Video & Transcript : 'nonpotable water' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Farmers are facing rising input costs, labor shortages, water uncertainty, regulatory challenges, and
- They face rising costs for labor, fuel, water, fertilizer, compliance with environmental regulations,
- invest in new electric equipment, invest in equipment that meets air quality standards, that meets water
- Water District, Linda County Water District, and the Natomas Central Mutual Water Company.
- Tomas Central Mutual Water Company. Thank you. Any more? That's it. Okay. Thank you very much.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- He who brought water for you out of the rock, he fed you manna, that he might humble you and that he
- But we look to you, we humble ourselves because water is our life. And it comes from your throne.
- To the white water runs of the payhead's fruit, golden potatoes, farmers stand strong, cattle and dairy
- To the white water runs of the payhead's fruit, golden potatoes, farmers stand strong, cattle and dairy
- , they feed in us all, from Boise Nights with the bright city glow to Cordillanes, calm waters below,
Summary:
The Senate met with all 35 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. Several guests and school groups were recognized throughout the day, and the chamber later paused for an Idaho Day celebration featuring historical remarks, music, and presentations on Idaho history and agriculture.
In floor action, the Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, Jr., and recognizing the recovery of Engineer David Tisdell. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 encouraging advancement of used nuclear fuel reprocessing in Idaho and supporting the state’s role at the Idaho National Laboratory, and Senate Joint Memorial 112 urging Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment and fiscal discipline. The Senate then introduced several new bills, including measures on appropriations, administrative rules, elections, pharmacy benefit managers, utilities, abortion trafficking, educator disclosure, and whistleblower protections.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 1241, as amended, which protects working animals and clarifies its applicability; supporters described it as preserving Idaho’s agricultural and Western heritage while preserving local authority over health, safety, and animal care. The Committee of the Whole later considered Senate Bills 1224, 1326, and 1340, adopted amendments to each, and reported them back without recommendation, while several other bills were held in place or reported as progressing. The Senate adopted the committee report and then adjourned until the next day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Heat pumps are a highly efficient, zero-pollution option for HVAC systems and water heaters that make
- It will make heat pump and heat pump water heater installations faster, more... ...face every day.
- How and why permitting at the local level of HVAC and water heaters is now a statewide issue concerns
- Nowhere in there were the provisions of this bill related to hot water heating or HVAC systems.
- And given the... ...this number, and given the option of using solar versus the necessity of hot water
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard six bills. SB 828 by Senator Cabaldon would require fireworks license applicants to disclose storage locations and prove they have local permits, with the state notifying local agencies when licenses are denied or revoked. The bill was presented as a response to deadly fireworks explosions and illegal storage gaps; fire officials and fireworks industry representatives supported it, while county groups raised liability concerns. The committee approved SB 828 unanimously and sent it to Appropriations.
SB 799 by Senator Allen would revise the South Bay Regional Housing Trust’s governing rules, including more flexibility on appointing board leadership, alternate participation, and board selection under the joint powers agreement. Supporters said the changes would help the new housing trust operate effectively and allow knowledgeable alternates; questions focused on accountability for non-elected alternates handling public funds. The bill passed on a 6-0 vote as amended to the Senate floor. SB 762 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the city of Hercules to place a local ballot measure for up to a 1% sales tax increase to fund city services and infrastructure. Supporters said Hercules has limited revenue options and high service needs; some senators cautioned about how such measures are presented to voters. The bill passed 5-2 to the Senate floor.
SB 722 by Senator Wahab would add protections for mobile home residents from displacement tied to transit-oriented development and redevelopment, described as a cleanup to preserve affordable housing stock. Mobile home residents, housing advocates, cities, and the League of California Cities supported the bill, and no opposition was heard. It passed 7-0 as amended to Appropriations. SB 222 by Senator Wiener would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems through automated permitting, consolidated permits, and limits on local fee and siting barriers; supporters framed it as a climate and affordability measure, while local government and HOA groups objected to statewide preemption, fee caps, and liability concerns. The committee approved it 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, made technical clarifications to SB 79’s transit-oriented housing rules, but local governments and regional agencies warned the changes could expand the law’s scope and disrupt mapping work; the bill passed 5-2 to Appropriations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Jul 14th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- Water efficiency.
- It can result in a 5 to 15 percent reduction in energy and water use over time.
- That was one of our goals: to reduce costs and energy and water use over time.
- Without this system, they wouldn't have found those water leaks quickly.
