Video & Transcript Research : 'election process'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'M SURE THERE'S OTHER PROCESSES OUT THERE IN THE OTHER STATES ON THIS.
- AND THEY NEVER FOLLOWED ELECTIVE PROTOCOLS. HE WENT INTO A DIRTY BOWEL LISTED AS AN ELECTIVE.
- THERE IS A DISCOVERY PROCESS AND FLORIDA'S FREE KILL LAW DENIES FAMILIES AND PATIENTS OF THAT.
- OR SHALL ANY STATE DEPRIVE ANY PERSON OF LIFE, LIBERTY OR PROPERTY WITHOUT DUE PROCESS OF LAW.
- >> Chair: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> I WOULD BELIEVE THE PROCESS WOULD WORK ITS WAY OUT.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:04 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- according to the rules—actually, it is not referenced in the rules, hence the need for this amendment—we elect
- a Senate clerk on our inauguration day, but the Senate counsel is not similarly appointed and elected
- So this amendment would codify that both the clerk and the Senate counsel be elected by this body, making
- really tied the hands of each and every individual member from being able to engage in the legislative process
- . ...from being able to engage in the legislative process more directly as an individual, powerful member
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on a package of amendments to its rules, with many proposals focused on floor procedure, transparency, attendance, remote participation, and budget timing. Several amendments were debated at length, including changes to the dilatory timeline for laying matters on the table, reporting Senate procurements, electing Senate counsel, requiring best efforts for in-person attendance, identifying whether members vote remotely, and adjusting deadlines for budget documents and amendments. Most of the procedural and transparency amendments were rejected, while a few were adopted, including an amendment allowing another minority caucus member to call a caucus if the minority leader is absent, a change to the filing deadline for amendments on Thursday-dated bills, and a corrective amendment from Senator Lovely. An amendment to create a Senate Committee on Reproductive Rights and Freedom was also offered and supported in debate but was not adopted.
The Senate also adopted amendments extending the time for members to receive the Senate Ways and Means General Appropriations Act from five to seven days and increasing the minimum filing time for budget amendments from 48 to 72 hours. Another amendment requiring a two-thirds roll call vote to continue past 10 p.m. was rejected, as were proposals related to remote-vote designation and shortening the late-session tabled-bill rule from 14 days to seven days. The chamber briefly recessed several times during the amendment process, and votes were taken both by roll call and by voice vote, with many amendments failing on recorded votes.
The Senate paused to honor Brockton Fire Captain Stephen A. Montero, who died after a battle with occupational cancer. Senator Brady offered a motion that the Senate adjourn in his memory, and members observed a moment of silence. The Senate then completed its formal business, adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Captain Montero.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- WHEN CIE WAS CREATED IN 2001, 2011 DENTAL PROGRAMS WERE EXEMPT FROM HAVING TO GO THROUGH THE CIE PROCESS
- PROGRAMS ALL PROGRAMS OPERATING TODAY WHICH ARE OVER 100 WOULD HAVE TO STOP AND NOW BE SUBJECT TO THIS PROCESS
- THEN, THE WAY WE HAVE THE PROGRAM NOW IS THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, I AM IN BROWARD COUNTY, THE ELECTED SCHOOL
- PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, THE STUDENTS, THE FACULTY THAT THEY SERVE.
- THAT IS CONCERNING TO ME BECAUSE AT LEAST WITH AN ELECTED BODY PEOPLE CAN COME AND SPEAK.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, all right, so you're sort of basically saying if we have an automated process and someone is denied
- Well, but you have to have—there's an appeal process, essentially. That would be mandated, right?
- A human appeal process.
- I think we just got to, yeah, we got to make sure that, yes, that we aren't handcuffing local elected
- It makes a better process, a better bill.
