Video & Transcript Research : 'certificate programs'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children.(3-10-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- . programs. programs.
- how family child care programs operate. how family child care programs operate.
- Basically, to make sure that the program is doing what we intended the program to do.
- Basically, to make sure that the program is doing what we intended the program to do.
- program. Thank you. program. Thank you.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 01:24 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill provides that when the commission is making decisions on a certificate of public convenience
- The bill provides that regarding the certificate of public convenience and necessity, the application
- The commission may not grant a certificate The commission may not grant a certificate of convenience
- Failure to satisfy these requirements constitutes grounds for denial of the certificate.
- Regarding the siting certificate, there are comparable provisions.
Summary:
The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee met and took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012. Counsel explained that the bill shortens several Public Service Commission timelines for certificates of public convenience and necessity, including deadlines for final decisions and final submissions, with different timeframes for smaller water/sewer projects and very large projects. The bill also requires applications to justify the need for a facility, including consideration of alternatives such as advanced transmission technologies, and adds requirements for electric transmission lines of 200 kV or greater, including a showing that costs are commensurate with benefits to West Virginia ratepayers and commitments to provide off-take facilities when requested. Comparable changes were also described for siting certificates, including a reduced decision timeline.
After questions and no amendments, the vice chair moved to report the bill to the full Senate without recommendation as to passage, but with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Energy, Industry and Mining Committee. The committee approved the motion by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House passes elections bill after lengthy amendments discussions 5/6/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Birth certificate certificate certificate may<00:54:57.760>
or <00:54:58.000>may <00:54: - comes to changing your birth certificate comes to changing your birth certificate for<01:03:30.240
- doc their birth certificate doc their birth certificate birth<01:05:31.760>
certificate birth - certificate birth certificate is<01:05:33.520>
is <01:05:33.760>rarely <01:05:34.240>- , certificate, certificate, and<01:11:05.120>
my <01:11:05.440>marriage <01:11:05.840> - , certificate, certificate, and<01:11:05.120>
Summary:
House File 4240, an elections administration bill, was introduced as a package of updates to absentee voting, statewide voter registration system use, early voting procedures, recordkeeping, removal of outdated statutory language, and reimbursement for municipalities and counties that administer certain special elections. The author, Rep. Freiberg, described the bill as a modernization and efficiency measure that would clarify procedures while maintaining election security.
Several amendments were adopted. The A4 amendment, offered by Rep. Freiberg, was described as aligning language with the Senate and passed without objection. The A6 amendment, offered by Rep. Cosnik, would give school districts more direction on polling locations for special elections in multi-county districts; Rep. Lee raised concerns that it could affect many districts statewide and questioned whether it applied to early voting, while Rep. Cosnik said it was narrowly tailored and intended to prevent disenfranchisement. Rep. Freiberg and Rep. Lee both said they would support it as a voter-access measure despite possible costs, and it was adopted. The A5 amendment, offered by Rep. Schultz, would require the Secretary of State to provide voter information to the U.S. Department of Justice upon request for civil-rights and federal voting-law enforcement; it was debated at length, with supporters framing it as election integrity and opponents arguing it would jeopardize voter privacy and could be used by the Trump administration to pressure Minnesota. The amendment was adopted after a roll call request.
The debate on A5 was especially contentious, with Republicans arguing the state should cooperate with federal efforts to clean voter rolls and Democrats arguing the DOJ had overreached, mishandled civil-rights investigations, and sought voter data without a lawful need. Members on both sides cited voter fraud, privacy, and federal-state election authority, and several speakers referenced recent DOJ actions and court disputes. The transcript ends during further discussion of the federal role in elections, with no final disposition on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We’re in a very unique position to use the Minnesota state agriculture water certification program and
- <00:53:19.559>
program agriculture water certification program agriculture water certification - And we can work with the ag water certification program and other soil health practices to lower the
- We can work with the ag water certification program and other soil health practices to lower the CI score
- there's a a national check off program there's a a national check off program<01:36:15.719>
and
Summary:
The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee held an introductory meeting that began with housekeeping, a correction to the committee rules (the room number should be G3, not G35), and member and staff introductions. Members described their districts, agricultural ties, and priorities for the session, including consumer food costs, urban agriculture, farm economics, livestock disease preparedness, and support for Minnesota’s agricultural sectors. No votes were taken during the introductory portion.
