Video & Transcript Research : 'constitution amendment'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- Until the bill is amended to accomplish this, along with our other suggested amendments, we respectfully
- So what the amendments will do is that 60 days...
- So that is in this bill in the amendment.
- issue that got addressed in the accepted amendments.
- Therefore, we have an opposed and a less amended position.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amendment.
- When they were first formed, for example, the constitution had to be amended to allow them to do what
- , uh the constitution had to be<02:01:17.040>
amended <02:01:17.440>to <02:01:17.679> - <02:08:50.880>
We'll amendment, bring an amendment. We'll amendment, bring an amendment. - <02:29:00.399>
state <02:29:00.720>constitutional constitutional state constitutional constitutional
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-12-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- So support the bill, and thank you for the amendment.
- So support the bill, and thank you for the amendment.
- So support the bill, and thank you for the amendment. Representative Wilson.
- So support the bill, and thank you for the amendment. Representative Wilson, thank you.
- <00:48:08.400>
rights to say that your constitutional rights to say that your constitutional
Keywords:
The live stream for this meeting cut off before the end. This is the complete meeting pulled from back ups.
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:05
HB 38: 00:02:42
HB 206: 00:29:22, 958, all
Summary:
The committee began with roll call and introductory remarks, including recognition of new members and guests. It then took up House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative Tipton, which would increase penalties for repeated violations of an order of protection. Under the committee substitute, a third violation involving the same order and same individual could be elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Tipton and domestic violence survivor Maryanne Pratt testified in support, with Pratt describing repeated abuse, protective-order violations, and ongoing fear despite arrests and jail time. Several members spoke in favor of the bill and praised Pratt’s testimony.
Members and outside witnesses raised concerns about the substitute’s language, especially the requirement that the same victim be involved and whether the bill could leave gaps for repeat abusers with different victims. Representative Burke and others questioned whether the conduct was already covered by stalking or assault statutes. Scott West, speaking for the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the bill could allow technical contempt findings to be used as predicate offenses and noted that existing assault and stalking laws already address much of the conduct. Sponsor Tipton said the language was not final and that further changes might be considered in the Senate. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 38 with favorable expression by a 19-0 vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 206, sponsored by Representative Nemes, on wrongful conviction compensation. Nemes introduced exonerees and representatives from the Kentucky Innocence Project, and the substitute was adopted without objection. Testimony came from Paul Herd, who spent 20 years wrongfully convicted and described the difficulty of reentry, and Jon Acar, who said he was wrongly convicted as a teenager and spent years in custody and on parole. Both urged passage of the bill as overdue support for people exonerated after wrongful convictions.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing & Land Use Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Housing & Land Use
Transcript Highlights:
- There was an amendment in the House. So I'll walk up. Liability.
- There was an amendment in the House, so I'll walk briefly through that.
- And that was changed with the amendment, correct?
- Now I hear we have an amendment coming, pardon me, we have an amendment coming, of which we have not
- Specifically, with this problem, it is the single decision may constitute.
Summary:
The Senate Land Use Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it did not approve minutes or take formal votes. The committee first heard House Bill 457, which would raise the appraisal threshold for certain DELDOT real property dispositions from $10,000 to $25,000 to match federal highway standards and reduce the time and cost of selling small surplus properties. There was little discussion and no public comment on that bill, and the chair indicated it would be circulated.
The committee then took up House Bill 451, which would codify a disparate impact framework under Delaware’s Fair Housing Act. The bill was described as clarifying that housing policies or practices can violate the law even without discriminatory intent if they have an unjustified discriminatory effect on a protected class, using a burden-shifting test similar to federal law. The sponsor and DHSA said the measure was intended to preserve fair housing protections amid uncertainty at the federal level, and an additional amendment was discussed that would delay implementation for 180 days and require DHSR, with DSA and stakeholders, to conduct outreach, education, and training.
Public testimony was divided. Supporters, including Housing Alliance Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, said the bill would protect against discriminatory outcomes, align state law with longstanding fair housing principles, and preserve recourse if federal enforcement changes. Opponents and housing-provider groups, including the Delaware Association of Realtors, Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, and the Delaware Apartment Association, argued the bill could create liability for neutral policies, rely on statistical outcomes landlords cannot easily measure, and increase litigation and costs; several asked for more time, a right-to-cure process, or further amendments. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
SB 2129 Conference Committee Apr 3rd, 2025 at 05:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't see that in here as part of the amendment.
- The amendment, as you've written it, doesn't require any education.
- Is there anything else in that amendment? We are hung up on a couple of terms.
- At the amendment. So, hang on a second. Would you like me to read it?
- or... ...should only constitute these five or six things.
