Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Concurrent Resolution'
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation - 02/04/2026
Environmental Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have been joined by Senator Rachel May. And now we're joined by Senator Anthony Palumbo.
- Senator May moved it. Do we have a second? All second. All right, Senator Stec. Thank you, sir.
- Now, Bill 4408 by Senator May.
- Now, Bill 4408 by Senator May.
- Oh, thank you, Senator. All right, all in favor? Aye. Thank you, Senator. All in favor? Aye.
Summary:
The Environmental Conservation Committee, chaired by Senator Pete Harckham, met with a quorum and took up a 19-bill agenda, largely consisting of repassed environmental measures. Bills discussed included standards for ambient lead in soil, restrictions on false recyclability claims and plastic labeling, environmental restoration projects, commercial fishing and marine licenses, bans on unencapsulated foam flotation on docks and floating structures, indirect source review for warehouse operations, nuisance wildlife operator disclosure requirements, waterfront revitalization for Doodle Town Brook, a ban on fuel oil grade No. 4, renewable energy development rights on reforestation areas, fee exemptions for veterans and active-duty service members, a ban on mercury-added lamps, designation of water development representatives, bans on cleaning products containing triclosan or triclocarban, a composting symbol, bans on paper receipts for certain purchases, climate corporate data accountability, PFAS product restrictions, and prohibitions on tampering with emissions control devices.
Members raised several policy concerns during the meeting. Senator Palumbo questioned the PFAS bill’s inclusion of cookware and suggested an incremental approach, while the sponsor defended keeping cookware in the bill because heating PFAS can increase exposure through food and inhalation. On the renewable energy/reforestation bill, Senator Stec noted implementation concerns about allowing solar development in reforestation areas, and Senator May responded that the bill is intended mainly to facilitate transmission lines across state forest lands. There were also questions about the climate corporate data accountability bill’s scope, including revenue thresholds, overlap with existing DEC greenhouse gas regulations, and the source of fee revenue, with staff explaining it would apply to large companies doing business in New York and use registration fees to cover program costs.
Most bills were advanced either to the calendar or to finance. Bills including the lead standards, marine license changes, foam flotation ban, mercury lamp ban, water development representatives, composting symbol, and emissions tampering restrictions were advanced to the calendar. Several measures, including the recyclability labeling bill, environmental restoration projects, warehouse indirect source review, veterans’ fee exemption, and climate corporate data accountability bill, were referred to finance. The paper receipt bill was advanced to commerce, and the committee concluded after voting to move the final bills, including the PFAS restrictions and emissions tampering measure, with technical date fixes noted for the climate accountability and PFAS bills.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- PRESIDENT, BLACK Thank you, Senator Bailey. Senator Baskin on the resolution. Thank you, Mr.
- President. >> Thank you, Senator Baskin. Senator Sanders on the resolution. >> Thank you, Mr.
- Senator Brisport on the resolution. >> Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you. >> Thank you, Senator May. Senator Cleare on the resolution. >> Thank you, Mr.
- The resolution is adopted. Senator Gianaris. >> Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Rancor, Senator Bailey, Senator Gurnardis, Senator Miery, Senator Mayor, and Senator Lou.
- Senator Myrie seconded by Senator Lou. Move the bill.
- Senator Myrie, seconded by Senator Liu, moved the bill. Senator, all in favor? Aye. Opposed?
- So it's moved by Senator Bernard, seconded by Senator Governor. Seconded by Senator Mayer.
- So it's moved by Senator Bernard, second and by Senator Governor. Second and by Senator Mayor.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session and began with congratulatory remarks to the chair and other members. The committee then took up a short agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting support for the chair’s leadership and for the committee’s work on language access, housing, family court access, and other judiciary issues.
The first bill, Print 338 by Senator Bailey, would require certain New York City Civil Court documents to be provided in parties’ native languages; it was moved, seconded, and reported to the floor, with some members speaking in favor of language access. The committee also advanced Print 874, designating Harriet Tubman Day, and Print 2497 by Senator Gounardes, allowing certain testimony and evidence by agents in discrimination proceedings. Print 2597 by Senator Mayer, establishing standards for public access to family court, was also reported to the floor.
