Video & Transcript Research : 'bed availability'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:18:28.960>
for uh Amendment so I'm available for uh Amendment so I'm available for questions - I'm available for questions.
- I'm available for questions. Thank you. I'm available for questions. Thank you, Mr. Hugo.
- address those concerns and I'm available address those concerns and I'm available if<02:03:56.599
- landlords records are still available landlords records are still available offline<02:13:59.480
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described.
The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.
The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You've pulled a bunch out, were available for one time.
- Well, if it's for new appropriations, those won't be available Mr. Chairman, until July 1st.
- But that money technically won't be available till July 1st.
- Is this part of the 636 million available so that local programs can utilize.
- Like, how are you even understanding what programs are available?
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- So there are existing tools available to us—EIFDs, and a lot of variations to that.
- One is purely availability payments. You pay them back over time.
- It's also available on our website and on the committee's website.
- Dollars spent outside of the segment are not available to complete the segment.
- And then you would say, here's the available solutions.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan, with testimony from the authority, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Chair Cortese framed the hearing around the project’s recent changes: a new CEO, revised delivery strategy, loss of federal funds, renewed interest in private financing and value capture, and proposed adjustments to the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment. He also raised concerns about statutory compliance, transparency, and whether the draft plan fully reflects required elements and true costs and timelines.
Authority CEO Ian Chaudhry said the project has made substantial construction progress in the Central Valley and is moving toward track installation, with the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding providing a stable base. He argued the plan uses design optimization, direct procurement of materials, and revised sequencing to reduce costs and support an early operating segment by about 2032-33. He also promoted broader commercialization of the corridor through real estate, energy, broadband, logistics, and public-private partnerships, saying private sector interest is now real. Several senators pressed him on station locations, tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, permitting delays, transparency, and whether the project can realistically reach Los Angeles and San Francisco on the current timeline and budget.
The LAO and Inspector General were more skeptical. LAO analyst Helen Kirstine said the draft plan assumes major scope changes, including a shorter segment, a Merced station outside downtown, more single-tracking, and several statutory changes that have not yet been enacted. She warned that the plan may not comply with recent legislative requirements, that funding may still be insufficient even for the reduced segment, and that borrowing against future cap-and-invest revenues is risky because those revenues are uncertain and volatile. Inspector General Ben Belknap said the draft plan fails to comply with newer statutory requirements, especially regarding the Merced-to-Bakersfield scope, the funding plan, and missing procurement milestone dates. He said the presentation obscures cost increases and schedule delays and limits the Legislature’s ability to compare current estimates with prior reports.
Committee members generally supported continued oversight and some form of project delivery reform, but several expressed concern that the plan relies on legislative changes that have not been approved and on private financing that may not materialize. Chaudhry said the authority would address the Inspector General’s findings in the final business plan and continue to pursue federal grants, private capital, and corridor commercialization. No vote was taken at the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- There are existing tools available to us—EIFDs, and a lot of variations to that.
- One is purely availability payments. You pay them back over time.
- It's also available on our website and on the committee's website.
- Dollars spent outside of the segment are not available to complete the segment.
- And then you would say, here are the available solutions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jul 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, if there are other funds available, use those first Director Sali: before general fund as
- Under the current system, we are often spreading the total money available too thinly and underfunding
- First off, the practice of dividing available funding among individual legislators, you know, while it
- Next, what information do you want to have easily available to you with those requests?
- Did anyone know that we had that information available last year? Was it useful?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Or do we have any support that or any resources available for families, providers? Mr.
- <01:04:54.839>
on <01:04:55.119>site <01:04:55.400>but available on site but available - The full list of statutory program requirements are available on the linked document.
- They also have really a lot lower supports, availability of and access to supports.
- really a lot lower supports availability really a lot lower supports availability of<01:41:29.960
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-03-25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So that it's available electronically to law enforcement.
- <00:32:51.120>
to <00:32:51.519>the then makes it readily available to the then makes - First of all, the existing statute requires the association to make those documents available to the
- companies websites have them available companies websites have them available online.<00:56:53.599
- doesn't have their documents available doesn't have their documents available online,<00:56:59.359
Keywords:
firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll be available for rather than SFCA. I'll be available for any<00:24:56.880>
questions. - In that case, I'm sure all kinds of vanity projects will be available.
- But not in Hawaii available.
- that tickets were available. that tickets were available.
- available available to<01:07:17.040>
people <01:07:17.320>in <01:07:17.400>Hawaii
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure.
The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk.
Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:29:29.120>
in family that are not ly available in family that are not ly available in - Basically, if they're incarcerated, there's programs available to them that are not available out in
- I know the work that the family courts are doing and the importance of these services being available
- to them that there's programs available to them that are<01:01:54.039>
not <01:01:54.319>available - probation because they're available probation because they're available while<01:02:10.799>
they're
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479
00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479
00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574
00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475
00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291
01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291
01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- And finally, under a '22 condition, it's close to 3,000 megawatts available.
- So we had those resources available over the last three years in case.
- Taxpayers have paid approximately $13 million per month to keep the plant available.
- Taxpayers have paid approximately $13 million per month to keep the plant available.
- It's why the plan not being turned on so as 2024. per month, keep the plant available.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- available for any questions. available for any questions.
- be available for questions. be available for questions.
- available to answer any questions. Yes. available to answer any questions. Yes.
- I'm available for questions. process. I'm available for questions.
- Be available if there's any question. Be available if there's any question.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use.
Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date.
Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate finances are already publicly reported, why spending information is available online, and why
- We appreciate the fact that that audit is publicly available. You can find it right now.
- One line tells you the available resources. The other line tells you the available resources.
- The other line tells you the available resources.
- in 2024. available in 2024.
Summary:
The Senate first took up several local bills and resolutions. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate No. 1831, providing line-of-duty death benefits for the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy of Rutland, and passed to be engrossed House bills concerning police officer age requirements in Haverhill, Newton, and Stoneham, including exemptions for named individuals and a local age-waiver measure. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and for the Italian Consulate in Boston on Italian National Day.
The Senate then considered House No. 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in the Senate’s amendment and appointed conferees. On motion, the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also referred a House petition on a temporary liquor-license/public-consumption pilot to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology after suspending Joint Rule 12.
A major floor debate centered on Senate No. 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide records in the clarified scope while preserving constitutional objections to broader requests; opponents argued the Senate should comply more fully and seek the court’s guidance earlier. After a roll call, the resolution was adopted 33-6. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William F. “Bill” Howard of Beverly and adjourned until the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 28th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll have copies afterwards. and lending opportunity that is and lending opportunity that is available
- uh in over 30 states and available uh in over 30 states and something<00:08:01.280>
that <00:08 - Follow the meeting and get ready. >> And members, I'm available at any time to sit down and talk about
- >> And<00:08:59.680>
members, <00:09:00.080>I'm <00:09:00.560>available <00 - at any time >> And members, I'm available at any time uh<00:09:02.320>
to <00:09:02.720>
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Oct 21st, 2025
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And we might not have a lot of people available.
- Um. ...a lot of people available. I’m already starting to hear that with certain members. Um.
- I’m just—I’m sensing that there’s going to be a lot less availability in December for people, and this
- And we might not have a lot of people available.
- Um. lot of people available I'm already starting to hear that with certain members and so I would say
Summary:
The Select Committee on Pension Policy Executive Committee approved the September minutes and received updates on two court cases, Fowler and Dolan. Staff explained that Fowler concerns interest calculations for members who transferred from Plan 2 to Plan 3 before 2002; the Ninth Circuit has already found liability, and the remaining issue is damages, which could be significant depending on the expert-driven calculation. Dolan was described as quieter, with briefing completed at the Court of Appeals and oral argument possible later this year or early next year.
The committee also heard an actuarial update on the interim work plan, including planned informational briefings on month-of-death policy, a Plan 1 ad hoc COLA, and the OSA demographic experience study, which is still under external audit. Members asked whether updated fiscal notes had been prepared for two bills under study; staff said preliminary analysis had been done and full updates would come if the bills move forward. The committee then discussed how to handle the ad hoc COLA item and agreed to have staff draft a letter endorsing House Bill 1474 and any similar Senate bill for a one-year ad hoc COLA, to be brought back for full committee consideration in November.
Staff reviewed the draft November and December work plan. The committee adopted the November agenda, which includes annual updates from the State Investment Board and Retirement Systems, the left one study closeout, and the ad hoc COLA action item. Members also discussed whether excess compensation and 2026 session prep should be handled by email rather than in a meeting, with general agreement to move the session prep to electronic communication and possibly handle excess compensation as an informational item, depending on availability. Constituent correspondence included several messages on climate change and Plan 1 COLAs, including support for the merger bill and COLAs in general. Jacob White of the LEOFF 2 Board reported that the board had only held an educational briefing on excess compensation and overtime, found the data limited, and took no further action. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and an adjournment vote.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Facilities Review Subcommittee Jul 10th, 2025
Facilities Review Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- background dialogue, we have met with Ana Silva at GSD, and according to her, there is currently no available
- leased space or government building space available in the downtown area, much less than close proximity
- in terms of available.
