Video & Transcript : 'technology transformation' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m also carrying other pieces of legislation that touch or impact the blockchain and crypto technology
- Like any new endeavor or technology, there will be an evolving culture and dynamic.
- with some of you all already how Assembly Member: How the state is fully integrating blockchain technology
- that this could substantially benefit the ecosystem and society as a whole by implementing this technology
- And blockchain and crypto technologies do not go and reinvest these assets, right?
Committee:
House Banking and Finance
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Education and Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
- Health and Human Services and Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
- Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
- Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
- Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and recorded attendance. Members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, and several guest groups were recognized in the gallery, including Greater Phoenix school district leaders, GCU Government and History Club students, Arizona Food Bank Network representatives, and local and tribal officials visiting for appropriations and transportation-related discussions.
The chamber also adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senators and guests offered remarks about the Holocaust, rising antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance, followed by a moment of silence. Later, the Senate received and unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva, with members of the Grijalva family present on the floor and several senators sharing personal tributes.
The Senate then processed a long list of governor’s nominations, first readings, and second-reading bill referrals, including measures on natural resources, education, health, public safety, elections, taxation, utilities, and appropriations. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week. The body recessed briefly, returned to consider SCR 1036 on Attorney General public statements, and then received committee announcements before adjourning until the next day.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Dec 2nd, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, we'll talk a lot about technology today.
- I don't want to represent that I am a master of technology, apparently. Absolutely.
- And so I'll talk about an overview of the Florida Highway Patrol, but also the technological advances
- It uses very high-level technology to identify what type of narcotic it is there on scene.
- And so this is a big technological innovation that has helped us keep our troopers safe.
Summary:
The committee heard two presentations on domestic security. Deputy Commissioner David Binder of FDLE described the state’s domestic security structure, including FDLE’s coordination role, the fusion center system, regional task forces, and private-sector infrastructure partnerships. He emphasized the Domestic Security Oversight Council’s grant-ranking process and warned that federal homeland security funding has dropped sharply over time, with possible future cuts threatening fusion center analysts and other capabilities. Binder also focused on emerging threats, especially drones and counter-UAS issues, noting current legal limits on mitigation authority, concerns about tethered drones and drone use near correctional facilities and military sites, and the need for a turnkey solution if state or federal authority expands. He also highlighted FDLE’s cataloging of critical infrastructure sites through Florida Kicker and the growth of trusted private partners.
Director Dave Kerner of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then outlined the Florida Highway Patrol’s role in domestic security. He paid tribute to a fallen sergeant and discussed FHP’s structure, criminal interdiction work, border integrity and trafficking enforcement, dispatch and communications, aviation and drone use, and immigration enforcement under 287(g). Kerner said troopers have seized large amounts of narcotics and currency this year and have arrested thousands of unlawful immigrants. He also described FHP’s involvement in operations such as Lone Star, Vigilant Sentry, and Faithful Service, and said the agency is working toward expanded counter-UAS authority through federal discussions and Sergeant Dooley’s testimony. Members expressed support for both agencies, discussed the dangers and potential benefits of drones, and the committee adjourned without objection after no public testimony was offered.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Feb 18th, 2026 at 10:07 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- also have a capital grant program so if you're a current manufacturer and you need to purchase technology
- And the reason I was concerned Was that it was unproven technology, and there's only one company that
- But this is not unproven Technology.
- And so for New Mexico to step up and say that we want to bring these technologies here.
- I believe that this will create a market for the best available control technology.
Committee:
Senate Senate Conservation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to signify Texas' commitment to attracting investment and supporting the development of nuclear technologies
- expenses to that entity that is either developing or deploying nuclear supply chain or nuclear technology
- This does mirror, I believe, what is happening... ...with nuclear technology.
- at the federal level will improve regarding the timelines and the efficiency for which nuclear technology
- I'm trying to understand... ...for which nuclear technology can be brought on.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of House bills as pending business, voting to report many of them favorably to the full Senate. Bills reported favorably included HB 705, 1094, 2037, 3005, 3112, 3320, 3388, 3516, 3923, 4134, 4214, 4233, 4350, 4559, 4748, 4765, 5093, 5129, and 5196, with several also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Some measures were reported with committee substitutes, including HB 3516, HB 3848, HB 4211, and HB 14. HB 2488 and HB 3320 had some dissenting votes, while most other bills were approved unanimously or near-unanimously.
The committee spent the most time on HB 14, which Senator Schwertner explained would create the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office in the governor’s office and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund. The substitute would appropriate $350 million this biennium for reimbursement-based grants to support nuclear generation, supply chain development, pre-construction work, and construction-stage costs, with approval from the lieutenant governor, speaker, and governor. Senators Menendez and Nichols asked clarifying questions about whether the program involved grants rather than loans, how reimbursable grants would work, and who would evaluate applications; Schwertner said the program was modeled on the Enterprise Fund and that the grants would not be loans.
