Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :
Page 310 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> cities and support Senate File 4279. cities and support Senate File 4279.
- I can't support that.
- </c> two ideas I'm definitely supportive of. two ideas I'm definitely supportive of.
- I support it.
- I I support it. with the amendment. I I support it.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So SEIU is standing with CWDA and supporting a $230 million ask that was referenced earlier to support
- CSAC is supportive.
- These supports are not extras.
- These supports are not extras.
- , as well as consumer transition support.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 and related federal actions on Covered California, Medi-Cal, and immigrant access to care. The chair framed the discussion around three main issues: expected losses in marketplace coverage as enhanced federal premium subsidies expire, new federal work and renewal requirements that would add administrative burden to Medi-Cal, and the loss of eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants. Covered California testified that H.R. 1 and new federal rules, combined with the end of enhanced premium tax credits, are driving higher premiums, lower new enrollment, and more cancellations, especially among middle-income, Latino, and Black enrollees. The agency said California’s $190 million state subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees but cannot replace the lost federal assistance, and it noted that roughly 120,000 lawfully present immigrants in Covered California will lose federal tax credits in 2027.
On Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services said H.R. 1 will require work and community engagement verification, six-month renewals for certain adults, and other changes that the department expects will reduce enrollment substantially. DHCS estimated 233,000 members could lose coverage by June 2027 from the work requirement and 289,000 from six-month renewals, with losses rising much higher by 2028; it also said it is using automation, outreach, clinic navigators, coverage ambassadors, community health workers, and street medicine providers to reduce procedural disenrollments. The department described a two-phase outreach plan and said it is working with counties on implementation, while the Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget maintains $190 million for the state subsidy program and does not propose additional changes at this time. The LAO said its independent forecast is somewhat higher than the administration’s, estimating about 2.1 million fewer Medi-Cal enrollees by June 2028, and urged the Legislature to review county administrative workload and readiness.
Public testimony and member comments focused on the human and fiscal consequences of coverage losses. A representative from the Sacramento Native American Health Center warned that reduced reimbursement and coverage losses would destabilize community health centers, increase uncompensated care, and worsen outcomes by pushing patients into emergency care. Members raised concerns about paperwork burdens, county capacity, outreach effectiveness, and whether the state should do more to preserve coverage, including possible modeling of additional H-CARF spending and support for middle-income consumers and immigrant enrollees. The hearing did not take any votes or formal actions, but it ended with public comment and continued discussion of implementation and budget options.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 7th, 2026 at 09:06 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And we will start in the room with supporters, and then outside the room with supporters.
- I'd like to support the legislation.
- I'd like to support the legislation.
- Only those in support of this bill. Please make sure that you're only in support. Jennifer Grassem.
- I strongly support HB 207.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For these reasons, I rise to support SCR 110. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.
- I rise also in strong support of SCR 110.
- I just want to add my voice to supporting the importance of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
- Today I also rise in support of SCR 137.
- Ma was an extremely supportive father. Dr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recognized several guest groups, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber also marked Senator Allen’s birthday and later took up a memorial adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener.
On the floor, the Senate confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Andy Nakahata as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, Richard Stein to the California Arts Council, and Nick Hardiman to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. Each confirmation passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief supportive remarks about the appointees’ experience and qualifications.
The Senate also adopted several resolutions. SCR 127 designated December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, SCR 110 recognized Women’s Military History Week, SCR 137 proclaimed March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, and SR 85 marked Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Members spoke in support of each measure, emphasizing interfaith understanding, women’s military service, Ginsburg’s legacy on equality, and the need for MS awareness and research. All of the resolutions passed by unanimous roll call, and the special consent calendar items were also approved 33-0.
The session concluded with committee announcements for upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and a select committee meeting on California’s wine industry, followed by recess and notice of the next Senate session.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about honoring service with practical support.
- I respectfully ask for you to support this bill.
- I'm testifying in direct support of House Bill 657.
- He said he would support the motion.