Summary:
The conference committee on House/Senate Bill 2129 met to resolve the House amendment to the Senate-passed bill, which concerns exemptions related to veterinary practice. The main dispute centered on the House language adding terms such as “specialized or holistic trade” and expanding exemptions to include acupuncture/acupressure and non-veterinary dentistry, while the Senate preferred a narrower, more definitive list of exempt activities. Senators and House members discussed whether the word “includes” made the exemption open-ended, and whether equine dentistry should be treated as veterinary medicine or allowed as a separate practice.
Testimony from Dr. Sarah Lyons of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and veterinarian Troy Dutton emphasized that dentistry, including equine dentistry, is generally considered the practice of veterinary medicine and can involve invasive procedures and animal safety risks. They argued the House amendment lacked educational or licensing requirements and could allow untrained individuals to perform procedures such as dentistry or acupuncture. House members raised concerns about rural access, shortages of veterinarians, and the practical reality that some horse owners and equine practitioners currently perform float work and similar services.
After extended discussion, the committee did not reach agreement. Members noted that the House amendment language differed from the Senate version on the key exemption provisions, and that further review of proposed alternative language would be needed. A motion was made and approved by roll call that the committee was unable to agree at this time and would schedule another meeting. The meeting was then adjourned pending rescheduling.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Any discussion to the amendment? Seeing none, all in favor? I opposed. The amendment is adopted.
- I I would like the bill as amended.
- <00:16:07.759>
Auditor of the bill after amended. Auditor of the bill after amended. - Amendment is in favor? I opposed.
- amended over for possible inclusion. amended over for possible inclusion.
Keywords:
Compensation Council, salaries, state officials, judicial compensation, legislative process, public funds, misuse, law enforcement, accountability, state government, legislative auditor, compliance, transparency, retirement benefits, health insurance, dependents, state employees, Medicare, legislative studies, government oversight
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . amendment. amendment.
- House Floor Amendment 1. House Floor Amendment 1.
- <00:16:30.839>
amendment <00:16:31.240>to Amendment 1, the title amendment to Amendment - , House Floor Amendment 3 and House Floor Amendment 4.
- Amendment 3, the title amendment to Amendment 3, the title amendment to Senate<01:18:30.640>
Bill<
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/21/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I have introduced an amendment, as Chair Vose informed us last week.
- The prime sponsor of a bill may introduce an amendment at the hearing, so I have introduced an amendment
- The amendment makes that crystal clear.
- It says two commissioners shall constitute a quorum regardless of any vacancies.
- political science uh to constitute political science uh to constitute something<04:32:17.600>
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- starting off with us in the state law provisions, Section 25 of Article 11 of the North Dakota Constitution
- you from reading that entire definition, but it's similar to the definition that I read in the constitutional
- So there's concern that, because the Constitution protects individuals from being punished for a crime
- That's pursuant to statute, or the Constitution rather.
- This resulted in similar amendments to the court's Administrative Rule 62, and that's also included in
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The debate. resulted in our current constitutional clause around the public education.
- Multiple ways of addressing this constitutional mandate.
- There's well-settled Texas constitutional a law that talks about how once the Constitution or a statute
- So the Florida, the people of Florida passed a constitutional amendment to require that class sizes in
- Public free schools are in our constitution. That's.
Keywords:
education savings account, educational expenses, certified educational assistance organization, school choice, funding, special education, tuition reimbursement, emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- But, in modernism, But it must also fight the rule of law to process and constitutional protections that
- Terrorism and anti-Semitism, and using that label of terrorism and anti-Semitism for safe constitutional
- I think there's a budget amendment or some resolution related to physical security.
- I keep this copy of the ACLU Constitution, which I actually do use.
- Those pushing these false narratives do so with full knowledge of our Constitution and First Amendment
Summary:
The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair Johnson moves that House Bill 581, without amendments, be reported to the full
- Being none, Vice Chair Hayes moves that House Bill 1110, without amendments, be reported to the full
- This is Chairman Frank's resolution that we heard last week, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting
- H.J.R. 12, without amendments, be reported to the full House with the recommendation that it do pass
- It seems like under the current law, the provision that you're amending, we have a...
Bills:
HB 1239, HB1990, HB1748, HB1749, HB2578, HB2986, HB1970, HB3163, HB2733, HB1922, HB 113, HB 1088, HB1938, HB3004, HB2637, HB2960, HB113
Keywords:
public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- it is not good policy on top of the constitutional issue.
- to um to deny them their constitutional to um to deny them their constitutional right<03:56:39.279
- the Constitution the state constitution<03:58:00.159>
rision <03:58:00.479>is <03:58:00.680 - There's some bills we know to attack with a proper amendment.
