Video & Transcript Research : 'program prohibition'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session D Apr 29th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no federal or state law prohibiting mid-decade congressional redistricting.
- There's no federal law that prohibits mid-decade or mid-census redistricting.
- It explicitly prohibits partisan gerrymandering.
- It prohibits predominance of race without justification.
- And yet the map before us today does exactly what the Constitution prohibits.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituting identical House Bill 1D, to establish Florida’s congressional districts. The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by procedural remarks, then extensive floor discussion focused almost entirely on the redistricting proposal, its timing, and its legal basis. Senator Gaetz, explaining the bill, said the Governor had transmitted the map two days earlier, argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is not prohibited by law, and said the Governor’s stated reasons were to address population growth and to draw race-neutral districts. He also said the legislature could accept, reject, or amend the proposal.
Much of the debate centered on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Louisiana decision and whether it affected Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators Smith, Rouson, Sharief, Polsky, Arrington, Bracey Davis, Bernard, Nathan, and others questioned the short notice, lack of public hearings, the use of partisan data, the absence of sworn testimony, and whether the map diluted minority voting strength or fragmented communities of interest. Gaetz repeatedly said he was not offering legal opinions, that the Governor’s counsel believed the Fair Districts race-based provisions were inconsistent with federal law, and that any legal challenge would be for the courts. He also said the Governor’s mapmaker reported using census and demographic data, along with political data as one of many inputs, and claimed the map’s compactness was comparable to the current map.
A motion by Senator Smith to temporarily postpone consideration of the bill failed on a 12-23 vote. After the Senate returned from a 30-minute break to review the new Supreme Court decision, debate continued. The chamber then substituted HB 1D for SB 8D, read the House bill, and advanced it to third reading. The transcript ends during debate on final passage, with Senators Rouson and Bernard speaking in opposition and arguing the map was procedurally rushed, legally vulnerable, and politically motivated.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-04-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no federal or state law prohibiting mid-decade congressional redistricting.
- There is no federal or state law prohibiting mid-decade congressional redistricting.
- There's no federal law that prohibits a mid-district, mid-census, or mid-decade redistricting.
- It prohibits predominance of race without justification.
- And yet the map before us today does exactly what the Constitution prohibits.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D / House Bill 1D, which would establish Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Sen. Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a redistricting plan two days earlier and argued that mid-decade redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based districting is unconstitutional. Much of the floor time was spent in extended questioning about the process, the lack of public hearings compared with prior redistricting cycles, the use of population estimates from the Census/EDR/ACS, compactness scores, and whether the Governor’s office used partisan data or outside consultants. Gates repeatedly said he was relaying the Governor’s proposal and legal theory rather than offering his own legal opinion, and he said any constitutional challenge would be for the courts.
A major portion of the debate focused on the U.S. Supreme Court’s newly issued Calais decision and its implications for the Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators questioned whether the decision struck down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, whether it affected Florida’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering, and whether the Legislature should postpone action to review the ruling. A motion to temporarily postpone the bill failed by voice vote and then by recorded vote, 12 yeas to 23 nays. Senators also raised concerns that the proposed map cracked minority communities, including Latino and Black populations in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, and that it would produce a heavily Republican-leaning map despite the state’s voter registration mix.
After debate on the Senate bill, the chamber substituted the identical House companion bill, read it a third time, and proceeded to final debate. Opponents argued the map was an illegal partisan gerrymander, was based on assumptions rather than verified data, and would likely lead to litigation. Supporters maintained that the Governor had authority to propose a congressional map, that the plan was race-neutral, and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The transcript ends during continued debate on House Bill 1D, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-04-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no federal or state law prohibiting mid-decade congressional redistricting.
- There's no federal law that prohibits a mid-decade redistricting.
- There's no federal law that prohibits a mid-decade redistricting.
- It prohibits predominance of race without justification.
- And yet the map before us today does exactly what the Constitution prohibits.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It prohibits certified lists of write-in candidates from being posted in my county.
