Video & Transcript Research : 'block groups'

Page 187 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 519, by Assemblymember Schiavo, created a working group to discuss a one-stop-shop type model, and
  • that was established by AB 519 or set up a separate working group of users who could give very concrete
  • that was established by AB 519 or set up a separate working group of users who could give very concrete
  • that was established by AB519 or set up a separate working group of users who could give very concrete
  • Because I really do feel that there needs to be an ongoing working group, whether in the public forum
Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs. Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session-Day 18, March 3, 2026-AM

Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • think<00:32:00.880> of<00:32:01.120> one<00:32:01.440> large<00:32:01.840> group
  • [clears throat] think of one large group [clears throat] think of one large group them<00:32:02.880
  • What we also have done as we've made these small adjustments is sometimes we block someone out that we
  • Last year, we had a small adjustment, and it was interpreted by some of our legal folks that that blocked
Keywords: 916, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HWN-WLA, HWN DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2026

Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we got two competing groups, and they already reserved Mounta for next year.
  • the Hawaii Register of Historic Places, or has important value to Native Hawaiian or other ethnic groups
  • Another fishery on the chopping block, and another one, and another one after that, and then eventually
  • Another fishery on the chopping block, and another one, and another one after that, and then eventually
  • It's for all commercial fisheries, all user groups, and that burden is shared by all.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/22/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 2487, adult content website blocking option; Science and Technology.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and took attendance. Members then recognized several guest groups and individuals, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant for National Blood Donor Month, and veterans and military family representatives in advance of a Veterans Caucus meeting. A proclamation was read recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and honoring Vitalant’s role in supplying blood to Arizona patients. The chamber also heard a declaration naming January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day, and members made personal remarks, including a memorial tribute to Jennifer Marie Walker Skaggs and announcements about committee meetings and caucus events. The House recorded attendance, entered committee reports, and processed a large number of bills through first and second reading, covering elections, education, veterans, health, housing, taxation, artificial intelligence, public safety, and other topics. Several bills were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, and Public Safety and Law Enforcement. No substantive floor debate or final votes on legislation occurred in the transcript beyond procedural motions. The House later recessed and reconvened, continued first-reading referrals for additional bills and resolutions, and then adjourned on a motion approved by voice vote until 1:15 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Joint Session Mar 4th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS RECEPTIVE TO BLOCK GRANTING MONEY TO US SO WE CAN
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-04 (11:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am happy to report that the Trump administration is receptive to block granting money to us so we can
Keywords: 998, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Jan 27th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs, Ranking Member John Block (member_14069).
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/13/2026)

Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, they are a great group of people to work with. We take their feedback very seriously.
  • Um they are a great group go to jailcar.
  • Then your employer might block access from certain locations unless you're on the network.
  • <04:07:40.000> was carriers and Scott Lawson's group was carriers and Scott Lawson's group
  • negotiated with his group negotiated with his group to<04:37:04.400> the<04:37:04.561>
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • more for illegal immigrant legal services, $11 billion for illegal immigrant health care, while they blocked
  • hearings, and hours upon hours of advocates, patients, providers, labor organizations, community groups
  • In fact, a broad bipartisan group of 50 Assembly Members from this body recently signed a letter urging
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, and proceeded with routine procedural business, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees and several rule suspensions to allow bills to be heard or moved. Assembly Member DeMaio attempted to amend and then return AB 109 to the Senate to add health care premium reductions, but the motions were ruled out of order and his request to suspend the rules failed on a 13-45 vote. The main floor action was on AB 109, the 2026-27 state budget. Assembly Member Gabriel presented the budget as balancing fiscal responsibility with protections for health care, schools, housing, wildfire prevention, and the safety net, while opponents argued it raised costs, underfunded education and public safety, and relied on gimmicks. Supporters emphasized investments in hospitals, Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, food banks, housing, and reserves, and repeatedly defended the budget’s approach to Proposition 36 funding and prison closures. After extensive debate, the Assembly voted to concur in the Senate amendments to AB 109, and the bill was immediately transmitted to the Governor. Later, the Assembly took up SCR 89 on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members from several caucuses spoke in support, arguing DEI is central to equal opportunity, civil rights, and California’s identity, and warning against federal efforts to roll back such programs. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, saying DEI treats people differently based on immutable characteristics. The transcript ends during that debate, with the resolution still under consideration.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • more for illegal immigrant legal services, $11 billion for illegal immigrant health care, while they blocked
