She estimated H.R. 1 would reduce federal funds to state-administered programs by about $327 million in the current biennium and $1.6 billion in the next, with additional costs to hospitals, counties, and other partners beyond the budget horizon.
Members asked follow-up questions about whether the estimates were relative to the forecast and whether federal Medicaid funding would still rise over time. Mingi said the estimates were based on the November forecast baseline and that Medicaid federal dollars would likely continue growing overall, though the law still creates significant losses relative to prior projections. Senator Rasmusson emphasized that point in remarks to the committee. The discussion then shifted to federal grant pauses and cancellations: MMB’s tracker showed about six awards on hold totaling roughly $491 million, 13 confirmed cancellations across areas including clean energy, education, food assistance, and public health, and additional threatened or litigated cuts not included in those totals. Mingi identified two canceled violence-prevention-related grants, including a FEMA public safety grant and a justice reinvestment grant, and noted that CDC had recently moved to cancel or seek cancellation of several Minnesota public health grants, including a $65 million public health infrastructure award.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA, WLA DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lee, Senator Enoi, Senator Lamasau. >> Uh, my name is Bernie Bae.
- 29.360>
Senator Senator Lee, Senator Enoi, Senator Senator Lee, Senator Enoi, Senator Lamasau. - Senator Chang excused. Senator Lamau. >> Hi. >> And Senator Dort. >> Hi. >> Okay. Measures adopted.
- Senator Chang is excused. Senator Lamosawa. Senator Dort. Hi. Measure is adopted. Mr. Chair.
- <02:25:41.439>
Senator Senator Chang is excused. Senator Senator Chang is excused.
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt.
Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 3324.
- Senate Bill 3324 recommendation is a Senate draft one, noting the presence of all members of the committees
Summary:
The HHS calendar met to consider only SB 3324, which had previously been deferred. The Chair recommended reconsidering the deferral and then passing the bill as is. A motion was made to reconsider the deferral, and with all members present there were no objections, so the motion carried.
The committee then took up the underlying recommendation on SB 3324. After a brief clarification that the bill was to be passed as is, the Chair again asked for any written reports or no votes, and none were offered. The recommendation to pass SB 3324 as is was adopted.
No testimony or substantive debate was presented, and the meeting adjourned after the vote.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDT-GVO, EDT-WLA, EDT DEFER, EDT-EDU DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- gt; Thank you Senator >> Senator.
- Senator Hashimoto. Aye. >> Senator Moriwaki.
- Senator Hashimoto. Aye. >> Senator Moriwaki.
- >> Senator Senator Kim. >> Senator Senator Kim.
- Senator Fukunaga. Senator Kim. Aye. Senator Fevella. Yeah.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language.
The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/20/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:22:36.000>
Wesland. Senator Wesland. Senator Wesland. - Um Senator Champion's is Senate File 3628, and Senator Fate's is Senate File 3629.
- Um Senator Champion's is Senate File 3628, and Senator Fate's is Senate File 3629.
- and Senator Fate is Senate file 3629. and Senator Fate is Senate file 3629.
- Senator<01:58:55.920>
Clark. Senator Clark. Senator Clark.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-20 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator from uh Windsor. Senator from uh Windsor.
- Senator from Franklin.
- Senator from Chin and Southeast. Senator from Chin and Southeast.
- >> Senator from Bennington. >> Senate Education Committee will meet at 1:15.
- senator, your motion again. senator, your motion again.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Propose New Legislation Addressing Fraud - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I am State Senator Mark Johnson, Senate Republican Leader.
- It's Senate File 3190.
- It's Senate File 3190.
- It's Senate File 3190.
- It's Senate File 3190.
Summary:
Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem.
Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records.
Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Announce Legislation Addressing ICE Activity in Minnesota - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the proud Senate Majority Leader.
- tomorrow in Senator Lance's committee. tomorrow in Senator Lance's committee.
- with that, I'll turn to Senator Port. with that, I'll turn to Senator Port.
- Elise Man, Senate District 50. Elise Man, Senate District 50.
- Louis Park in Senate District 46. St. Louis Park in Senate District 46.
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations.
Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts.
In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Senator Tu Jang from Senate District 44. Great. Uh, good afternoon.
- I'm Senator Tu Jang from Senate District 44. Great. Uh, good afternoon.
