Video & Transcript : 'Robert Roberson' :
Page 19 of 198
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Apr 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Roberts? Here. Jonathan Bordelon. Dr. Roberts? Here. Jonathan Bordelon. Commissioner Brister? Here.
- Andy, I could—this is Jonathan Roberts, the state wildlife veterinarian.
- Roberts, if you'd like to have something... We're not debating SCR here.
- Roberts if you like to So back on the issue at hand. So Mr.
- Roberts, if you like to have something, we're not debating SCR here.
Summary:
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present, adopted the agenda and prior minutes, and then focused primarily on chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in light of a new positive deer detection in Washington Parish. Staff explained that the March 11 declaration of emergency expanded the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes, including parts of Morehouse, Union, Lincoln, and Jackson, and that the emergency rule remains in effect for 180 days unless rescinded earlier. The commission also discussed the task force’s report and recommendations, but the chair indicated those recommendations would be tabled pending legislative action on Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 (SCR 24)."} 0}
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Jul 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert Horell with the Consumer Federation of California.
- Robert Rowe with the Consumer Federation of California.
- Robert Wilson, California Credit Union League.
- Robert Horell, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California, proud co-sponsor.
- Robert Wilson, California Credit Union League, here in respectful opposition. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear several bills focused on consumer and small business financial protections. SB 97, by Senator Grayson, would update and clarify California’s digital financial assets law; supporters from the blockchain industry and consumer groups said it would improve compliance clarity while preserving room to align with possible federal action. The committee passed SB 97 on a due-pass motion to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, with the roll left open for absent members.
The committee also heard SB 362, which would strengthen disclosure rules for small business financing by requiring clearer pricing information throughout the marketing process. Supporters said the bill would help small businesses compare offers and avoid harmful financing, while some industry groups objected to the bill’s treatment of communications and APR disclosures during negotiations. After discussion, the committee passed SB 362 to the Judiciary Committee, with several members voting aye and the roll left open.
SB 784, a bill addressing predatory home-improvement and solar financing practices, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters described scams targeting seniors, low-income homeowners, and non-English speakers, and said the bill would add safeguards such as confirmation calls, document access, fee transparency, and longer cancellation periods. Solar industry groups moved to neutral after amendments, while banks and other lenders raised concerns about overbreadth and impacts on legitimate lending. The committee passed SB 784 to Judiciary, with some members not voting or changing votes during the roll call.
Finally, SB 825 sought to give the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation clearer authority to enforce existing consumer financial protection laws against its licensees, especially in light of reduced federal CFPB enforcement. Supporters argued California needs independent state enforcement tools, while banking and mortgage groups opposed the bill as duplicative and unnecessary, urging coordination with federal regulators and proposing narrower amendments. The committee passed SB 825 to Appropriations on a due-pass vote, and then adjourned after completing the agenda.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Price, >> Mr.<00:02:51.599><c> Roberts,</c> >> Mr. Roberts, >> Mr.
- Senator >> Thank you, Senator Roberts.
- Price, >> Mr.<01:03:15.839><c> Roberts,</c> >> Mr. Roberts, >> Mr.
- Price, Mr.<01:15:27.440><c> Roberts,</c> Mr. Roberts, Mr.
- Secretary call next Senator Roberts.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Senators then adopted the prior day’s journal and excused absent members. A lengthy point of personal privilege followed, in which Senator Smith criticized the prior day’s handling of the special order calendar and argued that minority-party senators were denied the chance to speak, while Senator Coleman said Senate Bill 318 had been removed from the calendar and tied that to Child Abuse Prevention Month; she also noted Senate Bill 43, which would provide civil recourse for child sex assault survivors, had not advanced. The presiding officer also recognized guests in the gallery, including staff from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Senate then received multiple committee reports, largely on a unanimous or near-unanimous basis. Finance and Taxation Education reported favorably on House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, 517, and 98, and Senate Bill 380, with some substitutes or amendments; Finance and Taxation General Fund reported Senate Bill 378 favorably; County and Municipal Government reported House Bills 568, 499, and 433; Education Policy reported House Bills 8 and 380; Banking and Insurance reported House Bill 545; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported House Bill 586 with two nays; Healthcare reported House Bills 533 and 605; Tourism and Marketing reported House Bills 513 and 626 and Senate Bill 357; and local legislation committees reported several Mobile County and Madison County bills, including Senate Bill 379 relating to Madison County and various House bills, all advancing to the next legislative day.