- In what we're spending, what our usage was for electric, gas, and water.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the more than 5.1 million Texans you serve, thank you for your commitment to ensuring a sustainable water
- This bill adds consideration of whether the proposed use of groundwater is intended to supply water to
- This bill adds consideration of whether the proposed use of groundwater is intended to supply water to
- This bill adds consideration of whether the proposed use of groundwater is intended to supply water to
- Members, this is a local bill for the Presidio Underground Water Conservation District.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation, and routine business including dispensing with the previous day’s journal, receiving a House message on HB 104/HJR 34, and a gubernatorial message naming two appointees to the Texas Real Estate Commission. The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, Golf Day in Texas, Cindy Ramos-Davidson, and the 50th anniversary of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District. Members then adopted memorial resolutions honoring fallen first responders, including Deputy Jesse Ray Perez and Deputy Melissa Pollard, and the Senate agreed to adjourn in their memory.
The Senate considered and passed several bills. SB 2199 increased penalties for loading overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials; SB 1959 adjusted permit factors for the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District; SB 1376 changed supervision rules for code enforcement officer trainees; SB 2595 created a new offense for harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while concealing identity with a mask or similar headgear; SB 1012 authorized sale or lease of certain surplus state property in Austin; SB 2245 revised bonded title procedures; SB 2605 created a municipal housing authority asset commission; SB 3044 expanded and adjusted the board of the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District; SB 628 clarified county fire code enforcement authority through interlocal agreements; SB 2778 raised the spending threshold for emergency services district employees; SB 3039 addressed public higher education transfer issues; and SB 2523 allowed release from municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction by petition. Most of these bills were passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and final passage was completed, often by wide margins.
The chamber also took up SB 1844, which would require cities to provide services before expanding taxing areas into limited-purpose jurisdictions; a floor amendment narrowed the bill, and it was passed to engrossment. SB 2284 clarified municipal and county authority over firearms, airguns, archery equipment, and related items, and was passed despite opposition. SB 2529, dealing with the vote threshold for taxing units to adopt higher tax rates or issue tax bonds, prompted extended debate over voter approval and representative decision-making; after questions, the bill was passed to engrossment and held. At the end of the session, the Senate recessed for 20 minutes and announced it would meet as the Caucus of the Whole.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've got a plan for that, and really it revolves around two features: wind and water.
- And really it revolves around two features: wind and water.
- So water accumulation and flooding following heavy rainfalls is pretty common, right?
- So we design and build structures to withstand high winds and water.
- And water is a couple different elements, right? Water, we've got rising water. We got wave force.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development.
Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund.
The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee, First Extraordinary Session Jan 22nd, 2025
Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Same questions then on air and water testing.
- One other thing I wanted to mention is what I've witnessed from these fires is a lot of water runoff,
- I think that, you know, the way our water system works in California, we ought to consider some ongoing
- While we are here to talk about fires, we also need to talk about the statewide issue of water.
- Water infrastructure issues are statewide in order to fight these fires and to prevent dry areas like
Committee:
Assembly Budget
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House & Governmental May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- bill, then I'm... ...Candace Newell's Entergy bill and Candace Newell's water bill, then I'm able to
- Oh, but I brought my water bill and my electric bill. This is who I am. I have a problem with that.
- So I'm creating the... ...causing hypoxia in the water quality that affects our fishing industry.
- standard of... ...quality, it's essential to our everyday standard of living, and we have poor water
- So you need that for water, sewer, lots of things. A lot of stuff. Okay.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments.
In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
The Senate's Special Election Results / The Spirit of Civility / Minnesota's Housing Needs Feb 2nd, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- now on the hook people in Hastings are now on the hook for<00:24:55.080><c> a</c><00:24:55.240><c> water
- treatment plant that meets for a water treatment plant that meets the<00:24:57.240><c> new</c><00:24
- treatment project she says million water treatment project she says while<00:25:11.520><c> her</c><00
- </c><00:25:51.960><c> and</c><00:25:52.200><c> investing</c> Transportation clean water and investing
- Transportation clean water and investing in<00:25:52.960><c> critical</c><00:25:53.399><c> Regional<
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And I want to commend you for your stance on comprehensive Everglades restoration, on water issues, and
- My left eye is watering today anyway, so if I lose it, you'll understand why.
- Water and sewer has to be available. Schools have to be available.
- Water and sewer has to be available. Schools have to be available.
