Video & Transcript : 'prosecuting attorney' :
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/10/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a water attorney, and I work regularly with recharge topics.
- I'm a water attorney, and I work regularly with recharge topics, and I was asked by Marbella Homes, my
- applied for years to area-of-impact-of-storage definitions. ...so that's great, except for when I'm an attorney
- I'm a water attorney and I work regularly with recharge topics and I was asked by Marbella homes my client
- applied for years to area of impact of storage definitions so that's great except for when I'm an attorney
Keywords:
groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, irrigation, active management area, domestic use, stock watering, water rights, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use, industrial users, water storage, recovery well, Arizona Revised Statutes, water management
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- With jury service, the attorneys get a chance to do voir dire to find out who we really want on the jury
- With jury service, the attorneys get a chance to do voir dire to find out who we really want on the jury
- This legislation comes at the advice and request of our Attorney General's office, and this deals with
- With juries' service, the attorneys get a chance to do voir dire to find out who we really want on the
- bring before you today, Senate Bill 1370, this legislation comes at the advice and request of our Attorney
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee met and first approved the February 25, 2026 minutes. It did not hear RS 33661 or Senate Bill 1366 at the sponsor’s request and because the Secretary of State wanted further changes. The committee also briefly considered a gubernatorial appointment for Shelly Enderud to the State Building Authority, but postponed action until a later meeting after technical issues prevented a full initial connection; Enderud later appeared and described her background in city finance, bonding, and construction-related work, and the committee said it would likely vote on her appointment on Wednesday.
The committee then advanced several bills. House Bill 560, presented by Senator Hart, would let county clerks offer some prospective jurors the option of serving as poll workers instead of on a jury, with successful poll service excusing them from jury duty for two years; it passed unanimously to the floor. Senate Bill 1370, presented by Senator Lakey, would remove the word “recruiting” from Idaho’s abortion trafficking statute to better defend the rest of the law amid pending litigation; it passed to the floor, with Senator Shippy voting no.
The committee also advanced House Bill 697 and House Bill 698, both election-related cleanup measures presented by Senator Bernt and supported by Secretary of State Phil McGrane. HB 697 separates previously combined election-crime provisions so charges are clearer to the public, and HB 698 closes a loophole so people convicted of felony treason in another state cannot restore voting rights in Idaho; both were sent to the floor with do-pass recommendations. Finally, Senate Bill 1364, presented by Senator Guthrie, would address a gap in the expiration of temporary administrative rules so they do not lapse before pending rules take effect; it also passed to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and the committee then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - House Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim Fleming with the Rules Attorney Office.
- Chairman, I'm wondering if the rules attorney has reviewed an Arizona Supreme Court case.
- Carter mr. chairman I'm wondering if the rules attorney has reviewed a Arizona Supreme Court case I think
- As we clearly heard from the Rules Attorney, House Bill 2589 would fail strict scrutiny in the courts
- We heard from the Rules Attorney that the sponsors are working on an amendment. It sounds like...
Summary:
The Rules Committee considered several bills for constitutional and proper-form review. House Bill 2171, which would bar certain hostile governments and related persons from owning or possessing Arizona real property and create enforcement penalties, was flagged for possible conflict with federal foreign-relations law but was recommended 5-2. House Bill 2446, requiring commercial truckers to demonstrate English proficiency and allowing out-of-service orders, was also recommended 5-2, with staff noting a needed amendment to carve out the federal border commercial zone. House Bill 2331, as amended, would require electric utilities to obtain 85% of generation from “reliable” sources by 2030; staff raised concerns about the Arizona Corporation Commission’s exclusive constitutional authority over utility regulation, but the committee still recommended it 5-2 after discussion of Johnson Utilities and related case law.
House Bill 2589, making it a felony to allow minors to see or be present at a drag show or to perform a drag show in a minor’s view, drew the strongest constitutional concerns. Staff said it implicated the First Amendment and parental rights and would likely face strict scrutiny, but noted the sponsor was working on an amendment; the committee nevertheless recommended it 5-2. House Bill 2592, dealing with artificial intelligence use by state agencies and legislative ratification of temporary rules, was said to be generally acceptable except for provisions that would require the legislature to act within 30 days and by simple majority, which staff described as an impermissible attempt to bind future legislatures; it was recommended 5-2.
