Video & Transcript Research : 'interstate practice'
Page 216 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- And then more importantly, as they're utilizing this to develop a better practice and in consideration
- This would contain digital hygiene and civic integrity curriculum, best practices for protecting personal
- One of the reasons that it's made me twice as efficient is because I went to law school and I practiced
- the summer that was taught by volunteers who are not sort of academics, but volunteers in a more practical
- At this time, even based on the previous speaker, the use of AI in legal practice is tremendous now with
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children
Summary:
The committee met in a special morning session and first heard HB 2371, a pilot proposal to allow consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration in simple divorce cases. Rep. Martinez described it as a voluntary, fairness-focused tool for people who cannot afford lawyers, with the judge retaining final authority. Members raised concerns about the bill’s binding-language, privacy, and the need for clearer guardrails on assets and support, but the sponsor said amendments were welcome. The committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2371 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up HB 2311, which requires conversational AI systems to notify minors they are interacting with AI, restrict sexual content, prohibit deceptive human impersonation, and require self-harm response protocols. Google testified in support, saying its Gemini product already uses similar safeguards and that the bill would set an industry-wide floor; a speaker also noted similar measures are being considered in several other states. After adopting a committee amendment clarifying customer-service AI and limiting developer liability, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend HB 2311 do pass as amended.
Next, the committee heard HB 2409, creating a voluntary statewide summer AI education program focused on digital hygiene, civic integrity, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and algorithmic bias. Supporters argued Arizona needs to prepare residents for AI-driven job disruption and help people use the technology to become more self-sufficient, while opponents objected to the program’s funding and potential unfunded mandate to the education department. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2410, which would treat communications with AI as privileged like communications with human professionals, also passed after testimony from the sponsor and a criminal defense advocate who argued the measure would protect sensitive legal and personal conversations; the vote was 6-0 with one member present.
The committee then approved HB 4005, requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on ethical, moral, and educational uses of AI, by a 4-2-1 vote after some members said schools lacked resources and should not be mandated to add curriculum without funding. Finally, the committee considered HB 2456 and HB 2457, both related to small modular nuclear reactors and utility siting/streamlining for energy development tied to large power users. Supporters framed them as necessary for future energy demand, data centers, and economic growth, while opponents raised concerns about local zoning authority and environmental oversight. Both bills were amended and advanced on 4-3 votes, and the meeting adjourned after the final roll calls.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So what this bill is attempting to do is essentially codify what was practice for a very long time, which
- Chair, yes, we interpret this bill as codifying current practice.
- Okay, and practice from years and years prior, not necessarily what happened this year, correct?
- language, the second is fixing a bad cross-reference, and the third is simply codifying current practice
- I'm happy to answer any questions or go into any further detail. ...is simply codifying current practice
Keywords:
income tax, conformity, Arizona Revised Statutes, taxpayer, federal regulations, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee approved the January 26, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills dealing with tax, retirement, and property assessment issues. SB 1215, as amended, was described as a technical “comma bill” that reorganizes the list of firefighter cancer conditions presumed work-related and removes mistakenly included peace officer language; it passed 6-1. SB 1180 would codify Arizona Department of Revenue’s practice of assuming federal conformity for above-the-line income tax items when preparing forms, with supplemental instructions if the legislature later acts differently; it passed 7-0 after discussion about whether it would affect executive-ordered changes. SCR 1028, a voter-referral measure to narrow the statutory exception allowing agencies to set certain fees and assessments without a two-thirds vote, drew sharp debate over majority rule versus limits on delegated fee authority and passed 4-3.
The committee also advanced SB 1292, which clarifies that the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System’s 5% ownership cap applies only to publicly traded corporations; PSPRS said the change would avoid compliance problems and unnecessary costs, and it passed 7-0. SB 1294, restoring county assessors’ authority to prorate property values for property destroyed in any manner while preserving a five-year classification benefit only for property destroyed by verifiable accident, passed 6-1. SB 1430, the annual tax corrections act, passed unanimously after DOR said it mainly removes redundant language, fixes a cross-reference, and codifies current practice.
