Video & Transcript Research : 'waste characterization study'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not... unnecessary and wasteful ban on ideological and country flags from government buildings
- abuse treatment, and child welfare concerns, not using taxpayer dollars to then we go litigate and waste
- This is a waste of time, resources, and energy.
- And so please stop wasting time, energy, and resources, and focus on the real things that Floridians
- face soaring housing costs, skyrocketing property insurance, and stagnant wages, this legislature wastes
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote.
The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law.
Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:30 P.M.
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res
Transcript Highlights:
- It is basically what it does is we have industrial commercial hazardous waste facilities in the state
- Uh, this bill seeks to give DEQ the permission to permit a commercial hazardous waste injection facility
- 00:14:40.160>
and <00:14:40.399>it's <00:14:40.639>hazardous <00:14:41.120>waste - <00:14:41.440>
into <00:14:41.680>the your and it's hazardous waste into the your and - it's hazardous waste into the ground<00:14:42.399>
on <00:14:42.720>site, <00:14:42.959
Summary:
The committee first organized by electing Senator McClendon as secretary and adopting the chairman’s rules, with reconsideration motions allowed to be disposed of the same day they are entered. A quorum was confirmed present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2418, which would prohibit geoengineering in the state by defining it as the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or other substances into the atmosphere to affect temperature or sunlight. The bill sponsor said it was intended to safeguard public health and noted he had received constituent concerns and photographs of alleged chemtrails. Senators raised questions and proposed amendments, including one to exempt research by IHL centers and another to clarify that ordinary agricultural pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide use would not be affected. The committee adopted the research amendment and rejected the agriculture amendment, then reported the bill out as amended.
The committee next considered several Department of Environmental Quality bills. Senate Bill 2414 made cleanup changes to an advisory council by replacing a reference to the Mississippi Manufacturers Association with the Mississippi Business Alliance and adjusting the number of industry representatives; it was passed and reported. Senate Bill 2415 revised DEQ public hearing procedures to allow hearings in Hinds County, in the county or municipality where a permit is sought, or online, and removed a $10 water well permit fee; the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the bill. Senate Bill 2760 removed a specific office reference in DEQ law to give the agency more flexibility in assigning staff and programs, and it was reported without opposition.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2761, described by DEQ as a modernization of the state’s lead-based paint program to align it with current and future federal law, similar to changes made last year for the asbestos program. That bill was reported out. The last measure, Senate Bill 2252, would authorize DEQ to consider permitting a commercial hazardous waste injection facility; the sponsor said the bill would only allow DEQ to evaluate and potentially permit such a facility, not require one, and that the agency remained neutral. After adopting a committee substitute, the committee voted to report the bill, and the meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority -OMMA- Jan 7th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- see here in 10-360-7-1, removing the fact that a product, if it is rejected, does not need to be wasted
- come up with a solution that's workable for everybody without all the time and energy that's getting wasted
- Though, look on the faces we'd get when we tell dispensary owners that they had to use a tag to waste
- looked at in the last week, we have a minimum of $50,000 worth of inventory that would have to be wasted
- The first QA lab was a waste of $10 million. Did that equipment get to get shifted over?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Our affiliate clinicians participated in a landmark research study that showed that trained APCs provide
- presently perform first-trimester procedural abortions, and it is the first-trimester abortions where a study
- Fake images can be a deceptive inducement, wasting would-be tenants' time and money in visiting apartments
- But a Mass General Brigham—that's a health organization in Massachusetts—study found an almost fourfold
- Another study shows a clear age-related association between cannabis use disorder and subsequent psychiatric
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- those coping mechanisms actually work, or are they just, you know, some fancy theories written in a study
- those coping mechanisms actually work or are they just, you know, some fancy theories written in a study
- book somewhere that the, in a study book somewhere that the sexual offenders can say, hey, this is my
- I asked him if I could hug him, and I invited him to the Bible study that my husband and I facilitate
- I don't need to, and details matter, but I won't waste your time.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/11/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- FOOTAGE AND IN 2025, DIRECTORS JESSIE MOSS AND AMANDA TURNED IT INTO THE ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY "TEENAGED WASTE
- Calendar 856, 8199, Senator Sanders, an act to direct the Department of Financial Services to direct a study
- 265, Senator Harckham, an act directing the Department of Real Property Tax Services to conduct a study
- PROPERTY TAX SERVICES TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON REAL PROPERTY TAX SATURATION.