- Members, stormwater and water quality issues have been rising for many, many years, and we're always
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including guests from the press, Florida State women’s soccer, and former Senator Janet Cruz. Members also announced there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and proceeding quickly to third reading and final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills modernizing trust settlement and trustee discharge procedures; revising military affairs laws, including leave protections, retirement eligibility, and assistance programs; creating uniform cash-rounding rules as Florida prepares for the end of the penny; refining podiatric medicine rules on cellular/tissue-based products and informed consent; expanding veterans’ court access statewide; clarifying RV park special assessments; establishing concurrent state-federal jurisdiction for juveniles on military installations; reauthorizing alcoholic beverage loss deductions; and revising bail bond and pretrial release laws, including training, electronic notices, forfeiture timing, and related procedures. Members also passed bills on eyewear insurance licensing, expanding the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund into health science education, streamlining recovery residence regulation, enhancing felony battery penalties, and updating child welfare rules to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success program permanent, and create a best-practices program.
Several bills drew brief supportive remarks, especially those affecting veterans, the National Guard, foster youth, and military families. One bail bond bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor stating the current statute would remain unchanged. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously; the bail bond measure passed 36-1, while the others noted here passed with no or minimal opposition. The Senate also adopted an amendment to the military affairs bill and a delete-all amendment to the military-installation jurisdiction bill before final passage.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on her farewell. Members from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, preparation, collegiality, advocacy on issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, Israel, anti-Semitism, breast cancer, school safety, and family law, and her effectiveness in committee and on the floor. Berman delivered an extended farewell speech reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, her district, and her legislative priorities, and the Senate ordered her remarks spread upon the journal before recessing and later returning to continue the calendar.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-26 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- everything that are so comprehensive Everglades restoration, on water issues, and everything that are
- My left eye is watering today anyway, so if I lose it, you'll understand why.
- Water and sewer has to be available. Schools have to be available.
- Water and sewer has to be available. Schools have to be available.
- If there was some water, whatever, whatever, some environmental impact, then the environmental impact
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, take sea water, spray it up in the sky for it to crystallize, hoping that that will reflect
- I mean, it is pollution, but it's mostly everything you're seeing is water vapor.
- </c><00:13:23.279><c> vapor</c> getting carbon dioxide and water vapor getting carbon dioxide and water
- And those could persist for water vapor.
- land or in your water that you're drinking. drinking. drinking.
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:56
Approval of Minutes 02:26
Discussion of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Related Legislative 02:43
Presentation of Geoengineering and Related Legislation 07:42, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the prior meeting’s minutes. Senator Williams then presented a discussion draft involving KCNA and COOT/Kentucky Wired governance changes. He said the proposal would make the COOT executive director the KCNA director, place the education CIO as chair of a new board of constitutional officers, terminate existing KCNA employees at inception, and return KCNA funds to the general fund. He described the measure as a temporary holding pattern focused on customer connectivity until an audit is completed next summer. Senator West asked whether the bill would change existing Kentucky Wired contracts, and Williams said the contracts would remain in place and COOT would simply handle the work without an extra layer of bureaucracy. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion only.
The committee then heard a presentation on geoengineering and related legislation from Rep. John Hodgson, Sen. Rollins, and retired meteorologist Randy Baker. They described geoengineering as attempts to alter climate or weather, including solar radiation modification, stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, and cloud seeding. The presenters distinguished these activities from ordinary jet contrails, crop dusting, ground-level emissions, and airport fog control, and said the proposed Kentucky bill would exclude those ordinary activities. They argued Kentucky lacks a current prohibition on weather modification, said the bill would protect farmland, crops, animal agriculture, aquaculture, and human health, and cited public concern, federal uncertainty, and similar legislation in other states. They also said cloud seeding is used in some western states but remains scientifically unproven and potentially harmful.
Members asked about enforcement, federal preemption, and whether other states’ actions could affect Kentucky. The presenters said high-altitude spraying would be difficult to hide, that satellite imagery could detect large releases, and that the bill was intended as an assertion of state sovereignty even if federal law later changed. They also said there were no known active geoengineering projects in Kentucky. The discussion remained informational, with no committee vote or final action taken on either topic.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-23 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- S. 303, an act relating to administration of the 3 acre storm water discharge permit, introduced by Senator
- S. 303, an act relating to administration of 3 acres storm water discharge permit.
- </c><00:11:32.880><c> 3</c><00:11:33.040><c> acres</c><00:11:33.519><c> storm</c><00:11:33.839><c> water
- </c> administration of 3 acres storm water administration of 3 acres storm water discharge<00:11:35.120
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes proposed constitutional amendment to boost funding from Permanent School Fund May 4th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Seven - Tuesday, April 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, if I can have some water in the room.
- House Bill 2885 deals with the Water Patrol.
- Of fees that help fund the Water Patrol in the services that they do.
