Video & Transcript Research : 'Secret Service'
Page 229 of 500
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 8th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 1300 relates to legislative term limits and the calculation of years of service.
- HB 1300 relates to legislative term limits and the calculation of years of service.
- Speaker, your Human Services Committee, Representative M.
- by the ambulance service that would close.
- And so it has a net negative effect on the surviving ambulance services.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received notice that the governor had signed several bills, and the Speaker appointed conference committees after the Senate failed to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2180 and 2330. The House also approved several sixth-order amendments without objection before moving into reconsideration and final action on House Bill 1300, which concerns legislative term limits. After procedural motions to reconsider and undo concurrence, the House voted to do not concur on HB 1300, sending it back to the chair’s lap for further negotiation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2232, which changes mandatory reporting rules for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep pregnant women in prenatal care by removing an automatic CPS report if a woman tests positive but enters and stays on a treatment plan; opponents argued it weakens protections for unborn children and creates vague standards for mandated reporters. The House passed the bill 57-36. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 2280 unanimously, establishing timelines and standards for prior authorization in health insurance, and passed Senate Bill 2186, which creates a civil remedy for interference with court-ordered parenting time, a child custody review task force, and related reporting requirements.
The House then took up Senate Bill 2239, an apprenticeship grant program with a $1.1 million appropriation, but rejected it 14-79 after the committee said the program lacked a clear administrative home. Senate Bill 2241, creating a framework for public charter schools, generated extensive debate over school choice, local control, funding, staffing, and rural impacts; supporters emphasized flexibility and community-driven options, while opponents warned about diversion of funds and weak guardrails. The bill passed 64-29. The House also passed Senate Bill 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, after discussion about federal funding uncertainty; Senate Bill 2374, updating property insurance laws and market rules; Senate Bill 2216, creating a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp; Senate Bill 2245, allowing certain duck and goose hunting from anchored floating craft; and Senate Bill 233, establishing a distressed ambulance services process, which drew questions about how affected districts and neighboring services would be involved.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is Director Yanii for the Department of Human Services, also in support.
- Judith Clark for Youth Services Network, in support.
- Child and Family Service will stand in strong support.
- Services Hawaii and support noren Cole Services Hawaii and support noren Cole for<00:03:59.239>
Hawaii - contracts with community-based organizations that deliver essential services.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee continued hearing several bills. HB 399 would create an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit; it drew support from the Judiciary, Public Defender, State Bar, Financial Services Association, and others, and there was no opposition. HB 560 would appropriate funds for Judiciary contracts with community-based organizations; many service providers and coalition representatives testified in support, emphasizing the growing gap between contract payments and the actual cost of services, especially for domestic violence, youth, legal aid, and other vulnerable populations. HB 648 would establish a two-year pilot program in the First Circuit probate and family court for guardianship and conservatorship-related resources; the Office of the Public Guardian and disability advocates supported it, while suggesting amendments to clarify that the bill refers to professional evaluations, including psychological, neurocognitive, or functional evaluations, rather than just physicians’ letters.
The committee also heard HB 990, which appropriates funds for claims against the state, with the Attorney General noting 21 claims totaling about $6.5 million plus two additional resolved claims and requesting corrections to identify two matters as judgments rather than settlements. HB 991 would clarify that the Attorney General may conduct FBI fingerprint-based background checks on contractors and employees; it was supported by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and others, with an amendment to include subcontractors. HB 998 would provide that omissions or errors in citations do not require dismissal or reversal if they do not prejudice the defendant; the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and members discussed whether the language adequately protects due process and how it would apply when identifying information is unavailable.
Finally, HB 1174 would address payment-under-protest lawsuits by allowing interest earned on certain funds to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails and by setting procedures for premature filings. After testimony, the committee moved into decision-making and recommended passage of HB 399, HB 560, HB 648, HB 990, HB 991, HB 998, and HB 1174, generally with amendments where noted, including effective-date changes and the requested clarifications. The measures were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 3rd, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- But the answer to that is that we do not duplicate services.