The committee then considered SB 1270, which would let CORP employers make optional supplemental retirement contributions of up to $5,000 to Tier 3 correctional officers and related employees at specified service intervals. Supporters from the FOP said it is a flexible retention tool for hard-to-staff correctional jobs, while some members worried it could add costs for counties and not solve the underlying retention problem; it passed 6-1. Finally, SB 1290, which requires advance notice and inspection reports for certain property inspections and bars repeat agricultural inspections for three years, drew strong support from farm groups and strong opposition from county assessors, who argued it would create costs, limit their ability to verify new construction, and interfere with annual valuation duties. The bill passed 4-2 with one member not voting, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- WE REFER TO IT IS PFISTER AND IT COVERS REQUIRED ITEMS OF STATUTE, ADMINISTRATIVE RULE, AND BEST PRACTICE
- IS DEFINED IN LEGISLATION THE OFFICE OF SAFE SCHOOLS SERVES AS A GENERAL REPOSITORY FOR BEST PRACTICES
- SLIDE NUMBER TEN WE TALK ABOUT BEST PRACTICES. THIS IS NOT AN ALL ENCOMPASSING SIDE BY ANY MEANS.
- THE SESSIONS WERE DESIGNED TO SHARE BEST PRACTICES AND IDENTIFY VULNERABILITIES OR CHALLENGES THAT WE
- LET'S KEEP BUILDING UPON THE BEST PRACTICES. LET'S BE INNOVATIVE.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So even though our process is not spelled out in statute, that is a practice that we do and we've done
- graduation are right at $73,000, but you'll see after 10 years that's giving them more experience to practice
- So once they gain some practical experience, the wages increase to reflect that.
- And it's on a core part of our campus that's easily. and high-impact practices, and it's on a core part
- Cartwright that one thing is that we encourage our students to learn but also practice.
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary held an informational hearing focused on how Florida’s public colleges and universities are aligning bachelor’s degree programs with workforce needs and improving student outcomes. Chancellor Kathy Hebda described Florida College System enrollment growth, the state college system’s workforce-oriented bachelor’s degrees, approval and accountability processes for those programs, and outcomes data showing strong completion and wage results, especially in health care. Emily Sykes of the Board of Governors outlined the State University System’s program review practices, performance-based funding metrics, strategic emphasis programs, and the MyFloridaFuture tool that lets students compare earnings, debt, and employment outcomes by major and institution.
University and college leaders then described campus-level workforce initiatives. Florida Gulf Coast University highlighted employer-driven microcredentials, digital badges, internships, career fairs, service learning, and partnerships with regional employers. UCF discussed its career navigator requirements, major industry partnerships such as Lockheed Martin, nursing and faculty career-integration efforts, and a centralized career development center. Northwest Florida State College and the University of West Florida emphasized their bachelor’s programs, transfer pathways, teacher and nursing outcomes, military and defense-related workforce pipelines, cybersecurity training, and stackable credentials tied to regional labor needs.
During member questions, senators asked how microcredentials and military experience translate into college credit, whether credentials transfer across institutions, and what legislators can do to help. Witnesses said the state’s common course and articulation systems already support transfer, and they encouraged continued legislative support for innovation, faster curriculum alignment, internships, and specialized transfer degrees. No bills were voted on, and the meeting ended with no public comment and an adjournment motion adopted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- option of forming their own networks if they determined that certified networks were not available or practical
- In practical matters, in this case, if this bill passes with Section 2, whether the exam that is called
- The way I... ...I interpret that the way I practice workers' compensation law.