Summary:
The Senate Banking Committee met with Chair James Sanders Jr. and reviewed a full agenda of banking-related bills. Early action included approval of a bill requiring licensed check cashers to file suspicious activity reports, and a bill on civil penalties for fraud or misrepresentation in financial products or services, though several members objected to removing the intentionality standard and warned it could broaden enforcement too far and discourage lending in New York. The committee also advanced a bill prohibiting fees for periodic paper statements, a bill on asset-based lending transactions, and a bill requiring reporting of suspected financial exploitation.
Members spent substantial time on a bill regulating automated lending decision tools. The sponsor and chair said the measure would allow AI use but require a human review or appeal if a borrower is denied, while some senators raised concerns about competitiveness for state-chartered banks and possible overlap with existing human oversight. The bill was reported out and referred to the Internet and Technology Committee for further review. The committee also approved a DFS study bill on the financial stability and licensing of the check-cashing industry, with a suggestion that the study also examine risks of expanding the industry.
A major discussion centered on the “Deep Protection Act,” aimed at preventing foreclosures tied to deed theft. The sponsor described cases involving elderly homeowners and fraudulent transfers, while opponents argued the bill was vague, could create unintended consequences or private litigation, and might affect only a small share of mortgages because it applies to state-chartered institutions. The sponsor said the bill would be amended and noted interest in related county clerk reforms. The committee ultimately sent the bill to Judiciary. The final bills addressed mortgage payment schedule fees and unsolicited mail loan checks; both were approved. The meeting ended after the chair emphasized open debate and committee review as part of improving legislation.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IN 2018 WHEN THE GOVERNOR FIRST GOT ELECTED HE ASKED ME IF I WANTED TO SERVE AND WHAT MOST INTERESTED
- Renner: THANK YOU CHAIR AND THANKS TO EVERY MEMBER FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT NOT JUST ON THE EVALUATION PROCESS
- IT MAKES SURE THE PROCESS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE FULL SCRUTINY OF FLORIDA'S SUNSHINE LAWS.
- PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL STUDENTS WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN WHO RUNS OUR SCHOOLS
- AS THIS MOVES THE PROCESS I AM FULLY COMMITTED TO MAKING SURE THOSE CONCERNS ARE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT'S
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/02/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- two branches, acting concurrently, to whom was referred the Senate order granting the committee on election
- January 30, 2026, within which to make its final report on certain Senate documents relative to election
- together in the spirit of Joint Rule 10 to ensure efficiency and predictability in the legislative process
- March 6 deadline so that this extension order does not linger and reside out there in the legislative process
Summary:
The Senate took up several local and committee matters on third reading and passed them to be engrossed, including House 3916 authorizing Westfield to set an age limit for original appointment as a police officer, House 4233 amending the Malden charter, and House 4401 concerning special revolving funds in Athol. The Malden and Athol bills were amended on the floor before passage, with substitute text inserted from Senate documents. The chamber also suspended rules and Joint Rule 12 as needed to handle committee reports and referred a House petition on condominium owners’ rights to the Judiciary Committee.
A substantial portion of the session focused on extension orders for committee reporting deadlines. The Senate adopted extension orders for the committees on election laws, cannabis, and revenue, after brief procedural discussion about suspending the rules to consider them forthwith. The Revenue Committee order was amended to remove two bills, leaving four bills in the extension order and setting the new deadline at March 6; the other extension orders set deadlines of January 30 for election laws and January 27 for cannabis. Senators discussed the importance of moving these matters forward efficiently, particularly those involving tax relief and cannabis policy.
The Senate also adopted an order for adjournment, setting the next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:30 am
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- hereby certify the attached is a true and correct listing of senators who are issued certificates of election
- terms of office and who continued to serve in the respective legislative district to which they were elected
- But since we're only meeting for a very short time, everyone, we need to expedite our process here, and
- out of committee by the House of Origin from the 40th day to the 34th day, hoping to speed up the process
Keywords:
SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call establishing a quorum of 45 members present and two absent. The chamber received certification from the Secretary of State and the governor’s executive order calling the special session to address funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program and to act quickly to accept and appropriate federal funds.