- and medical services.
- . services to contractual services for shortfalls in the medical services contract for the inmates' medical
- services.
- , and two pregnant females received those services in FY24.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 7th, 2026 at 09:05 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The meeting of the House Health and Human Services Committee was called to order.
- The other issue is turnaround time and customer service.
- and local service that Southwest Labs provides.
- Tricor and Quest do have services possibly associated in the same...
- Have services possibly associated in the same areas.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/7/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- service or who received the services. service or who received the services.
- of Human Services. of Human Services.
- <00:27:41.080>
on services is that the the services on services is that the the services on - Um, next up, Nathaniel Olson. services. services.
- Services. Services.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's certainly, I was trying to free up resources to be able to expand services.
- We want to be able to continue the expansion of those services to veterans.
- We want to be able to continue the expansion of those services to veterans.
- the veteran service officers?
- service officers?
Summary:
The committee first reviewed several personnel actions. It approved the Arkansas State Police request to swap three corporal positions for three lieutenant positions to supervise increased trooper staffing along the I-40 corridor, with no net increase in positions and an estimated cost of $89,000 from general revenue. It also approved Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s request for three project/program administrator pool positions to support the new College of Veterinary Medicine, and approved the Department of Commerce Economic Development Commission’s request for an extra help position tied to Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act work. One item was pulled from consideration.
The committee then received a report on a reduction in force at the Department of Veterans Affairs that eliminated six positions. Senator Petty asked for reassurance that veterans’ services would not be harmed, and VA Secretary Colonel Rob Ader explained that the action was part of a broader restructuring rather than a simple cut, intended to realign the agency, free resources, and expand services such as a new continuum-of-care program, veteran employment support, and stronger coordination with employers as veterans transition out of service. He said the agency also expected to save money.
Members also questioned VA officials about the impact on county and district veteran service officers and about severance and retirement implications for affected employees. VA officials said the county VSO program remains in place, with efforts underway to improve training, supervision, and consistency across counties, including reporting to county judges. They also explained that severance is based on years of service, is not recouped if an employee later takes another state job, and that retirement eligibility and early-retirement penalties would still apply under existing rules. The committee took no further action after the reports and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senators cheer on Department of Children, Youth and Families progress as it reaches a new milestone Aug 8th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- had many different programs that were set up to help families and children educationally and social service
- Senator Melissa Wickland authored the 2023 bill not only creating the DCYF but also creating new service
- I hear people say that they feel like their access to individual services is more in a streamlined way
- At least if we all work together and try to coordinate the services to help families."
- services? services?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans rely on SH 130 for transportation for vital VA services such as specialized medical care Like
- An important point to make is that CapMetro does not deliver transportation services in Lago Vista.
- CapMetro subcontracts out to Lago Vista services to carts.
- Lago Vista and they promised to study and result and yet half our citizens still have no service from
- any way to even negotiate for better service because. every election time when it comes up.
Keywords:
high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
Transcript Highlights:
- We can't mandate people to treatment services that don't exist.
- services, health services.
- , and clinical stabilization services.
- We provide comprehensive mental health services for co-occurring disorders and family services to strengthen
- How would you then explain the difference in services... I'm done.
Summary:
The committee held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session on bills dealing with involuntary commitment and access to addiction treatment, especially proposals to move Section 35 civil commitments away from jails and prisons and into facilities licensed or approved by DPH or DMH. Chairs Velis and Domb framed the hearing as a discussion of how to support people in crisis with compassion, while also warning against using involuntary commitment as a way to remove unhoused people from public view. The hearing also touched on related concerns about discharge practices, treatment capacity, and the need for a broader continuum of care.