After the committee had recessed, Senator Zaffirini asked to change her no votes on HB 4211 and HB 4233 to ayes so those bills could be placed on the local and uncontested calendar, while still registering no votes there. Senator Kolkhorst similarly asked to change her vote on HB 2488 to an aye for calendar purposes, while preserving her no vote. The committee then recessed again after completing its actions on the bills before it.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-PSM-EDT, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been working in this space for over a decade now and have contributed much to this technology and
- We sell this technology here in the state of Hawaii. We are a local company.
- I just wanted to say that this technology is gamechanging, and in fact the Hawaii Emergency Management
- is gamechanging and in in technology is gamechanging and in in fact<00:04:54.880><c> that</c><00:04:
- In the State of Florida, they have tax incentives for this type of technology.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025.
The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations.
The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/04/2026 - House Science & Technology
House Science & Technology Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Science and Technology is called to order. Secretary, would you please note the roll.
- Office within the Office of the Attorney General to pursue consumer fraud violations involving technology
- Office within the Office of the Attorney General to pursue consumer fraud violations involving technology
- Any balance above $10 million at the end of a fiscal year is transferred to the Foreign Adversary Technology
- Yes, I just was wondering, so this is the Foreign Adversary Technology Rip and Replace Fund.
Summary:
The Science and Technology Committee considered Senate Bill 1308, which would create a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office within the Attorney General’s Office to pursue consumer fraud cases involving technology produced by foreign adversaries. The bill also establishes a Foreign Adversary Fraud Fund, includes a $500,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026-27, and directs any fund balance above $10 million at year-end to the Foreign Adversary Technology Rip and Replace Fund. Staff explained that the office would support investigations and litigation, with delayed repeal dates included in the measure.
A representative of State Armor and a local attorney testified in support, arguing the bill would protect consumers and state systems from products with undisclosed security vulnerabilities, citing examples involving cameras and routers allegedly linked to foreign adversary entities. They said the initial appropriation would serve as seed money for enforcement actions that could generate settlements or judgments, and that the resulting proceeds could help replace vulnerable technology in critical infrastructure. Committee members asked about how the rip-and-replace fund would be used, who would identify critical infrastructure, and the effects on government purchasing; the witness said the Department of Homeland Security would identify critical infrastructure and administer the funds.
After discussion, a member moved Senate Bill 1308 be returned with a due pass recommendation. The committee approved the motion on an 8-0 vote, with one member absent.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we're going to take up tab four, Senate Bill 1694 on technology education by Senator Abilah.
- bill revises general education core standards for public post-secondary institutions by adding technology
- The bill requires technology courses to provide students with an understanding of computer science through
- artificial intelligence applications and instruction in specified technology-related subject areas.
- The amendment requires that any general education core course that integrates technology include opportunities
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which revises postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology-integrated general education courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related content such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. The amendment also addressed high school computer science instruction by emphasizing critical evaluation of AI results, limitations of AI, and ethical use. After brief questions and no opposition, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably.
The committee also took up a confirmation package for appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. It then considered SPB 7038, a committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development that touches tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure/jurisdiction, and removal of the classic learning test as a fee-waiver qualifier; the sponsor said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment costs, and that the classic learning test removal was an error to be corrected later.
Joanne Hart of the Florida Dental Association appeared in support of preserving the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE requirements, noting the programs are approved by the Board of Dentistry and help address workforce shortages. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to submit SPB 7038 as a committee bill and then voted unanimously to report it favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Dan King, Chief Technology Officer at Darcy Solutions, a Minnesota-based energy technology
- </c><00:18:13.960><c> with</c><00:18:14.200><c> programs</c> Energy Technologies with programs Energy
- </c> to help deploy Innovative Technologies to help deploy Innovative Technologies support<00:20:39.240
- Broadly, RDA funds were created to support emerging clean energy technologies.
- Broadly, RDA funds were created to support emerging clean energy technologies.
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Jan 29, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- New technologies could help reduce the cost.
- </c> technologies could help reduce the cost. technologies could help reduce the cost.
- </c> technologies that would reduce the cost. technologies that would reduce the cost.
- </c> about how to implement technological about how to implement technological solutions.<00:39:48.240
- </c> it's important to have a technology it's important to have a technology group<00:40:16.480><c> that
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Keywords:
PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species
Summary:
The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals.
The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits.
The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge my colleagues to technology.
- </c> and to ensure continued US technological and to ensure continued US technological leadership<04:
- and technology Third, science and technology leadership.<05:01:12.000><c> CERN,</c><05:01:12.560><c>
- defense technology.
