Video & Transcript Research : 'preferential voting'
Page 188 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , residents can vote the members vote, residents can vote them<04:52:07.840>
out <04:52:08.000> - vote on HR1.
- Vote no. I vote no here to stop this big ugly bill from moving to the Senate.
- And finally, vote no if you voted yes the first time. is about any of that.
- A recorded vote is ... Did I not have to? Okay. I did. I didn't call the vote.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Common Education REVISION 2: Link added - HB4359 Feb 4th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Common Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Is anybody want to change your vote? See you not. Please close the row. Announce the vote.
- Is anybody want to change your vote? Please close the row. Announce the vote.
- Does anyone want to change their vote? None. Please close the row and announce the vote.
- Anyone wishing to change their vote, close the vote. Announce the vote. With 10 eyes, zero nays.
- Please open the queue to vote. Anyone wishing to change their vote, close the vote, please.
Keywords:
statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment, students with disabilities, special education, cognitive disabilities, assessment calendar, school year calendar, education accountability, academic standards, math intervention, advanced mathematics, course placement, college and career readiness
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- taken in December, as these two recommendations were inadvertently left out of the vote.
- That concludes the voting on these two river authorities.
- The next agency we are voting on is the Trinity River Authority of Texas.
- The next agency we are voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
- Members, this is a record vote. Clerk, please call the roll. Chairman Bell? Yes.
Summary:
The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, approved the December 11, 2024 minutes, and then voted on recommendations for several agencies reviewed earlier in the cycle. It adopted all recommendations for the Angelina and Nettus River Authority, the Lower Nettus Valley Authority, and the Trinity River Authority of Texas, with no modifications offered for those agencies.
The Commission then considered the Texas Ethics Commission. Members adopted staff recommendations with modifications, including changes to lobby compensation thresholds and rounding of inflation adjustments. The Commission also adopted a series of new recommendations addressing TEC customer service staffing, late-filing penalties, post-election reporting penalties, waiver of penalties when notice cannot be shown, review of the “substantial compliance” standard, review of the “principal purpose” definition, more prominent public posting of delinquent penalties, and clearer training and guidance on filing and lobby-registration requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6.
By recorded vote, the Commission unanimously forwarded all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature, with nine ayes. Sunset staff then reported on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, saying the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and Sunset staff found 68% of statutory and related changes fully implemented, with the remainder mostly in progress. The Commission also noted receipt of a January 6 evaluation of the Texas Lottery Commission, including a study of potential regulation of lottery ticket courier companies, but no further action was taken on that item. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a motion to recess subject to the call of the Chair.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-WTL, TCA-WTL, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Of the five members on Water and Land, any no votes or votes of reservation?
- /c><01:54:06.960>
ey <01:54:07.199>sen votes ey Vice chair votes ey sen votes ey Vice chair - I<01:57:16.800>
Senator votes I Vice chair votes I Senator votes I Vice chair votes I Senator - any votes or present any no votes any votes or reservations<02:00:36.440>
hearing <02:00:36.719 - Any no votes or votes or reservations? Any no votes, votes, or reservations?
Summary:
The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem.
The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making.
The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- is ought to pass by vote of 4 to 0. is ought to pass by vote of 4 to 0.
- The eyes have it by a vote of 15 to 8. The eyes have it by a vote of 15 to 8.
- rescind third reading vote on the ought to pass with amendment and vote on the floor amendment 1496.
- c> on ought to pass with amendment and vote on ought to pass with amendment and vote on the<01:03
- We have to have a series of votes to do that. The first vote is to rescind the third reading.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Thank you, Chair. Voting on SB 340, SD1.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Thank you, Chair. Voting on SB 165, SD2.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Thank you, Chair. Voting on SB 447.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Thank you, Chair. Voting on SB 442, SD1.
- <01:03:17.960>
on <01:03:18.079>SB the vote thank you chair voting on SB the vote thank
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes. If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
- Chair votes eye. Thank you. amendments. Chair votes eye. Thank you.
- Vice chair votes with reservations. Vice chair votes with reservations.
- electronic voting, and mail in voting. electronic voting, and mail in voting.
- receiving their full voting rights. receiving their full voting rights.
Summary:
The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system.
Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs.
Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- She then voted aye.
- aye aye member just bill you votes of seven I zero day and zero now voting aye members of your votes
- Members, the vote is seven ayes, zero nays, zero not voting, zero absent.
- Chair, I vote.
- Measure the vote: seven aye, zero nay, zero absent, zero not voting.
Keywords:
lighting laws, construction equipment, farm equipment, vehicle safety, Arizona Revised Statutes, salvage vehicles, insurance claims, abandoned vehicles, salvage auction dealers, vehicle title, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, law enforcement, neighborhood electric vehicles, alternative fuel, vehicle license tax, tax exemption
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2669, which would limit railroad train length to 8,500 feet on main and branch lines in Arizona. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Santa Cruz County fire captain and a BNSF engineer, argued that very long trains create public safety risks by blocking crossings, delaying EMS and fire response, and increasing the consequences of derailments involving hazardous materials. Union Pacific’s witness opposed the bill, saying train length does not cause derailments, that railroads already track crossings and train movement, and that shorter trains would increase congestion and delays. Members debated safety concerns versus interstate commerce and constitutional issues, then advanced the bill on a do-pass recommendation by roll call vote.