- And so my original amendment simply changed the word lakes to waters of the state.
- I don't remember the last time we underfunded the Water Patrol or the Highway Patrol.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 104-0 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the session offering personal remarks and introducing guests, including the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, school groups, a Boy Scout troop, a Highway Patrol commander, and community figures such as Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. There was also a moment of silence for a member’s mentor and a personal privilege statement recognizing Autism Month and the work of teachers and therapists serving autistic children.
The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, which would tighten Missouri rules for SNAP and related public benefits by requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, using the federal SAVE system throughout eligibility checks, and directing the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier foods. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of accountability, taxpayer stewardship, fraud prevention, and improved nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary because federal law already limits eligibility, could add administrative costs, and could harm children, families in food deserts, and pregnant women who rely on programs such as Show Me Healthy Babies. An amendment offered by the gentleman from Johnson to extend the bill to MoHealthNet was adopted, and after extended debate the House invoked the previous question 91-46, then adopted and perfected the bill as amended.
The House also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which creates a process and fund to repair damaged veterans’ headstones in public and private cemeteries, with support from members who emphasized honoring veterans and preserving gravesites; the bill was adopted and perfected without opposition. House Bill 2927 was also moved forward; it would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be written, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Supporters said it gives insurers reasonable time to evaluate large claims, while opponents said it could delay compensation for injured Missourians; it too was adopted and perfected. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including House Bills 2387 and 2480, as the session continued.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And hydrogen monoxide is H2O, water.
- There's everything that you can imagine can cause harm to one, even drinking too much water.
- It is mixed with water and other ingredients, glyphosate, dicamba, atrazine.
- The witness said they were not positive about an exact statistic on adolescent water intake.
- The witness said they were not positive about an exact statistic on adolescent water intake.
Committee:
House General Laws
Summary:
The Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 3088, where members discussed concerns raised by hospitals about proposed language changes. The bill sponsor said he was still working with hospitals and would continue to refine the measure, but several members objected to voting before seeing the revised language. HB 3088 was nevertheless voted do pass by an 8-4 vote. The committee then approved House Bill 2749 by an 8-4-1 vote, after which it moved into public hearing.
The committee heard House Bill 2844, which would prohibit paraquat use in Missouri and require reporting related to its use. Representative Gallick said the bill was intended to be narrow and focused on paraquat’s toxicity and possible links to Parkinson’s disease. Supporters, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Sierra Club, and others, argued that paraquat is highly toxic, that research links exposure to increased Parkinson’s risk, and that many countries have banned it. Opponents from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, and Missouri Pork Association said paraquat is a restricted-use pesticide already regulated under federal law, is important for weed control and crop production, and that a state ban would set a dangerous precedent and harm farmers. The committee took no final action on HB 2844 during the hearing.
The committee also heard House Bill 1880, which would bar school districts and charter schools from selling beverages with more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per container to students. Representative Reuter said the bill was inspired by students from Seckman High School and cited concerns about adolescent caffeine consumption. Student witnesses described energy drink use at school, health effects such as anxiety, heart racing, dehydration, and sleep disruption, and said the bill would help reduce harmful habits. Several members supported the goal but suggested the threshold might be too high, that private schools receiving state scholarship funds should be included, and that school boards might be a better place to address the issue; others noted the bill lacked an enforcement provision. No vote was taken on HB 1880.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It should be 2094, short water supply certificates model.
- It should be 2098, County Water Augmentation Authority's bond.
- HB 2098, County Water Augmentation Authority's bond.
- Public safety. 82052, management plan, water loss, percent.
- Water Improvement Program Water Hauling, Natural Resources; 2117.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, guest introductions, and approval of the journal. The chamber then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions, mostly on second reading or in committee-of-the-whole format. Most measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, often after adopting committee or floor amendments. Among the early items, SB 1515 (Industrial Commission revisions), SB 1645 (Auditor General performance audit), SB 1678 (health facilities), and SCR 1023 (Independent Redistricting Commission changes) were debated and approved. SCR 1023 drew the most discussion, with supporters arguing it would add geographic diversity, expand the commission to three Democrats, three Republicans, and three independents, and tighten population deviation standards to 5,000 people; opponents warned it could skew the commission and reduce nonpartisanship. The Senate also adopted amendments and advanced SB 1399, SB 1507, SB 1564, SB 1621, SB 1629, and SB 1811, with topics including AHCCCS cost reports, school district consolidation, electronic monitoring in long-term care, obesity prevention, behavioral health network adequacy, and public-school internet/wireless device issues.