The main action was adoption of the procedural rules for the extraordinary session. Senator Klein explained the proposed rule changes, which were designed to speed up consideration of bills during the short session, including limits on bill introduction, same-day second reading and final passage, elimination of standing committees for the session, creation of a Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee, and authorization for remote testimony and limited remote participation. The procedural committee’s report on these rules was adopted without opposition.
The Senate also adopted reports naming members to the Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee. Announcements noted that the Senate Employment Committee, Joint Policy Committee, and Joint Appropriations Committee would meet later that morning, that the Senate would not reconvene at 4 p.m., and that a Highway Patrol presentation on legislator safety would be held. The Senate then moved through the listed orders of business and recessed, planning to meet in joint session with the House before adjourning until Thursday, January 22, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- But currently, the CCW permit process is run by DPS...
- The CCW permit process is run by DPS according to state statute, and state statute is pretty broad in
- Have we seen any recent cases where a defamation suit was brought by an elected official and they won
- I don't believe that as elected officials we're above the scrutiny. Yes, some of the things...
- As elected officials, we're above the scrutiny?
Keywords:
attorney discipline, legal costs, reputation damage, state bar, court costs, fentanyl, drug offenses, narcotic drugs, criminal penalties, Arizona Revised Statutes, educational institutions, public order, disruption, concealed weapons, safety regulations, firearms, muffling devices, weapon regulations, Arizona law, public safety
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Army Corps of Engineers' concurrence point process.
- Another review process is the funding process, the funding side of things.
- And the process is just so incredibly unfair.
- So during that whole process of voting and then the whole process, were you able to articulate that to
- Because it's really not a quick process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MN House passes omnibus workforce, labor, and economic development policy and finance bill 5/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I do not see names of any elected officials or any such thing.
- That the things that our elected matter.
- elected Democrats in Minnesota. elected Democrats in Minnesota.
- We have election certificates. We have the power to do something.
- We have election certificates. We have election certificates.
Summary:
House File 3732, the Department of Employment and Economic Development appropriations bill, was presented as a package of budget and policy changes from the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. The author described it as a set of practical fixes, including changes to reporting requirements, repealing unused programs, recommendations from a Governor’s Workforce Development Board subcommittee on direct appropriations, and creation of an Office of Community Investment within DEED. Members also noted the bill had been revised after earlier floor debate and included a modified version of a previously contentious proposal.
The first major floor debate centered on Amendment A12, offered by Representative Zeleznikar, which would create an exemption from meal and break requirements for certain 24-hour care settings such as disability group homes and home care. Supporters argued the current break law does not fit the realities of one-on-one or overnight care and could force providers into unsafe or impractical staffing models. Opponents, including Representatives Johnson and Pinto, said the amendment would weaken or repeal worker break protections and remove clear standards and remedies. After debate, the House took a roll call and the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie.
A second amendment, A13 by Representative Tabke, proposed a $150,000 state aviation fund-backed loan fund to help TSA and other airport workers who had gone without pay during a federal shutdown, by backstopping bank loans for affected families. Tabke framed it as worker relief tied to the aviation system, while Representative Niska argued it was not a serious proposal, had not been vetted, and unfairly used state money to address a federal dispute. Debate on the amendment became highly partisan and included a point of order over personalities in debate before the Speaker ruled the point well taken and returned discussion to the amendment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- No evidence, no charges, no trial, no due process.
- This legislation is part of due process.
- Rather than throughout this process.
- Taken together, the legislative process.
- <02:59:10.640>
They election. They stormed the capital. They election.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That process works well in most rural and traditional settings, but as Texas counties continue to urbanize
- HB 4924 streamlines the title process transfer process by prohibiting.
- The department currently requires a cumbersome multi-step process.
- This process leads to operational inefficiencies, increased costs, and processing time.