The committee then considered HB 2369, as amended, which requires certain photo-enforcement citations to be signed by the presiding judge and allows electronic signatures. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a Mesa issue involving about 40,000 citations that bore the wrong judge’s signature after a judge left the bench. A Mesa representative and a Paradise Valley court director testified that their photo-radar citations already include a judge’s signature, though the practice varies by court. Members discussed whether the requirement should apply only to photo enforcement, whether a designee should be allowed if a judge is unavailable, and whether the bill should be clarified further. The Martinez amendment was adopted, and the bill was returned with a do-pass recommendation.
HB 2256, a technical cleanup measure for salvage auction dealers, was then approved. The bill allows a salvage auction dealer to obtain title to a vehicle abandoned after an insurance claim is denied or unpaid, and sets notice and title-release procedures; the amendment refined how an insurance company may request actions regarding a salvage vehicle and payment of storage fees. A CoPart representative said the change would streamline handling of total-loss vehicles when coverage is denied or the owner cannot be located. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation.
The committee also approved HCM 2007, which urges renaming sections of State Route 69 to honor veterans from five wars, after members discussed adding World War I to the memorial. HB 2772, which would place a pre-hospital medical care directive indicator on driver licenses or ID cards, generated extensive discussion about DNR/advance directive language, first-responder liability, good Samaritan protections, and whether the designation should be handled through a hospital-style advance directive instead. The sponsor said he was willing to work on amendments and broader stakeholder input, and the committee recessed and then held the bill for later consideration. Separately, HCR 2004, which would prohibit photo enforcement systems such as speed and red-light cameras if approved by voters, was heard with strong opposition from Scottsdale Police, who said photo enforcement reduces collisions and serious injuries and should remain a local decision; supporters argued the systems raise due process concerns and do not stop dangerous driving. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final committee action on the resolution.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Business and Labor Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Business and Labor Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no other discussion, we'll go ahead and take a vote. We'll take a roll call vote on this.
- The House vote was seven yeas and four nays, and the Senate vote was zero yeas and two nays.
- I see no further light, so we'll go ahead and do a roll call vote. Roll call vote. Roll call vote.
- Seeing none, we'll place the vote.
- Roll call vote. This is for the substitute motion. Roll call vote: Senator Pitcher...
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pizzo: I WILL VOTE FOR THIS BILL, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR IT AND OPPOSE IT IF WE CONSIDER THE HOUSE BUT IN
- BY YOUR VOTE SB 952 REPORTED FAVORABLY.
- I ASK YOU TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
- GOING TO VOTE FOR THIS TODAY.
- BY YOUR VOTE SB 30 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. YOU VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. WE WILL MOVE TO TABS 16.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We can vote on a block vote, and I would open that up for discussion now.
- Let's vote first then on the following appointees in block. We will vote in block.
- Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess. Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess.
- Would anyone like to record a vote?
- Would anyone like to record a vote?
Summary:
The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor.
The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SCR 183.
- I ask for an aye vote. Pursuant to Proposition 25 of 2010, I ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- I urge a no vote. Thank you.
- I ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Explain your vote. Explain your vote. Okay, I'll explain my vote. A major, right? That's right.
- So with that, I vote aye. Rep. Márquez: Mr. Chair, can I explain the vote? Please. Mr.
- I vote on this bill.
- And with that, I proudly vote aye. I don't know. And with that, I proudly vote aye.
- We can vote if you want to vote. No, no, go ahead.
Summary:
The House Committee on Government was called to order with member and staff introductions, followed by a reminder of committee rules and amendment deadlines. Chair Blackman also gave an opening statement framing the committee’s work as legislative oversight focused on child safety, transparency, and systemic issues at the Department of Child Safety (DCS), noting the committee may hold additional hearings and use subpoenas if needed.
The committee then heard a presentation from the Arizona Auditor General on a special audit of DCS investigations of non-criminal child abuse and neglect reports. The audit found that while DCS generally met initial contact timeframes, 123 of 125 sampled cases had at least one policy violation. Problems included failures to provide or document required notices to alleged perpetrators, incomplete or missing documentation of key investigative steps and safety plans, and investigations that exceeded statutory or policy timeframes. The Auditor General said DCS agreed with the findings and all 15 recommendations, and members asked questions about sample size, staffing, and whether the issues reflected broader systemic problems.
After the audit, the committee considered House Bill 262, which authorizes a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Boland Plaza. Supporters testified about the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions in Arizona. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0, with members explaining their votes in support.
The committee also heard House Bill 2018, which would prohibit DCS from entering into agreements with health care institutions that allow payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would prevent financial incentives from influencing reporting and protect the integrity of mandatory reporting. Some members and public commenters raised concerns about DCS contracts, hospital reporting practices, and the need for documentation or a paper trail. After a recess and further discussion, HB 2018 was returned with a do pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair moves that House Bill 1771 be voted due pass. House Bill 1771 be voted due pass.
