Video & Transcript Research : 'constitutional amendment'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- this bill with the following amendments this bill with the following amendments excuse<00:22:03.320
- some winners and the First Amendment some winners and the First Amendment concerns<00:31:06.080>
- If you're going to amend the bill, it would be amending page three, line six of the bill, so it would
- If you're going to amend the bill, it would be amending page three, line six of the bill, so it would
- of the issue is that it's been amended of the issue is that it's been amended each<01:18:02.600>
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on.
The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing.
The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair moves that House Bill 1461 be without amendments, be reported favorably to the full House with
- The chair moves that House Bill 1760, without amendments, be reported.
- The chair moves that House Bill 3773, without amendments, be reported favorably to the full House with
- And this simply amends the government code.
- Do you suggest that one of us offer an amendment to make it at least hot?
Bills:
HB153, HB1828, HB2306, HB2498, HB3464, HB3488, HB3636, HB3673, HB3834, HB3860, HB4120, HB4937, HB1515, HB153
Keywords:
education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, legislative leave, correctional officers, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, accumulated leave, compensatory time, parole eligibility
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And will you be accepting the amendments? Yes.
- And there was an amendment.
- AB 1263 also violates the First Amendment.
- We're opposed unless amended. I'm sorry. Thank you. We're opposed unless amended. I'm sorry.
- willingness to consider those amendments.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes.
Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call.
AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call.
The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 58-2 May 14th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, Senate Bill 893, or the Senate amendments to Senate Bill 893, would prohibit a foreign principal
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to
- Having failed to receive a majority of those elected, constituting the House, the bill has failed.
- Having failed to receive a majority of those elected, constituting the House, the bill has failed.
- Having received a two-thirds vote of those elected to constitute the House, Senate Bill 1589 has received
Keywords:
legislative procedure, session calendar, deadline schedule, bill deadlines, joint resolution, Oklahoma Legislature, 61st Legislature, regular session, adjourn sine die, floor deadline, third reading, committee deadlines, bill drafting, appropriations, budget bills, ethics commission, agency rules, administrative procedures act, local and special laws, pension legislation
Summary:
The House first took up Senate Bill 893, a conference committee report on property and critical infrastructure. The bill would bar foreign principals from countries designated as foreign adversaries from owning agricultural land or other land, especially within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure, and also restrict certain state software purchases tied to adversarial countries. Members asked about how later-designated adversary countries would be covered and about the delayed effective date, which was explained as giving current owners time to divest. The conference report was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed the House 89-0.
The chamber then considered Senate Bill 2, another conference committee report on wind energy setbacks. The measure would establish statewide setback standards for industrial wind turbines, including 2.5 tip heights from occupied dwellings and 1.5 tip heights from nonparticipating property lines, with exceptions for projects that had already secured most site control or queue positions before the effective date and for small community-scale systems. Supporters said it was a compromise that at least put some protections into statute, while opponents argued it weakened earlier House language and eliminated county local-control options. After debate, the bill failed on a 20-67 vote.
Later, the House voted 60-19 to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1589, allowing it to become law notwithstanding the governor’s objections. The session also included prayers and announcements, including updates about Representative Cantrell’s hospitalization and a note that the Senate had adjourned sine die. The House then adjourned sine die for the second regular session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- We should have those amendments. I've got them in my file here. We should have those amendments.
- Do we have a do pass as amended? We amended the money out, but we kept the policy in.
- Any further discussion on the amendment? Any further discussion on the amendment?
- Chairman, I'd make a motion for do pass as amended. To adopt the amendment.
- Excuse me, let's adopt the amendment first. Do pass on the amendment. Okay.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We are constituted to do business.
- All those in favor of House Bill 18 as amended by the substitute, vote aye.
- The title amendment is adopted.
- <00:38:39.480>
is aay title amendment is aay title amendment is adopted<00:38:41.920>thank - And perhaps if there's a need for a floor amendment, we'll address this.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:15
Roll Call 00:25
HB 403 Discussion 02:11
HB 403 Vote 03:08
HB 555 Discussion 04:55
HB 555 Vote 08:42
HB 321 Discussion 10:55
HB 321 Vote 13:22
HB 18 Discussion 15:21
HB 18 Vote 35:10
HB 85 Discussion 39:08
HB 85 Vote 46:40
HB 371 Discussion 49:22
HB 371 Vote 52:03
Adjournment 53:48, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and took up several bills, mostly focused on local planning, zoning, and municipal administration. House Bill 403, a simple measure giving coroners a six-month grace period to complete continuing education, was presented by Rep. Deanna Gordon with testimony from Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelson and received unanimous support. House Bill 555, a technical bill affecting audit deadlines and flexibility for small cities and certain expo center audit arrangements, was explained by JD Cheney of the Kentucky League of Cities; he said it would help about 97 cities comply with audit requirements and allow more flexibility when municipalities are making good-faith efforts. The committee approved HB 555 on a roll call vote, with one no vote from Rep. Griffee and others in favor, and reported it favorably to the House floor.
House Bill 321, also presented with JD Cheney and Rep. DJ Johnson, would expand the time for planning commission and board of adjustment members to complete orientation and continuing education, with a focus on housing supply and accessibility. Supporters said it would help recruit more members and concentrate training on land-use impacts on housing; Rep. Roarx and others discussed Louisville Metro’s planning process, while Rep. Brown and Rep. Fleming raised concerns about infrastructure and long-range planning. The committee passed HB 321 favorably after roll call, with one no vote from Rep. Griffee.
House Bill 18 drew the most extended debate. Sponsor Rep. John Hodgson said the committee substitute would create incentives for infill development in urban areas and extend a moratorium on zoning district classification changes for two more years, arguing that local elected officials should have more control over major density changes and that unelected boards were approving projects without adequate infrastructure review. Opponents, including Liam Gallagher of Americans for Prosperity Kentucky and several members, argued the bill would restrict housing development, interfere with property rights, and limit Louisville Metro’s ability to update its Land Development Code; supporters countered that the bill would not stop development but would require elected officials to weigh in and address traffic and infrastructure concerns. After discussion, the committee approved HB 18 as amended by the substitute and reported it favorably to the House floor, with several members explaining their votes and some opposing the moratorium on local zoning changes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (6-17-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Um and also to amend the regular session prohibition against campaign contributions.
- Um and also to amend the are registered.
- in the last couple of years they amended in the last couple of years they amended it<00:04:59.759
- legislative agents but they didn't amend legislative agents but they didn't amend it<00:05:06.479
- <00:11:17.279>
to amend our recommendations subsequent to amend our recommendations subsequent
Summary:
The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters.
Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC.
The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:40.000>
I not going to make any amendments. I not going to make any amendments. - >
coming, <00:42:08.480>I'm will be some amendments coming, I'm will be some amendments - <00:42:21.520>
be Senate file 2769 as amended be Senate file 2769 as amended be recommended - . amendment. amendment.
- Chair, and I just think that we need to be next. con constitution which gives us the con constitution
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Steven Bradbury, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Feb 20th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Assistant Attorney General during the Bush administration and Congress passed the McCain Feinstein Amendment
- When you look at the constitutional role of the federal government, would you agree that it's uniquely
- Yes, the Constitution gives that to Congress.
- I think what the Constitution had in mind is they didn't want to have crazy state people making decisions
- I absolutely agree that the constitutional structure is Congress makes the laws, Congress appropriates
Keywords:
transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 28th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted.
- The bill was carefully amended to address First Amendment concerns by targeting the mechanics of these
- Amendments were made in the Appropriations Committee.
- It's a constitutional safeguard.
- As amended, this bill has nothing to do with dry needling.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/27/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- I have an amendment, the A1 amendment.
- This bill follows the mission of the legacy amendment which passed in 2008 as a constitutional amendment
- This bill follows the mission of the legacy amendment which passed in 2008 as a constitutional amendment
- . amendment. amendment.
- . amendment. amendment.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Any discussion on the amendment? This is a good amendment.
- I move that my floor amendment to the A.I. Committee Amendment be adopted. Mr.
- Chairman, I move that my floor amendment to the A.I. Committee Amendment be adopted.
- I move that my AIA committee amendment as amended be adopted. Any discussion?
- I move that my AII committee amendment as amended be adopted. Any discussion?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- As the chair just noted, Article 97 enshrines into our Constitution the state's commitment to protecting
- However, the proposed amendments introduced the broader term proponent, which is defined to include not
- What constitutes the EEA's interagency lands committee? Is it a public body?
- And who constitutes its makeup? Will it continue to exist with its current form and function? Sure.
- It's a... seller in a position that's got constitutional protections to the public.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held an oversight hearing on draft regulations implementing Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution under Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, the Open Space Act. Chairs Cabral and Collins framed the hearing as a review of how the new process for dispositions or changes in use of Article 97 land would work, including public notice, environmental justice protections, replacement land, appraisals, and the role of the legislature. Under Secretary Stephanie Cooper and Commissioner Adam Bakke testified for EEA/DCAM, followed later by Deputy Inspector General O’Neill and Deputy Inspector General Giles on appraisal review.
Much of the discussion focused on how the draft regulations would operate in practice. EEA said the regulations would require advance public notice, define “comparable location” for replacement land, and allow the Secretary to make findings on whether an action would adversely affect environmental justice communities. Members pressed for longer public comment periods, clearer notice to local officials, more frequent updates to the site evaluation tool, and a clearer definition of terms such as “limited duration” for permits and licenses. EEA said the regulations are intended to standardize a process that has been handled through policy and case-by-case review, and that the legislature still retains the final authority to approve any Article 97 disposition.
Committee members also questioned whether the draft rules shift too much discretion to the Secretary and whether the proposed “proponent” process could allow private entities to drive Article 97 actions. EEA responded that non-public proponents would still need municipal support and legislative sponsorship, and that the regulations do not create a new avenue to bypass the existing home rule and legislative process. Members raised concerns about the current policy’s unanimous-vote requirements for municipal commissions, the proposed waiver provisions, whether MEPA applies, and the lack of explicit enforcement or penalty language in the act or regulations. EEA and DCAM said the act does not provide an enforcement mechanism and that disputes would generally be handled through the courts or the Attorney General.
The Inspector General’s office explained its role in reviewing appraisals for special legislation, including Article 97 matters, to ensure compliance with USPAP standards and to forward its review to DCAM. The hearing did not include any votes or formal committee action; members indicated that the committee may later issue recommendations to the executive agencies based on the testimony and questions raised.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment, Chair uh Navatny. amendment, Chair uh Navatny.
- Please describe your amendment coded A1. Please describe your amendment. amendment. amendment.
- Any questions on the amendment? Any questions on the amendment?
- were told constituted a derecho. were told constituted a derecho.
- The A1 amendment passes. The A1 amendment passes.
Keywords:
school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Number 1596, amended.
- I hope the amendment is adopted. The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
- Hearing none, the amendment is withdrawn. Amendment number six.
- Question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means amendment as amended.
- The ayes have it, and the Ways and Means amendment is adopted as amended.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several bills and procedural matters. It adopted an emergency preamble and passed to be enacted a sick leave bank for Anisee Contreras of the Trial Court, and it also passed a bill reauthorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional on-premises liquor licenses. The chamber ordered several other bills to third reading, including a Wellesley bill on police and fire residency limits and a House bill on Commonwealth bond terms, along with multiple calendar items that were advanced without debate.
The Senate then considered and passed the bill increasing access to disposable menstrual products in prisons, homeless shelters, and public schools. Senators Comerford and O'Connor spoke in strong support, describing the measure as a continuation of prior Senate action and a response to period poverty, with O'Connor highlighting community efforts by Free Period and related funding support. The bill was amended, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. The Senate also passed a bill on menstrual product ingredient disclosure after adopting a Ways and Means amendment; Comerford said the measure would require manufacturers to disclose ingredients and chemicals, citing concerns about PFAS and other harmful substances. That bill also passed to be engrossed by roll call.
The chamber next took up a major public safety bill strengthening the move-over law. Senator Tarr described the bill as expanding protections to utility workers and disabled vehicles and adding escalating penalties, while Senator Feeney emphasized the dangers faced by workers on roadways and the need to protect them. Several proposed amendments were considered: one on municipally owned utility vehicles was adopted, while amendments on interior lights during stops, higher penalties, non-surchargeability, green lights for municipal emergency management vehicles, and public access to driving records were rejected or withdrawn. The amended bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call.
The Senate also paused to honor the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy of Lowell, adopting a motion to adjourn in his memory after a tribute to his public service and community advocacy. Earlier, the chamber recognized a guest, Rocco LaGrasso, during Italian-American Heritage Month. The session ended with the Senate adjourning to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jun 4th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- Two sessions ago, y'all went back and amended that law to eliminate those types of things.
- The law was amended to remove those.
- These extensions of contracts and amendments are shared with the board, and the director is authorized
- They basically just didn't amend the budget at the end of the year. Okay. Thank you.
- But whether a government body can pay, you know, here we have in the Constitution that we have to have
Summary:
The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings.
For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds.
The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability.
A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So I would support going through committee with the amended language and letting the greater body of
- So I would support going through committee with the amended language and letting the greater body of
- So I would support going through committee with the amended language and letting the greater body of
- care for by an org with a constitutional care for by an org with a constitutional duty<00:18:03.280><
- the current bill in front of um amend the current bill in front of you<00:44:03.800>
to <00:44
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on Senate Bill 4, which would transfer stewardship of Mauna ʻAla from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Committee chairs opened the meeting with housekeeping and noted the hearing was live-streamed, with a two-minute limit for testimony. Director Don Chang of the Board of Land and Natural Resources said DLNR had been working with OHA and had agreed to transfer certain lands subject to due diligence, including Kahana Valley and a parcel in Waimānalo, but urged the committee to finalize those mutually agreed parcels before taking on something new. He also described the current arrangement at Mauna ʻAla as a collaborative one involving the state and the royal trusts, with the state handling routine maintenance and the trusts contributing to larger repairs and improvements on a project-by-project basis rather than through direct annual appropriations.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters argued that OHA is better positioned to steward the site because of its cultural mission, Native Hawaiian governance, and ability to protect sacred places with greater cultural competency and accountability. Several speakers emphasized that Mauna ʻAla is not a state park and should be cared for by those with direct cultural ties and experience, and some cited OHA’s recent financial reforms and partnerships as reasons for confidence. Others, including representatives of the Daughters and Sons of the Hawaiian Warriors Makakoa, opposed the bill, citing concerns about OHA’s past financial management, transparency, and the need for more public information and testimony before any transfer. One testifier also argued the land transfer itself was unlawful and rooted in the history of the overthrow and annexation.
Members and testifiers also discussed the historical role of the royal trusts and family caretakers at Mauna ʻAla, with one descendant describing a long family stewardship and supporting OHA only if amended language preserved checks and balances and protected iwi and burial grounds. Another speaker said the family recognized James Mayo as kahu of Mauna ʻAla and supported the bill because prior DLNR efforts had not sufficiently protected traditional and customary rights. The hearing ended after public testimony and committee questions, with no vote or final action taken in the portion provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 11, February 21, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Jan 12th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Although the Missouri Constitution authority gives them the authority to make arrests, there is no statutory
- Currently, the Missouri Constitution, Article III, Section 18, and House Rule 19, state that the sergeant
- in this state to apprehend and arrest persons for violations of Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution
- What happened was it was amended into Representative Perkins' omnibus bill.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate SessionReading and Referral of Bills Mar 17th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Perry and Sparks relating to the expulsion of a public school student for engaging in conduct that constitutes
- Senate Bill 1888 by Sparks relating to constitution of the jury pool and juror qualifications in certain
- SGR 4 by Schwertner proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the maximum amount of money allowable