The committee then turned to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Deputy Commissioner Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because of its potential for agriculture, forestry, and clean energy, and reviewed Minnesota’s 2023 SAF tax credit and related sales tax exemption. She said the state has feedstocks and should continue investing so Minnesota can attract SAF production and support rural jobs. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines testified that aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s main path to net zero by 2050; he cited current use of SAF, the need to scale production, and Minnesota’s role in supplying feedstocks and hosting future production.
Peter Frost of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building the full SAF value chain in Minnesota. He emphasized that Greater MSP is coordinating investors and partners to grow the regional economy and said the SAF effort is intended to create jobs and economic development. Committee members did not ask questions during the portion captured, and no formal action or vote was recorded on the SAF presentations in this transcript excerpt.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our suicide prevention program has been augmented pretty heavily.
- or other work programs, as well as traditional degrees. or other work programs, as well as traditional
- staff these programs and make sure that we're out there.
- But we'd be happy to see this program reside elsewhere.
- insurance program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/12/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- um so they are Civ sex offender program um so they are Civ committed committed committed however<01:
- Unlike other communities, the clients at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program are also allowed to vote
- Unlike other communities, the clients at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program are also allowed to vote
- The clients at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program are allowed to vote more than 50 days prior to the
- This was 31 more votes than I received. ...the clients at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program are also
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 529 is unanimously recommended for certification. Oops.
- Senate Bill 1265 is unanimously recommended for certification.
- Senate Bill 1592 is unanimously recommended for certification.
- Senate Bill 1728 is unanimously recommended for certification.
- SCR 37 is unanimously recommended for certification.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (2-25-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And I remind you again, our program.
- At least 5 a foreign residency program.
- The certification<00:20:58.880>
by <00:20:59.120>the <00:20:59.520>educational certification - We have quality<00:26:36.960>
programs. - We have peerreview quality programs.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 173 from Senator David Givens, which would create a legislative review process for the state health plan and state plan amendments, modeled after the administrative regulations process. Givens argued the legislature should have a stronger policy role in reviewing the plan, saying the bill would allow lawmakers to find components deficient rather than approve them outright. He tied the proposal to Medicaid spending growth and projected enrollment changes, saying the state needs a new oversight tool. Committee members generally supported the concept, though Senator Berg expressed concern that the legislature lacks the executive branch’s healthcare expertise. The bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Chairman Meredith, which would create a pathway for certain internationally trained physicians to practice in Kentucky without repeating residency in the United States. Supporters said the bill is aimed at addressing Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and cited projections of a statewide shortage of about 3,000 physicians by 2030 and a shortage of primary care doctors in particular. Testimony from Cicero Action and Baptist Health emphasized that many foreign-trained physicians are already fully trained, that residency slots are limited, and that the bill could help fill shortages in underserved counties while preserving quality through existing exams, ECFMG certification, English proficiency requirements, primary source verification, and mentoring/oversight.
Several members raised questions and concerns. Senator Berg asked about verification, required exams, and oversight, and Senator Tishner raised concerns about fraudulent credentials in some countries and whether the bill could admit underqualified physicians. Witnesses responded that applicants would still have to pass the same exams, obtain ECFMG certification, and undergo primary-source credentialing and employer oversight. Supporters also argued the bill would not displace U.S.-trained physicians because it would use otherwise limited residency capacity more efficiently. After discussion, the committee adopted the bill and reported it favorably by unanimous vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- As well, these cybersecurity programs are only minimally attached to alternative B.A. programs.
- This is a really good program. Is it a thoughtful? I think that that work program.
- My district community college already built the program, and they offer the program to everyone.
