Video & Transcript Research : 'continuous operation'
Page 254 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think we will continue that.
- They would have to continue operating, or continue offering, the associate degree in nursing.
- And that's really... ...operating or continue offering the associate degree in nursing.
- continuously for many years.
- continuously for many years.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on community college baccalaureate programs and trustee compensation. AB 2528 would raise the maximum monthly compensation cap for community college district trustees, with the author and supporters arguing the change is permissive, long overdue, and needed to make service more accessible to working people and better reflect community diversity. CSEA took a tweener position, warning about optics and asking for longer public notice before any compensation increase, while some members raised concerns about taxpayer costs and benefits. The bill was discussed but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.
The committee then took up AB 2053, which would authorize Coast Community College District to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Supporters said the bill addresses a workforce shortage, serves working adults and veterans, and includes an LAO evaluation and a sunset. CSU and its Academic Senate opposed the bill, arguing it duplicates existing CSU programs and could set a precedent for more one-off degrees. Members also raised questions about funding, Prop. 98, and whether the program would divert resources; the author said the district already has funding and that the bill is a narrow pilot. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer the bill to Appropriations, with several ayes and some no votes, and the roll left open for additional members.
AB 2301, a pilot allowing up to 10 community college districts to offer nursing bachelor’s degrees, drew broad support from nursing, labor, and community college groups who said California faces a severe nursing shortage and that community colleges offer a more affordable pathway for working and rural students. CSU and other opponents argued existing ADN-to-BSN pathways are more efficient and that the bill could worsen competition for limited clinical placements and faculty. Members questioned funding and Prop. 98 impacts; the Chancellor’s Office said the pilot would not require new state funding and would rely on existing mechanisms such as Strong Workforce and nursing infrastructure grants. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer AB 2301 to Appropriations, with the roll again left open. The transcript then began AB 2694, a broader workforce-responsive baccalaureate expansion bill intended to address duplication rules and create a more flexible process for community college bachelor’s degrees, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:09.919>
to well-connected are going to continue to well-connected are going to continue - reduce the deficit, but continuously reduce the deficit, but continuously vote<06:24:00.160>
- >
of <06:24:22.638>presidential it continues the pattern of presidential it continues the - ever into the program's operation. ever into the program's operation.
- The Judiciary Committee will continue to conduct aggressive oversight of FISA, and we will continue to
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- we don't have heavy equipment operators we don't have heavy equipment operators we<00:30:02.399>
- It wouldn't affect any operating costs.
- <01:09:17.520>
costs it wouldn't affect any operating costs it wouldn't affect any operating - of the cost so they might make continue of the cost so they might make continue to<01:12:08.639>
make - <01:30:37.960>
on they're regulated they can't operate on they're regulated they can't operate
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure.
HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu.
HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses.
HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Minnesota House passes HF3023, a bill to extend unemployment insurance for Iron Range miners 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please vote green. the taconite mines that operate in the taconite mines that operate in northern<00:
- <00:16:03.520>
it's I think that we often times operate it's I think that we often times operate - And that can continue to bring continued stability to our schools across the state of Minnesota. have
- to<00:21:29.560>
bring <00:21:29.880>continued And that can continue to bring continued - And that can continue to bring continued stability<00:21:31.360>
to <00:21:31.560>our <
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- operating public school in Texas. taxes.
- He later gained approval to operate the first official football team. and he coached it from 1894 to
- Okay, we will continue with public. Testimony and the chair calls up Andrea Chavalier. Ryan.
- It's wonderful that she continues the mission for others. It's very good. Thank you. Go ahead.
- Our SPED team is operating under extreme pressure due to shortages and essential staff.
Keywords:
special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Have the opportunity to continue to raise important issues, so thank you.
- operations.
- Additional use cases, and in those cases we're operating to support the ERCOT grid.
- Market options help ensure continuity of care and prevent gaps in coverage.
- And the losses continue. today. I give each of you a legislative district one pager.
Bills:
HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate the opportunity to continue to expand. We work in partnership with Operation next.