- Perfecting language as it refines the process for collection and remittance of fees for the handling
Bills:
HB 341, HB 469, HB 971, HB 1624, HB 2721, HB 2959, HB 3365, HB 3731, HB 3793, HB 3861, HB 3946, HB 3966, HB 4348, HB 4401, HB 4402, HB 4924, HB 4966, HB 5563
Keywords:
affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:03.720>
of <00:36:03.880>Labor <00:36:04.200>and through the process - of Labor and through the process of Labor and Delivery<00:36:05.359>
because <00:36:05.720> - , the right to run for elected offices, the right to a prompt fair trial, and the right to live here
- <01:23:54.120>
the <01:23:54.239>right the right to vote in elections the right the - to run for elected offices the right to run for elected offices the right<01:23:57.120>
to <01
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 155, HB 1102, HB 1109, HB 1356, HB 1469, HB 1323, HB 1376 (05/26/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, process, that's what would have process, that's what would have happened,<00:22:38.080>
- This is process, not just this session.
- This is all at the election of the minor.
- This is all at the election of the minor.
- This is all at the election of the minor.
Summary:
The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate.
The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough.
Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later.
The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- [member_16049] Senator Dockstader: We need to improve this process, step up the process, have it done
- And so it's to streamline the process of government, not requiring the offices to continue to process
- the the clerk receives that processes the the clerk receives that processes that<01:05:01.280>
- to process the offices to continue to process applications<01:05:23.280>
every <01:05:23.599><- amendments will streamline the process amendments will streamline the process of<01:46:05.119>
- to process the offices to continue to process applications<01:05:23.280>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Schwartner: That person's no longer on the, as an elected official.
- Senator Flores: ...not just in the elected positions to the electorate.
- We have implemented several training programs to assist them in this process.
- I mean, they're really involved in the process.
- I mean, they're really involved in the process.
Bills:
SB 1
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed election date is November 3, 2006, which should ensure maximum voter turnout to the extent
- Look, I think part of this process is for us to be able to identify issues with the bill, unintended
- That was something that I had not thought about during this process.
- So what process are we eliminating? David Benino, on behalf of the Louisiana Bankers Association.
- So just another process that acts the same as the writ? Yeah.
Keywords:
carbon capture, damages, environmental liability, legal liability, site restoration, expert witness, expert testimony, witness fees, pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, civil procedure, evidence law, Louisiana evidence code, Louisiana civil litigation, expert report, discovery, pretrial disclosure, litigation transparency, settlement, damages award
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee shows it never held property of, or owed money to, the judgment debtor. After brief questioning about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up Senate Bill 260 on youth athletics, which establishes required injury-mitigation training content for youth sports coaches, including emergency preparedness, concussions, heat injuries, overuse injuries, equipment, heart defects, and sudden cardiac effects. An amendment was adopted to remove language allowing the department to spend donated funds to purchase the courses, and the bill was reported as amended.
House Bill 79, which removes the damage threshold for carbon capture release, was also reported favorably after sponsor testimony that carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive a special liability cap. Senate Bill 424, clarifying service by mail, delivery, or electronic means by defining “counsel of record” as someone who actually represents a party, was reported favorably as well. Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing the surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying property, received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.8A report, then was reported as amended.
The committee spent the most time on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are actually used for medical care, function like a money market/HSA-style account, and potentially reduce costs; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, unclear mechanics for payment, and the impact on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, non-billing-code-based care. Several members suggested exclusions or clarifying amendments for med-mal, intentional torts, and sexual abuse victims, and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-1 vote after amendment.
Finally, House Bill 437 was taken up, which bars expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case. An amendment excluding criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would prohibit contingent-style expert fee arrangements while still allowing cross-examination about an expert’s prior testimony and payment history. The discussion emphasized that the rule would apply to both plaintiffs and defendants.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the current negotiating process does not have a dispute mechanism.
- Um the current<00:04:06.200>
negotiating <00:04:06.800>process <00:04:07.720>um - current negotiating process um current negotiating process um does<00:04:08.640>
not <00:04:08.880 - We just moved, or are in the process of moving, to a new third-party administrator for this program.