The committee then approved a large mass motion covering many additional bills, memorials, and resolutions, all deemed constitutional and in proper form. Staff highlighted House Bill 2976 as one measure that may need amendment because of possible tension with the Arizona Supreme Court’s authority over justice court administration, though it was still included in the mass motion. The mass motion passed 7-0 with one absent, and the meeting adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jun 4th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- Common other reporters include insurance adjusters, attorneys, other states, and the custodial or non-custodial
- Common other reporters include insurance justers, attorneys, other states, and the custodial or non-custodial
- It contains material tailored for insurance companies and adjusters, for attorneys, and for DCS customers
- That really depends on whether there were any attorney fees that needed to be covered.
- Well, let's just assume that this is above any costs, attorney fees, any of those things that are excluded
Summary:
At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements.
The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature.
An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes package of public safety policy measures 4/30/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are we supposed to support our law enforcement, social services, county attorneys?
- and county attorneys meaningful options when<00:23:18.040><c> responding</c><00:23:18.640><c> to</c>
- If you don't trust me, get on your little phone right now and call your attorneys and ask.
- If you don't trust me, get on your little phone right now and call your attorneys and ask.
- If you don't trust me, get on your little phone right now and call your attorneys and ask.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 20, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- , the local community, local attorney, the local community, local control<00:16:18.000><c> believes</
- We had county attorneys take a look at it.
- We we had uh county attorneys take this.
- We we had uh county attorneys take a<00:48:53.200><c> look</c><00:48:53.280><c> at</c><00:48:53.359><
- And then as we looked at it, and as our attorneys looked at it, they thought, well, if we're going to
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Deputy Attorney General Gavin Tom, appearing on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General, and
- Randall Watt, Deputy Attorney General for the Department of the Attorney General.
- Randall Watt, Deputy Attorney General for the Department of the Attorney General.
- Thank you very, very much. general for the Department of attorney general for the Department of attorney
- </c> the recommendations of uh the attorney the recommendations of uh the attorney general<03:13:24.680
Summary:
The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million.
HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries.
HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It also allows the Secretary of State and the Attorney General and the relevant county registrar to seek
- The analysis of both the press and the Attorney General is clear.
- Should an administrative subpoena be submitted on behalf of our Attorney General?
- Should an administrative subpoena be submitted on behalf of our Attorney General?
- ... ...access to clean water, clean food, and refused access to an attorney.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill 951, by Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Office of the Attorney
- General, appropriating additional monies to the Office of the Attorney General for fiscal year 2027,
- General, appropriating additional monies to the Office of the Attorney General for fiscal year 2027,
- General, appropriating additional monies to the Office of the Attorney General for fiscal year 2027,
- And the third part, the Attorney General wanted us to add there on line 36, that any amounts that are
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate, including notice that the Governor signed House Bill 556 and that several enrolled House and Senate measures were transmitted for signatures or filing. The chamber also processed committee reports on a range of bills, including appropriations, agriculture, state affairs, and judiciary matters, and referred House Resolution 33 and later House Resolution 34 for printing. Several bills were returned to committee at the sponsors’ requests, including House Bills 649, 567, 627, 530, 903, 763, and 857.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on concurrence with Senate amendments to House Bills 629, 678, 522, 684, 561, and 860. Members described the amendments as mostly friendly or technical, covering issues such as requiring a paper copy of vehicle registration, narrowing drone-related language and penalties, changing wording on sheriff recapture funding, adding the Basque Autonomous Community flag to the flag bill, and adjusting health-related provisions involving emergency treatment, drug/alcohol exposure, and rape-kit language. The House unanimously concurred in each case.
The most extended floor debate centered on House Bill 940, which revises the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. Supporters said the bill would realign IDLA to its original purpose, curb duplicate use by districts and virtual schools, eliminate driver’s education and LaunchPad, and stop what they described as double-dipping or misuse of public funds. Opponents argued IDLA is an essential service for rural districts, homeschoolers, and students needing AP, dual credit, or courses unavailable locally, warning that the bill would cut access and harm small schools. After debate, the House suspended rules, considered the bill, and passed House Bill 940 by a vote of 48-22.
The House also debated Senate Concurrent Resolution 123, recognizing the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Supporters framed it as a tribute to Idaho ranching and rangeland heritage, while opponents objected to its connection to a United Nations initiative and raised sovereignty concerns. The resolution passed the House 39-28. Later, the House recessed and reconvened, received additional messages and committee reports, and began first reading of new bills including House Bills 944-951 and Senate Bills 1396-1398, with several measures referred to committees for further action.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The attorney general or the county prosecutor are the ones to investigate and enforce.