- We're one of only 5 institutions in Florida participating operate operation next powered ballot.
- operation.
- The future is bright for Florida and we continue to see growth but continued investment and workforce
- Continued investment in workforce development is going to continue to uplift the people in the citizens
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- So we can continue this conversation off record, and I can continue making the points that I'm making
- Continued declines overall in enrollment are going to continue, state revenues are continuing to rise
- So know that we'll continue to have conversations there as well as our local education institutions continue
- That's key so we can continue...
- And then it continues to cycle out.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 13, February 24, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh I don't know that continue to grow.
- That's my continue to go forth.
- And I I just the state has operated on.
- , operations, operations, expenses,<01:28:40.480>
expenses, expenses, expenses, expenses, expenses - <01:48:01.840>
outside laboratory service operations. outside laboratory service operations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- today and we look forward to continue today and we look forward to continue conversations<01:08:
- As<01:29:26.520>
we <01:29:26.640>continue <01:29:27.080>the As we continue the - As we continue the continue<01:29:28.240>
the <01:29:28.320>successful <01:29:28.960> - sound policy and operational realities. sound policy and operational realities.
- the full cost of its operations. the full cost of its operations.
Keywords:
school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, if I can continue, what I'm... Board of Directors, subsection 1B line 9.
- Now, if I can continue, what I'm... Adding one more.
- Now, if I can continue, what I'm seeing is now we've got two—in other words, another person that's in
- The grounds are just meticulously maintained, but they need a little bit more money to operate with.
- We don't think there's a lot, because a lot of them are operated by churches or, you know, when they're
Bills:
HB1162
Keywords:
Lake Agassiz, water authority, board of directors, state highways, water management, 908, all
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change.
House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0.
The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- this good bill that supports Florida virtual schools, which is our is a public school and often operates
- Remember, they are state agency, but they operate as a business selling their content out virtually to
- And again, they operate as a business.
- The the scholarships are going to continue to grow during that The the scholarships are going to continue
- And and let's continue to have that conversation Route.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
LBT, LBT DEFER Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Authorizes the rehiring of retirees for positions that are unique and critical to operations.
- unique and critical to operations. unique and critical to operations.
- So we'll continue the conversation on that.
- unique and critical to operations. unique and critical to operations.
- conversation<00:46:32.720>
on So we'll continue the conversation on So we'll continue the
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 2567, a Judiciary package measure concerning temporary restraining orders for threats and harassment tied to a public employee’s official actions. Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office and the Judiciary said they had worked out a compromise to address earlier concerns, including a two-year pilot project, broader coverage for state officers and employees across all branches and counties, a special fund to pay for private counsel in some cases, and authority for Judiciary staff attorneys or Judiciary funds to represent Judiciary personnel. Members asked about coverage for retired judges, funding limits, and whether the measure could be used for workplace disputes; the witnesses said retired judges and per diem judges could be covered if the harassment related to their work, the fund would be limited and subject to available appropriations, and petitions would not be allowed between employees in the same branch. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously.
The committee then heard SB 2448, which creates a civil remedy for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images under the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act. The bill’s proponent from the Uniform Law Commission explained that a plaintiff would need to show intentional disclosure or threat of disclosure of a private intimate image without consent, and said the privacy question would be fact-specific. Supporters, including the Commission on the Status of Women and Imua Alliance, favored giving survivors civil recourse. Opponents from the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and others warned that the term "private" could invite victim-blaming and broad discovery into a survivor’s past, while still acknowledging the need for some privacy limitation to avoid overbreadth, especially for people who intentionally distribute intimate content online.
Committee members questioned whether the definition of "private" should be tightened. The bill’s proponent said the term should remain because it aligns with the related criminal statute and helps keep the measure focused on classic revenge-porn situations, while still allowing Hawaii-specific changes if needed. The committee did not take final action on SB 2448 in the portion provided, but testimony and discussion centered on balancing survivor protections with concerns about discovery and the scope of liability.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- If disconnected while presenting testimony, you may be allowed to continue if time permits.
