Video & Transcript Research : 'testing window'
Page 209 of 478
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:49:10.000>
all oftentimes why aren't you testing all oftentimes why aren't you testing - success in our State national tests success in our State national tests Statewide<04:04:08.720><
- goal is to not have it means tested, just as we do not means test admission to the public schools.
- <04:18:53.319>
when <04:18:53.479>it tested and it was means tested when it tested - 05.159>
the as we do not means test admission to the as we do not means test admission to the
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities.
A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds.
Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been using AI for years to assist with diagnosis, with testing, and for clinical documentation.
- If they met the requirements for testing personnel performing COVID-19 testing, if they met the federal
- CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing, AB 481 mirrors the requirements for high-complexity testing
- Diagnostic testing. for 70% of health care decisions.
- has no benefit to the animal, is so predictably painful that it has been used in clinical trials to test
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Jun 17th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So you need a great diversity when you're testing. Testing in one spot can be...
- We're not intending to have our own test spaces. We leverage other test spaces.
- We leverage Grand Farm and Farm... ...test spaces. We leverage other test spaces.
- You know, we're not intending to have our own test spaces. We leverage other test spaces.
- We leverage, you know, Grand Farm and Farm. test spaces. We leverage other test spaces.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Testing, and we believe that allows us to start.
- We connect them to breast, cervical cancer screening, syphilis testing, TB testing, and treatment.
- The red line demonstrates the number of new tests that the lab is requiring to test.
- So we're looking for $350,000 for testing.
- To test, so we're looking for $350,000 for testing supplies and materials because they're needed because
Summary:
The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs.
Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes.
The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions.
Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:16.399>
that were alarmed at the multiple tests that were alarmed at the multiple tests - Yeah, House Concurrent testings. Yeah, House Concurrent Resolution<00:14:49.720>
35. - <00:15:41.760>
Biomarker <00:15:42.399>testing concurrent resolution. - Biomarker testing concurrent resolution.
- that our community's time- tested that our community's time- tested practices<00:31:28.559>
continue
Summary:
The committee heard several health-related resolutions and received testimony on each. HCR 28/HR 27 would ask the Department of Health to reconvene a working group on water and air contamination and remediation tied to the Pu‘uloa Range training facility; supporters said nearby residents and the broader public may be exposed to lead and heavy metals, and that further testing and eventual relocation of the range are needed. HCR 35 would request an auditor’s report on the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, and HCR 36 would request a similar report on colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Department of Health and cancer advocates supported both, saying biomarker testing helps match patients to the right treatment and that earlier colorectal screening improves outcomes; DOH also cited screening data showing lower screening rates among uninsured people. HCR 134, on limiting cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, drew support from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and others, who said out-of-pocket costs can delay diagnosis and treatment. HCR 171, on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, also drew support from health and disability advocates. HCR 185, on coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practitioners through federally qualified health centers, received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi and a community testifier who described the value of traditional healing and access gaps. HCR 173, urging DOH outreach and vaccination drives at schools with low vaccination rates, drew support from DOH, DOE, and public health and disability advocates, but also strong opposition from several testifiers who argued the measure was government overreach and raised concerns about vaccine safety and parental choice.
Testimony on HCR 173 was the most divided, with supporters emphasizing the need to raise immunization rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable children, while opponents argued schools should not host vaccine drives and that parents should make vaccination decisions without government involvement. The Department of Health said it is already working with schools and community partners to expand school-based immunization efforts and would prioritize schools with rates under 30%. The State Health Planning and Development Agency also supported the measure, saying rates below 50% are a serious public health concern. No votes or final committee actions were announced in the portion of the meeting provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It’s a combination of elimination of the STAAR test and the Texas A through F, excuse me, eliminating
- the STAAR test and replacing it with three tests: the beginning of the year, middle of the year, and
- end of the year testing, and also strengthens Texas A through F school accountability system.
- the STAAR test and replacing it with three tests: the beginning of the year, middle of the year, and
- end of the year testing, and also strengthens Texas A through F school accountability system.