- Senator Jazinski. questions? Senator Jazinski.
- Senator<01:07:26.400>
Jazinski. Senator Jazinski. Senator Jazinski. - the Senate.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fodella, you proceed.
- Good afternoon, Senator. Uh, >> Thank you. Good afternoon, Senator.
- Thank you. resolution calling for more or less what resolution calling for more or less what what's<01
- Good catch there,<01:10:32.480>
Senator. there, Senator. there, Senator. - Recommendation 3245 is Senate >> Okay.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions.
The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt.
The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER, PSM Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 3192. Senate Bill 3192. >> Thank<00:03:28.159>
you. - wishes to testify on Senate Bill 3239? wishes to testify on Senate Bill 3239?
- Senator Hashimoto excused. Senator Enoi: I. Senator Dquit excused. The recommendations adopted.
- Recommendation is to fold the previously discussed Senate Bill 2121 and Senate Bill 3239 into Senate
- Recommendation is to fold the previously discussed Senate Bill 2121 and Senate Bill 3239 into Senate
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several public safety and emergency-related measures. SB 3192, on emergency healthcare license waivers, drew support from nursing and healthcare advocates who said automatic emergency licensure during a governor-declared emergency would help avoid delays in bringing qualified clinicians to disaster areas, citing the Lahaina wildfire response. The committee reported 13 supportive testimonies, none in opposition, and one comment. It later recommended passage of SB 3192 with technical non-substantive amendments and a defective effective date, and the recommendation was adopted by vote.
SB 2121, requiring ASL interpretation and visible picture-in-picture display during official emergency announcements, received supportive testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters. DAP demonstrated why captions alone are not sufficient and why an interpreter on screen improves effective communication. Broadcasters supported the bill’s intent but raised practical concerns about implementation and staffing, suggesting amendments. SB 3239, which would appropriate funds to HMA for bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency, was supported by legal aid and immigrant-rights advocates who emphasized the need for language access during disasters and noted the large LEP population in Hawaii. After discussion, the chair proposed folding the sign-language and multilingual access concepts into SB 21109, a broader emergency preparedness communications bill, and the committee deferred SB 2121 and SB 3239.
The committee also heard SB 2645 on fire prevention and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire marshal supported the bill’s provisions to modernize the office, create cross-certified assistant fire marshals, shift inspections to a risk-based schedule, establish the state fire code as the baseline, and create a special fund, but DLNR opposed the section changing the marshal selection process from a council-based appointment to gubernatorial appointment. The chair ultimately recommended passage of the proposed SD2 with blank appropriation amounts and committee-report concerns, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then passed SB 21109 with amendments, incorporating the deferred sign-language and language-access ideas into the broader emergency communications framework. It also later took up measures from the prior day’s agenda, passing SB 2882, SB 3191, and SB 2339 with amendments, including changes to the state buildings, water safety/drowning prevention, and building code council measures.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- . senator. senator.
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella is excused.
- Senator Mory Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Mory >> I. >> I. >> I.
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella is also excused.
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella is also excused.
Summary:
The joint committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several measures. SB 3082, relating to military families and leave protections, drew support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the military community relations office, the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Department of Defense, all of whom said the bill would align state law with federal standards and better account for military-related leave needs. SB 3110, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, was supported by Department of Defense witnesses who said it clarifies that employees of the Guard’s youth and adult educational programs are excluded from collective bargaining.
The committees also heard SB 3251, which would prohibit certain state law enforcement agencies from hiring former ICE or Border Patrol agents as law enforcement officers. The main testimony in support argued the bill could help prevent local police staffing losses to higher-paying federal agencies and avoid future workforce instability if federal funding changes. The measure drew significant public testimony, with the chair noting 62 testimonies in support, five in opposition, and three comments. Members discussed the bill’s impact on recruitment and retention, and one member voted with reservations while another voted no.
Later, the committees heard SB 3095 and SB 3264, both concerning Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund salaries. EUTF testified in support of SB 3095, which would allow the board to set salaries for investment office staff, and SB 3264, which would authorize the board to set the salary for an assistant administrator. After testimony, the committees moved into decision-making and passed SB 3082, SB 3110, SB 3251, SB 3095, and SB 3264 with amendments, generally including technical changes and revised effective dates of January 1, 2077 for the EUTF salary bills and SB 3082.