Additional measures approved included Print 3394A on anti-stalking orders, with support noted for updating protections in the digital age; Print 5066 on housing courts; Print 5278 on new fee rates for large estates, which was described as bipartisan; Print 5285 on who may become a voluntary administrator; Print 5286 on prohibiting self-storage lien enforcement during state disaster or health emergencies; and Print 5968 on increasing the homestead exemption from civil judgments. Most bills were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, and several were reported to the floor while others were referred onward as noted in the meeting.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation - 02/04/2026
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- We have with us Senator Mattera and Senator Gallivan.
- ...by Senator Mattera, seconded by Senator Martinez. Any questions or comments?
- Moved by Senator Mattera, seconded by Senator Oberacker. Any comments?
- Okay, Senator Mattera, Senator Martinez, any AWR, Senator... and any opposed? So I'm in favor.
- Moved by Senator Mattera, seconded by Senator Oberacker.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held its first meeting of the legislative session, with Chair Jeremy Cooney and Ranking Member Patrick Gallivan welcoming members and outlining a focus on safety, reliability, infrastructure, workforce issues, emerging technologies, public transit, and state-local partnerships. The committee considered nine bills, many of them naming or rededicating highways or bridges in honor of individuals, including family members of fallen firefighters, Lieutenant Gator Award, Sergeant Henry Johnson, and Robert Boren. Members generally spoke in support of these commemorative measures and related them to broader transportation safety concerns.
The committee also advanced several policy bills: a measure on handheld mobile device use by school bus drivers, a first responder safety zones bill, a bill to rededicate the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, a school bus stop-arm camera bill, and a charter bus pre-trip safety briefing bill. The stop-arm camera bill prompted discussion about local courts’ ability to hear notice-of-liability cases and the need to ensure drivers have a fair opportunity to contest tickets, while members also noted implementation issues on multi-lane roads. The charter bus bill drew questions about enforcement and liability, especially regarding seat belt violations and whether responsibility would fall on drivers or companies; sponsors said the intent was to improve safety training and awareness after recent tragedies. All nine bills were reported from committee, with no recorded opposition on the final votes.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 02/04/2026
Crime Victims, Crime And Correction
Transcript Highlights:
- We are also joined by Senator Bailey, Senator Murray, Senator Harkham, Senator Sepúlveda, and we believe
- Moved bill by Senator Murray. Seconded by Senator Bailey. All those in favor. Aye.
- Motion by Senator Bailey, seconded by Senator Sepúlveda. All those in favor? Aye.
- So moved by Senator Bailey, seconded by Senator Sepúlveda. All those in favor?
- Thank you, Senator Bailey.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met with a quorum and considered 10 bills. The committee advanced measures on crime victims’ awards (S.156), Inspector General review of sexual assault complaints in correctional facilities (S.429), expanded substance use programming access for non-English-speaking incarcerated people (S.863), preliminary license application procedures to identify criminal-history disqualifications early (S.1048, the PLAN Act), visitation rules for local correctional facilities (S.1892B), lethality assessments in domestic violence incidents (S.2280B), breast pumps for certain incarcerated nursing parents (S.2666A), time allowances when program completion is prevented by circumstances beyond an individual’s control (S.3974), health and human rights protections for incarcerated pregnant people and their children (S.4583A, the CARE Act), and visiting policies for incarcerated individuals (S.5037). Most bills were reported to Finance; S.1892B was reported from committee, and several members noted prior Senate passage or recurring support for some of the measures.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Senator Wakai, and Senator Fukunaga. Good afternoon.
- Senate uh next up uh Senate Bill 2259 Senate uh next up uh Senate Bill 2259 relating<00:09:49.040>
- Uh, Senator<00:31:26.960>
Favlla. Senator Favlla. Senator Favlla.- the question, Senator. the question, Senator.
- um Senator Favlla. um Senator Favlla.
- Uh, Senator<00:31:26.960>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access.
On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages.
The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:06:40.800>
Senator >> Senator Richards, followed by Senator >> Senator Richards - Senator Ko votes aye. Senator Richards votes aye. Senator Fevella is excused.
- Senator um Senator Wai, Vice Chair, uh Senator um Senator Wai, Vice Chair, uh Senator<00:21:57.520>
- Senator Coy, I. Senator Richards, hi. Senator Fevella is excused. The recommendation is adopted.
- Senator Coy, I. Senator Richards, hi. Senator Fevella is excused. The recommendation is adopted.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote.
The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure.
In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation - 02/04/2026
Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Senator Baskin.