In motions and resolutions, the Senate agreed to allow committee reports to be received at any time during the day. Several resolutions were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee, including Senate Joint Resolution 100 honoring Presley Skelton, SJR 101 commending Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, SJR 102 establishing the Alabama Forest Products Retention and Pulp and Paper Mill Stability Study Commission, SJR 103 mourning Norman Wendell Arnold, and SJR 104 designating Alabama as the river state. The chamber also suspended the rules to take up Senate Joint Resolution 105, commending Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth for his service; the resolution included a lengthy recitation of his background and accomplishments and was read for immediate consideration with all senators added as sponsors.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It was Representative Lane Roberts' House Bill 1870.
- Again, this is Representative Roberts' bill. Civil judgment enforcement.
- Again, this is Representative Roberts' bill.
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1 by Representative Roberts, to fight food through healthy incentives.
- Senate Bill 1 by Representative Roberts, to fight food through healthy incentives.
- Representative Roberts, you are recognized to explain the bill.
- Representative Roberts, do you wish to close for your bill? Recognized. Thank you.
- Representative Roberts has closed for the bill.
Committee:
All BOYS STATE
Summary:
The meeting opened with remarks to Arkansas Boys State delegates about leadership, public service, and the significance of the Capitol, followed by prayer, attendance, and announcements that both chambers were organized and ready for business. The House then considered House Bill 1001, which would have increased funding for rural health care through a 10% tax on people earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, funding, and driving away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed, 24 yeas to 51 nays. House Bill 1002, aimed at funding more teachers for rural school districts and limiting how many subjects a teacher could be assigned, drew debate over teacher burnout, funding, and whether it would improve outcomes; it passed after immediate consideration, 38 yeas to 36 nays, though the transcript later includes a conflicting note that it failed. House Bill 1003, the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2026, would let counties restrict data centers and impose a 10% tax for conservation; supporters emphasized local control and resource protection, while opponents warned about jobs, economic loss, and federal issues. It passed 62 yeas to 7 nays. House Bill 1004, reducing motor vehicle registration fees, was debated as a way to ease costs for families but criticized for reducing transportation funding; it failed, 20 yeas to 46 nays.
The chamber then moved to Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits and healthier food purchases, including a Double Bucks-style program; supporters said it would help address food insecurity and obesity, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening non-SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas to 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in earlier grades and provide state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and more detail on implementation. It passed 67 yeas to 6 nays. Senate Bill 3, the Freedom to Earn Act, would lower the individual income tax rate from 3.7% to 3.0%; supporters said it would help working families and attract business, while opponents argued the benefits would mostly go to corporations and wealthy executives. It passed 53 yeas to 15 nays. Senate Bill 4 created a zoning grant program to encourage mixed-use development in growing cities, funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax up to $50 million; supporters said it would promote housing, small business growth, and downtown revitalization, and it passed 51 yeas to 7 nays. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have Sharon Hennick, if you're here in person, and we have Chris Roberts, who is remote.
- I'm Chris Roberts. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. I'm Chris Roberts.
- We have one in person, Roland Thompson, and then two remotely, Richard Varn and Robert McClure.
- And then two remotely, Richard Varn and Robert McClure.
- Robert and Richard, if you're available, please turn your cameras on and you can begin your testimony
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert, you want to intervene? Yes, thank you.
- Robert, you want to interfere? Yes, thank you.
- Robert and his sister, Marianne, tragically lost their brother at the age of 43 to a reckless driver.
- Robert and Marianne quickly learned that they didn't just file legislation.
- Robert and Marianne quickly learned that. They didn't just file legislation.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on a wide range of state, probate, and family bills, with chairs Edwards and Day outlining strict testimony limits and accepting written testimony. Early testimony focused on H. 1911/S. 1138, which would clarify that a durable power of attorney may create a trust if that authority is expressly granted; sponsors and elder law advocates said the bill would resolve uncertainty created by the Barbetti decision and align Massachusetts with other states.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1102, a proposal to establish medical panels in Probate and Family Court. Supporters, including attorneys, parents, physicians, and advocates, said neutral three-doctor panels would help judges resolve disputed medical issues in guardianship and custody cases involving children, elders, and people with disabilities. Testifiers described cases where medical treatment was blocked or contested by one parent or guardian, arguing the panels would provide impartial expertise and protect vulnerable people. The committee also heard support for bills addressing disability discrimination in family court, military parents’ custody rights, and a shared parenting bill, H. 1710, which drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and others who said a 50-50 presumption could harm survivors and children.
