Video & Transcript : 'Department governance' :
Page 18 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- You're in the Committee on House and Government Affairs. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
- It also, if they're on Social Security, they are getting a government check or benefit.
- of Conservation and Energy, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Department of Environmental Quality
- , United States... ...and energy, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Department of Environmental Quality
- But aren't the census workers like hired through the government?
Bills:
HR118 , HR196 , HR237 , HR285 , HCR85 , HB442 , HB443 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR63 , SB25 , SB202 , SB319
Committee:
House House and Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- so that the Justice Department, the federal Justice Department, can investigate and make sure that your
- The department found out two days later.
- And in our discussion of government and how government works and how justice is delivered to the people
- But we're doing that, growing government.
- And we did grow government.
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- so that the Justice Department, the Federal Justice Department, can investigate and make sure that your
- The department found out two days later.
- And in our discussion of government and how government works and how justice is delivered to the people
- But we're doing that, growing government.
- And we did grow government.
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day.
The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10.
On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37.
The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, we have Department of HD1.
- </c> give people contractors, government, give people contractors, government, nonprofits,<00:47:49.280
- </c><00:51:57.119><c> DOE</c> First up, we have department DOE First up, we have department DOE stands
- </c> DNR to the Department of Education. DNR to the Department of Education.
- </c> have department of eggs. have department of eggs.
Bills:
HB1739 , HB1741 , HB2606 , HB2362 , HB2608 , HB2294 , HB2431 , HB2375 , HB2582 , HB2585 , HB2231 , HB1601 , HB2424 , HB1956
Committee:
House Water & Land
Keywords:
transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns.
The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer.
HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- you got us, you know, the legislative branch of government.
- So, the executive branch of government.
- I don't council, form of government.
- </c><00:31:11.840><c> I</c> government continuing to use that. I government continuing to use that.
- </c> the legislature back when the Department the legislature back when the Department of<00:36:04.160
Bills:
HB117 , HB17 , HB22 , HB153 , HB140 , HB117 , HB17 , HB22 , HB153 , HB140 , SB12 , SB42 , SB93 , SB28 , SB35 , SB134 , SB12 , SB42 , SB93 , SB28 , SB35 , SB134
Committee:
Senate County and Municipal Government
Keywords:
procurement, county commission, administrative savings, public services, government efficiency, HB17, municipal audits, municipal audit clarification act, municipal finance, local government, city council, mayor, city manager, Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, independent public accountant, annual audit, biennial audit, annual report, financial accountability, public records
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, because currently under the Department of Public Health rules, it's forbidden unless they have
- But I'm happy to say that I met with the Department of Public Health.
- that are available through the FAA and then also through ALDOT that gets money from the federal government
- 00:12:20.320><c> for</c><00:12:20.480><c> the</c><00:12:20.639><c> federal</c><00:12:20.959><c> government
- </c><00:12:21.279><c> to</c> gets money for the federal government to gets money for the federal government
Committee:
House Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Keywords:
HB277, 2A Sales Tax Holiday, firearms tax exemption, ammunition, hunting supplies, sales tax holiday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Second Amendment, gun tax holiday, gun rights, outdoor gear, hunting equipment, state sales tax, use tax, local option tax exemption, county opt-in, municipal opt-in, Department of Revenue, Alabama
OK
Bills:
HB2115
Committee:
House Rules
OK
Committees:
House Rules , House Conference Committee on Rules
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm pleased to support both. and think that they'll be excellent in their role in the Department of Justice
- We find in some instances people that have been around the Department of Justice for decades are the
- Martin on RT and Sputnik, networks funded and directed by the Russian government.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
committee meeting, nominations, Brett Shumate, John Eisenberg, Mr. Martin, Department of Justice, political bias, law enforcement
Summary:
The committee meeting was focused on the nominations of Brett Shumate and John Eisenberg for significant positions within the Department of Justice. Notable discussions arose over recent public disclosures that questioned the integrity of the nomination process, particularly surrounding Mr. Martin, a candidate whose past comments and associations have raised concerns among committee members. Tensions flared as members addressed potential biases and the implications of Martin’s statements regarding law enforcement and political groups. The meeting concluded with several committee members advocating for more thorough scrutiny of nominations to ensure the integrity of the process.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Kenneth Keyes, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department
- Donald Trump has pushed the Commerce Department front and center to the trade and tariff debate.