  • There were hours upon hours of advocates, patients, providers, labor organizations, community groups,
  • A broad bipartisan group of 50 Assembly Members from this body recently signed a letter urging rejection
Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was approached about this bill before session began by a group and just asked if I could sit down and
  • I'm a child of the '80s—and you have the little avatar that comes in, hits the block token, comes out
  • The group that has worked in Wyoming to bring this legislation in 2024.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Aug 11th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But that is good news because as a city of Rio Communities, we're the new kids on the block, so to speak
  • We do have pretty active different community groups and community members that will come to council at
  • So we're asking them, not just in the formal setting, but consistently in subcommittees and focus groups
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session May 2nd, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • should be having to clean up, and sort of getting closer to what our advocates and our volunteer groups
  • disingenuous because the person who has carried the ball in negotiations with the House of Representatives, Block
  • the application for approval if the board determines that the applicant is owned by an individual, group
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into special order and returning messages. Early floor action included passage of HB 6503 (relief for Mandy Penny Lamon by Sarasota County), HB 1123 (sewer collection systems), HB 211 (farm products), and a joint resolution on ad valorem tax exemption for agricultural tangible personal property, all approved without opposition. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the chamber recessed and later returned to messages from the House. The Senate then took up a series of House amendments and conference-style motions on major bills. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response was amended and concurred in after debate over hurricane recovery, local government moratoriums, evacuation timing in the Keys, and property tax and redevelopment provisions; it passed 34-1. CS/HB 1609 on waste incineration and auxiliary containers was heavily debated over plastic and polystyrene preemption, local beach and park regulations, and landfill/incinerator provisions, then passed 26-10. CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiatives was amended to allow volunteers to carry up to 25 petitions without registration/training and passed 28-9. The Senate also refused to concur in a House amendment to SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, and in SB 116 on veterans, seeking to restore funding for veteran suicide prevention. Later, the chamber approved or advanced several education and health-related bills. CS/HB 1255 on education was amended and passed, with changes to school readiness and other education provisions. CS/HB 875 on educator preparation passed after discussion of cognitive science, classroom management, teacher excellence programs, and the phaseout of the general knowledge test. CS/HB 1105, a large education package, passed after debate over charter school conversions, cell phone restrictions, and other school governance changes. In health care, CS/HB 1427 was introduced as a comprehensive package combining multiple health-related provisions, though the excerpt ends before final action on that bill. Throughout the day, the Senate also concurred or refused to concur in various House amendments on mental health, financial institutions, land development, brownfields, and out-of-network provider legislation, with votes generally recorded and several measures passing on divided but mostly favorable roll calls.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Mar 27th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a place for employees with autism in the workforce in productive jobs, but a major stumbling block
  • We have a group of about 50 people up from Tampa Bay, and I know it's hard to follow Senator Davis after
  • The special order calendar group will be meeting 15 minutes after the adjournment of the sitting on Thursday
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0. Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-27 (9:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a place for employees with autism in the workforce in productive jobs, but a major stumbling block
  • We have a group of about 50 people up from Tampa Bay, and I know it's hard to follow Senator Davis after
  • The special order calendar group will be meeting 15 minutes after the adjournment of the sitting on Thursday
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing visiting groups and resolutions, including Blood Clot Awareness Month and Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with most measures passing overwhelmingly after brief explanations and debate. Among the early bills, SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5, allowing local governments to opt in to limited street use of UTVs under specified safety rules; SB 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0 to create a workforce credential program for students with autism or modified curricula; SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0; SB 130 on compensation for wrongful incarceration passed 38-0 after expanding filing timelines and easing restrictions on compensation claims; and SB 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0 to eliminate cost sharing for follow-up breast imaging under the state employee health plan. The most extended debate centered on SB 234, which sought to strengthen penalties and clarify the law regarding violent resistance to law enforcement officers and offenses against officers. Supporters argued the bill was needed after the Jason Raynor case to prevent defendants from using claims about an officer’s legal duty to justify violence, while opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment protections, racial profiling, and the bill’s mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of an officer. A Jones amendment to restore “good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill without a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 262 on trust code technical changes (36-0), SB 274 designating roadways for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson (38-0) and opening the board for 37 co-sponsors, SB 280 creating an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualifications (38-0), and SB 296 repealing the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate in favor of local decision-making and reporting requirements (38-0). Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with supporters emphasizing the need to confront antisemitism and preserve Holocaust memory; the bill was introduced and debated, with the transcript ending during remarks by President Gaetz about the recent Holocaust memorial unveiling. Throughout the meeting, senators also used debate to highlight broader policy themes such as autism workforce inclusion, breast cancer screening, wrongful incarceration reform, school district flexibility, and honoring community leaders through road designations. The chamber’s actions were largely affirmative, with several unanimous votes and one notable postponed bill after substantial disagreement."}】}]}}```
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/5/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean I'm just worried that the local government really could lose the ability to have a say in blocking
  • have<00:53:42.160> a<00:53:42.400> say<00:53:43.280> in<00:53:43.680> blocking
  • <00:53:44.720> funding<00:53:45.119> for to have a say in blocking funding for to have
  • a say in blocking funding for projects<00:53:45.680> that<00:53:45.920> they<00:53:46.160
Summary: The House convened with 127 members present, heard a prayer, and then recognized 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools and the Maryland Municipal League on its 90th anniversary. The Blue Ribbon resolution named Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Diamond Elementary School, Little Flower School, Meyersville Elementary School, St. Louis School, Stoneleigh Elementary School, and Wilson Whims Elementary School, with principals introduced from the gallery. The MML resolution honored the league’s service to Maryland’s cities and towns and invited members to meet municipal officials after the floor session. The clerk also noted a second printing of the 2026 rule book due to a table-of-contents error. The chamber then took up House Bill 80, the Residential Leases Fee Disclosures bill. Floor debate focused on what fees must be disclosed, what counts as a utility versus a fee, whether the bill applies to oral leases, and how the measure applies to landlords with four or more units. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure tenants know all upfront fees before signing and to create a clear enforcement pathway; opponents raised concerns about penalties, affordability, and the burden on landlords. The bill passed on third reading by a vote of 95-34. The House next considered House Bill 153, which requires air conditioning in newly constructed residential rental units and units undergoing specified substantial renovations, with the standard that habitable spaces be kept at 80 degrees or lower. Members asked whether window units would satisfy the requirement, how the bill interacts with older buildings and ongoing renovations, whether it applies retroactively, how enforcement would work, and whether it references federal refrigerant rules; the sponsor said it does not require central air and is prospective only. Supporters argued it reflects existing practice in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and clarifies habitability standards, while opponents cited costs and concerns about older homes. The transcript ends during debate on this bill, before a final vote is recorded.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (05/21/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a HB 1 change request to restore the targeted block grants of 100,000 per year that was taken out
  • 46.320> targeted change request to restore the targeted change request to restore the targeted block
  • 48.240> 100,000<00:33:48.720> per<00:33:49.039> year<00:33:49.200> that block
  • grants of 100,000 per year that block grants of 100,000 per year that was<00:33:49.600> taken
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Floor debate on automatically returning future budget surpluses to taxpayers 3/17/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • only deals, I mean, there's so many funding sources: TANF, special education, child care development block
  • Child tanif there's special education Child Care<00:35:26.119> development<00:35:26.520> block
  • <00:35:26.839> grants<00:35:27.280> Ma Care development block grants Ma Care development
  • block grants Ma Minnesota<00:35:28.480> care<00:35:29.079> Advanced<00:35:29.560> premium
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (04/21/2025)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • For your record, my name is Bruce Berkkey, with Infinity Capital Group here in town, and we represent
  • Um, I also think of that as concerning because, um, you're allowing a group of customers to pay for one
  • of customers to you're allowing a group of customers to pay<01:14:15.040> for<01:14:15.280>
  • So,<01:14:24.960> you're<01:14:25.120> you're<01:14:25.520> blocking<01:14:25.920
  • > off<01:14:26.159> the So, you're you're blocking off the So, you're you're blocking off
Keywords: 1189, house, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • is endorsing this sanction, which the UN and a plethora of national and international human rights groups
  • in the next part of the legislative session, and whether the department would be open to a working group
  • Chair, I think you guys have that power now to present something, to, uh, block this state of emergency
  • So, uh, as this moves forward, um, I really want to look at the potential of creating a working group
  • So, uh, as this moves forward, um, I really want to look at the potential of creating a working group
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.