- that certification date uh it prohibits that certification date uh it prohibits certified<00:08:
- in Circuit Court filed by a qualified voter or another candidate, and that process is often cost-prohibitive
- in Circuit Court filed by a qualified voter or another candidate, and that process is often cost-prohibitive
- due to filing fees and legal prohibitive due to filing fees and legal expenses<00:21:24.039>
and<
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably.
The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1393 strengthens the Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
- The Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
- This is a program that's been around about 30 years.
- The steelhead angling community knows this program. They're used to it. They like it.
- SB 1250 doesn't mandate any new projects or create a new funding program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- or another community program.
- <00:20:32.400>
So program or another community program. - So program or another community program.
- that we have to have for that program? that we have to have for that program?
- Um the um program.
Keywords:
healthcare, WIC, community health, licensing, speech-language pathology, audiology, contract term limits, healthcare services, provider enrollment, disenrollment, premium payments, medical assistance, substance use disorders, mental health, children's mental health, early childhood, early intervention, consultation grants, Head Start, child care
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- state of emergency is declared locally that the purchase and sale of firearms is automatically prohibited
- is, is your intent during any locally declared state of emergency that there should never be a prohibition
- is, is your intent during any locally declared state of emergency that there should never be a prohibition
- What was the justification that those city officials gave when they prohibited the purchase of firearms
- This removes an unconstitutional prohibition on the sale, display, and possession of guns and ammo at
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the chamber from interfering with legislative
- multi-agency responses during wildfire seasons, operating one of the busiest search and rescue volunteer programs
- To uplift these individuals, we must champion trauma-informed intervention programs, healing circles,
- These students are part of a special program that emphasizes civic education and engagement.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative
- of General Services for the payment of claims against the state accepted by the Government Claims Program
- that makes technical changes to the six Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Regulatory Programs
- overseen by the Certified Unified Program Agencies.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved procedural motions including suspension of rules for same-day action on certain bills and removal of several measures from the consent calendar. Members also introduced guests and interns from their districts and offices. The chamber then moved through a large number of second- and third-reading items, with many bills deemed read and amendments deemed adopted, and several items passed or retained on file without debate.
On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 104, a budget measure making technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and extending loan repayment terms for two Imperial County hospitals, and to AB 138, which ratified additional collective bargaining agreements and related addenda. Members also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1114 on private ambulance toll fee waivers, AB 642 on emergencies, AB 1051 on state highways, AB 1533 appropriating funds for state claims, SB 611 on housing and land-use litigation delays, SB 251 appropriating funds to pay claims against the state, and AB 1459 on hazardous materials regulatory programs. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 611 and the claims bills were presented as urgency measures and passed unanimously or near-unanimously.
The consent calendar was adopted after ABs and SBs on the remaining list were approved, and the Assembly also re-referred SB 104 and SB 138 to the Budget Committee and moved SB 773 to the inactive file. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for James Raymond Bell, a juvenile justice reform advocate, and Gail Yolanda McGowan, followed by notice of committee meetings and an announcement that the House would stand in summer recess and reconvene on August 18, 2025, at 1 p.m.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- the operation, staffing, and programming the operation, staffing, and programming of<01:17:01.160
- If so, all those in favor, please say aye. forensic program. Thank you. forensic program.
- this<01:53:56.240>
program, <01:53:57.200>in It creates a program, this program, in - the program if this program<01:56:29.440>
goes <01:56:29.760>forward <01:56:30.320> - working on creating a full program. working on creating a full program.
Summary:
The House first returned to Senate Bill 71, a consumer data privacy and online surveillance bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed language allowing companies to rely on consumer consent to sell certain sensitive data. Supporters argued consent pop-ups and terms-of-service notices are not meaningful consent and that sensitive data should be categorically protected, citing Maryland and other states. Opponents, including the committee presenter, said the bill was a carefully negotiated compromise needed to establish Vermont’s first data privacy framework and warned that adopting the amendment could jeopardize passage in the Senate or with the governor. The committee reported the amendment unfavorable on a 9-0 straw poll, the House rejected the amendment, and then approved the committee’s recommended proposal of amendment by roll call vote, 129-3.
