Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Concurrent Resolution'
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VT
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator McKelvey. Senator Richards excused. Senator A. No. Measure is adopted.
- Senator McKelvey, yes. Senator Richards is excused. Senator A, no. Measure is adopted.
- <01:10:34.320>
Senator votes I. Senator Mckelby, yes. Senator votes I. - Senator McKelvey, yes. Senator Richards is excused. Senator A., no.
- Senator McKelvie, yes. Senator Richards is excused. Senator AA. [Music] Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony.
The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program.
HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed.
Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fukunaga excused. Senator Rhodess, aye. Senator Dort, no.
- Senator Fukunaga is excused. Senator Rhodess, aye. Senator Dort, aye.
- Senator Fukunaga is excused. Senator Rhodess, aye. Senator Dort, aye.
- Senator Fukunaga is excused. Senator Rhodess, hi. Senator Dort, no.
- Senator Rhodess. Senator Deort? No. Senator Rhodess. Senator Deort? No.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several firearms-related bills. HB 125 would require firearm sellers or transferors to provide buyers notice about secure storage laws, expand secure-storage requirements, and clarify criminally negligent storage. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Education supported the bill. The Office of the Public Defender raised constitutional concerns under District of Columbia v. Heller and suggested narrowing the bill so a firearm need not be made inoperable when the lawful owner is home. Supporters, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, veterans, and other advocates, said secure storage would reduce accidental shootings, youth access, theft, suicides, and school shootings. Opponents argued the bill was redundant, could criminalize victims of theft, and imposed strict liability. The committee noted 24 individuals in support and 103 in opposition.
The committee also heard HB 137, which would impose a mandatory prison term for violent felons who violate firearm or ammunition possession prohibitions. DLE, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawaii County Prosecutor supported the measure, arguing it targets repeat offenders and strengthens public safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed mandatory sentencing, saying judges already have discretion to impose lengthy sentences and that mandatory terms can be inappropriate in some cases. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for use of a ghost gun in a felony. DLE and the Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while the Public Defender and several opponents said parts of the bill were redundant or could create definitional problems; the committee recorded five supporters and 70 opponents.
HB 995 would amend deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting by the Attorney General and county police chiefs. The Attorney General’s office and HPD supported the bill, with the Attorney General asking for more time for police departments to submit complete data and for the April 1 deadline to be removed. The committee also heard HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended consolidating the new office’s duties with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission to avoid duplication and possibly repealing the existing commission statute. DLE supported HB 664, while the Tax Foundation objected to the special fund. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Johnson is present and Senator Hinojosa moves.
- Senator Johnson moves that Senate Bill 1403, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full Senate
- Senator Johnson moves local on that one. Senator, is that okay with you? Which one?
- Senator Creighton moves that Senate Bill 1404, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full Senate
- Senator Middleton moves Senate Bill 1536, as substituted.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-HRE, HHS-EDT, HHS Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- vice chair; Senator Aino; and Senator Koh.
- Kedani, my vice chair, Senator Senator Kedani, my vice chair, Senator Aino,<00:19:12.240>
and - Senator Hashimoto, aye. Senator Kanuha, aye. Senator Fevella, aye. Recommendation is adopted.
- <00:38:29.839>
Senator Excused. Senator Hashimoto. Senator Excused. Senator Hashimoto. - Senator Kim hi. Fukunaga excused. Senator Kim hi.
Summary:
The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows.
After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote.
The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, AEN-JDC Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Chang excused. Senator San Buenaventura, aye. Senator Awa, aye. Measures adopted.
- Senator Chang excused. Senator San Buenaventura, aye. Senator Awa, aye. Measures adopted.
- Senator Chang excused. Senator San Buenaventura, aye. Senator Awa, aye. Measures adopted.
- Senator Chang excused. Senator San Buenaventura, aye. Senator Awa, aye. Measures adopted.
- chair both votes I senator Chang excused senator<00:53:30.800>
sanventur senator sanventur senator
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 400, the Judiciary’s biennium budget, and HB 727, a proposal to create a women’s court pilot program. On HB 400, Judiciary officials said the request includes operating funds of about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. Testifiers from the legal services community, including the Legal Clinic, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, supported the budget and emphasized the need for civil legal services and immigration-related legal help. Judge Kim also highlighted Big Island needs, including courthouse design funding and an additional district court judge.
HB 727 drew extensive testimony in support from Judiciary officials, treatment court staff, legal and behavioral health organizations, prosecutors, and individuals with lived experience in drug court. Supporters said women in the justice system often face trauma, abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges that are not adequately addressed in existing programs, and argued that a women’s court could improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Judiciary witnesses explained that the proposed program would be a specialty court within the drug court framework, initially focused on the Kona division of the Third Circuit, with possible future expansion to Hilo. A probation officer and a former drug court participant described the benefits of treatment court and the need for women-specific services, including spiritual counseling options.
After testimony, the committee recessed briefly for lack of quorum and later returned to vote. HB 400 was passed with amendments, including added amounts in the committee report for civil legal services and immigration-related legal services, and a revised defective date. HB 727 was also passed with amendments, including changes to the purpose section to make the First Circuit women’s court permanent, create a three-year Third Circuit Kona women’s court pilot, and remove the broader expansion language for the time being. The committee adopted both measures by vote, with Senator Chang excused.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/20/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Port, Senator Lucero, Senator Dreheim.