- Kimmett has been at the Commerce Department for a while.
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
Keywords:
nominations, William Kimmett, Kenneth Keyes, Commerce Department, Tax Policy, economic agenda, trade, tax cuts, public testimony
Summary:
This meeting of the committee was centered around the consideration of nominations for two key positions: William Kimmett as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Keyes as Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Members were given the opportunity to provide remarks on the nominees, with discussions revealing contrasting views on their potential impact on U.S. economic policy. While some members expressed support for the nominees, highlighting their qualifications and expertise, others voiced strong opposition, arguing that their confirmation would further a harmful economic agenda that favors billionaires over average Americans. Senator Wyden, the ranking member, emphasized concerns about trade chaos and the detrimental effects on workers and businesses across the country.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native American education, focusing on Federal programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Education programs that work to meet the trust responsibility that the federal government
- And the government fulfills its trust responsibility to those students through programs at the Department
- Department of Education.
- Tribal nations made with the United States government, which confirmed the foundation of government-to-government
- Department of Education.
Committee:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Keywords:
Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students
Summary:
The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We are not against efficiency in government.
- We are not against efficiency in government.
- We are not against efficiency in government.
- We are not against efficiency in government.
- Department of Education isn't some distant agency.
Keywords:
public education, Department of Education, funding, Trump, Kassar, Elon Musk, education policy, youth advocacy, billionaire influence
Summary:
This was a press conference organized by student advocates and Texas Democratic lawmakers to oppose efforts by the Trump administration and allies to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and to criticize Texas voucher proposals. Speakers argued that the department and its Office for Civil Rights are essential for enforcing civil rights protections, supporting special education, Title I, Pell Grants, career and technical education, and other federal education programs. They said eliminating the department would weaken oversight, shift power to states that have a poor record on student protections, and harm marginalized, low-income, disabled, and rural students.
Congressman Greg Casar framed the issue as a transfer of public money from schools to billionaires, tying the department fight to federal budget and tax-cut debates and to Texas voucher efforts. State Representative Gene Wu said Texas public education is already near collapse and warned that losing federal support would worsen school closures, staffing shortages, and class-size increases. Representative Gina Hinojosa highlighted Texas’s past special education cap and attacks on Section 504, and said she filed bills to route federal block grants directly to schools if federal policy changes move forward.
Representative Vicki Goodwin said the state should fund schools rather than vouchers and noted underfunding of special education and inflation pressures. Round Rock ISD trustee Melissa Ross and Texas AFT president Zef Capo emphasized that federal oversight protects students and that Texas has a history of underfunding and mishandling special education, meals, and other services. The final speaker, Westwood High School senior Eliza Abert, said the loss of federal education support would most harm low-income and middle-class students and called on attendees to oppose the changes. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for public pressure on lawmakers and continued advocacy.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine research security risks posed by foreign nationals from countries of risk working at the Department of Energy¿s National Laboratories and necessary mitigation steps. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The department is also the largest supporter of physical science scientific research in the federal government
- In the last few weeks, we have seen multiple instances of staffers from the Department of Government
- government.
- Department of Energy.
- President Trump and the Department of Energy are committed to making government more accountable, efficient
Keywords:
national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
US
Transcript Highlights:
- Indeed, I have watched with optimism and approval how the Department of Justice and the Department of
- I love the Department of Justice.
- I mean, the FBI is a component agency of the Department of Justice, and so to the extent that the Department
- While you were at the Department of Justice, you received a Department of Justice Award for superior
- Or the government, yes.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 17th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB145 , SB29 , SB37 , SB64 , HB279 , HB292 , SB35 , SB40 , SB43 , SB48 , SB96 , SB143 , HB132 , SB20 , SB21 , SB101 , SJR1 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM30 , HM52 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB2 , SB264 , SB241
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 2 Apr 27th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1132 by Caldwell of the House and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the state department
- Bill 1133 by Caldwell of the House and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the department of mental
- Senate Bill 1133 by Caldwell of the House and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the Department of
- SB 1142 appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services.