- </c><05:18:17.360><c> that</c> of the most sensitive technologies that of the most sensitive technologies
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26 - Part 2
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I know many on this committee appreciate innovative technology, and this camera technology can now narrowly
- and this camera innovative technology and this camera technology<00:09:12.880><c> can</c><00:09:13.040
- Um, so Hayden AI is a transportation technology firm that works to improve transit operations.
- And the technology only captures a short video and images of the violations.
- </c> Um, and as we discussed, our technology Um, and as we discussed, our technology is<00:15:21.600>
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 17th, 2026 at 09:11 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- And then next we have the Department of Information Technology. the Department of Information Technology
- Online 186, Department of Public Safety and 187, they're both dealing with technology.
- I think both of these, 186 and 187, are important because technology is their basis.
- Just want to reiterate how important that career technology education is.
- Career technology. And then advanced placement support. I'm not exactly sure. It's so vague.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are things that we need in technology.
- My company is also a member of the Vapor Technology Association.
- And technology companies need to be thinking about how to make things better.
- kids and their use of technology.
- And like you said, the technology.
Bills:
SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429 , SB 30
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Corrections & Public Safety Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Corrections & Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The public technology and public expectations have evolved, and the funding mechanism that supports the
- The public technology and public expectations have evolved, and the funding mechanism supports the systems
- The technology is awesome. Yes, sir.
- So, you know, again, it's not even just about technology.
- It's overall the efforts that we put Again, it's not even just about technology.
Committee:
Senate Corrections & Public Safety
Summary:
The Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from May 13, June 10, and June 17, and then considered two bills. HB 329 would reduce the governor’s control over emergency powers by giving the General Assembly more authority to review, limit, or end emergency orders and regulations, requiring more frequent updates and tighter renewal rules; members discussed the bill’s effective-date language, and no public comment was offered.
The committee then heard HB 468, which would raise the monthly 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents, the first increase in about 20 years, to generate roughly $13 million annually for 911 operations and next-generation technology. Senator DeFar and the state 911 administrator emphasized the need to stabilize funding and improve services such as text-to-911, geolocation, and faster language translation for non-English callers; several members expressed support and asked to be added as sponsors.
No votes on the bills were taken during the meeting, and there was no in-person public comment on either measure. The meeting concluded after public comment was closed.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AI is such a big deal, and it is in the technology field.
- there are some other things that have traditionally gone to State Affairs that one might think technology
- in Southeast Boise, with Micron, and so a lot of folks in my district have a strong interest in technology
- an intellectual property attorney, so I've spent my career doing intellectual property work for technology
- in Southeast Boise with Micron, and so a lot of folks in my district have a strong interest in technology
Summary:
The meeting was a brief introductory session for a legislative committee with a new member present. Members and one student participant introduced themselves, sharing their districts, professional backgrounds, prior committee assignments, and a few personal updates. Several members noted their interest in issues likely to come before the committee, including technology, health and welfare, commerce, education, and nuclear-related matters tied to the Idaho National Laboratory.
A short discussion followed about whether artificial intelligence legislation might be assigned to this committee. The chair said such issues have traditionally gone to State Affairs, but he was open to asking leadership to route more technology-related bills to this committee, including AI proposals, if they arise. Representative Ilana Rubel then introduced herself, noting her Southeast Boise district and her background as an intellectual property attorney with experience in technology law.
No bills were heard, no testimony was taken beyond introductions, and no votes were held. The chair closed the meeting after the introductions and discussion of possible future committee jurisdiction.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Education and Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
- Transportation, Transportation Technology, and Military Affairs and Border Security.
- Health and Human Services and Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.
- Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.
- Appropriations, Transportation, Technology.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-HSH Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:56:26.799><c> company</c> my team have built a technology company my team have built a technology
- </c> speaking from like a technology speaking from like a technology perspective.<00:57:47.680><c> Um
- </c> I guess we don't know what technology I guess we don't know what technology advances<01:41:21.840
- So if the if the if someone outside party decides... technology that would make that more technology
- The technologies have changed. Solar was very expensive. It's now cheap.
Bills:
HB2284
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Keywords:
energy assistance, low-income households, electricity costs, Hawaii home energy assistance program, energy efficiency, 910, house, all
Summary:
The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted.
The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology to build cases matters.
- Um technology.
- Technology is super big.
- Technology is super big.
- </c><01:16:00.960><c> at</c> training and the use of technology at training and the use of technology
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies.
Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- staff presenters, and all who are watching live on TVW, to the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology
- We obviously, Chair, members of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I'm here on behalf
- My name is Robert Singleton, and I'm with the Technology Trade Association Chamber of Progress, which
- My name is Robert Singleton, and I'm with the Technology Trade Association Chamber of Progress, which
- I'm the Director of Government Affairs for the Washington Technology Industry Association.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology