Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 9'
Page 237 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- The staff amendment amends various sections to comply with KRS Chapter 13A. >> Would you please identify
- The staff amends various sections to comply with KRS Chapter 13A. opinion of the Attorney General.
- amends various sections to comply<00:02:08.000>
with <00:02:08.200>KRS <00:02:08.600>chapter - comply with KRS chapter 13A. comply with KRS chapter 13A.
- comply with KRS chapter 13A. comply with KRS chapter 13A.
Summary:
The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection.
Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection.
Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 04/24/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- is informational only, but it is a very big body of work that was started last year when we wrote chapter
- two ago, with the indulgence of Senator Kreun, we delayed yet another year the effective date for chapter
- 308C, uh, to effective date for chapter 308C, uh, to give<00:07:06.160>
us <00:07:06.280>some - heavily on cross-references to chapter heavily on cross-references to chapter 515B, 515B, 515B,
- Our involvement in chapter 308C is directly informed by this work on the ground.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Budget Office Oversight Commission 12/17/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's called the Tennessee Public Chapter Review, and that's required by statute.
- The Tennessee Public Chapter Review is in statute that requires at least five Tennessee laws per report
- called the Tennessee public chapter called the Tennessee public chapter review<00:20:19.440>
- Uh the Tennessee<00:20:30.880>
chapter <00:20:31.520>public <00:20:31.840>chapter - ><00:20:32.159>
review Tennessee chapter public chapter review Tennessee chapter public chapter - ><00:20:32.159>
Summary:
The Legislative Budget Caucus Public Commission met with a quorum present, approved the September 3, 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson on proposed updates to the fiscal note uniform standards and procedures. The main changes clarified that agencies must still complete a fiscal note when a bill or section cannot be implemented because of federal law, with the note explaining the implementation issue and costing only the portions that can be implemented. A second change said technical comments about possible future litigation may be included in the narrative but not in the cost tables. Members discussed how these rules would apply when only part of a bill is unimplementable versus when an entire bill is, and whether requiring a note in those cases is the best use of agency time. The commission also approved a new procedure on funding-source assumptions for expanded programs, including assuming the current funding source unless the bill says otherwise and defaulting to the general fund if no source is identified. The updated standards and procedures were adopted by a 7-0 roll call vote, with Senator Wickland excused.
The commission then received a second presentation from Director Larson on a possible analysis of the accuracy of fiscal estimates and budget items after enactment. He described this as a variance analysis comparing fiscal note estimates to actual fiscal impacts, intended to improve future estimates, inform the legislature, and increase accountability. He summarized practices in other states, noting that most variance reviews are ad hoc, while Utah and Tennessee have more formalized legislative reports; he also referenced an LBO pilot review done in 2022 based largely on Tennessee’s model. The presentation outlined possible report formats, including a single annual report, standalone briefs, or topic-specific reviews, and raised implementation questions such as who would select items for review, whether the analysis should be limited to fiscal notes, what statutory authority or data access would be needed, and what resources would be required from both agencies and the LBO.
Members did not take action on the second presentation. Representative Anderson and Vice Chair Pratt commented that the proposal is complicated but potentially useful for improving future fiscal notes and transparency, and the chair indicated the discussion was for future consideration rather than an immediate decision.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to just amend just a little bit of the language in section 6, chapter 1, 278 HRS, Hawaii Revised
- So the first question is: what is your understanding of the objectives of Chapter 127A?
- This does not fix the core danger in Chapter 127A HRS.
- Chapter 127A gives the governor unilateral, sweeping powers with almost no checks.
- I’m asking you for an answer as to what your understanding is as to Chapter 127A. Okay, thank you.
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25.
The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates.
Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation - 05/05/2026
Environmental Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- Act amending Chapter 306 of the Laws of 2011, authorizing owners of residential real property in high-risk
- An act to amend Chapter 378 of the Laws of 2014, amending the Environmental Conservation Law relating
- Act to amend Chapter 378, the laws of 2014, amending the environmental conservation law relating to taking
- sharks in relation to Act amend in Chapter 378, the laws of 2014, amending the Environmental Conservation
Summary:
The Senate Environmental Conservation Committee met with a quorum and a very full agenda, moving quickly through a series of environmental and natural resources bills. Early action included approving S.1343B, the clean fuel standard bill, which was referred to Finance with one nay. The committee then took up S.1464A, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, where supporters said it had been heavily amended to address industry concerns and protect public health by reducing packaging waste and toxic chemicals. Opponents, including Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Stec, raised concerns about costs, unintended consequences for business, agriculture, dairy, food safety, and consumer prices. Supporters argued the bill would reduce waste, protect people from toxins, and that many farms and dairy operations were exempted. The bill was advanced to Finance with two nays and one without recommendation.