During questioning on S. 71, members discussed the bill’s applicability thresholds, with the presenter explaining that the 35,000-consumer threshold was modeled on Connecticut, while lower 3,000 thresholds for sensitive data and data sales were based on business testimony and intended to capture smaller entities such as accountants, lawyers, nonprofits, and trade associations that share or sell lists. Members also asked about the bill’s many exemptions, which were described as covering entities already regulated by state or federal law, including health care entities under HIPAA and banking and insurance sectors. The presenter and supporters emphasized that the bill still requires clear privacy notices, limits data collection to what is reasonable and disclosed, and gives consumers rights to opt out, correct, and delete data. After the roll call vote, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place S. 71 in all remaining stages, passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith.
The House then moved to Senate Bill 193, relating to establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons. The committee presenter from South Burlington previewed that the bill would create a permanent forensic facility, with a separate amendment expected to address interim arrangements while the facility is being developed. The transcript ends as the House begins second reading of S. 193 and the committee reports are introduced, with further debate not shown.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, March 19, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:30.560>
agricultural seizures of prohibited agricultural seizures of prohibited agricultural - programs, aquatics programs, and child care services.
- living programs, members with healthy living programs, aquatics<02:02:07.040>
programs, <02:02 - and universal prek afterchool programs and universal prek programs<02:02:19.199>
to <02:02:19.440 - Uh and in particular, trade program.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And then on top of all nature program.
- HB616 would prohibit substantial.
- Um, program on livestock and equines.
- It was either non-finding or sometimes it was safety net programs that helped, perhaps our hay bale program
- bell<02:27:10.439>
program, perhaps our hay bell program, perhaps our hay bell program, spayneutering
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- called paint care stewardship program called paint care that<01:33:47.440>
would <01:33:47.600 - It would be a wonderful program that I would support when it's re-referred if this was an opportunity
- for retailers to take the initiative to have this program on their own since they will benefit from
- <01:36:36.000>
that <01:36:36.239>I It would be a wonderful program that I It would - take the initiative to have this program take the initiative to have this program on<01:36:43.040
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- imposition of the three-year limitation would result in the claimant shifting the cost to the Medicaid program
- This would be the wage loss benefit, so perhaps the SSI program.
- Under federal law, anti-discrimination laws, does it preclude or does it prohibit discrimination based
- used, to allow employers to request certain documentation as reasons for why leave is needed, to prohibit
- the burden... ...they were shortened benefits, and they'll put the burden on Medicaid and other programs
Keywords:
employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- imposition of the three-year limitation would result in the claimant shifting the cost to the Medicaid program
- This would be the wage loss benefit, so perhaps the SSI program.
- Under federal law, do anti-discrimination laws preclude or prohibit discrimination based upon sexual
- used, to allow employers to request certain documentation as reasons for why leave is needed, to prohibit
- the burden..." “...they would shorten benefits and they’ll put the burden on Medicaid and other programs
Summary:
The committee first voluntarily deferred House Bills 460 and 561, then took up House Bill 1101 on workers’ compensation. The sponsor said the bill would define maximum medical improvement, adjust fraud provisions, shorten temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit periods, and revise vocational rehabilitation rules; an amendment removed proposed age-based termination language for benefits. Business groups including LABI supported the bill as a way to reduce Louisiana’s comparatively high indemnity costs and align the state with regional norms, while injured-worker advocates and attorneys strongly opposed it, arguing it would cut benefits, shift medical and disability decisions away from treating physicians and judges, broaden fraud too far, and potentially push costs onto public programs. After debate, the committee voted to report HB 1101 with amendments.
House Bill 282 was voluntarily deferred. House Bill 293, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Louisiana employment discrimination protections, drew generally supportive testimony from the sponsor and supporters, with some members raising questions about religious exemptions and federal law. The committee ultimately voted against reporting HB 293 favorably. House Bill 390, providing unpaid leave protections for domestic abuse survivors at larger employers, was presented as a tool for survivors, but the committee split 6-6 on a motion to report it favorably; the tie resulted in the bill being voluntarily deferred.