- <00:27:06.520>
for that that position funding continue for that that position funding continue - There is a leaseholder that holds the lease, not wanting to have dairy operations.
- operating operating funds<00:54:02.599>
um <00:54:03.359>for Funds, um, for the coordination - team, as well as for the working group that they will use that pot of money to operate.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, with most witnesses either supporting the bills or offering technical concerns and suggested amendments. On SB 338, testimony came from the Department of Taxation, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and Surpac, and the bill later moved forward with amendments. On SB 558, testimony was largely in support from the Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, which described the measure as supporting rural jobs, food-system development, and use of off-grade agricultural products. ADC requested flexibility for neighbor-island siting and funding allocations, while the committee also discussed whether the bill’s language should be made more general and whether it could raise constitutional concerns about overly specific site designations. The bill was advanced with amendments and a noted appropriation allocation of $350,000.
The committee also heard SB 186, which drew support from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, DED, ADC, AAHU RC&D, and the Hawaii Youth Food Council. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination among agencies on food systems, help address food security and the state’s 30% by 2030 farm-to-school goal, and create a more organized statewide food systems effort. SB 328 received support from the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Farm Bureau, with Farm Bureau describing it as a way to repurpose existing dairy infrastructure to revive hog production and support livestock and farm-to-school goals; the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the measure as a potentially narrow industry incentive that could unfairly benefit a specific taxpayer and said a direct appropriation would be more transparent. SB 89 was described by Hawaii Farm Bureau as a labeling measure intended to protect the integrity of a culturally relevant local product, though the group raised concerns about wording and implementation timing.
Later, SB 742 received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaii System, Hawaii KidsCAN, the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, and the State Commission on the Status of Women. Testifiers said the bill would improve cross-agency data sharing, support workforce and education planning, and create public-facing dashboards; the Commission on the Status of Women asked to be included in the working group or as an advisory member. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments and advanced SB 338, SB 558, and SB 1186. For SB 1186, the chair’s recommendation added three positions, specified committee-note funding amounts for those positions and operating funds, and revised working-group membership to have co-chairs appoint five members with relevant experience and expertise.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- for me it will be on Tuesday, and then Chair Franson will be gaveling on Thursday, so that we can continue
- The OMB memo highlighted seven areas, and the focus continues there.
- Farmer investments into energy-efficient operations. So I will conclude just with IIJA.
- there are still operational cost there there are still operational cost there but<00:47:14.280>
wanted - if there's going to be any operational if there's going to be any operational cost<00:51:13.040>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Government Operations Agency, or GovOps.
- This was published by the Government Operations Agency back in November of 2023.
- We continue to be efficient.
- continue to grow the economy, not just in our backyard...
- Again, authority, not dollars, to staff and maintain and operate Building 18.
Summary:
The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes.
GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience.
The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts.
The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group (RHG) - Tue Jan 27, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have four operating jails and one hybrid.
- <00:24:01.440>
of safety, security and early operation of safety, security and early operation - Systemic change continues to focus on the staffing crisis helping jails and prisons.
- <00:32:36.080>
control dictates a need for continuous control dictates a need for continuous - That's been continuously reported on.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Jan 31st, 2026 at 09:07 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- So they are eligible to apply for any of those needs they have and can continue to.
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, if you wish, we can continue, or I can continue and address impactful
- to grow these operations across the state.
- Ensuring continued support for agriculture, rural economies, Almost.
- We view this as a continuation of that relationship and those partnerships.
Keywords:
food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So we all operate a little bit differently.
- So we all operate a little bit differently.
- We intend to continue to do that.
- So that’s an added layer of barriers that our community continues to face, and we continue as an organization
- That is a real thing here, and it continues to happen.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems.
The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities.
The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- um and we're look forward to continuing um and we're look forward to continuing to<00:05:16.080>
- forward broken down our operating forward broken down our operating requests<00:05:23.240>
into - <00:24:16.400>
and building please cease operations and building please cease operations and - The backlog is extreme and continuing to grow.
- Please cease operations and leave the building. Thanks.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance.
Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.