- There's some bills we know to attack with a proper amendment.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 295, which would make school building aid funds non-lapsing/non-APS. Representative Cahill said the bill was intended to keep any unused building aid money available for future projects, potentially helping move projects up the priority list or provide a little more funding for school construction. Members asked about how much money has lapsed in past years, whether the education trust fund and building aid are separate, and whether any lapsing dollars could be used to pay down debt. Department of Education official Jim Carney said about $29.1 million would be available if building aid is funded to the $50 million maximum in FY26, confirmed that the fund currently lapses, and said the department would gather historical lapse data. Committee members also discussed whether a dedicated fund structure could achieve the same goal, and the chair noted that the education trust fund statute includes school building aid as one of its uses. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed and the committee said it would later hold a work session after receiving more information.
The committee then took up HB 237, introduced by Representative Dan McGuire, which would prohibit the use of special education state funds and differentiated aid for students not receiving special education services. The New Hampshire School Boards Association, through Becky Wilson, opposed the bill as written, saying it was unclear, potentially unnecessary, and difficult to implement because adequacy and differentiated aid are distributed as part of a districtwide lump sum rather than as student-specific dollars. She explained that special education costs are embedded across district budgets, including staffing, training, transportation, and instruction, and that some staff and services benefit both special education and general education students. Wilson also said differentiated aid is not tied to a specific pupil and is used at the district’s discretion, though it is intended to support students with greater needs.
Committee members pressed on whether the bill would require districts to track money by individual student, whether it could conflict with federal special education law, and whether it would affect least restrictive environment requirements. Wilson said making the funds student-specific could create privacy and accounting problems and could make it difficult to staff inclusive classrooms, though she did not give a definitive legal opinion on federal compliance. She agreed that students who are not eligible for special education would not be included in the separate catastrophic/special education aid reimbursement program. The discussion continued into the second section of the bill, with members exploring how adequacy aid and differentiated aid are used in practice, but no action was taken during the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment.
- and suggesting an amendment.
- and suggesting an amendment.
- and suggesting an amendment.
- Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. Chair and Vice Chair vote aye.
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on March 14, 2025, and heard five University of Hawaii-related bills. SB 741 would create an external audit committee for the UH system and Board of Regents; UH and UHPA opposed it, saying existing internal and external audits already provide robust oversight, and the committee later recommended deferring the bill indefinitely as duplicative. SB 1252 SD2 would create a dementia training program for health care providers; the Alzheimer’s Association and other supporters said broader training is needed across the care workforce, while the university discussed using JABSOM as a coordinator. The committee deferred the bill to March 19 for an HD1 reflecting JABSOM’s suggestions and removing the appropriations/FTE language.
SB 1502 SD1 would fund faculty positions, student programs, and facilities at UH Manoa and West Oahu for defense-sector workforce development. UH and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the measure, describing a pipeline for students into intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields, while one individual opposed it as too closely tied to military contracting and urged investment in other sectors instead. The committee amended the bill to remove FTE references and advanced it; the vote to pass with amendments was adopted, with several members voting aye and some excused.
SB 1530 would require performance-based allocation of UH general funds and efficiency reporting. UH and the Attorney General’s office raised concerns, saying the bill’s metrics would apply across the entire general fund budget and were not practical as drafted; the committee also noted opposition from the Budget and Finance Department and individuals. SB 1624 SD1 would restrict RIM funds to renewing, improving, or modernizing existing facilities and require annual reports. UH opposed the bill and explained that RIM is a lump-sum approach used to address deferred maintenance and capital needs, with Board of Regents approval and quarterly reporting already in place; the Attorney General suggested constitutional amendments. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1624, with no final action shown in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that the Senate passed with an amendment that the Senate passed with an amendment HR1<00:08:06.879
- And if we do, I'll offer an amendment to the rule to consider amendment number 156 offered by Leader
- I offered two amendments at rules.
- Yes on the amendment and yes on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the resolution.
- Amendment to House the amendment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 656, 1197, 1374, 379, 391, 7- 1160, 1026, 1334, 1223, 456 with amendments, 334 with amendments
- , 649 with amendments, and Senate Bill 49.
- He is not taking those amendments because that would gut the bill.
- And some of those amendments are literally in print.
- Amends various existing laws that reference these obsolete laws.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 9 February, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- an amendment. an amendment.
- Yeah, you will close on your amendment. amendment. amendment.
- I would move passage of the amendment. amendment. amendment.
- Now, Senator, for amendment? amendment? amendment? >> Yes.<02:21:18.640>
Amendment. - . amendment. amendment.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Pearl Huggin, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including Dr. Huggin’s family, the doctor of the day, first-year medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and representatives from Mississippi hospitals and law enforcement. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up multiple bills.
Senate Bill 2911, concerning alternative return-to-work provisions for state retirees, was explained as shortening the required separation period from 90 days to 30 days and allowing retirees to return in certain positions at up to 80% of the salary for the job they are performing, with the employer paying both sides of retirement contributions. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies in education, public safety, corrections, and local government and could save money compared with contract labor; questions focused on work expectations, insurance, and how the bill would apply to teachers, bus drivers, and other retirees. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed on the afternoon roll call.
Senate Bill 2272, which would exempt certain agriculture and forestry items from the 1.5% sales tax, was explained as reducing the tax to 0% for qualifying commercial farmers and loggers and expanding covered items to include equipment and fencing supplies. A question clarified that the exemption applies to commercial operations, not individuals raising animals for personal use. The bill passed on the afternoon roll call. Senate Bill 2909, which lowers the years needed for unreduced retirement under tier five from 35 to 30, was also taken up; after adoption of the committee substitute, the bill was laid on the table subject to call of the chair because of a pending amendment. The Senate also tabled a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2588 (the Shield Act codification) and heard Senate Bill 2260, which creates a government efficiency task force to study ways to streamline agency licensing and service delivery; that bill was explained as a preliminary study commission intended to recommend consolidation and a more one-stop approach to state services.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amendments.
- Amendments.
- Senate Bill 757, 394, 79 with amendments, 610 with amendments, 750 with amendments, 21 with amendments
- , 92 with amendments, 262 with amendments, 36 with amendments, 26 with amendments, 26 with amendments
- , 6.5 with amendments, 948 with amendments, 262 with amendments, and Senate Bill 631 with amendments.
Summary:
The Assembly convened without a quorum, completed the roll call, and then proceeded with the day’s business after a prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for victims of the Texas flooding. Procedural motions suspended several rules to allow committee notices, guest seating, and the withdrawal of AB 898 back to the Senate. Members also made several guest introductions, including family members, interns, and scouting troop visitors.
On the floor, AB 1416 by Assembly Member Ta, a taxation bill, was concurred in with Senate technical amendments by a 60-0 vote. ACR 1, designating October 23 as Korean Ginseng Day, was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks highlighting Korean culture and the health benefits of ginseng; 62 coauthors were added without objection. The Assembly also heard SB 119, the budget-related human services trailer bill, with extensive debate over CalWORKs, CalFresh, child welfare reporting, and housing/homelessness programs. Supporters framed it as a needed anti-poverty and safety-net measure, while opponents criticized it as expanding dependency and failing to address fraud and work requirements.
SB 119 passed on a 54-11 vote. The second-day consent calendar, including AJR 16 on the Tijuana River, was adopted 71-0, and the remaining consent items AJR 15 and SB 765 were also adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, followed by announcements of upcoming committee hearings and the next floor session before adjournment until July 10 at 9 a.m.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What this amendment does, Amendment L028, I move Amendment L028. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- uh in amendment L030. uh in amendment L030.
- >> Amendment L31, amend the judiciary. >> Amendment L31, amend the judiciary.
- Amendment L32, amend the amendment L32?
- Will the clerk please read Amendment L4? Amendment L4 amends the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and received several routine messages, including House-passed bills transmitted to the governor and the revisor. During moments of personal privilege, senators welcomed guests including members of the Persian Cultural Circle for the annual Naruse breakfast, a niece shadowing Senator Judah, and leadership from the Netherland Public Library. A tribute recognizing March 20, 2026 as Naruse Day was read into the record, celebrating the Persian New Year and the Iranian-American community.
On the consent calendar, House Bill 1191 passed 33-0. The bill concerns audits of school districts receiving state education fund money for capital construction projects for qualified charter schools, making the state auditor’s examination discretionary rather than mandatory. The Senate then laid over third reading of bills until March 24, 2026, pulled House Bill 1098 off consent for later consideration, and authorized the Joint Budget Committee to conduct business while the Senate was in session.
The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole and adopted House Bills 1180 and 1189 on second reading. HB 1180 continues the Business Intelligence Center Advisory Board sunset process by repealing the board, while HB 1189 addresses property held by a community property spouse under the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act. The committee report was adopted 33-0 and the bills were ordered revised and placed on the third-reading calendar.
The committee also took up Senate Bill 112, concerning defendants who fail to appear in court and allowing certain pretrial release conditions for repeat failures to appear. Sponsor testimony emphasized that the bill was amended to use language from prior legislation and now focuses on repeated, willful failures to appear in the same case, with safeguards for municipal courts and situations where counsel is present. Supporters, including Senator Carson, argued the measure gives local courts a narrow tool to address repeated nonappearance and reduce burdens on judges, law enforcement, victims, and taxpayers; the discussion continued as the transcript ended.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- well. and we have suggested amendments well. and we have suggested amendments in<00:07:04.560>
- <01:33:10.159>
to I'm going to do is make amendments to I'm going to do is make amendments- Uh no tech amendments defective date.
- That's amendment number one. Amendment number two is going to be to clarify it on page 6.
- That's amendment number one. court. That's amendment number one.
- <01:33:10.159>
Keywords:
students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript.
The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded.
House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.