- But like today, even back then, programs... ...nursing program.
- foundational coursework, certificates, and degree programs.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several community college baccalaureate and workforce bills. AB 2528 would raise the maximum monthly compensation allowed for community college trustees, which the author and supporters said would improve access to public service and help boards better reflect their communities. Support came from trustees and community college districts, while CSEA took a tweener position and asked for longer public notice before any compensation increase. Some members raised concerns about optics and taxpayer costs, but the bill was framed as permissive and locally controlled.
AB 2053 would authorize Coast Community College District to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree pilot. Supporters argued California has a major cybersecurity workforce shortage and that Coastline already has the program infrastructure and expertise. CSU and other opponents said the bill would duplicate existing CSU offerings, create precedent for more one-off programs, and raise concerns about funding and system coordination. The committee discussed whether the program would use Prop 98 funds, and the bill ultimately advanced on a do-pass motion with some members voting no or not voting.
AB 2301 would create a pilot allowing up to 10 community college districts to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing. The author and supporters described a severe nursing shortage, especially in rural areas, and said community colleges offer the most affordable and accessible pathway for working adults and first-generation students. CSU and other opponents argued existing ADN-to-BSN partnerships are the better path and warned about clinical placement and faculty bottlenecks. After extensive discussion about funding, clinical placements, and workforce needs, the committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion.
The committee also heard AB 2694, which would revise the rules for community college baccalaureate programs by narrowing the duplication test to a district’s service area and allowing exceptions when there is documented unmet regional workforce need. The author said the bill is meant to reduce uncertainty and avoid repeated one-off bills by creating clearer statewide standards with added accountability, including performance benchmarks, annual reporting, and a lower cap on the share of bachelor’s programs a campus may offer. The measure drew broad support from community college districts, faculty, students, and the Chancellor’s Office, and was presented as a more systematic approach to expanding workforce-aligned degrees.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Info Briefing - Wed Oct 29, 2025 @ 11:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- assistance program, formerly known as U. assistance program, formerly known as U.
- payments available through this program. payments available through this program.
- there's an asset limit for the program. there's an asset limit for the program.
- staff was putting this program together. staff was putting this program together.
- another qualified program. another qualified program.
Summary:
The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date.
Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules.
Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- cap from 100 to 250 and extends the timeline for small businesses to update their cyber. security programs
- And I believe what we learned was something that we didn't know was the programming for these types of
- Chair, Texas has many incentive programs marked.
- These programs are managed by different state agencies, often in isolated.
- You have the PUC managing a robust suite of demand response programs.
Bills:
SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1206, SB 1460, SB 1802, SB 1906, SB 1917, SB 2340, SB 2455, SB 2680, SB 2690, SB 705, SB 748
Keywords:
SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee was marked by discussions on several significant bills, with a keen emphasis on legislative updates and committee substitutes. Notably, Senator Blanco presented a new committee substitute for SB2610, which modifies the employee cap from 100 to 250 and extends the update timeline for cyber security programs for small businesses. This substitute was adopted unanimously, reflecting a collaborative agreement among the committee members. Additionally, there were discussions surrounding SB1856 as Senator Crayton provided insights into how stakeholder feedback influenced the bill's committee substitute. The committee ultimately voted in favor, pushing it towards the local and contested calendar, indicating the bill's progression through legislative channels.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 19th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Shane David, branch chief, Health Systems Licensing and Certification, Department of Health.
- Fees have been unchanged since the inception of the program in 1999.
- Shane David, who is the branch chief over this licensure program here to help with any questions, as
- Be happy to take some program here to help with any questions as well as Mr. Smith.
- We’re not aware of any current apprenticeship programs, but if any are made available, we’ll certainly
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 19th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Shane David, branch chief, Health Systems Licensing and Certification, Department of Health.
- Fees have been unchanged since the inception of the program in 1999.
- Shane David, who is the branch chief over this licensure program here to help with any questions, as
- Program here to help with any questions as well as Mr. Smith. Be happy to take some.