- Without rec, Senator Helming? Without rec. Without rec, Senator Tedisco.
- Next bill: Senate Bill 1062 by myself, Senator Serrano.
- Senate Bill 1062 by myself, Senator Serrano.
- Thank you both, Senator Tedisco and Senator Helming. All in favor? Aye.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation met on February 4, 2026, with a quorum present and voting sheets received from members. Senator Serrano chaired the meeting and noted attendance from Senators Baskin, Tedisco, Helming, Cooney, and Scarcella-Spanton. The committee took up a five-bill agenda focused on arts, parks, outdoor education, and snowmobile safety.
The committee reported several bills: S.115A, which would increase access to resources for culturally diverse arts and cultural organizations; S.1062, creating an arts and cultural history initiative; S.1067A, establishing a New York State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program and fund; and S.1377, creating a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation. Each was moved, seconded, and approved without opposition, though S.115A received without-recommendation votes from Senators Helming and Tedisco. S.1067A was reported to the finance committee.
The final bill, S.3256A by Senator Cooney, would increase penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated. Senator Cooney described the measure as a response to a fatal constituent incident and said it would align snowmobile intoxication penalties with those for other vehicles. The chair and other members expressed support, and the bill was reported unanimously. Senator Serrano also announced that Arts Day would return on February 10, as a forum for arts community panels.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill is Senate Print 83 by Senator Liu, an act to amend the Penal Law.
- Next is Senate Print 3158 by Senator Schofez, an act to amend the Penal Law.
- Next is Senate Print 3204 by Senator Kruger, an act to amend the Penal Law.
- Noted for Senate Print 3693. Senator Gallivan is an aye for Senate Print 4470.
- Moved by Senator Bailey, seconded by Senator Palumbo.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met on February 4, 2026, and considered a series of bills, mostly amendments to the Penal Law, with one Executive Law bill and one bill affecting both the Criminal Procedure Law and Penal Law. The committee moved and reported Senate Print 83 (Liu), 3158 (Schofez), 3693 (Sanders), 4470 (Mayer), 5041 (Sepúlveda), and 7202A (Hinch). Senate Print 3204 (Kruger) was advanced to finance after a member voted without recommendation, and Senate Print 5138 (Janaris) was reported despite negative votes from Senators Murray, Palumbo, and Gallivan. One bill, 3158, drew supportive comments about addressing animal fighting, with mention of letters from animal rights organizations. Another, 4470, prompted questions about who would create required training and whether existing police agency training would be superseded; counsel said the municipal council would promulgate the training rules and would follow up on the remaining question.
Most votes were bipartisan, and the chair noted that the committee continued its pattern of bipartisan action. Senator Gallivan recorded a without-recommendation vote on several bills, and Senator Salazar was noted as without recommendation on the final bill. The meeting concluded after the last bill was reported.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 02/04/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We're joined today by Senator Helming, Senator May, Senator Savazar, and Senator Walsak.
- I've got negative votes from Senator Walsak and Senator Helming, and an AWR noted from Senator Martins
- Senator May?
- I know Senator Lerick and Senator Helming in the negative.
- I got a motion, Senator Clear, seconded by Senator Brisport.
Summary:
The Senate Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee met with quorum present and considered a full agenda of housing, code enforcement, and rent regulation bills, many of which had passed the Senate in prior years. Early measures included a statewide residential rental registry (S.912), penalties and reporting for vacant and abandoned properties (S.925), and extending tenant response time for major capital improvement rent increase applications (S.1461). The committee also advanced several code-enforcement and fire/building-code bills, including measures to expand remedies for Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code violations (S.3406), increase the Secretary of State’s code enforcement powers (S.4165 and S.4534), and authorize investigations into code administration and enforcement (S.4535). Members raised concerns about local fiscal impacts, the scope of state authority, contractor use, and whether the bills adequately define or limit “imminent threat” and related enforcement powers.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.4852, which would require the Codes Council to review and act on updates to international model codes within 18 months. Senators debated whether the bill would speed up code adoption or, as some feared, weaken economic reasonableness considerations by striking the word “economically” from the statutory standard. Supporters said the bill was intended to ensure prompt review of widely used model codes and noted other statutory safeguards remain in place; opponents worried about reduced attention to cost and practical impacts, especially amid housing and utility capacity constraints. The committee also discussed S.6368A, requiring complainants to receive copies of compliance orders issued after code complaints, and S.6600B, mandating inspections of certain non-fireproof buildings in New York City.