- He said he would support the motion. Representative Nelson said he would support the motion.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The House Education Committee first approved minutes from February 18, 19, 20, and 23, 2026. The committee then heard House Bill 657, which would change charter school lottery priorities to give charter schools more local discretion while also adding foster children to the sibling category and allowing military-connected students on Title 10 orders to be considered in the lottery. Supporters, including military families, the Idaho Charter School Association, and the Idaho Charter School Network, said the bill would reduce enrollment barriers for military children who move frequently and often miss lottery windows. Opponents, including the Mountain Home superintendent and a retired senior master sergeant, argued it could harm Mountain Home schools and that a simpler fix would be to amend existing military enrollment law. The sponsor moved to hold HB 657 in committee and instead advance RS-33489, which the committee approved for introduction and referral to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next considered House Bill 711, an alternate authorization pathway for principals and superintendents. Chairman Hawkins and Superintendent Critchfield said the bill is meant to help rural districts fill leadership vacancies by allowing experienced non-educators to enter school administration with mentoring and training, while not forcing any district to use the option. The Idaho School Boards Association and Idaho Association of School Administrators raised concerns about removing the master’s degree requirement, the breadth of the executive pathway, and the use of training funds for mentorships. A teacher and union leader also opposed the bill, saying educational leadership requires experience in law, budgeting, special education, and curriculum. After debate, the committee passed HB 711 out of committee with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee took up RS 32862 C1, which would move the STEM Action Center under the Workforce Development Council, require a 50% industry match, reduce overhead costs, and add performance measures for general fund spending. The sponsor said the change would create savings, improve coordination, and strengthen accountability. After brief questions about charitable contribution deductions and governance, the committee voted to introduce the RS. The chair then announced House Bill 712 would be moved to the next morning’s agenda, and the meeting adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about honoring service with practical support, and I respectfully ask for your support and appreciate
- I respectfully ask for your support of this bill.
- I'm going to support the motion. On the motion, I’m going to support the motion.
- So for that reason, I’ll support the motion. Thank you. I’m going to support the motion.
- I’m going to support the motion.
Committee:
House Education
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We wholeheartedly support this legislation and ask you to move forward.
- We also stand in full support of this. Lily May said it all, almost.
- We also stand in support of HM 30.
- We strongly support House Memorial 30.
- It should be our role to come to the table and support.
Committee:
House House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the New Mexico Constitution to remove language requiring school elections to be held at different times from partisan elections. The sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office said the change would let school bond and mill levy questions appear on general election ballots, reduce the number of costly special elections, increase turnout, and address an outdated discriminatory provision dating to 1910. Testimony from the New Mexico School Board Association and school superintendents supported the resolution for its potential cost savings and faster access to local and state capital outlay funding. A committee member asked for clarification that school board member elections would remain on the regular local election cycle and nonpartisan. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the resolution on a due pass motion.
The committee then heard House Memorial 30, which asks the Legislative Education Study Committee to study public education governance and convene a broad working group to review roles, responsibilities, statutes, and long-term planning across the education system. The sponsor and LESC staff said the memorial is intended to improve coherence, support long-term goals, and consider governance structures that could better align education policy across administrations, including lessons from the Martinez-Yazzie response and models from other states. Supporters from charter schools, Kids Can, the school board association, superintendents, and Teach Plus backed the study as a way to improve coordination and student outcomes.
Several committee members raised concerns about who would be included in the process, emphasizing the need for meaningful participation by families, plaintiffs in the Martinez-Yazzie case, tribal leaders, and students with disabilities, as well as clear notice and access for working families. Members also asked about guardrails, accountability, and whether a future statewide education commission could dilute local or tribal voices. LESC staff said the memorial would allow the committee to define the study’s structure, composition, metrics, and potential recommendations, including whether any commission should be created by statute or another mechanism. There was no opposition, and the committee passed House Memorial 30 on a do pass motion.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill Bunkley, waving in support. Anthony Verdugo, waving in support.
- John Labriola, waving in support. Isabelle Rodriguez, waving in support. And Ryan Kennedy.
- In support, Isabelle Rodriguez waiving in support, and Ryan Kennedy waving in support.
- We do have a couple of waiving in support: Brenda Leon, waving in support, and Liz Delagal, waving in
- support.
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Keywords:
school district, real property, inventory, land use, education, video monitoring, safety, special education, parental rights, public education, school board rights, transparency, employment conditions, nondisclosure agreements, educational facilities, student safety, teacher accountability, physical plant, school design, construction standards
Summary:
The Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered several K-12 bills and resolutions. SJR 1104, by Senator Massullo, would place on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment protecting voluntary religious expression in public schools; supporters said it simply codifies existing law and protects student and employee rights, while opponents warned it could entrench religious pressure and exclusion. The resolution was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1738, by Senator Yarborough, on educational facilities; an amendment removed crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusted transparency/safe-space provisions, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 824, by Senator Truenow, was amended into a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to DOE, and it was reported favorably. Appointments in tabs 7 and 8 were recommended for confirmation.
The committee then took up SPB 7036, a comprehensive education package by Chair Simon. The bill would expand educational emergency triggers, adjust Title I withholding uses, align charter school rules with school improvement processes, update safety and early learning provisions, expand literacy and math interventions, and revise educator pipeline policies. Members raised concerns about a provision that could allow the state to develop instructional materials; Simon said that section was still being considered and would need guardrails. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably.