- attractive home for workers' compensation carriers looking to avoid the predatory and unfair tax practices
- I've been practicing... ...law in my hometown of Midland, Texas, for over 30 years.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-08
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- On line 868 is the governor's recommendation to reduce the Restorative Practices Initiative grant program
- through most recently, I still don't believe that cameras are going to achieve the goals or are a practical
- However, in practice, the out-of-home placement plan needs to be completed and signed. by the court before
- working with authors and DCYF to address the issue and ensure that the policy is achievable through practice
- CCAP), we are happy to see co-pay adjustments to lower family costs, eliminating the discriminatory practice
Bills:
HF2436
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , is reported favorably moving on to tab 12 Senate Bill. 998, a physician assistant and advanced practice
- This legislation allows physicians utilize physicians, assistants and advanced practice, registered nurses
- It and they must use evidence-based practices and procedures for pediatric emergency care.
- And I'm a practicing Army physician assistant here in Florida.
- I'm very concerned that in this bill, you are the sponsor and the bill itself is basically practicing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I do not make it a regular practice of interrupting the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court.
- can't go to your spouse and kids and explain the huge gap between what you could be making. minimal practice
- routing in the Permian Basin. from cases involving nurses under Operation Nightingale that may be practicing
- Before that, I was a practicing trial lawyer based out of Galveston County.
- resources the one I believe that they're offered access to is LexisNexis and that is a tool for practicing
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 3rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We believe that we practice a rich have a rich tradition of professionalism. and sound regulation.
- We are very protective. of that designation and we believe that we practice efficiency and and proper
- And this is just really an indication of sort of the best practices and print. that should be adhered
- When they say it's already outside of best practices for sound fund, isn't that a concern?
- But he says very plainly, the current 28-year funding period is already outside of best practices.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 11th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But the group meets monthly to focus on practicing reflective and PBL exercises, explore new cases, and
- But the group meets monthly to focus on practicing reflective and PBL exercises, explore new cases, and
- And what that means is that we implement flexible and dynamic evidence-based practices as it relates
- and partnership from multiple stakeholders and have added additional opportunities for staff to practice
- This ongoing collaboration continues to strengthen the system, aligning policies and practice across
Summary:
The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder.
The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs.
Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Feb 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- going to go on, but I'm not going to read all of the highlights: resident care standards, medication practices
- It doesn't describe the procedure or practice of an agency, nor does it constitute an amendment or repeal
- direction was that the department shall consider and address low-impact design, best management practices
- where the group, I think, as a whole, across the board, recognized that there were some stormwater practices
- As a stormwater engineer, he said he has practiced a long time in Florida.
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met on February 3, 2025, with a quorum present and took up three main items. First, the committee considered a large set of recommended objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules, all centered on sunset provisions stating the rules would expire after five years. AHCA asked for another deferral while it reviewed the rules, arguing the sunset language was a form of self-restraint rather than an invalid exercise of rulemaking authority. Committee leadership disagreed that further delay would resolve the issue and moved to a single vote covering all objections. The motion passed by roll call, and the committee informed AHCA that an objection would be filed unless the agency amended the rules within 30 days.
The committee then heard an informational briefing from the Department of Environmental Protection on its Outstanding Florida Springs rule and stormwater rule. DEP explained that it did not prepare a statement of estimated regulatory cost for the springs rule because the proposed standards largely mirror existing water management district rules and the Central Florida Water Initiative framework, so DEP said there was no new regulatory burden. Members asked about permit authority, costs, and whether the rules were functionally different from prior rules. DEP maintained the rules set minimum standards and did not add costs beyond what regulated parties were already doing.
DEP also described implementation of the stormwater rule adopted under the 2020 Clean Waterways Act and later ratified by the Legislature in 2024. DEP said the rule was the product of years of workshops and technical advisory committee meetings, and that the final version included lower-cost alternatives, grandfathering, and phased implementation. DEP estimated the rule’s cost at about $2,600 per acre in the revised CERC, while industry witnesses said the real cost could be much higher, especially if land costs are included. A home builders representative argued the estimate understated impacts, while a stormwater engineer said the rule gives more flexible, performance-based tools and could become more cost-effective over time.