Keywords:
flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance met in the second special session and considered a series of bills, mostly related to flood response, water infrastructure, taxation, school accountability, property fraud, and legislative procedure. Senator Zaffirini presented SB 18 on TCEQ permit exemptions for certain erosion, floodwater, and sediment control dams or reservoirs; Senator Perry presented SB 2 on flood relief preparedness, SB 14 on credit impact fees and water supply/conservation incentives, and SB 5 on Hill Country relief funding; Senator Bettencourt presented SB 3 on early warning flood sirens, SB 9 on replacing STAAR with three annual tests and strengthening A-F accountability, and SB 10 on lowering the rollback tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%; Senator West presented SB 16 on property transaction ID requirements and new real property theft/fraud offenses; and Chair Huffman laid out SB 34, which changes legislative witness immunity rules from transactional immunity to testimonial immunity consistent with federal law. The committee also heard brief explanations that several bills were the same as versions previously passed by the Senate or committee, and there was limited public testimony, with no witnesses on most bills and only position cards on SB 16. Senator West raised a concern on SB 10 about a possible carve-out for police pay raises, but Senator Bettencourt said no change would be made at that time. For SB 34, Chair Huffman explained the bill would still allow compelled testimony before the legislature but would no longer provide blanket immunity, while preserving the right to counsel.
The committee voted favorably on all bills considered. SB 18, SB 2, SB 14, SB 3, SB 16, SB 5, and SB 34 were reported out unanimously or near-unanimously, while SB 9 passed 10-1 and SB 10 passed 8-3. At the end of the meeting, Senator West requested to be shown voting nay on SB 9, and the chair granted unanimous consent. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/21/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- to provide free tests.
- to provide free tests.
- It doesn't, if you're testing for nitrate, you're likely not also testing for PAS. Thank you, Mr.
- <00:38:14.320>
It right now, it's a separate test. It right now, it's a separate test. - you're likely not also testing for PAS. you're likely not also testing for PAS.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the challenge is, you know, what exactly do you test for?
- I think the challenge is, you know, what exactly do you test for?
- I think the challenge is, you know, what exactly do you test for?
- I think the challenge is, you know, what exactly do you test for?
- I don't think we're actually testing for all of those things. That's the problem.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, Red Hill cleanup, water testing, environmental governance, and beverage container recycling. For SB 472, SB 501, SB 675, and SB 958 on cesspools, most testimony supported accelerating cesspool conversion and expanding Department of Health capacity, though the Attorney General flagged a single-subject issue on SB 472 and the Department of Health and others raised concerns about funding, program structure, and coordination. Supporters emphasized cesspools as a major water pollution source and urged earlier deadlines, while some testimony questioned the tax credit approach and asked for clearer grant and staffing language.
For SB 639 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill cleanup, the Department of Health asked for clearer cleanup standards and noted limits on laboratory detection and sampling, while supporters argued the bill would create a binding legal standard for remediation and help prevent reopening of the facility. Testimony also stressed the need to remove all contamination to the extent practicable and protect aquifers and drinking water. SB 664 on water quality testing drew strong support from residents and water advocates, but the Department of Health warned the measure could duplicate existing authority and create significant cost; the Board of Water Supply supported the concept while noting it would expand responsibilities into private-property testing.
SB 674 on environmental advisory council and waste reduction received mixed testimony: supporters said it would help address landfill siting and protect water resources, while industry groups requested changes to advisory council membership and exemptions for certain products, and one witness opposed the measure. For SB 1067 on deposit beverage container recycling, the Attorney General said the grant language may be constitutionally problematic because it lacks standards, while industry testimony both supported the recycling goals and asked for amendments, including broader representation on the advisory council and clearer treatment of compostable and packaging-related issues. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- What we do require is the practice test.
- what we do require is the practice test what we do require is the practice test but<00:49:53.839
- And the practice doesn't test—it’s not a high level like GRE. Let me talk about the GRE.
- She had to take the three Praxis tests.
- She had to take the three Praxis tests.
Summary:
The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken.
The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers.
HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- districts to report testing disruptions. districts to report testing disruptions.
- families to opt out of state testing. families to opt out of state testing.
- <01:43:29.520>
I Minnesota testing and assessments. I Minnesota testing and assessments. - Um, often the schools are taking MAP tests. Um, our ELs kids are taking other tests.
- Next, uh, Senator Weber. taking MAP tests. Um our ELs kids are taking MAP tests.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/26/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- and to include any aquifer pump tests and to include any aquifer pump tests that<00:37:04.040>
- require applicants conduct aquifer tests require applicants conduct aquifer tests to<00:45:05.680
- Can requirement of the aquifer testing.
- that the test results are determines that the test results are necessary<01:01:12.120>
to <01:- Sorry. >> Testing, can you hear me all?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
Transcript Highlights:
- As time passed, we decided to get antibody testing before making any...
- The idea that we should all have to take medication, even if it isn't tested.
- of testing everyone, there's still some out there.
- Well, okay, 10 years from now it will have been tested a lot more.
- We've tested. talked about it often.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity.
In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- and the written test in West Virginia.