- We’re not aware of any current apprenticeship programs, but if any are made available, we certainly have
Summary:
The committee met and first recognized a visiting student cohort from Arkansas State University’s Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences program. It then suspended the rules and approved a supplemental report, which was reviewed without objection.
Members reviewed the Arkansas Fire Protection and Licensing Board’s occupational report. Department of Labor and Licensing counsel Lacey Kirchner answered questions and confirmed there were no fee increases. The report was then accepted as reviewed.
The committee next heard from the Arkansas Department of Health’s Radiation Control Section. Officials Craig Smith, Charles Thompson, and Shane David explained the radiologic technologist licensing program, including full and limited-scope licensure, unchanged fees since 1999, and a current deficit covered through cost allocation from other programs. They also noted compliance with automatic licensure provisions for service members and said apprenticeship provisions already exist in the rules if such programs become available. The report was accepted as reviewed.
Finally, the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy presented its report. Staff described the board’s structure, licensing and complaint functions, compact participation, and growth in licensees. Members asked about the board’s $200,000 scholarship program, which provides awards to 10 recipients per year, and about low fees and a $1.1 million balance. Officials said recent fee reductions and the scholarship program are intended to return funds to licensees. The report was also accepted as reviewed, and the committee moved to other business.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And there is a great program.
- The program types are not named; they are just described. So program type 1 would be...
- , and our school-age programs.
- type 2 or program type 3.
- program, among other programs.
Summary:
The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively.
Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/31/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill simply initiates the secure container replacement program with the understanding that the program
- <00:10:20.320>
depending replacement container program depending replacement container program - <00:10:29.040>
through <00:10:29.360>the program should be available through the program - 42.720>
program <00:10:43.040>will understanding that the program will understanding that - . program. program.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- accountability and transparency, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program
- This bill does a number of things to reform Texas' current assessment program and to strengthen our state's
- impact of proposed changes on performance scores publicly, post-sunsetting IBCs, industry-based certifications
- It aligns the IBC, or the industry-based certification process, with the five-year refresh so that changes
- We also appreciate the thoughtful approach to refining the industry certification list, with TEA working
Bills:
HB8
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Education met to hear House Bill 8, which would replace STAAR with a new assessment and accountability system beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The chair described the bill as reducing testing time, limiting benchmark tests, adding beginning-, middle-, and end-of-year assessments, requiring faster score turnaround, involving Texas teachers in test development, and tightening accountability timelines and transparency rules. Members also discussed provisions on A-F ratings, cut scores, CCMR, local accountability plans, and TEA reporting requirements.
Committee members and invited witnesses split sharply on the bill’s approach. Supporters, including the chair, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, and Ed Trust’s Nicholas Munyon Penny, argued the bill would reduce high-stakes pressure, provide quicker and more actionable data, limit over-testing, and better align assessments to Texas standards while preserving criterion-referenced accountability. They said the new system would help teachers and parents intervene sooner and would improve transparency, including parent access to student responses and automatic rescoring in some writing cases.
Opponents, including Rep. Hinojosa and student witness Ella Moran, argued the bill still increases testing and replaces one high-stakes test with multiple TEA-created tests. Moran testified that STAAR creates anxiety, disrupts instruction, and does not reflect real learning, while Hinojosa said the House had previously passed a better bill based on a nationally norm-referenced model and criticized the new proposal as a concession to the Senate. Questions also focused on AI scoring of writing, rescoring rates, and whether the bill’s new accountability rules would be reliable and fair. The committee did not take a final vote during the portion provided, but the chair said a vote on HB 8 would be called after public testimony later in the day.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:47.040>
First health worker training programs. - First health worker training programs.
- I believe certification can be a powerful step forward if it's inclusive.
- I believe certification can be a powerful step forward if it's inclusive.
- I believe certification can be a powerful step forward if it's inclusive.