Testimony split largely along two themes. Addiction researcher Keith Humphreys argued that many people enter treatment under pressure, that involuntary treatment can be ethically justified in the face of overdose risk, but that it should not be mandated unless high-quality services exist first; he emphasized the need for inpatient care when someone is a grave danger, followed by case management and outpatient support. MAMH’s Kate Alicante supported the bill, saying Massachusetts is the only state that commits people with substance use conditions to jails or prisons and that carceral settings add trauma and stigma; she pointed to prior legislative steps, including the Section 35 commission and the planned closure of DOC’s MESAC facility, as evidence that the Commonwealth is moving toward health-based settings.
A major portion of the hearing focused on Stony Brook, a sheriff-run stabilization and treatment center in Hampden County. Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald, several committee members, and multiple people in recovery described the facility as humane, well-run, and effective, with longer stays, medical monitoring, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and warm handoffs to aftercare. Several witnesses said Stony Brook saved their lives or helped family members recover, and they argued that the sheriff’s office model should be expanded rather than eliminated. Others, including family members and advocates, countered that even a well-run correctional setting remains stigmatizing and that people should not be treated in facilities run by sheriffs or corrections when they have committed no crime.
No vote was taken. The hearing concluded with continued testimony, including Senator Friedman’s support for Section 35 as a civil commitment tool but not in a criminal justice setting, and her separate support for a bill to speed inpatient mental health treatment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- administering a civil Legal Services administering a civil Legal Services line<00:12:55.320>
- We have the Department of Human Services in support.
- people out of um jail and into Services people out of um jail and into Services 40%<00:29:25.120
- <01:19:06.679>
we're add funds for contracted Services we're add funds for contracted Services - <01:30:10.119>
and security uh cyber security services and security uh cyber security services
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC-CPN Joint Info Briefing - Tue Jan 13, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:33:52.679>
they services or change in services, they services or change in services, - . services. services.
- > the services emergency services in the services emergency services in the central<02:10:25.720>
- and services service lines that areas and services service lines that are<02:11:04.440>
not <02 - . services. services.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- service retirements is another statute. service retirements is another statute. Right?
- <00:20:46.400>
but employee exempt from civil service but employee exempt from civil service - So you of civil service versus exempt.
- <00:25:04.000>
answer service answer service answer >> for<00:25:05.279>that <00: - Um given the current moratorum service.
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs considered three bills. SB 2141 would reclassify certain Department of Law Enforcement leadership and employees as Class A members for retirement purposes and adjust retirement benefit calculations. DLE supported the bill, saying it would address retirement classification without enhancing benefits, while the Employees’ Retirement System said it had no formal board position but wanted key provisions preserved. The Deputy Attorney General raised a potential title/subject issue and warned the bill could be vulnerable to challenge because the reclassification, contribution changes, and benefit calculations are in separate statutory sections. After questions about the number of affected employees and possible amendments, the committees deferred the bill.
SB 2593 would exempt certain Law Enforcement Standards Board positions from civil service and collective bargaining. The board’s administrator said the positions would handle sensitive and confidential information and require specialized experience, and the board chair’s representative said the bill was important to meet certification deadlines. Opposition testimony from HGA argued exempt employees are at-will and suggested civil service protections should remain, with any staffing issues handled through reclassification or other personnel tools. Committee members questioned whether the positions could instead be civil service but excluded from bargaining, and staff explained the distinction between civil service exemption and collective bargaining exclusion. The committees ultimately recommended passing SB 2593 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of January 1, 2077, and the recommendation was adopted.
SB 2824 would create a bribery-related reporting duty for public servants. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said it would establish a clear duty to report known or suspected bribery and strengthen public trust. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, saying it would criminalize an affirmative duty to report another person’s misconduct. After limited discussion, both committees voted to pass SB 2824 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/14/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It's evident that accurate and ... interpreter Services workg Group that interpreter Services workg Group
- critical interpreting uh Services critical interpreting uh Services provided<00:10:08.440>
across - <00:10:32.120>
for interpretive interpreter services for interpretive interpreter services - re-refer to Health and Human Services re-refer to Health and Human Services thank<00:15:24.519><
- participate in our classified service participate in our classified service and<00:42:03.000>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 3/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Education, Health and Human Services, and all other.