Finally, Senator Graal presented proposed Chapter 120 changes in SB 108, aimed at tightening and modernizing rulemaking. The proposal would require five-year rule reviews, annual agency reporting, faster notice of proposed rulemaking after authorizing legislation, electronic filing, public access to incorporated materials, clearer tracking of technical changes, and limits on how long rules can remain pending ratification. Members discussed whether the Legislature should be more specific in statutes about rulemaking deadlines and whether agencies should be more accountable when rules stall. No formal action was taken on the Chapter 120 proposals, and the committee adjourned after discussion.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the bill that came back to us included not only APRNs that practice registered nurses but also
- <00:08:09.560>
only <00:08:10.040>APRNs <00:08:11.080>that <00:08:11.440>practice - included not only APRNs that practice included not only APRNs that practice registered<00:08:12.480
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, one bad practice on several levels.
- It does not weaken the practices.
- screening<03:03:01.520>
tenants A common practice of screening tenants A common practice of - > people<03:20:47.600>
in practicing and representing people in practicing and representing - I practical point for my own business.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- He said keeping the practice a secret is terribly unfair.
- Follow up: does that mean that non-licensed practitioners can be in private practice?
- Follow up: does that mean that non-licensed practitioners can be in private practice?
- Follow up: does that mean that non-licensed practitioners can be in private practice?
- Follow up: does that mean that non-licensed practitioners can be in private practice?
Summary:
The House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs heard testimony on House Bill 606, as amended, a bill aimed at preventing physicians from denying medically necessary sterilizing or fertility-affecting treatment based on a patient’s age, number of children, marital status, or a doctor’s speculation about future reproductive intentions. Representative Ellen Reed, the sponsor, described the bill as a response to her own long experience with PCOS, heavy bleeding, and repeated refusals by doctors to perform a hysterectomy despite her clear wishes. She said the amendment narrows the bill to medically necessary care, adds definitions for “medical condition” and “appropriate reproductive care,” and removes earlier provisions about voluntary sterilization referrals. She also said the bill does not target religious objections, and that doctors could still refuse for medical, payment, or existing religious reasons not addressed by the bill.
Committee members asked about religious freedom, informed consent versus waivers, and the scope of the new definitions. Reed responded that religion was not added to the list of prohibited reasons for denial, and that the amendment is intended to protect doctors when patients sign informed consent or waivers. She explained that “appropriate reproductive care” includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, salpingectomy, and endometrial ablation, and that the bill now focuses on medically necessary treatment rather than elective sterilization. She said the change was intended to make the proposal narrower and more tailored after earlier concerns.
Several witnesses supported the bill with personal accounts of being denied hysterectomies or other procedures despite serious symptoms. Representative Lauren Selig described a decade-long effort to obtain a hysterectomy after years of cycle problems and migraines, saying doctors dismissed her concerns and treated her symptoms as normal. Jade Flad also testified in support, saying she had long been told to simply endure her cycle problems and noted that her husband was offered a vasectomy without similar barriers. The sponsor said online support was strong and that there was little or no written opposition testimony. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 12 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- any type of order, policy, or practice any type of order, policy, or practice in<01:48:43.040>
- So, implement any practice or procedure.
- And if that has a practice or procedure.
- It's going to also coverage practices.
- The practices related to rare diseases.
Summary:
The House convened with a prayer led by Reverend Lewis Dixon of Crystal Springs and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also welcomed several guest groups, including the Hazerhurst Middle School girls basketball team, the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists and students from several colleges, and Oakdale Elementary students visiting the Capitol.
On the calendar, the House first took up several rules-calendar items and adopted them overwhelmingly, including a Senate concurrence resolution and multiple resolutions, with votes such as 118-0 and 121-0. The chamber also tabled House Bill 965. Later, House Bill 517, the Mississippi Charter Schools Act, passed 88-10 after members explained it was a technical bill with no substantive changes. House Bill 644, an Administrative Procedures Act measure requiring agencies to report rules or actions costing over $100,000, passed 114-0.