Additional bills advanced included standards for all-gender bathroom design and construction (S.7131A), compensation for required code-enforcement personnel training (S.7159), and audits of individual apartment improvements in rent-regulated units (S.8046A). Several measures were reported to Finance, while others were reported to the floor. Throughout the meeting, votes were largely along expected lines, with some members voting negative or “without recommendation” on the more expansive code-enforcement bills. No bill was defeated, and all items on the agenda were reported out of committee.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-TRS Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2438. Senate Bill 2438.
- Senator Kanuha. Senator Lee is excused. Senator DeCourt. I.
- Senator Kanuha. Senator Lee is vote I. Senator Kanuha.
- Senator Chang. Aye. Senator Taniguchi. Senator Ventura. No. Senator Owa. No. The measure's adopted.
- Senator Chang. Aye. Aye. Senator Chang. Aye.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard.
SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments.
SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to welcome our Vice Chair, Senator Hashimoto, and our committee member, Senator Elefante.
- on Senate Bill 2196? on Senate Bill 2196?
- Um our next bill is Senate Bill Okay. Um our next bill is Senate Bill 2234.
- testify on Senate Bill 2194? testify on Senate Bill 2194?
- Senator Alfonte. Hi. Senator Rhoads. Hi. Senator Fevella is excused.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing heard and then took action on a series of housing-related bills concerning HHFDC, HPHA, inclusionary zoning, nonprofit housing trusts, housing project exemptions, the rental housing revolving fund, and a new for-sale housing program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and HPHA, with additional support from groups such as Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Holo Collaborative, the Kobayashi Group, and others. On SB 2424, the Kobayashi Group argued the bill would help open housing to a broader pool of local households, including buyers slightly above income limits who still cannot afford market-rate housing. On SB 2342, the chair asked HHFDC for final figures on rental housing revolving fund appropriations since 2016 and was told the amount was about $1.1 billion, including conveyance tax revenue.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2189 with amendments, noting concerns about transparency and accountability in HHFDC’s loan-award process; SB 2190 with amendments; SB 2234 with amendments; SB 2177 with amendments; SB 2194 unamended; SB 2342 with amendments; SB 2060 with amendments; and SB 2070 with amendments. The committee deferred SB 2195 and SB 2196 after testimony comments, and deferred SB 2063 because the chair said SB 2060 would be used instead as the vehicle for mixed-income subaccount changes. SB 2424 was discussed in hearing but then deferred in decision-making pending legal advice on issues including owner-occupancy, county income restrictions, buyback rules, and county council approval. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2062 and its proposed SD1, but deferred that measure because the relevant changes had already been incorporated into SB 2060 SD1.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Barfoot, Senator Carley, Senator Coleman, Senator Elliot, Senator Hatcher, Senator Hovie, Senator
- Jones, Senator Kitchens, Senator Livingston, Senator Price, Senator Roberts, Senator Singleton, Senator
- Smitherman, Senator Wagner, Senator Woods, Senator Williams, Senator Shelnut.
- Senator Livingston here, Senator Price, Senator Roberts, Senator Singleton here, Senator Smitherman here
- , Senator Wagner, Senator Woods, Senator Williams here, Senator Shelnut.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/04/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator >> Senator Senator<00:20:11.280>
Roer <00:20:11.679>if <00:20:12.559 - support of Senate Bill 544. support of Senate Bill 544.
- Senate Bill 544. Senate Bill 544.
- Senator Bzel. >> Any other questions? Senator Bzel.
- Are there any questions for Senator Murphy? Senator Prentiss. Thank you. Welcome, Senator Murphy.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Senator Senator >> McKenzie<00:45:35.359>
Nicholson, <00:45:35.839>Mom's < - Senator Lang: Correct. Senator Murphy: Why would you go from 100 to 150?
- Moved by Senator Dutan, seconded by Senator Rosenald, on a motion of auto pass on Senate Bill 652 or
- >> moved by Senator Dutan seconded by >> moved by Senator Dutan seconded by Senator<01:38
- And it's been moved by Senator Lang, second by Senator Murphy, on consent.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator from Chitten. Uh, Mr. President, a quick question for the Senate Secretary.
- The senator from Chittington Central has moved that the rules be suspended and that JRS 37, a joint resolution
- Senator Ram Hinsdale for the presentation of the resolution. Mr. President, sorry, hang on.