Later calendars addressed elections, public safety, and criminal justice. The Senate advanced SB 1134 (political signs) with an emergency clause, SB 1489 (ballot measures and circulators) after removing certain paid-circulator disclosure requirements, and SB 1725 and SCR 1048 concerning marijuana smoke as a public/private nuisance, shifting much of the issue into civil law and leaving only substantial, deliberate conduct on the criminal side. In public safety, SB 1416 on missing and kidnapped children reporting was amended to require law-enforcement training every two years and documentation of online information-sharing decisions; senators clarified it did not alter the Turquoise Alert. SB 1751 and SCR 1049, both related to capital punishment, were amended to make firing squad an available option rather than a mandatory method in certain cases, with one senator speaking in opposition to the death penalty. The Senate also advanced SB 1012, SB 1573, SB 1661, SB 1662, SB 1569, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1655, and SB 1664, covering concealed weapons notice appeals, judicial determinations and religious secular laws, paternity/genetic testing support, probation conditions, election-related voter registration and signature handling, foreign campaign contributions, election worker summonsing, and nomination petition signatures. Several bills were retained or moved between calendars, and the Committee of the Whole reports were adopted, sending the listed bills forward as amended.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Opening Day Wed Jan 15, 2025, 10:00AM HST - Day 1
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We come from the birth waters of our mothers, and if you came from someplace else, please tell me after
- We come from the birth waters of our mothers, and the last part of Hawaii is the e eani, or that universal
- c><00:19:02.000><c> from</c><00:19:02.159><c> the</c><00:19:02.320><c> birth</c><00:19:02.679><c> Waters
- </c> defreeze we come from the birth Waters defreeze we come from the birth Waters of<00:19:03.520><c
- So when we say ha e, we're speaking about the people, the breath, and the waters of this universal good
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-EIG DEFER, EIG-HOU, HOU-EIG-WLA, WLA-EIG, EIG-TRS-AEN, EIG Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, committee on water and land, >> Okay.
- Water and Land committee, same recommendation. Committee on Water, Land, and the Arts.
- We need to find water. The people in Kona are continually under water restriction.
- We need to find water. The around. We need to find water.
- You do not need to poke find water.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The committees first took up SB 3322 relating to law enforcement. Chairs recommended adopting amendments from the Department of Law Enforcement that would exempt plainclothes officers from identification requirements, limit conspicuous agency markings to vehicles used in immigration enforcement operations, and allow a plainclothes officer to wear a mask when within eyesight of an unmasked officer from the same agency while performing official duties. Although there was an initial quorum issue, both committees ultimately voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation and advance the bill as amended.
The next major item was SB 3333 relating to property tax treatment for certain housing. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from a Maui County real property tax board member and a representative of Nali Maui, who described homeowners in affordable housing being taxed at much higher rates when exemptions were missed or when resale restrictions kept values below market. The committees recommended passing the bill with amendments, including a deferred effective date of April 19, 2042, and the recommendation was adopted.
The committees also heard SB 2422 on a pro housing score program for counties, SB 2981 on eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements in urban districts, SB 2007 on county land use boundary amendments, SB 3028 on restructuring the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system, SB 3033 on public petitions for review of beach structures, and SB 2434 on electric vehicle infrastructure. SB 2422 drew support with a request for flexibility and an appeals process for counties facing extraordinary circumstances; the chair’s recommendation was to pass it with amendments and note a $200,000 implementation study request, which was adopted. SB 2981 received strong support from housing and transportation advocates and was advanced unamended, while SB 2007 drew opposition from the Sierra Club and discussion about the Land Use Commission’s limited enforcement tools and the number of approved but unbuilt units. SB 3028 received mixed testimony, with support for the marginal-rate change but concerns about earmarking and blanks in the bill, and SB 3033 was supported as an early-warning mechanism for erosion-threatened coastal structures, though OPSD said it should not be the regulatory decision-maker. SB 2434 prompted concern about whether utility capacity can support EV infrastructure goals, with the chair citing a recent report suggesting transmission and distribution constraints.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Jan 29, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 781 is related to the Wahiawā water system.
- It appropriates funds for the Wahiawā water system for bond debt service and tunnel repair.
- KBDC and uh KBDC strongly supports House Bill 781 relating to the Wahiawā water system, and I'll stand
- </c> 781 HB 781 is related to the wahle water 781 HB 781 is related to the wahle water system<00:11:20.480
- </c> bills 781 relating to the Y holy water bills 781 relating to the Y holy water system<00:13:27.399
Committee:
House Agriculture & Food Systems