- I know you're an attorney, but we're only going to give you two minutes to talk.
- Chairman, I am not an attorney, just to disabuse anyone of that notion.
- Just while we have an attorney here, I wanted to take advantage of that. And so, Mr.
- As I indicated before, an AG opinion is an attorney opinion.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 17 and introduced a new page. It then took up Senate Bill 1261, which would add the word “appointed” to code so that an appointed officeholder is treated the same as an elected one after a resignation and appointment. There was no opposition, and the committee voted to send SB 1261 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The main item was House Bill 745, a proposal by Rep. Judy Boyle to bar school districts from using public funds or payroll systems for certain union-related activities. Boyle said the bill would stop districts from paying union dues, increasing compensation to cover dues, providing paid leave for union work, sharing extra personal information with unions, or distributing union communications, while exempting police and firefighter unions and preserving collective bargaining. Committee members pressed her on why teachers were singled out, how the bill fit with existing law, and whether the claimed $1.2 million fiscal impact was consistent with the fiscal note. Boyle said the bill was aimed at keeping taxpayer money in classrooms and that some districts already use public funds for union-related costs.
Public testimony on HB 745 was split. Supporters, including representatives of the Freedom Foundation, Americans for Prosperity, the National Right to Work Committee, parents, taxpayers, and several teachers or school employees, argued that payroll deductions, paid release time, and district support for union activities improperly subsidize private political organizations and should be paid for by unions themselves. Opponents, including the Idaho Education Association, the AFL-CIO, a superintendent, and an educator, argued the bill is aimed at teachers’ unions, is not neutral because it excludes police and fire, could interfere with local community events and school partnerships, and may create legal and administrative problems. No final vote on HB 745 was taken in the portion provided; testimony continued with the bill still under consideration.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Justice Stands is a small group of attorneys who are board certified in practicing DUI law, and I am
- myself an attorney who practices DUI law as well.
- an attorney who is practicing DUI law as well.
- This was with the prosecutors, so Maricopa County attorneys as well as Scottsdale attorneys.
- Used to be the Attorney General's Office did that, and now Contexture... ...electronic filing for the
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2957, which would prohibit cities, towns, counties, and districts from requiring a digital or mobile driver license for government identification purposes and would require physical licenses to be accepted. The sponsor argued the bill preserves choice, privacy, and state control over identification, and several supporters said it protects informed consent and limits biometric data use. Some members raised concerns about travel requirements and proof of legal status, but the sponsor said the bill would not eliminate Real ID or change federal travel rules. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then heard HB 2941, which would make certain unsafe motorcycle lane-splitting or lane-sharing behavior subject to reckless driving penalties. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address dangerous conduct and close a gap in enforcement, while a motorcycle rights advocate explained the difference between lane filtering, which is legal under Arizona law in limited circumstances, and lane splitting, which is not. Testimony emphasized public safety and education for riders. The committee approved the bill with a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote.
Next, the committee considered HB 2305, as amended, dealing with private property towing. The bill would make towing rates a matter of statewide concern, tie charges to DPS tow service agreements, require documentation and notice requirements, and standardize rules for private towing carriers. Supporters said the measure would reduce confusion and predatory towing by creating uniform statewide standards, while opponents from the trucking industry argued the DPS rate structure was designed for emergency towing and that more stakeholder work was needed. After adopting an amendment clarifying the bill applies only to motor vehicles towed from private property, the committee passed the bill 7-0.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2257, a strike-everything amendment changing how watercraft fee revenue is distributed between the watercraft licensing fund, the State Lake Improvement Fund, and boating safety/law enforcement purposes, while also requiring an annual expenditure report. Supporters said the change would help Mohave County and other local agencies that are covering more water patrol duties as Game and Fish resources are stretched, but Game and Fish warned the shift would create a significant fiscal impact and said the department is already operating with tight budgets. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We immediately worked with the Attorney General's office on this to try to find a resolution.
- And there are, or I will say the Attorney General prior to this had issued an opinion.
- To be able to make those redactions, you have to seek an opinion from the Attorney General's office or
- But we also, but that was done in consultation with attorneys from the Attorney General.
- And there would be full investigations, not only by the Secretary of State, but the Attorney General's
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And my the Attorney General said.
- </c> any reason to believe the Attorney any reason to believe the Attorney General<01:45:20.000><c> has
- </c> from the Attorney general. from the Attorney general.
- In your cited by the attorney general.
- </c> can only say if we have an attorney can only say if we have an attorney general<01:51:55.760><c>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- That's done by the Secretary of State with the Attorney General's approval.
- Cameron Torring, counsel attorney for the Arizona Legislative Council.
- He's asking you as a citizen, not as an attorney, correct? Mr.
- The Attorney General, they have the right to sue, is that correct?
- The Attorney General, on... sorry, my eyes were great this time.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Strengthening the partnership between the PUC and the attorney general's office.
- However, the attorney General's office role in the Lone Star Infrastructure However, the attorney General's
- As the Attorney General's office indicated, we too are resource constrained.
- I don't see any other lights on of the Attorney General's office.
- There is an active investigation by the Attorney General's office.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid.
Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security.
The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- , or County Attorney.
- , or County Attorney.
- , or County Attorney.
- friends who'll get on defense attorney friends who'll get on to<00:40:14.839><c> me</c><00:40:15.000
- defense attorney will have a<00:40:37.920><c> road</c><00:40:38.200><c> map</c><00:40:38.480><c> for
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479
00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479
00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574
00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475
00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291
01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291
01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Two, we do this in partnership with volunteer attorneys and MLRI.
- So there's already a backlog right there of over 300 people waiting for an attorney.
- Then... ...already a backlog right there of over 300 people waiting for an attorney.
- So there's already a backlog right there of over 300 people waiting for an attorney.
- And also, I am curious about the attorneys that have been hired.
Summary:
The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began.
MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal.
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-HHS, PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM Public Hearings 03-23-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- 59.080><c> Office</c><00:07:59.520><c> Ryan</c> we have Attorney General's Office Ryan we have Attorney
- I'm the immigrants' rights attorney at the ACLU of Hawaii.
- </c> now because as the immigration attorneys now because as the immigration attorneys that<00:43:36.440
- Aloha, Leilani Stacy, immigrant rights attorney at the ACLU of Hawaii.
- </c><00:53:51.000><c> As</c> attorney at the ACLU of Hawaii. As attorney at the ACLU of Hawaii.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously.
For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously.
The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that was really a discussion from the Attorney General, their input.
- Perhaps the Attorney General's Office, if they think it's an interstate issue.
- </c> really a discussion from the attorney really a discussion from the attorney general,<00:19:17.600
- Perhaps the attorney enforcement.
- </c><00:21:08.400><c> general's</c> we settled on the attorney general's we settled on the attorney general's
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I am going to be asking the Attorney General to look into it and how it all went down.
- I am going to be asking the Attorney General to look into it and how it all went down.
- March 5th was the day that the Attorney General opinion was issued. March 5th of what year?
- March 5th was the day that the Attorney General opinion was issued. March 5th of what year?
- Attorney General opinion was issued March 5th of what year? 2026. Did you say ’26?
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Texas A&M professor Chris Seaberry on chronic wasting disease (CWD) genetics in deer and elk. He argued that susceptibility to CWD is polygenic, that genomic prediction can identify more resistant animals with high accuracy, and that selecting for resistant breeding values plus the PRNP codon 96 S allele could reduce disease prevalence. He said his work has been used in USDA/APHIS programs, that some facilities have been cleaned up using these methods, and that concerns about inbreeding, increased shedding, or harm to hunting quality are overstated. Committee members questioned the science, the risk of releasing potentially infected animals, the financial incentives for breeders, and whether wildlife agencies were resisting the program for philosophical or institutional reasons. The witness and senators also discussed the Department of Wildlife’s role, the Attorney General’s opinion, and whether the state should act more quickly or wait for more data.
The committee then took up House Bill 3270, which would shift rulemaking authority for the deer-release/CWD program from the Department of Wildlife to the Department of Agriculture after members said Wildlife had failed to promulgate rules for two years. The Department of Wildlife testified that it believed it had complied by collecting native deer samples and that it had been operating under a different understanding until the Attorney General’s March 5 opinion clarified the original law. After debate over agency inaction, the adequacy of the science, and the impact on deer breeders and hunters, the committee voted 3-9 against the bill, and HB 3270 failed.
The committee also confirmed Jessica Wilcox to an executive nomination by a 12-0 vote. It then advanced House Bill 3145, which clarifies tagging rules for commercial hunts by making $10 tags apply only to male native wildlife and $0 tags apply to female, feral swine, and exotic wildlife; the bill passed 12-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3056, which would allow unpasteurized cow, goat, and sheep milk to be sold at feed stores and farmers markets with labeling; members questioned gallon limits and whether the bill included adequate warning language, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.