- The Empire Center did a study. 8.5 million Medicaid recipients near the state of New York, and the Empire
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine business, including approval of the prior journal and several messages from the Assembly to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills. The chamber then took up a budget extender, Senate Print 10262/Assembly Bill 11295, which would appropriate $2.9 billion to keep state government operating through May 14 while budget negotiations continued. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in reaching a full budget and criticized the lack of clarity on major policy issues, conference committees, school aid timing, and a proposed $1 billion utility ratepayer relief plan, arguing the state’s spending and affordability problems were worsening. Senator Serrano responded that negotiations were in the final stretch and that the extender was necessary to maintain government operations. The extender passed 59-1 after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.
The Senate also considered a major election-law bill, Senate Print 88A, providing for automatic voter registration and pre-registration through DMV, Medicaid, and NYCHA-related transactions. Senator Walczyk’s proposed amendment to require voter ID was ruled nongermane, and his appeal was rejected. The bill prompted extended debate over whether the process would protect against non-citizen registration or instead remove barriers for eligible voters. Supporters, including Senator Gianaris, said it would streamline registration and help eligible but unregistered New Yorkers participate; Senator Zellner said it would strengthen the process. Opponents, including Senators Walczyk, Borrello, Helming, Rhoads, and Martins, warned it would shift responsibility away from bipartisan boards of elections, create administrative errors, and risk improper registration. The bill ultimately passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar, with senators explaining votes along party lines.
The chamber also adopted or advanced several resolutions and recognized guests. Senator Gallivan’s Police Week resolution drew remarks honoring fallen officers and law enforcement families, with Senators Chan, Rolison, Weik, Ryan, and Myrie speaking in support. Senator Sepúlveda’s resolution commemorating Dominicans in Albany was also discussed, with praise for the Dominican community’s contributions to New York and supportive remarks from Senator Chan. In addition, the Senate heard introductions for guests from Allen A.M.E. Church and the creators of the documentary “Teenage Wasteland.”
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:32 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- They are experts in studying organizations like ours, and they took a look at our staffing levels compared
- Unfortunately, as changes occur, We also want to ensure efficiencies to avoid waste and additional costs
- We do a thing called an experience study every about four years, and it looks at all our assumptions
- Last year, in our experience study, it showed that our population that we serve is getting healthier.
- It also really allows us to study how we're using our buildings, and are we setting building use fees
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair and Senate Bill 1908 relates to a study by the Coordinating Board on the feasibility of implementing
- This study reflects a recommendation of the board's Texas Health Care Workforce Task Force, and the bill
- generally would direct the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of developing
- people of my community knew about the issues, Tens of thousands of dollars that my school district is wasting
- Members, in 2022, the State Board of Education (SBOE) considered major revisions to the state's social studies
Keywords:
fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education, grade 7, grade 8, State Board of Education, school health advisory council, Texas Education Code, pregnancy, reproductive health, infertility, birth defects, prenatal development, unborn child, trimester, medically accurate instruction, age-appropriate instruction, drug and alcohol effects, lead exposure
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 10th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are also recommending $100,000 for the International Peace Gardens to do a sewer system study.
- President, House Bill 1417 came out of the interim study on criminal justice reentry practices in North
- relating to parole and probation violations and court fees, to provide for a legislative management study
- Finally, the bill proposes a study to examine additional criminal justice fees to determine their collection
- By the way, I think sports physicals are kind of wasted money, but that's my opinion.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal.
The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause.
The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments.
The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 43:12.599>
has <00:43:12.760>enabled <00:43:13.200>critical <00:43:13.599>studies - <00:43:14.119>
on funding has enabled critical studies on funding has enabled critical studies - >
imagine degrade the accumulation you can imagine degrade the accumulation you can imagine waste - products<00:46:18.440>
that <00:46:18.680>accumulate <00:46:19.359>inside waste - products that accumulate inside waste products that accumulate inside our<00:46:20.200>
cells
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/11/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Perhaps we'd want to retain it for study, but are you okay with that?