- Port, Senator Lucero, Senator Dreheim.
- Senator Balden, Senator on this bill.
Senator <00:14:56.880>uh Port, Senator Lucero, Senator uh Port, Senator Lucero, Senator- Senator<00:39:33.440>
Lucero. Senator Lucero. Senator Lucero.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you Senator Balden. Before again. Thank you Senator Balden.
- Good morning, Senator Balden. happy to. Good morning, Senator Balden.
- Chair and Senator Balden.
- Um, Senator Dames moves that Senate File 1346 be recommended to pass.
- c> that<00:14:02.560>
Senate <00:14:02.959>File Um, Senator Dames moves that Senate
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-WTL-EDT-EIG, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Dela. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Dela.
- Senator Chang is excused. Senator McKelvey is excused. Senator DeCoite is excused.
- Senator DeCoite I. Senator Rhoads I. Senator Wakai, Chair has five in favor. It's adopted.
- Senator McKelvey Chang is excused. Senator McKelvey is<01:10:28.920>
excused. - <01:10:46.080>
Senator DeCoite I. Senator Rhoads I. Senator DeCoite I. Senator Rhoads I.
Summary:
The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hashimoto, aye. Senator Kucha, aye. The recommendations are adopted. Thank you.
- Senator Hashimoto, aye. Senator Kucha, aye. The recommendations are adopted. Thank you.
- Senator Hashimoto, aye. Senator Kucha, aye. The recommendations are adopted. Thank you.
- Senator Hashimoto, aye. Senator Kucha, aye. The recommendations are adopted. Thank you.
- That concludes your business. chair vot I Senator Hashimoto hi Senator chair vot I Senator Hashimoto
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/20/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh, first bill on the agenda, Senate File 1025, Senator Abeler.
- Senator Boldon, you have Senate File 2346.
- /c><01:21:21.719>
file Senator KES you have Senate file Senator KES you have Senate file 1547< - Senator Kunes okay um so we have Senate Senator Kunes okay um so we have Senate file file file 1548
- Senator abler and Senator just thanks to Senator abler and Senator Balden<01:45:41.520>
for <01
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/20/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- That's Senator Hauschild's bill, Senate File 2530.
- senator but Senator Ha to the amendment. senator but Senator Ha to the amendment.
- to Senator Anne Johnson and Senator to Senator Anne Johnson and Senator Weber.<00:59:49.839>
- Senator Papen? I see Senator Papen is here. Senator Papen, do come forward.
- Senator Senator Green, just a Minnesota.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- One item on the agenda today, and that is Senator Marty's Senate File 2386, which makes some changes
- Senator The amendment is a is adopted.
- Thank you, Senator Marty. Member questions and discussion. Senator Limmer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Thank you, Senator Marty. Member questions and discussion. Senator Limmer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Senator Liur. Senator Liur. Thank<00:08:09.919>
you, <00:08:10.160>Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/20/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, thank you, Senator Senator Dames.
- Chair, Senator Latz, Senator W. Mr.
- Senator Duckworth, yes. Senator Frentz, yes. Senator Green, no. Senator How?, nay.
- Senator Latz, no. Senator Rasmusson, no. Senator Rest, yes. Senator Wicklund, yes. yes.
- Senator<01:42:09.600>
Duckworth, Senator Duckworth, Senator Duckworth, Senator<01:42:12.000>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You all heard Senator Ports' bill.
- Um you all heard Senator Ports 135A.15. Um you all heard Senator Ports Ports<00:01:12.880>
bill. - Chair and Senator Duckworth.
- Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Uh, Senator Utki. So, they have Chair. Uh, Senator Utki.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican and DFL Media Availability 032025 Mar 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] So today, uh, Senate Republicans were prepared to expel former Senator Justin Eichorn.
- I have not been able to speak with Senator Eichorn or former Senator Eichorn.
- Uh, this is about Senator Eichorn today.
- Uh, you know, today was about Senator Eichorn and making sure that we were taking care of the Senate
- IOR by that nature Senator Iicorn, Mr.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill before us is Senate<00:00:45.520>
File Senate File Senate File 2129. 2129. 2129 - Senator uh Seabberger. Thank adopted. Senator uh Seabberger.
- Senator Weber.
- Senator um Senator questions this time?
- uh Senator Duskowski. uh Senator Duskowski.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Awa here. Senator Chang excused. Senator Dit here. Senator Deort excused.
- Senator Dela Cruz here. Senator Elefante here. Senator Fevella here. Senator Fukunaga.
- Senator Gabbard. Senator Hashimoto. Senator Ihara excused. Senator Inouye present. Senator Kanuha.
- Senator Keohokalole. Senator Kidani. Senator Kim. Senator Lee. Senator McKelvey.
- Senator Elefante. Senator Richards, excused. Senator San Senator Richards, excused.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Mar 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rouson you, Senator Berman, you're Senator Broder here.
- Senator Garcia, Senator Grall, you're Senator Harrell here.
- Senator Martin, you're Senator MacLEAN Senator Pizzo Senator Polsky Senator Shiri's Senator Smith, Senator
- Senator Deciglie senator, fun. Senator Garcia, Senator Grall. Yes, senator Harrell.
- Senator Burgess, Senator Collins, Senator Deciglie senator find Senator Garcia Senator Grall Senator
FL