The committee also considered several bills tied to climate and energy policy. S.2712, sponsored by Senator Stec, would delay CLCPA implementation for 10 years and require a cost-benefit analysis; Stec argued New York has not adequately studied the law’s costs and cited rising utility bills, while Chair Harckham and others defended the state’s clean energy direction and said the bill would not move forward. S.3652, which would prohibit certain restrictions on motor vehicle sales, and S.5611, which would create a Climate Action Cost Council and limit annual climate-related rulemaking, were both voted down and not referred onward. By contrast, S.797A, the Mohawk River Basin Management Act, advanced to Finance with support from its sponsor, Senator Fahy.
The committee then took up S.8933, Senator Helming’s bill to prohibit PFAS in photovoltaic modules. Helming said the bill was a common-sense measure to keep forever chemicals out of solar panels and protect water and soil; Harckham responded that the bill’s timeline would effectively halt the solar industry and said there was no evidence of PFAS leaching from solar panels. The bill was not advanced. The committee also advanced S.9206 on brush-fire area reed removal for Staten Island, S.9280 on open water data, S.9462 on deer management permits, S.963 on Atlantic bonito and false albacore management, and S.9479A on tidal wetlands definitions. In the final portion of the meeting, the committee rapidly approved a long slate of routine end-of-session fisheries and marine resource extender bills, including measures on sharks, lingcod, black sea bass, blueback herring, fluke, scup, commercial food fish licenses, special management areas, American eel, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, squid, and winter flounder.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 100 Apr 24th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a sub-chapter of the Congressional Sportsman Caucus.
- > is<00:29:06.800>
a Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a sub-chapter - <00:29:07.600>
of <00:29:07.760>the <00:29:07.880>Congressional sub-chapter of the - Congressional sub-chapter of the Congressional Sportsman<00:29:08.960>
Caucus.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- This section creates a new chapter within the crimes and criminal procedures titled regarding criminology
- /c><00:10:25.080>
creates <00:10:25.360>a <00:10:25.440>new <00:10:25.600>chapter - This section creates a new chapter This section creates a new chapter within<00:10:26.200>
the
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- to the October 9th Strength and Support event that we did with MAPSE, which is the Massachusetts chapter
- As introduced, Governor Healey recently signed the supplemental budget, which is Chapter 73 of the Acts
- of 2025, which brings a number of changes to the DDS statute, which is General Law, Chapter 123B, specifically
- And there are also some changes to the public records law, General Law, Chapter 66, to which DDS is subject
- I'm not going to take any of the Secretary of State's steam on the changes to General Law Chapter 66.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual meeting and approved the September minutes. Chair Denise Garlick opened with updates on the commission’s first “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Needham, reporting strong attendance, a large resource fair, and mostly positive survey feedback. Commissioners said the event was valuable for connecting advocates, providers, and people with disabilities, while also noting lessons learned about accessibility, timing, and the need for more networking time and advance materials. The chair said the commission is planning future forums in other regions, including possible sites in Lowell, Northampton, and the South Shore.
A major item was the new advisory council. Oz Osmondahar and Eman described the outreach and screening process, which drew roughly 60 nominations and emphasized lived experience, sector expertise, geographic diversity, and connections to broader networks. The council will serve as strategic advisors and thought partners, meet twice a year, and hold its first in-person orientation on January 30 at the State House Members Lounge. Commissioners were encouraged to stay engaged with the council and use it to strengthen commission and subcommittee work.
Subcommittee reports covered employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported collaboration with SEED, a presentation at the Employment Matters Conference, a discussion with a disability employee resource group, and upcoming work with CED and veterans advocates. The Workforce Supports Subcommittee heard from the MassHealth Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center about workforce data gaps and an upcoming needs assessment, and plans to host ADDP on 2025 workforce metrics. The long-term services and supports committee discussed the Housing Navigator program, barriers to accessible housing, and concerns about how federal cuts could affect disability services and health equity.
The commission also heard from DDS Deputy General Counsel Erin Brown and Associate Commissioner Chris Klaskin on a new law expanding access to records from former state institutions, including new notification and privacy procedures and a forthcoming regulatory process with public input. Commissioners welcomed the law as a step toward transparency and dignity. Amen gave an executive director update on the annual report, recent collaboration with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, a national state-employer practice group, and the IDD/Autism Alliance working group. The meeting also included a moment of reflection for disability activist Alice Wong, a commissioner announcement about Work Without Limits’ virtual career fair, and adjournment after a motion and second were approved unanimously.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There's one correction I would add to that. um is also from chapter 8 of California law that um the initial
- There's one correction I would add to that. um is also from chapter 8 of California law that um the initial
- ><00:16:24.720>
from would add to that. um is also from would add to that. um is also from chapter - :16:27.279>
law <00:16:27.759>that <00:16:28.399>um <00:16:28.880>the chapter - 8 of California law that um the chapter 8 of California law that um the initial<00:16:29.920>
um<
Keywords:
cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing
Summary:
The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures.
Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours.
In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/12/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- as a governor for the Minnesota chapter of<01:25:28.480>
the <01:25:28.560>American <01 - So on behalf of the Minnesota chapter of the American College of Physicians, I respectfully urge this
- So on behalf of the Minnesota chapter of the American College of Physicians, I respectfully urge this
- And the Minnesota chapter of council.
- Pediatrics chapter strongly supportive of<01:33:40.800>
this <01:33:41.480>legislation
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair and a member had said, you know, it's anywhere between 7 and 9% of the levy, and to hear Otter
- said you you know it's anywhere between said you you know it's anywhere between 7<00:02:31.480>
9% - 02:32.879>
levy <00:02:33.360>and <00:02:33.640>to <00:02:33.800>hear 7 9% - of you know the levy and to hear 7 9% of you know the levy and to hear otter<00:02:34.400>
taale< - short at least $9 million is needed<00:40:43.359>
to <00:40:43.480>fill <00:40:43.760><
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not outside of chapter 17, that my colleague here is speaking about.
- Um, that's not outside<00:27:57.360>
of <00:27:58.080>uh, <00:27:58.320>chapter < - So that was why the SECOS chapter supported what the NHBOA submitted as a revision initially.
- So that was why the SECOS chapter supported what the NHBOA submitted as a revision initially.
- It just sort of administration chapter.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- We have members today from over 25 chapters in Maryland.
- We have members today from over 25 We have members today from over 25 chapters<00:04:35.199>
uh <00:04:36.800>And <00:04:37.120>today's chapters uh in Maryland. - And today's chapters uh in Maryland.
- To the wonderful members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters, we thank you
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi David Hland, followed by a series of introductions and recognitions for visiting groups and guests, including Delta Sigma Theta members for Delta Day in Annapolis, Towson High School students, the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition, interns, and other visitors. The Senate adopted a resolution honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters for service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action, and also journalized the rabbi’s invocation. Several committee and delegation announcements were made, including upcoming bill hearings and voting sessions.
On legislation, the chamber handled a number of special-order and third-reading bills. Senate Bill 56 and Senate Bill 99 were both delayed for further amendment work, with SB 99 ultimately amended and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also received and referred a bond initiative and heard an executive nominations report, with the nominations set for consideration in open session at a later time. During third reading, the Senate passed numerous bills, including measures on mail and service animal program disqualifications, police promotion pay restrictions, counterfeit lease penalties, Motor Vehicle Administration identification card requirements, environmental health specialist board sunset extension, used vehicle bill of sale requirements, collective bargaining for ATC cannabis police officers, transfer-on-death designations for vehicles and vessels, heavy-weight port corridor permits, controllable electronic records, lead paint abatement bonding and insurance, civic excellence in public schools, child pornography penalties, cemetery sale/transfer requirements, tobacco licenses for electronic smoking devices, legal services board membership, Baltimore County Public Library supervisory bargaining, money transmitter definitions, scalp cooling insurance coverage, prosthesis and orthosis coverage, elevator inspection database access, tax increment financing in noncontiguous areas, professional liability disclosure for certain care facilities and midwives, immunity for donation of pet supplies, massage therapy board revisions, and others.
One bill drew floor debate: Senate Bill 82, which would increase penalties for counterfeit lease of real property, was opposed by a senator who argued it would disproportionately impact renters and conflict with justice reform goals. Despite that objection, the bill passed. The Senate also changed one recorded vote on Senate Bill 252 from red to green by unanimous consent. Overall, the session was marked by routine passage of a large slate of bills, a few postponements for amendment negotiation, and several ceremonial recognitions and announcements.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We've submitted testimony with comments that suggests amending other provisions within Chapter 107, HRS
- amending other um that suggests amending other Provisions<00:04:16.880>
Within <00:04:17.320>Chapter - 107<00:04:18.560>
HRS <00:04:19.359>if <00:04:20.280>uh Provisions Within Chapter - 107 HRS if uh Provisions Within Chapter 107 HRS if uh this<00:04:20.560>
bill <00:04:20.840>- deduction shall be claimed<00:27:50.200>
under <00:27:50.480>this <00:27:50.679>chapter - deduction shall be claimed<00:27:50.200>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on building codes, taxation, police reports, National Guard benefits, and discriminatory reporting. SB 48 would have required the State Building Code Council to assess financial impacts of code adoption on homes and include utility costs; testimony was mixed, but the bill drew concerns about housing costs and code timing. SB 120 would have changed the State Building Code Council’s responsibilities and code adoption process; the International Code Council and Sierra Club opposed it, while BIA Hawaii and others supported it, arguing current code cycles raise costs and counties need more flexibility. The committee later noted that county building departments had not submitted testimony on SB 48 or SB 120.