Summary:
The committee first heard SR 12/SCR 16, which asks the Department of Health to convene a task force to identify minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The Department of Health supported the measure and said it could take on the work with current resources. Testimony from Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Community Health Worker Association, and community health workers strongly supported the resolution but urged broader task force representation, including community health workers themselves, Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Community Health Worker Alliance, and community-based rural nonprofit organizations. Several testifiers also asked that community health workers make up at least half of the task force. The department indicated it had no objection to adding the requested groups, and members discussed those proposed amendments.
The committee then took up SR 141/SCR 172, which requests a Department of Health working group on demolition waste reduction. Energy Justice Network and other supporters urged amendments, including use of the internationally recognized zero-waste definition and hierarchy. The committee also heard SR 165/SCR 205, which would direct the Department of Health to adopt rules setting maximum decibel levels for concerts or events at private venues in primarily residential areas. The department said it was already working on noise issues and wanted a community noise working group to address nuisances beyond current statutory categories, but members questioned the lack of specific standards, the absence of a defined working group membership, and whether the proposal would lead to broader restrictions on events. Testimony and discussion focused on concerns about noise impacts, enforcement, and the balance between community complaints and long-standing local events.
No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided. The hearing then moved on to SR 174/SCR 194, which would ask the Department of Health to reduce the use of disposable surgical equipment and adopt sustainable practices, but discussion of that measure was not included in the transcript excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Perhaps a pilot program would ensure that eligible voters would not suffer from this new law as it is
- It wasn't EAC certified, and then the certification from the Secretary of State says, yeah, the EAC looked
- At Common Cause, we help run the Texas Election Protection Program.
- Uh, the program provides nonpartisan information and support to Texas voters.
- But if you decide to move forward, I think we might want to consider a pilot program in a county that
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- on our written testimony, but I just want to reiterate our request that there be a third-party certification
- That's not unusual; there's already that certification requirement in place for other certified housing
- She said people in solitary do not have books or programs and are basically thrown in a room and left
- <00:23:21.640>
they <00:23:21.760>don't <00:23:22.039>have <00:23:22.279>programs - <00:23:23.120>
they're books they don't have programs they're books they don't have programs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on January 29, 2025, and first took up deferred SB 259 on record keeping. The chair said Honu Police Department had submitted support, and the committee recommended passage with amendments, including a technical change to the effective date on page 4, line 6 to July 1, 2077. Vice Chair Elefante voted yes; Senators Fevella and Rhoads were excused; the recommendation was adopted.
The committee then heard SB 603 and SB 608, both relating to veterans benefits consulting and compensation. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to address First Amendment, Contracts Clause, and savings-clause issues, and testimony was mixed, with several supporters from veterans-related organizations and several opponents, including some testifiers from the public and industry groups. The committee later adopted chair recommendations to pass both bills with amendments, including preambles about protecting veteran consumers from misleading or unfair practices, savings clauses, and effective-date changes to July 1, 2077.
SB 601, relating to law enforcement search notices and securing entrances, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender and a private citizen who described the bill as a response to warrantless searches and a transparency measure; there was also opposition from Maui County police and one other testifier. The committee then moved to SB 871 on arson, where the Department of the Attorney General raised drafting and constitutional concerns and the Public Defender opposed the measure as vague, overbroad, and creating problematic sentencing provisions, while HPD supported it as a public-safety tool. The chair ultimately recommended SB 871 pass with amendments softening mandatory language, adding parole language, and changing the effective date to July 1, 2077; the recommendation was adopted.
The final measures were SB 1130, exempting certain construction rebuilding materials from general excise tax in federally declared disaster areas, and SB 104, restricting solitary confinement in correctional facilities. The Department of Taxation requested third-party certification and a later effective date, and the committee adopted amendments reflecting those requests and moving the effective date to January 1, 2026. On SB 104, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed the bill, citing staff assaults and existing policy updates, while the Oversight Commission, Public Defender, and multiple advocates supported it as a safeguard with oversight and due process protections. The committee passed SB 104 with amendments, including adopting the commission’s definition language, changing terminology to “restrictive housing,” and setting the effective date to July 1, 2077.
TX