- we'd want to um retain it for for study we'd want to um retain it for for study but<00:05:08.120
- <00:23:05.360>
of bill that has a more a fuller study of bill that has a more a fuller study - For those water bodies, there can be no discharge of sewage or waste.
- For those water bodies, there can be no discharge of sewage or waste.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And most significantly, I am concerned about the lack of meaningful proposals that combat waste, fraud
- And most significantly, I am concerned about the lack of meaningful proposals that combat waste, fraud
- Medicaid program, the minority conference would like to see a proportional increase in efforts to address waste
- MEDICAID PROGRAM THE MINORITY CONFERENCE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PROPORTIONAL INCREASE IN EFFORTS TO ADDRESS WASTE
Summary:
The Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health convened as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Committee, with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members, alternates, and the meeting rules. The chairs reviewed subcommittee procedures, including limits on alternates’ voting rights, no proxy participation, germane-topic restrictions, and the requirement that any report receive an affirmative majority vote from each house’s delegation.
The co-chairs outlined the main health budget issues under discussion: the global cap, capital funding, hospital and safety-net hospital funding, early intervention, reproductive health, the Medical Indemnity Fund, aging issues, insurance prior authorization, EMS biomarkers, and nursing home funding. The chair emphasized the state’s responsibility to families affected by the Medical Indemnity Fund.
Minority members raised support for restoring the full 15 percent capital Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, increasing aid for financially distressed hospitals, and addressing home care funding shortfalls. They also urged stronger measures against Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, warning against budget gimmicks and emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability, including careful use of any Medicaid savings tied to the federal 1331 health program. The meeting ended with members saying they would continue consultations with each other and staff to work toward a final, on-time budget.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- He was working at Leo while also studying the technical skills so he could bring together the theoretical
- Air travel would be so cost prohibitive and wasteful that we practically stopped taking to the skies.
- Today, the space sector contributes $4.6 billion in annual economic activity, and studies project that
- number will grow more than sixfold... ...economic activity, and studies project that number will grow
Summary:
The committee first heard a work session on cryptocurrency kiosks from the Department of Financial Institutions and Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon. DFI described crypto kiosks as licensed money transmission terminals that allow cash purchases of virtual currency, and said the main concern is fraud: scammers often pressure victims, especially older adults, to deposit cash into kiosks and send it to wallets controlled by organized crime. DFI cited a sharp increase in kiosk volume, nationwide fraud complaints and losses, and said Washington currently has licensing and disclosure rules but lacks transaction and fee limits. The department said it is seeking stronger disclosures, a $1,000 daily transaction limit, and a fee cap. Spokane described its unanimous ordinance banning new kiosks and removing existing ones after local scam reports, and members asked about how the machines work, whether the fraud is in the hardware or the transaction, and whether stronger warnings or screening could help.
The committee then reviewed home equity sharing agreements, or CHISAs, based on a report by Mariana Amaram and testimony from DFI and industry representatives. The report found that CHISAs provide homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value or appreciation, with no monthly payments, but that consumers often struggle to understand the products and settlement calculations. The report said the market has grown quickly in Washington, that costs can be hard to predict, and that early uncapped contracts could produce very high settlement amounts, especially during periods of rising home prices. DFI said it views these products as mortgage loans and is moving forward with rulemaking, including counseling and clearer disclosures, while industry witnesses said the products are equity-based rather than debt-based and asked for tailored regulation. Members discussed the need for better consumer education, clearer payoff schedules, and whether the products should be treated as mortgages or a separate category.
The final panel focused on Washington’s space economy, with presentations from Amazon Leo, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Space Northwest, and Green River College. Speakers highlighted major in-state investments in satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and workforce training, including Amazon Leo’s Redmond and Kirkland facilities, Blue Origin’s Kent headquarters, and Stoke Space’s Kent manufacturing and Moses Lake test site. Space Northwest presented data showing the sector’s growing economic footprint, high-wage jobs, and regional clusters in Kent and Redmond, and urged more workforce programs, incentives, infrastructure support, and a state space commission. The companies emphasized local hiring, apprenticeship and certification programs, and the role of Washington’s aerospace supply chain in supporting the broader space industry. No votes were taken during the transcript excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been studying and volunteering in education for more than 20 years, building up from K through 12
- ve all been very mature, had wonderful questions, but again, from diverse backgrounds and areas of studies
- background includes a bachelor's in criminal justice and criminology, a master's in intelligence studies
- So why would he waste his time as a board member if those were his hopes?