SB 1620, by Senator Leak, proposed a “school board members’ bill of rights” giving board members direct access to district documents and staff, limiting district attorneys’ dual representation, strengthening nepotism rules, and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements. Volusia County school board members and others testified both for and against the bill, with supporters citing transparency and accountability and opponents warning about confidentiality, staff pressure, and undermining the superintendent’s authority. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1170, by Senator Calatayud, as amended, would allow parents of students in self-contained ESE classrooms to request cameras, with district policies governing review, notice, timelines, and appeals. Parents, advocates, and educators testified strongly in support, while one witness opposed it as an unfunded mandate. The committee reported the bill favorably.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Please support Senate Bill 6175 and our live event economy by setting clear rules, supporting honest
- And support artists fairly.
- I strongly support SB 6175 when tickets get flipped... I strongly support SB 6175.
- I'm testifying in support of the bill this morning.
- I urge your support. Thank you, Senator Fortunato.
Summary:
The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee heard several public hearings on consumer protection and business regulation bills. Senate Bill 6175, the WAVE Act on ticket sales, would create licensing and enforcement rules for ticket resellers, require all-in pricing and refunds, cap resale prices and fees at 110% of the original ticket price, and prohibit speculative ticketing and deceptive practices, with exemptions for some events such as agricultural fairs and sports. The sponsor and many arts, venue, labor, and consumer advocates said the bill would curb bots, fake websites, and predatory markups that harm fans and nonprofit venues; opponents from resale platforms and industry groups argued it would restrict legitimate resale, reduce consumer choice, and push transactions into less regulated channels. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided, but no committee vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five-cent increment in light of the federal decision to stop minting pennies. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the bill but asked for amendments to protect against audit and consumer-protection liability, preserve acceptance of exact change, and avoid conflicts with local ordinances and SNAP rules. The bill sponsor said the measure is meant to give businesses a clear framework for cash rounding, and staff noted the Department of Revenue would issue a revised fiscal note with minimal costs.
Senate Bill 6312, concerning surveillance-based pricing in grocery establishments, would require posted prices, prohibit individualized surveillance pricing and surge pricing, and place a moratorium on electronic shelf labels in larger stores until 2030. Labor and privacy advocates supported the bill as a way to stop AI-driven price discrimination and protect workers and consumers, while retail and grocery associations and an ESL manufacturer warned the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally affect loyalty programs, discounts, and operational efficiency. After testimony, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule for the bill. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6149 on the definition of a rural county and Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, with testimony on the latter split between industry support for adopting a model act and state agency concerns about adjuster licensing and preserving Washington consumer and anti-discrimination protections.
In executive session, the committee considered Senate Bill 6061 on the tourism self-assessment program and Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering. The committee rejected an amendment to SB 6061 that would have allowed voluntary local tourism contributions, then advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation. It also advanced SB 6137 with a due pass recommendation. The meeting concluded after those votes.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Urge your support. Thank you, Senator Fortunato.
- I am testifying in support of Senate Bill 5868.
- We strongly support Senate Bill 5974.
- We support that.
- Please support SB 5974. Thank you so much.
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
Keywords:
garnishment, debt, form standardization, financial protection, legal processes, toxicology testing, laboratories, accreditation, public health, standards, indigent defense, task force, criminal justice, legal aid, public defense, face coverings, law enforcement, public safety, civil liberties, court security
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We are signed in as support today for HB 2215.
- Ecology supports efforts to address a CCA loophole.
- I'm testifying today in support of HB 2090.
- Supporting this bill for a few reasons.
- I support this. I support this bill.
Committee:
House Environment & Energy
Keywords:
nuclear energy, renewable energy, energy strategy, sustainable development, state energy policy, climate change, fuel regulations, compliance obligations, sustainability, environmental policy, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jan 12th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- They just approved a support position in support. Thank you.
- They just approved a support position in support, thank you.
- With me to testify and support is Mr.
- Support comes from Congress.
- I'm prepared to support it today, as I told you.
Summary:
The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard three bills. SB 849 by Senator Weber Pearson would address physician sexual misconduct by clarifying that physicians or surgeons who committed specified sexual offenses against patients cannot petition for license renewal, and by requiring automatic revocation in certain misconduct-related cases, including where a license was surrendered, revoked, or the person was convicted or required to register as a sex offender. Support came from the California Medical Association and the American College of OBGYN; there was no opposition in the room. The bill was moved do pass to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, then later confirmed out on call.
SB 96 by Senator Umberg would extend California’s advertising-volume rules to streaming services, podcasts, and similar content by requiring ads to be kept at the ambient level of the surrounding content. The author said the bill was inspired by a child awakened by loud streaming ads and argued it would update the earlier CALM Act for modern media. There was no support or opposition testimony in the room. The committee discussed how the rule might affect platforms operating statewide or nationally, and the bill passed do pass on a 9-0 vote, then was confirmed out on call.