- And I'm not the expert, Madam Pro Tem, on what other government space is available in the area.
- It would not require key card access; it would just be freely available for anyone to use.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- Jail should not be the first response, but it must remain an available and appropriate consequence for
- But it must remain an available and appropriate consequence for those who have exhausted less punitive
- Jail should not be the first response, but it must remain an available and appropriate consequence for
- I'd like to provide a brief overview and then be available to answer any questions.
- I'd like to provide a brief overview and then be available to answer any questions.
Keywords:
elderly, vulnerable persons, criminal penalties, theft, civil penalties, criminal justice reform, traffic stops, law enforcement, data recording, public safety, racial profiling, SB323, Nevada, Department of Corrections, offenders, inmates, incarcerated people, prison phone calls, free phone calls, family communication
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, it is not made publicly available.
- And what is not publicly available is existing law. So we're moving to the $250.
- Well, I'll make sure the whole committee gets the list, but the list is available, and it's really former
- That is to make those late fees more easily public available than they currently are.
- that will be available to you at all points in time.
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 2156, a campaign finance and reporting bill tied to the Secretary of State’s new software system. Members and staff walked through the bill section by section, explaining that much of the text is existing law being reorganized into a new chapter, with technical updates to make reporting easier and more consistent in the new electronic “checkbook” format. The bill also adds or clarifies several categories and definitions, including political donations and volunteer appreciation, and changes the reporting threshold from $200 to $250 to align with a separate inflation-adjustment bill. Other discussed changes included using the deposit date as the contribution receipt date, removing contributor addresses from public disclosure, adding non-statewide political parties to disclosure requirements, and adding political committees to the foreign-national contribution prohibition.
The Secretary of State’s office testified that the new software is being developed with a vendor already used in other states, and that it will automatically track contributions, expenditures, balances, deadlines, and reminders, while preserving current public/nonpublic disclosure rules. Members asked about public access, enforcement, maintenance costs, training, and whether the system would allow both checkbook-style entry and aggregation; staff said both options would be available and that the system would flag discrepancies and carry amendments forward through later reports. The committee also discussed late-filing and amendment fees, keeping some existing deadlines such as the 48-hour supplemental statement, and making late fees more visible to the public.
The committee adopted the proposed amendments by voice vote and then passed the bill as amended on a 13-0 roll call vote. Members expressed appreciation for the work of the bill sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office, and the chair indicated the bill would likely go to caucus and then the floor before moving to conference with the Senate if needed.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 14th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- If central sewer is not available, instead of using traditional septic tanks, new septic systems are
- or if central sewer is not available instead of using traditional septic tanks requiring that new septic
- And so the statute required this to be available July 1 of this year.
- And so this will be made available.
- So it's something that I think will be a really good thing to have on our website and available for the
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present, heard opening remarks from Chair Rodriguez and member introductions, and discussed broad priorities including water quality, climate change, budget oversight, and accountability for environmental investments. Members emphasized concerns about nutrient pollution, springs, Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and the need for better data and measurable results.
The committee then received a presentation from DEP Deputy Secretary Adam Blaylock on the state’s water quality restoration framework. He explained how water quality standards, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), and reasonable assurance plans work together to address impaired waters, and noted that BMAPs are updated every five years with annual reviews in between. He also described recent statutory changes requiring five-year milestones, restrictions on new septic systems in certain areas, and public-facing data tools to track projects and water quality trends.
Members questioned whether BMAPs are producing enough improvement and whether the five-year update cycle is too slow. Blaylock said results can take years because of project lag and environmental variability, but that the department can adjust plans if data show they are not working. He also highlighted $2.9 billion in statewide water quality funding since 2019, nearly 1,100 funded projects, and a $1.1 billion water quality improvement grant program that now covers impaired waters beyond BMAP areas. The committee discussed agricultural projects, DEP and FDACS funding roles, and a new dashboard and centralized monitoring platform under development. No formal votes or other actions were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment moved by the vice chair.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources & Energy.(6-4-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, the reporting is going to be available.
- the reporting is going to be available. the reporting is going to be available.
- All of our data is actually available on our website.
- All of our data is actually available on our website.
- All of our data is actually available on our website.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- If you have any questions, I'm available. Thank you.
- . available. available.
- Thank are available to to do so as well.
- available for questions. Thank you. available for questions. Thank you.
- um and are available for any questions. um and are available for any questions.
Keywords:
cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.