- his first resolution on the Senate floor and who has earned the honorary title of great girl dad for
- >> Senator from Chitten. >> Senator from Chitten.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS-AEN-EIG, HHS, HHS Public Hearings 02-02-2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Richards and also Senator Detroit.
- Senator Koy, I... Senator Richards, I... Senator Fevella, I...
- >> Senator Rhodess. >> Senator Rhodess.
- Senator<00:18:52.240>
Koy <00:18:53.120>I Senator Koy I Senator Koy I >> Senator< - I >> I >> Senator<00:18:56.000>
Fll >> Senator Fll >> Senator Fll >
Summary:
The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise.
After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye.
The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 433?
- >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.
- >
2382 <02:15:47.599>and <02:15:47.920>Senate moving to Senate Bill 2382 and Senate - Senator Hashimoto voted aye. Senator Inouye was excused. Senator DeCorte voted aye.
- Senator<02:18:07.280>
Chair, Senator Chair, Senator Chair, >> I<02:18:08.479>will
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants.
Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors.
After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2663?
- Senator Milwaukee, just one.
- anyone else on Senate Bill 2555? anyone else on Senate Bill 2555?
- Uh so first up is Senate Bill 2567. Uh so first up is Senate Bill 2567.
- Senator Ihara votes aye. Senator Moriwaki votes aye.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several labor-related bills. SB 2567 would allow public employers to seek temporary restraining orders against harassment of employees; the Judiciary, DHS, DOE, and others supported it, with some asking that coverage be broadened to all public employees. The Judiciary said it would not oppose expanding the bill’s scope. The chair deferred decision-making on SB 2567 to February 13, 2026, to allow further discussion with the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office.
SB 2386 would expand pay-transparency requirements for job listings and lower the small-employer exemption threshold from 50 to 25 employees. Testifiers largely supported the measure, citing transparency and retention benefits, while one opposition was noted. The committee voted to pass SB 2386 with amendments, including changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2389, the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, drew support from labor advocates but concerns from DLIR and the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement and a prosecutorial provision; after questions about quota tracking and recordkeeping, the chair deferred the bill.
SB 2663 would require employers to respond in writing to workers’ compensation treatment plans within seven days and establish related penalties. DLIR opposed the bill as drafted, citing fairness and existing statutory conflicts, while injured workers and labor representatives supported it and described long delays in treatment approvals. The committee voted to pass SB 2663 with amendments, including directing fines to the special compensation fund, clarifying enforcement, and setting the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2555 would allow retirees to work in succession-planning positions without losing retirement benefits; ERS supported the intent but suggested an annual reporting requirement and noted existing rehire mechanisms. The committee voted to pass SB 2555 with amendments, including an annual report requirement and the same January 1, 2077 effective date. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs - 02/03/2026
Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Senator Sanders [member_6974], Senator Adabbo [member_6830], Senator Weik [member_7108]—questionable
- transcription as “Senator White”—and, of course, I want to thank our ranking member, Senator Ashby [
- Thank you, Senator Addabbo [member_6830]. Thank you, Senator Sanders [member_6974]. Okay.
- Senator Sanders [member_6974] second. Senator Weik [member_7108]. All those in favor? Okay.
- Senator Sanders [member_6974] second. Senator Weik [member_7108]. All those in favor? Okay.
Summary:
The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee met on February 3 for its first meeting in the new committee room. The chair welcomed members and staff, including the ranking member, and the committee then took up a series of bills related to emergency management, veterans’ services, tax relief, and support programs for veterans and service members.
The committee reported several measures favorably, including S-869A on local comprehensive emergency management plans, S-1188 requiring a 120-day warning period for certain violations at veterans’ organization facilities, and S-1788 concerning real property tax exemptions for veterans. Members also discussed and supported S-2070 establishing a veterans’ career assistance program within SUNY and CUNY, as well as a separate S-2070 proposal directing the Department of Veterans Services to create a searchable statewide resource database for veterans, service members, and their families; the career assistance bill was reported to the calendar, while the database bill was reported to finance.
The committee also advanced S-7765, which would establish a New York State veterans and service member law, and S-8968, which would create a veteran suicide mortality review board. Most items were approved unanimously or without opposition, with brief supportive comments from members. After completing the agenda, the committee adjourned.