SB 138 would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for hurricane-resistant safe rooms. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and revenue uncertainty, while Hawaii Emergency Management stood on written comments. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a clarifying tax language change and an effective date of July 1, 2077. SB 112 would allow immediate family members of deceased persons to receive police closing reports after a set period; the Attorney General and prosecuting attorney supported access in principle but requested explicit redaction authority for minors and confidential personal information. The committee adopted amendments reflecting those concerns and passed the bill.
SB 88 would authorize allowances for TRICARE, dental, and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. It received support from National Guard and Department of Defense representatives and was passed as is. SB 16 would create civil remedies for discriminatory reporting to law enforcement based on protected characteristics and require public guidance from the Department of Law Enforcement and Civil Rights Commission; it received support from the department and several advocates, with one opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 16 with an amended effective date and technical changes. In final action, the committee deferred SB 48 and SB 120, and adopted the chair’s recommendations on the remaining measures before adjourning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Sandy Byer, I'm the director for Sierra Club's Grand Canyon chapter, which is the Arizona chapter
- Chair, Senator Sandy Byram, the director for CR Club's Green Canyon Chapter, we had started out opposing
- Sandy Barr, director for Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2696.
- I am Sandy Barr, the director for Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and
- Senator Sandy Barr, and I'm the director for Sierra Club's Green Canyon Chapter—that's the Arizona chapter—and
Bills:
HB2014, HB2055, HB2145, HB2150, HB2696, HB2755, HB2763, HB2781, HB2782, HB2787, HB2795, HB2889, HB2975, HB2985, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2020, HCR2038
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, Arizona Revised Statutes, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, state land department, mineral lease, renewals
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the Environmental Advisory Council was established under chapter 341, which is adjacent to chapter
- The Environmental Advisory Council was established under chapter 341, which is adjacent to chapter 343
- She understands Chapter 343 and our Hawaii Administrative Rules, 11.200.1.
- She understands Chapter 343 and our Hawaii Administrative Rules, 11.200.1.
- She understands understands understands uh<00:23:15.039>
chapter <00:23:15.440>343 <00:23
Summary:
The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes.
The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge.
Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161, commonly referred to as the HUB program for historically underutilized
- his authority in direct violation of the statute setting up the HUB program, Texas Government Code Chapter
- his authority in direct violation of the statute setting up the hub program, Texas Government Code Chapter
- to read the whole dissertation, but I'm here to tell you that if the Houston HUB program, for the chapter
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- process, but to our research, no project was ever executed, and that was mainly done just under a DBED chapter
- a<00:05:25.440>
DBED <00:05:26.720>um <00:05:27.680>uh <00:05:28.440>chapter - <00:05:29.440>
Um <00:05:29.759>this just under a DBED um uh chapter. - Um this just under a DBED um uh chapter.
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two concurrent resolutions. HCR 33 proposed asking the U.S. Postmaster General to relocate the Pearl City Post Office from Kamehameha Highway and Acacia Road to Navy property on the Pearl City Peninsula. Testifiers, including Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Verrett and resident Lena Ala Baiton, supported the move, citing severe congestion, narrow access, safety concerns, and the potential to improve traffic flow and support transit-oriented development. Members noted a similar Senate measure had already passed, and HCR 33 was recommended to pass unamended.
The committee then considered HCR 157, which would establish a task force to simplify permitting for enhanced economic development and coordinate state and intergovernmental permitting processes. Testimony in support was submitted by representatives connected to DBED/HHFDC and others. In discussion, members questioned whether such a task force was necessary, what projects it would address, how often it would meet, whether it could include housing and local-level projects, and what the cost might be; the response was that the resolution would provide more structure, no similar project had been executed before, and costs were not yet known but could be addressed later. The committee ultimately recommended HCR 157 pass unamended, and the recommendation was adopted without objection.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (04/07/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be starting with SB 65 and then around 9:30 we'll progress to SB 230, then on to SB 232, and
- <00:04:30.880>
then <00:04:31.440>uh <00:04:31.759>around <00:04:32.160>9: - 30<00:04:32.800>
we'll SB65 and then uh around 9:30 we'll SB65 and then uh around 9:30 we'll - <05:16:51.120>
Sections <05:16:51.680>4 <05:16:51.920>through <05:16:52.160>9< - Sections 4 through 9 have to Okay. Okay.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- in our statute that to new St uh chapter in our statute that to me<00:44:58.920>
reads <00:44: - to our law book, which already has hundreds of chapters in it anyway.
- to the law book, which already has hundreds of chapters in it anyway.
- I'm not going to be... so he totally rewrote the chapter, correct?
- so he tottally rewrote the chapter so he tottally rewrote the chapter correct correct correct exactly
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language.
The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent.
Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.