- So, the way the flexible spending program works is that during open enrollment, an employee can elect
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures relating to public employment, the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), retirement benefits, and cafeteria plans. HB 2472 and HB 2276, both concerning EUTF staff and investment office staff salaries, drew support from the trust fund and labor groups, and no opposition was heard in person. HB 2272 and HB 2273, emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, were supported by the administration and labor representatives; members briefly clarified which bargaining units were covered.
A longer discussion centered on HB 1664, which would address a dispute mechanism for EUTF-related negotiations. HGEA said the current process lacks a dispute resolution path and that the bill would allow interest arbitration when the state and union disagree. The Department of Human Resources Development and the Budget and Finance director raised concerns about consistency across bargaining units and the role of an arbitrator unfamiliar with the complexities of the system. Senator Moriwaki questioned whether another dispute forum might be more appropriate, but no alternative resolution was settled.
The committee also heard HB 1655, which would make retirement benefits negotiable, and HB 1658, concerning collective bargaining repricing. ERS opposed HB 1655, saying it could create administrative and tax problems if retirement benefits were negotiated separately across many bargaining units, while UPW, HGEA, HSTA, and UPA supported it as a bargaining issue. On HB 1658, DHRD explained that repricing is an internal classification tool meant to preserve equal pay for equal work, not to address market pay, and said a single arbitrator or the Merit Appeals Board could handle disputes; HGEA preferred a neutral arbitrator and opposed the Merit Appeals Board as too employer-controlled. The final measure, HB 1661 on cafeteria plans, was supported by UPW and HGEA. DHRD said it planned to raise the maximum contribution through rulemaking but needed to manage plan solvency and timing because IRS limits change on a calendar-year basis while the state plan runs on a fiscal year. The committee then moved into decision-making and adopted recommendations to pass HB 2472 and HB 2276 as amended/unamended after a brief correction to the vote language.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- and Industrial Relations shall collaborate with the Department of Human Resources Development to process
- and Industrial Relations shall collaborate with the Department of Human Resources Development to process
- <00:07:53.879>
program Resources development to process program Resources development to process - We believe that the statute should remain in place, and right now the appeal process for at-will, or
- for um at right now the appeal process for um at will<00:15:39.839>
or <00:15:40.120>or
Summary:
The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. Senate Bill 327, relating to internships, drew broad support from the Department of Education, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, University of Hawaiʻi, DBEDT, P20, HFIA, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce, with suggested amendments to clarify the internship purpose, limit some responsibilities to the state executive branch, and address staffing and reporting details. The committee later recommended passing SB 327 with amendments, including changes to the internship language, private-sector references, work-hour limits, reporting requirements, and a deferred effective date for further discussion. Senate Bill 716, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations as a step toward modernizing unemployment insurance, and the committee recommended passage with housekeeping and technical amendments.
Senate Bill 717, relating to collective bargaining, would allow certain exempt employees to grieve suspensions or discharges. The City and County of Honolulu and the Department of Human Resources Development said the issue should remain a collective bargaining matter, while HGEA and United Public Workers supported the bill. DHRD opposed changing the statute and pointed to existing internal complaint procedures. The committee nevertheless recommended passing SB 717 with amendments and deferred the date for further discussion.
Senate Bill 742, relating to data sharing, would create a data sharing and governance working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services and include appropriations. OETS, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi, DOE, Hawaiʻi Kids Can, Hawaiʻi P-20, and others supported the measure, with OETS estimating a total cost of about $2.64 million, including software, consulting, and six FTE. The committee recommended passage with amendments and a deferred effective date, and noted the budget request in the committee report. The final measure, Senate Bill 855, relating to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act, would shift the program from opt-in to opt-out and appropriate startup funds; former Senator Brian Taniguchi and AARP supported it, while Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi opposed it over costs and burdens on small businesses and concerns about adding mandates before the program is implemented. The committee recessed briefly on a proposed AARP amendment, then returned and indicated support for the opt-out language before taking the bill up for decision-making.