- Senate Bill 1142 by Caldwell of the House and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the department of
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 1 Apr 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Caitlin serves on several shared governance committees at Integris and commits to being an advocate for
- can't finish this part without mentioning the lobbyists, or as they like to call themselves, the government
- policies, for criticizing leaders, for pointing out things they don't agree with about our government
- And something or someone in our government makes that illegal or impossible for them to do or say.
- He was my chair of general government, Neil Hayes. We developed a very close relationship.
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 2 Apr 27th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1133 by Caldwell, Trey of the House, and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the Department
- Senate Bill 1133 by Caldwell, Trey of the House, and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the Department
- Senate Bill 1142 by Caldwell, Trey of the House, and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the Department
- SB 1142 appropriates ARPA funds to the Department of Human Services, consistent with the recommendations
- Senate Bill 1142 by Caldwell, Trey of the House, and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the Department
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
Summary:
The House reconvened after a quorum call and took up several Senate bills with joint committee reports, mostly involving health and human services funding. SB 1130, relating to University Hospitals authority, passed 74-12 and its emergency clause also passed. SB 1134, funding the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority, passed 75-14 with the emergency clause approved. SB 1131, appropriating ARP interest funds to address a Rogers County gap for the Office of Juvenile Affairs, passed 81-10 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1132, reappropriating ARPA funds for rural hospital rebuild programs under the State Department of Health to avoid federal clawback, passed 82-10 with emergency approval. SB 1133, involving the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and repurposing interest funds for a Norman building project, passed 68-24 and its emergency clause also passed. SB 1142, appropriating ARPA funds to the Department of Human Services consistent with pandemic relief recommendations, passed 68-21 and the emergency clause was adopted.
The House also considered H.R. 1049, a resolution designating May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Representative Newton summarized asthma’s impact in Oklahoma and nationally, including child health effects and recent deaths in the state, and moved adoption by unanimous consent. The transcript ends with announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 1 Apr 27th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Caitlin serves on several shared governance committees at Integris and commits to being an advocate for
- , for pointing out things they don't agree with about our government, regardless of what side they're
- And something or someone in our government makes that illegal or impossible for them to do or say, we
- He was my chair of general government.
- He was my chair of general government. Neil Hayes Was my chair of general government.
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
Summary:
The House convened, called the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions and presentations. Members honored Vice Admiral Jeff Trusler as Veteran of the Week, recognized the Prague Kolache Festival royalty and candidates, unveiled an artwork for the Capitol’s Hall of Heroes, and introduced the Doctor, Psychologist, and Nurse of the Day, along with the OSBI cold case team. The House also adopted HCR 1026, a resolution tied to Earth Day and “Lights Out Day” in Oklahoma, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds.
A major portion of the meeting consisted of farewell remarks from Representatives Mike Osborne and Kevin West. Both reflected on their years of service, thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, and emphasized themes of public service, hard work, conviction, and working across differences. Osborne’s remarks focused on freedom, immigration, service, and doing good in public life, while West stressed standing on principle, listening to others, and choosing courage over convenience.
After the presentations and personal privilege speeches, the House moved into consideration of legislation. Chairman Caldwell presented the joint committee report on Senate Bill 1130, relating to the University Hospitals Authority, saying it would help ensure Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma have one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiology units. The transcript ends as members begin considering the bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, AEN-WLA-EDT, AEN-GVO, AEN DEFER, AEN, AEN-EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Uh next is Department of Health. Uh next is Department of Health.
- , not in June's department.
- </c> >> First up is Department of Health. >> First up is Department of Health.
- of Health, Department Nakano, Department of Health, Department of<00:57:19.680><c> Health</c><00:57:
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Keywords:
workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers.
The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG.
The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.