- eligible for federal Indian Health Service funding.
- 2425 in Health and Human Services 2425 in Health and Human Services um<00:50:32.040>
the < - pays for substance use disorder services pays for substance use disorder services so<00:50:43.960
- <00:50:55.160>
paid Department of Human Services paid Department of Human Services paid providers
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action.
Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected.
Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 27th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- These rates are decided by the General Services Department.
- If you'll flip to page 2, it talks a little bit about our constituent services and the services that
- So the increased cost in this P code is 4.6% in personal services and 23.9% in contracts. services, and
- Christina Chavez, our Director of Business Services.
- Two investigators and three constituent services.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your service. Appreciate it. Our next is Jamie Mageryan.
- years of service.
- years of service.
- I had 17 years of service, sir, and they gave me 14 years of creditable service.
- Thank you for your testimony and thank you for your service.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its third hearing of the 194th General Court session, taking testimony on several individual bills and home rule petitions, mostly involving retirement and pension-related relief. The committee chair outlined hearing procedures, including three-minute limits for individuals, ten-minute limits for panels, livestreaming, and the deadline for written testimony. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that House matters heard that day must be reported by Friday, July 11, 2025, subject to extensions, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
Several witnesses supported bills seeking retirement credit or pension adjustments for public employees. These included H. 2917 for Dedham-Westwood Water District employees seeking pension buy-in credit; H. 2976 for Eileen Mullen to purchase creditable service for teaching in a criminal justice pilot program; H. 2996 for Virginia Cummings, a retired Department of Correction lieutenant seeking greater pension parity; H. 2977 for Wendy Lopieri to buy back part-time community college service; and H. 2989 for Wayne Taylor, who said he was mistakenly credited for fewer years of select board service than he expected. Testimony emphasized long public service, injuries, and what witnesses described as unfair denials or flawed interpretations of retirement law.
The committee also heard testimony on bills involving post-retirement earnings and disability-related relief. Kevin Blanchett testified in opposition to H. 2931, arguing it would improperly reduce money owed to a regional retirement system and its members, while the bill’s sponsor argued the retirement board was seeking an excessive recovery based on law firm gross earnings rather than the individual’s earnings. Jamie Magarian described severe injuries from a 2018 crash and urged favorable action on his bill, with support from the State Police Association. Michael Palmer testified in favor of S. 1841, seeking to extend prior violent-crime retirement income-cap relief to his case after being shot on duty and later finding that even part-time private-sector work exceeded his retirement earnings limit.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Jan 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- ODL's work is divided into two sides: services to government and services to libraries.
- The other side of the house is services to libraries.
- Services to libraries is charged with the development of public libraries.
- services, and supporting professional development and certification of library staff.
- That's the amount that we spend on those core shared statewide library services.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 5, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Human Services Subcommittee will come to order. Sabrina, please call the roll.
- This role places us in a posture to develop innovative services and enhance existing services and address
- We greatly appreciate their ongoing partnership and service.
- We greatly appreciate their ongoing partnership and service as first responders.
- So services that were supported with the $48 million... ...of work.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period.
Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services.
Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Operating costs, like fuel and utilities and legal services.
- Legal services—those costs continue to grow.
- Services I have served DHS for um the Services I have served DHS for um the past<00:58:46.520>
eight - <01:10:24.719>
by ensuring access to needed Services by ensuring access to needed Services - Uh, the first is to extend access to audio-only telehealth services.
Summary:
The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities.
Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years.
MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, AEN-JDC Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In support, Rachel Figurero for Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii.
- Figurero for Volunteer Legal Services Figurero for Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii.<00:19:21.440
- on the Big need mental health services on the Big Island.
- Barbara's service in support. That's everybody who signed up for HB 727.
- of far away for services to be delivered.<00:37:14.480>
Yeah.
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.