- By your vote of eight ayes, you have voted due pass House Bill 1771. I move that House Bill 1883...
- Now I move that House Bill 1892 be voted due pass. House Bill 1892 be voted due pass.
- By your vote of six yes and three noes, you have voted do pass House Bill 1892.
- By your vote of six yes and three noes, you have voted do pass House Bill 1892.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 13 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
- areas of the state are voting on 11. areas of the state are voting on 11.
- Madam clerk, favor the bill, vote I. If you're opposed, vote nay.
- CCID will vote for that's you're right. CCID will vote for two<00:25:48.559>
judges. - If you're opposed,<00:26:26.720>
vote <00:26:26.960>nay. Is everyone voted?
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer by Reverend David McDow of Fondren Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled routine business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the reading of the journal and bill introductions, and recognizing pages and several visiting groups in the galleries, including Oktibbeha County Young Leaders, Special Olympics champions, the doctor of the day, and members of the Women’s League of Voters. There were also remarks honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and a response from a member of Omega Sapphire Fraternity.
The main legislative item was House Bill 580, a technical correction to judicial district maps. The bill was explained as fixing precinct placement errors in the Fourth Circuit Court District and correcting precincts affected by the creation of the CCID in Hinds County’s Seventh Circuit Court District. Members asked about how many judges would be on the ballot, whether the CCID judge would exercise regular civil and criminal jurisdiction, and when the changes would take effect. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve existing district boundaries, avoid changing qualifying deadlines, and keep the CCID judge as a regular circuit judge for an eight-year term. The House passed the bill 112-0 and then granted immediate release.
Toward the end of the meeting, members made several announcements about committee schedules and upcoming events, including budget hearings, Military Affairs, Universities and Colleges, Rules, State Affairs, and a legislative prayer breakfast and welcome reception. The House also took multiple adjournment-in-memory requests for deceased Mississippians, including Larry Bryant, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Linda Stranger, Mary Lou Thompson, and Viva Hughes Williams. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the next day.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (3-25-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, and when explaining your vote, first cast your vote, then explain. Does anyone have any guests?
- Senator Elkins voted aye.
- uh to vote law. uh to vote law.
- I'm going to vote no.
- vote, Chair? Yes, please. Thank you. vote, Chair? Yes, please. Thank you.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge you to vote no.
- I respectfully ask you to vote yes.
- So please vote in opposition.
- I would advocate you vote no. I would advocate you vote no.
- I urge you to please vote.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote.
Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Vice Chair, please take the vote. then Vice chair for the vote voting on then Vice chair for the
- /c><01:38:21.520>
239 <01:38:22.320>chair's vote please voting on HB 239 chair's vote please - vote vote please<01:38:49.400>
voting <01:38:49.679>on <01:38:49.840>HB <01:38:50.560 - members then Vice chair for the vote members then Vice chair for the vote voting<01:40:00.639>
- ><01:44:10.440>
chair's vote voting on HB 1081 chair's vote voting on HB 1081 chair's recommendation - ><01:44:10.440>
Summary:
The committee heard several Human Services measures focused on Medicaid access, long-term care benefits, home health reimbursement, SNAP administration, trauma-informed child welfare, and child abuse reporting. HP 702 would increase funding for Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are secured, and testimony from disability advocates supported the measure as needed to help people with disabilities cover medical expenses. HB 1477, described as a correction to a prior session’s mistake, would clarify that the monthly needs allowance for certain long-term care residents does not replace state supplemental payments and would raise the ceiling by $25 to fix the prior issue and by an additional $20 as a new benefit; DHS supported it with amendments, and the committee indicated it would amend accordingly. HB 713 would fund a DHS rate study for home health services, with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii strongly supporting it and describing rising labor costs, losses on Medicaid patients, and access concerns if agencies cannot keep serving Medicaid clients. HB 1099 would appropriate emergency funds to DHS after a USDA penalty tied to SNAP response times, with supporters including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others arguing the money should be reinvested in staffing and systems to improve access and avoid further penalties. HB 1079 would direct the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS to create trauma-informed assessments and training for Child Welfare Services staff; testimony from state offices and advocacy groups supported it, citing the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, staff burnout, and the need for a sustainable train-the-trainer model. Finally, HB 239 would narrow when failure to provide a child’s needs constitutes abuse or neglect, but DHS raised concerns that the current wording could broaden abuse findings and leave families in poverty without a clear safety net, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office opposed it, warning it could weaken mandatory reporting and hinder investigations of child abuse. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, though the chair said HB 1477 would be amended and several measures were left open for further questions and testimony.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair, please take the<01:34:01.040>
vote. the vote. the vote. - please take the vote. please take the vote.
- please take the vote. please take the vote.
- . vote. vote.
- . vote. vote.
Bills:
HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475
Keywords:
taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending
Summary:
The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems.
The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage.
On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts.
The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.