The House then approved House Bill 1015, which replaces an inactive member on the Title 5 Advisory Council, by 119-0. House Bill 1314, dealing with contractor bonding and procurement thresholds, was amended to raise a bond amount from $25,000 to $75,000 and to increase a bidding threshold from $10,000 to $15,000; it passed 119-2. House Bill 1468, which narrows public-records access by excluding certain personal information, was amended with a reverse repealer to allow further work on the language and passed 118-1. House Bill 1529, a peer bill with a reverse repealer, passed 128-0. House Bill 1640 authorized DHS to use automated wage verification services and passed 115-2. House Bill 1754 created a fast-track option for cyber security software and hardware emergencies and passed 121-0.
The House also adopted a strike-all amendment to House Bill 1218, extending the MyKids youth-court software authority for one year, requiring a progress report, and allowing continued use of MyKids or a replacement system; the bill passed 128-0 after questions about the system’s outdated nature and the need to keep AOC accountable. Finally, House Bill 1225, concerning non-consensual towing, was explained as requiring tow operators to identify who requested the tow and to provide VIN and lienholder information so certified notices can be sent; the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill therefore is not a practical solution.
- The bill therefore is not a practical solution.
- <00:49:31.760>
recognizing the extent practicable recognizing the extent practicable recognizing - Um but it's a practice that uh come up.
- Um, current practice we of that.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:44:12.159>
under are unfair and deceptive practices under are unfair and deceptive practices - Uh so I unfair and deceptive practices.
- Um in addition, uh business practices.
- What is the practical difference?
- And what how that plays out practically And what how that plays out practically is<02:43:21.280>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- are in place and with these practices are in place and with these for all these staff.
- are in place and with these practices are in place and with these for all these staff.
- are in place and with these practices are in place and with these for all these staff.
- are in place and with these practices are in place and with these for all these staff.
- <01:36:46.679>
mde sustainability of these practices mde sustainability of these practices
Summary:
The Senate Education Finance Committee met on January 28, 2025, to receive updates on chronic absenteeism work funded in the 2024 education finance bill. The chair introduced presentations from districts in the student attendance pilot program—Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Chisago, and Rochester—and noted that the committee would also hear the student attendance and truancy legislative study group report and later a bill from Senator Weber. The chair also thanked educational assistants and paraprofessionals for their work in schools.
Minneapolis Public Schools described common attendance challenges across pilot districts, including inconsistent attendance coding, weak family communication, difficulty identifying interventions, and uneven responses to absences. The district said pilot districts want statewide definitions for absences, tardies, and exempt codes, as well as better internal dashboards and clearer procedures. Minneapolis also highlighted strategies such as attendance teams at each school, quarterly postcards to families after five or more absences, Promise Fellows, home visits, multilingual communication through TalkingPoints, and a morning nurse line to help parents decide whether a child should stay home. The district said its main attendance goal is to raise consistent attendance from 68 percent to 80 percent by 2026.
In response to committee questions, Minneapolis said its main post-COVID absenteeism reason has been illness or medical issues, followed by transportation problems, and that it does not penalize students for transportation-related absences. The district said it counts secondary absences when students miss more than three periods in a day, with truancy beginning after seven such absences, while elementary students are counted absent for the full day. Members also asked about whether reduced truancy referrals reflected more attendance or diversionary supports; the district said its approach is to focus on understanding root causes and providing support rather than quickly referring students to truancy processes. The district reported improved communication, greater parent awareness, and fewer truancy referrals so far, and said the attendance team model should be sustainable because it uses existing staff with clearer direction.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And it isn't a blanket prohibition from being able to have access under Minnesota data practices.
- And it isn't a blanket prohibition from being able to have access under Minnesota data practices.
- And it isn't a blanket prohibition from being able to have access under Minnesota data practices.
- And it isn't a blanket prohibition from being able to have access under Minnesota data practices.
- he can speak to the Data Practices he can speak to the Data Practices space. space. space.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We see that in practice.
- I also think this measure is important because we want attorneys to practice longer and be experienced
- We see that in practice. Um, develop. We see that in practice.
- longer and be attorneys to practice longer and be experienced<00:51:51.440>
and <00:51:51.680> - Please proceed. >> Hey, you're practicing what's in the bill.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects.
Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers.
Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.