The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand workers’ compensation petition requirements and allow employers or payers broader access to file disputed claims and seek discovery. Supporters argued employers currently lack a practical way to obtain records and challenge claims without first cutting off benefits, while opponents said the bill would revive a rejected 2012 approach, increase litigation, and undermine the no-fault workers’ compensation bargain. The discussion centered on whether the bill would preserve benefits while allowing discovery or instead encourage more disputes and penalties. The transcript ends with testimony still underway on HB 456, with no final vote shown.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not prohibit proxy advisers from giving recommendations they believe are appropriate.
- non-compliance for vaguely written laws that don't clearly define exactly what is allowed and what is prohibited
- Vaguely written laws that don't clearly define exactly what is allowed and what is prohibited.
- 36:59.359>
improve <00:37:00.000>the <00:37:00.240>Medicaid <00:37:00.640>program - how do we improve the Medicaid program? how do we improve the Medicaid program?
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 38 members present and approved the journal from February 9, 2026. Committee reports were received on several bills, including Agriculture reporting Senate Bills 45 and 155 favorably, Banking and Insurance reporting Senate Bills 118 and 153 with committee substitutes, Families and Children reporting Senate Bill 160, and Licensing and Occupations reporting Senate Bills 98 and 145. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 748 and requested concurrence. New measures were introduced, including bills on pharmacy technician supervision, a Kentucky Health Command, campaign finance, and speech-language pathologists, along with several resolutions honoring individuals and memorializing Steven D. Dittle.
The chamber then considered Senate Bill 136, relating to unemployment insurance fraud. Supporters said the bill clarifies which agencies are involved in fraud cases and helps ensure recovered funds are returned to the unemployment trust fund. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 38-0. Senators also debated Senate Bill 183, concerning the regulation of proxy advisory services. Supporters argued it would increase transparency and require disclosure when proxy advice is influenced by non-financial considerations, while opponents said it would create bureaucracy, chill speech, and raise constitutional concerns. After debate, the bill passed 32-6.
After floor action on those bills, Senate Bill 172 on utility fuel adjustment was taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given first reading, and returned to committee. The remainder of the meeting featured extended remarks from a senator from Grayson focused on rural Kentucky, including ambulance access, healthcare delivery, economic decline, Medicaid costs, and the need for greater state investment in rural communities. No further votes were taken on those remarks.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- All regular session members, we heard bill after bill, debate after debate, of how DEI programs were
- The VRA has never, never prohibited that.
- And then the DOJ letter is flatly incorrect in suggesting... ...prohibited that.
- Children are going without food after Governor Abbott vetoed a $60 million summer meal assistance program
- Children are going without food after Governor Abbott vetoed a $60 million summer meal assistance program
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts.
A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony.
Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- same one that um I was asked to amend last term from the chair of judiciary to keep these items prohibited
- the same one that I was asked to amend last term from the chair of judiciary to keep these items prohibited
- Um, there's no the prohibition on carrying them is so nebulous based on the amount of exclusions to the
- So, a a small one is still<00:13:51.360>
prohibited, <00:13:52.160>but <00:13:52.480> - :22.560>
that <00:37:23.119>item they're going to prohibit that item they're going to prohibit
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 04:01 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- It removes language that allows up to 50% of the allocation for the improvement of instructional programs
- that allows county boards to use up to 25% of the allocation for the improvement of instructional programs
- one that allows county boards to use half of the allocation of the teacher and leader induction programs
- The first section directs the Department of Human Services to pay licensed child care program subsidy
- The department is required to review a child's attendance in a child care program and exclude a parent
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported.
The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon July 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, January 20th again realigning the refugee admissions program and that one... referenced earlier um
- the uh January 20th again realigning the refugee<00:22:52.880>
admissions <00:22:53.440>program - 00:22:54.799>
and <00:22:55.039>that <00:22:55.200>one The refugee admissions program - It relates to data sharing concerning the SNAP program.
- Um but then also on the SNAP program.
Summary:
The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order.
A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13.
Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.