- And vice versa, the West Virginians will not have to take a written test and a skills test in Ireland
- So the West Virginians will not have to take a written test and a skills test in Ireland if they are
- And in Ireland, there's about 14 drivers' tests for our folks.
- But as soon as they establish a residence and they're working in Ireland, they have to take 14 tests.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The asset test limit, I mean, I just, I just don't even know.
- I'll align my comments on the asset test.
- The asset test at seniors and people with disabilities—I think about the asset test.
- We urge rejection of the asset test.
- Excuse me, we urge rejection of the asset test.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- So you can see where then the tests wouldn't really indicate anything.
- Um what happens with the<03:58:20.160>
tests, the tests, the tests, the<03:58:22.000>standardized - <03:58:22.640>
tests <03:58:23.040>is <03:58:23.279>that the standardized tests - <03:59:15.279>
You shouldn't base this on test score. - You shouldn't base this on test score.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334.
The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and then move inside to state-only testing facilities.
- we allowed them to continue being tested we allowed them to continue being tested in<00:41:13.280
- our testing qualifications. our testing qualifications.
- OCM extended that testing facilities.
- cannabis extending laboratory testing cannabis extending laboratory testing requirements. requirements
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, a roll call, and confirmation that a quorum was present, then moved to committee reports. The main floor debate centered on a Rules Committee report involving the referral of a sports betting bill. Senator Rasmussen and others argued the bill should go first to the State and Local Government Committee because gambling falls within that committee’s jurisdiction, while Senator Franzen, Senator Klein, and others defended the Rules Committee’s 6-2 decision to send it to Commerce, emphasizing committee discretion and past referral practice. After clarification that the vote was only on adopting the committee report, the Senate rejected the report by a vote of 22-44.
The Senate then handled second readings of a slate of Senate and House bills and introduced two new Senate files: SF 4759, eliminating Cesar Chavez Day, referred to State and Local Government, and SF 4760, changing employment/occupation rules related to criminal convictions, referred to Judiciary and Public Safety. In motions and resolutions, several bills were re-referred with little or no opposition: SF 2689 was moved from State and Local Government to Judiciary and Public Safety but failed on a 30-35 vote; SF 4194 was moved from Taxes to Health and Human Services; SF 4274 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Transportation; SF 4332 was moved from Environment, Climate, and Legacy to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development; and SF 4592 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Jobs and Economic Development. SF 4455 was also given a second reading and placed on General Orders. The session ended as the Senate moved into special orders.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I had a client who tested at 0.24 on the ignition interlock device.
- I had a client who tested at 0.24 on the ignition interlock device.
- I had a client who tested at 0.24 on the ignition interlock device.
- I had a client who tested at 0.24 on the ignition interlock device.
- :38:26.160>
on considered what the test result was on considered what the test result was on the
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- test, provide a report, and provide steps on remediation. testing is often times done at where testing
- myriad of vendors or penetration testing myriad of vendors or penetration testing Sorry<00:30:34.360
- uh to do an annual penetration test uh to do an annual penetration test provide<00:30:43.600>
- contractor to do some pen testing um for contractor to do some pen testing um for us<01:23:47.880>
- testing testing um<01:32:24.880>
that <01:32:25.080>you've <01:32:25.400>had <01
Keywords:
sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Sep 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- which created the right for sexual assault survivors to opt out of having their sexual assault kits tested
- Tested as well as for the crime labs as well.
- or not tested as may be the case, but to make sure that there's efficiencies with the transfer of the
- seconds. of the efficiencies that have been developed over the years and making sure that kits get tested
- or not tested as may be the case, but to make sure that there's efficiencies with the transfer of the
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on September 10, 2025, with one bill on the agenda: SB 733 by Senator Rahab. The author described the measure as a cleanup bill that clarifies implementation of SB 464, which gave sexual assault survivors the right to opt out of testing their sexual assault kits. The bill was presented as providing clearer procedures for practitioners and investigating agencies, especially when a survivor is undecided about whether to have a kit tested.
The California Department of Justice testified in a neutral position and said it was available to answer technical questions. The California Association of Crime Lab Directors also took a neutral position, thanking the author and committee staff for amendments that preserved efficiencies in the transfer and handling of kits while clarifying whether kits should be tested. No opposition was voiced.
The committee then moved the bill, and SB 733 was passed out of committee on a roll call vote with an A recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after no further public comment or additional business.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- They haven't got the testing, air testing, done. It's being covered up. And they're just suffering.
- They haven't got the testing, air testing, done. It's being covered up. And they're just suffering.
- They haven't got the testing, air testing, done. It's being covered up. And they're just suffering.
- do tests. do tests.
- . test. test.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure.
The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.