The committee also took testimony on several probate and court-administration measures. Senator Lovely supported a bill on nominee trust partition, and Senator Comerford and probate officials backed legislation to codify additional registry staff positions and modernize registry operations. Other bills discussed included foster care liability insurance, with providers warning that rising premiums and loss of coverage could force program closures; health care proxy storage and activation; access to decedents’ email accounts; uniform trust decanting; the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act; heirs’ property partition protections; a constitutional right to health care; alimony-related reforms; child-centered family law; and a right of disposition for funeral arrangements. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up questions.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- With us today to testify in support is Robert Pearsall, the California political director of U.S.
- My name is Robert Pearsall, and I'm the California political director for U.S.
- My name is Robert Pearsall, and I'm the California political director for U.S.
- Robert Pearson, on behalf of U.S. high-speed rail, in full support. Good afternoon.
- Steve Roberts, Rail Passenger Association of California, in support. All right, thank you.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills on transportation, privacy, enforcement, and high-speed rail, with most measures discussed under a quorum and then formally voted on later. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases that are dismissed through diversion; the author, a victim’s mother, and CHP representatives argued it would help identify high-risk drivers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson, as amended, would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations; supporters said it would improve compliance and safety, while a privacy group remained cautious but said the amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED messaging signs; supporters said it preserves local revenue and avoids fines, while billboard industry opponents warned about federal compliance and highway funding risk. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy rules through DOJ audits, employee training, hot-list limits, and a 30-day retention cap; privacy advocates supported it as a needed safeguard, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention limit and query restrictions as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; Oakland officials and local government groups strongly supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill drew no opposition in the room. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require intercity and regional rail operators to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events; transit and rail advocates supported it, while some agencies were neutral or “work with author” pending further changes. SB 1425, the chair’s bill, would create a permitting process for encroachments in the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would streamline construction and protect the project, while utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns about reciprocity, enforcement, and local infrastructure impacts. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters said it could leverage private capital and save costs, while local agencies from Merced expressed concerns but noted amendments addressed some issues. After roll calls, SB 1013 failed to advance on a 4-1 vote and remained on call, while the consent calendar and the other bills moved forward on unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes and remained on call pending final action.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 14 (1-27-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 494, Representative Roberts, an act relating to administrative regulations.
- House Bill 494, Representative Roberts,<01:37:23.360><c> an</c><01:37:23.600><c> act</c><01:37:23.760
- ><c> relating</c><01:37:24.080><c> to</c> Roberts, an act relating to Roberts, an act relating to administrative
- > resolution designating the detective resolution designating the detective John<01:38:39.199><c> Robert
- Whis and Officer Amar Van John Robert Whis and Officer Amar Van Cleave<01:38:41.920><c> Senior</c><01
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Price, >> Mr.<00:02:27.120><c> Roberts,</c> >> Mr. Roberts, >> Mr.
- Roberts, Mr.<00:02:30.239><c> Sessions,</c> Mr. Sessions, Mr.
- I mean, Senator Roberts even agrees.
- Brag >> Senator Roberts, don't stop there.
- Ore Mr.<00:38:46.800><c> Price,</c> Mr.<00:38:50.800><c> Roberts,</c> Mr. Roberts, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss.
Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted.
On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property.
The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 13 Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Patzkowsky here, Pfeiffer here, Pogemiller, Pogemiller, Provenzano, Provenzano, Ranson here, Roberts,
- Olivia Womack here with Representative Roberts.
- With Representative Roberts, Olivia is a junior from Edmond.
- Wants to attend Oral Roberts to study journalism. Let's give Sophie a round of applause.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Figures, Senator Gavan, Senator Hatcher, Senator Hov, Senator Kelly, Senator Melson, Senator Roberts
- Senator Roberts, Senator Sessions, Senator Singleton here, Senator Smitherman here, Senator Wagner, Senator
- Senator Roberts. Senator Sessions. Senator Singleton. Aye. Senator Smitherman. Aye. Senator Wagner.
- Senator Roberts moves, seconded by Senator Chastain. Any previous roll? Mr.
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation Education
Keywords:
sales tax, local exemption, Consumer Price Index, tax holiday, clothing tax exemption, school supplies, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have Robert up to explain the bill. Thank you, Robert. Mr.
- Robert, please. Mr.
- And it is Robert that's up to explain this. Thank you. Mr.
- All right, and we have Robert back up again. Thank you, sir. Mr.
- All right, and we have Robert back up again. Thank you, sir. Mr.
Committees:
House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs , House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference
Keywords:
land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Representative<00:42:54.319><c> Roberts,</c> >> Representative Roberts, >> Representative
- Roberts, >> yes.
- Representative Roberts is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- >> Representative<00:54:27.520><c> Roberts.</c> >> Representative Roberts.
- >> Representative Roberts. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
Committee:
House Judiciary
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (2-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Roberts, here. Representative Hodgson, here. Representative Johnson, present.
- Representative Roberts attempted to explain some of the intricacies of that law.
- Representative Roberts attempted to explain some of the intricacies of that law.
- Representative Roberts, I would ask you to raise your right hand. I don't believe it's for you.
- Representative Roberts, yes. Representative Johnson, yes.
Summary:
The committee first handled House Bill 27, which would remove the prohibition on political yard signs in planned communities statewide while still allowing communities to regulate size, placement, and duration. The sponsor said the 2023 Planned Communities Act created an unintended consequence by treating similar homeowners differently based on grandfathering dates, and a legal explanation was offered that the bill would clarify the law and avoid constitutional problems. After discussion, the committee voted 15-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The next item was an update from the Secretary of State on the 2024 election and implementation of House Bill 53, which created prompt post-election audits. He said the audits were carried out smoothly, most found no discrepancies, and no election winners changed, though he recommended adding a specific timeline to the law. He also discussed voter-roll maintenance, saying Kentucky has removed more than 440,000 ineligible voters since 2020, and argued that federal law and limited access to federal databases remain the main obstacles to faster cleanup.
Members asked about the possibility of improper removals, double voting across states, and how provisional voting works. The Secretary said anyone improperly removed can reregister, that any double-voting abuse is likely marginal but still unacceptable, and that provisional ballots are available when eligibility is in doubt and can be reviewed by the county board of elections. He also urged Congress to modernize the 1993 federal voter-registration law, improve access to death and citizenship data, and create a central interstate information-sharing system for election officials.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/06/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, I'm Alice Roberts Davis.
- Roberts Davis, Mr. Chair, Senator Koran, that is a good question.
- </c> resistance um Miss Roberts resistance um Miss Roberts Davis<00:35:47.160><c> Mr</c><00:35:47.400
- </c> too U what um question for Miss Roberts too U what um question for Miss Roberts Davis<00:40:48.920
- </c> own uh Miss Roberts own uh Miss Roberts Davis<00:57:37.559><c> or</c><00:57:37.760><c> Miss</c>
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what Julia Charleston was thinking when her 34-year-old son, Robert, a military veteran, died
- Robert was a quiet strength.
- Both Robert and Jacob were beloved members of the greater Chico and B County community, whose absence
- Following his military service, Robert studied... ...military service, Robert studied accounting at the
- Roberts emphasizing, quote, "Children Roberts emphasizing, quote, "Children born of parents unlawfully
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 05/05/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- The second bill is Senate Bill 3414A, by myself, Robert Jackson.
- The eighth and final bill on the agenda is Senate Bill 9909, by myself, Robert Jackson.
- The eighth and final bill of the agenda is Senate bill number S-9909 by myself, Robert Jackson, committee
Committee:
Senate Civil Service And Pensions
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on May 5, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures on a temporary task force on the Variable Supplements Fund (S1181), cost-of-living adjustments for certain retirees (S3414A), an optional 25-year retirement plan for Suffolk County fire marshals (S5754B), a heart disease presumption for certain NYC Police Department traffic enforcement agents (S8147B), a Civil Service Commission study of state agency job vacancies (S8209), employment of persons with autism spectrum disorder (S8640), an optional 25-year retirement plan for certain New York Power Authority employees (S9068A), and the effective date of a reclassification for accidental disability retirement benefits (S9909).
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 090 Apr 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , Roberts, Roberts, >> Rodriguez, >> Rodriguez, >> Rodriguez, Simpson Snider Snider
- Uh, Senator Roberts. Thank you, Madam President.
- >> Senator<02:54:28.960><c> Roberts.</c> >> Senator Roberts. >> Senator Roberts.
- </c> >> Senator Roberts. >> Senator Roberts.
- ><c> Colorado</c><03:03:04.000><c> to</c> Robert Randall of Denver, Colorado to Robert Randall of Denver
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-EIG Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the state ethics commission, Robert the state ethics commission, Robert Harris.<00:01:36.320><c>
- Robera Hickey Robert Patrici in support.
- Susan Roberts Emory in opposition.
- Uh, Susan Roberts Emory for the Green Uh, Susan Roberts Emory for the Green Party<01:04:02.880><c> of
- </c><01:04:11.920><c> Jamie</c> Roberts Emory in opposition. Jamie Roberts Emory in opposition.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.