Summary:
The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction.
For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote.
Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- When we did a study in 2022, we found out, we pulled bills, we did a complete study, and we found out
- A study of people surrendering pets to shelters found that 40% of people giving up their pets said that
- So while raising rates, they're also not helping customers reduce energy waste.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably.
Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On top of all that was done, there was wasteful spending, and we haven't seen a willingness to truly
- address the wasteful spending in this state.
- spending and we haven't seen a wasteful spending and we haven't seen a willingness<02:11:57.920>
- <02:12:01.599>
There wasteful spending in this state. - There wasteful spending in this state.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- go back to 2005 and so, um, my hope is that, you know, casting allegations is that there is fraud, waste
- unfair, your testimony seems a little unfair, and this article that you're pointing to for fraud, waste
- > and<00:28:13.600>
abuse <00:28:14.000>it <00:28:14.919>I there is fraud waste - and abuse it I there is fraud waste and abuse it I understand<00:28:15.440>
the <00:28:15.760> - and abuse right cting to for fraud waste and abuse right is<00:28:38.399>
a <00:28:38.480>
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety met on March 21, 2025, and heard several resolutions related to corrections, emergency preparedness, and wildfire risk. Early items included HCR 62/HR 57 on flying the National League of Families POW/MIA flag year-round at the state Capitol, for which no one testified, and HCR 154/HR 49, which would request a comprehensive forensic audit of DCR and DAGS spending tied to planning and building a new jail to replace the Ahu Community Correctional Center. The ACLU strongly supported the audit, arguing that the state has spent millions on jail planning over many years without clear accounting, that a new jail is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible, and that public-private partnership arrangements could reduce transparency. Committee members questioned the use of the term “forensic,” the age of some cited allegations, and whether the auditor could instead conduct another type of audit; the ACLU said it was open to other audit language and offered to help compile background materials. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee also heard HCR 63, asking DCR to provide separate clinical counseling services for correctional staff, with one supporter, and HCR 23, which asks DCR to include circuit and district court facilities in planning the new Ahu Community Correctional Center and to establish a release procedure that avoids releasing detainees into residential communities or public spaces. DCR Director Johnson said the department supported the intent of HCR 23 and had discussed it with the Chief Justice and court administrator, adding that one multi-purpose courtroom could handle both district and circuit proceedings. The chair then moved on without further discussion.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HCR 37, which asks HEMA to work with other agencies on outreach and preparedness for kūpuna. Testifiers from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, AARP Hawaii, and the Hawaii Council of Community Associations supported the measure, citing the vulnerability of older adults and people with disabilities during disasters, lessons from the Lahaina fires, and the need for clear evacuation plans, siren reliability, and better coordination with care homes and condominium associations. Several speakers described local preparedness efforts and concerns about gaps in communication and implementation. The committee also discussed HCR 69/HR 62 on creating a vegetation management working group to reduce wildfire risk; the Division of Consumer Advocacy supported it, with testimony describing dangerous incidents involving vines and bamboo contacting electrical lines and causing sparking and a utility pole fire. The meeting ended with testimony and questions continuing on that topic, and no final committee action was shown in the excerpt.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've asked now for a couple of years, and we've prepared studies.
- And I just have one question for you, Madam Forrester, about the Pew Study.
- If you could talk about the Pew Study on wildfire emergency funding. Mr.
- And so have we done any actual studies, or any studies that say what is actually going to cost?
- It's based on that current market study that we're saying $150 million.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a very vigorous process: examination, studying.
- So it's a very vigorous process: examination, studying.
- And in addition to these expert studies, MassArt spent two years studying the issue as an internal committee
- And in addition to these expert studies, MassHex spent two years studying the issue as an internal committee
- Let's not waste it. Thank you. Good afternoon.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone.
The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters.
Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- :40.559>
be The naked eye may just appear to be underweight or lean, but in truth they are wasting - So, so it's not that it's not about the evidence of past history, but about the fact that it's characterized
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward.
The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes.
Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.