SB 342 by Senator Umberg, the Contractors Licensure Fairness Act, would allow contractors to recover payment for work performed while licensed even if they were unlicensed for part of a project, while still barring payment for unlicensed days and preserving existing prohibitions on starting work without a license. Supporters, including representatives of the California Conference of Carpenters, State Building and Construction Trades, and contractor associations, argued the current law can be overly punitive and can create windfalls for owners when a technical lapse is discovered later. Committee members raised concerns about consumer protection, burden of proof, and whether the bill could create loopholes, but the author and supporters said existing protections remain and the bill is intended to be proportional. The bill passed do pass to Judiciary on a 9-0 vote and was later confirmed out on call to Appropriations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 5, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Our service array includes supports for individuals during a crisis, such as the Baker Act for mental
- These revisions ensure the manual remains an accurate and up-to-date resource that supports consistent
- Resource sharing and education, funding flexibility, and peer support services.
- So services that were supported with the $48 million... ...of work.
- Our crisis beds ensure immediate access to care within a secure and supportive environment...
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period.
Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services.
Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 14th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I really appreciate his guidance and support over all the years.
- I rise in strong support. I rise in strong support of ACR 103.
- SNAP supports 173,000 California jobs in food and agriculture.
- Today I rise in support of Senate Joint Resolution 3.
- He supported education.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, adopted the previous day’s journal, and handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee notices and moving some bills and items on and off the file. Members also introduced a number of guests and fellows on the floor, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth visitors, interns, local officials, and community representatives.
On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (TK-12 omnibus education technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), and adopted ACR 103 declaring July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week. The body also adopted AJR 18, a resolution calling for an official legislative apology to California Native Americans for historic injustices and affirming support for healing and reconciliation, and ACR 71 designating a portion of State Route 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway. Each of these measures drew supportive remarks from multiple members, and co-author rolls were opened before final adoption.
The Assembly also adopted SCR 66 proclaiming Law Day, after a lengthy partisan debate over the rule of law, executive power, and recent federal and state actions; the resolution was ultimately adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added. Members then adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts and protect CalFresh benefits, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, work requirements, and the impact on low-income Californians; the resolution passed with 69 ayes and no noes after 70 co-authors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect abatement costs, also passed 68-0, and ACR 94 on anti-microbial resistance was adopted on the consent calendar.
The session concluded with adjournments in memory honoring Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the schedule for the next floor session. The Assembly adjourned until Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we also stand in strong support.
- </c><00:16:54.320><c> I</c> very strong support of this bill. I very strong support of this bill.
- </c> move and to support uh this this bill. move and to support uh this this bill.
- </c> this matter and whatever we can support this matter and whatever we can support them.<00:27:44.320
- </c><00:27:48.799><c> for</c> Yeah, I just want to add my support for Yeah, I just want to add my support
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education heard SB 657 SD1 HD1, which would appropriate funds for SOEST at UH Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development. Testimony was strongly in support from UH researchers, DLNR, and several other organizations. Supporters said the center’s modeling and data are already used by state and county agencies for sea level rise, shoreline setback, flood, and infrastructure planning, and that local funding is increasingly important because federal climate research funding is uncertain. Members discussed how the work might be framed to avoid federal political pushback, and witnesses said the research can be described in terms of infrastructure protection, public safety, and cost savings. They also confirmed the funding would primarily support salaries for climate modelers and would help backfill federal cuts. The committee recommended and adopted passage of the bill unamended.
Members also discussed the practical value of the center’s work, including Kauai’s sea level rise constraint district, future rainfall and flooding modeling, and the need for more granular data than current FEMA maps provide. Additional support was noted from the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, the Ulu Pono Initiative, Surfrider Foundation, Hawaii Region Climate Protectors, Hawaii Coalition Earth, and the Climate Change and Health Working Group. The committee then voted to pass SB 657 SD1 HD1 as recommended.
The committee later took up SB 1252 SD2, a bill requiring the Board of Regents to establish a specialized training program for health care providers on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and appropriating funds. The chair explained that the HD1 version incorporated suggestions from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, added a preamble recognizing existing programs and the need for coordination, and left a blank appropriation and FTE count in the bill while including the amounts in the committee report. With no discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 1252 SD2 with amendments.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> we ask for your support. we ask for your support.
- </c> and maintaining support systems. and maintaining support systems.
- . support. support.
- </c> environments with peer support. environments with peer support.
- programs. following release, supports re-entry following release, supports re-entry planning,<01:53:
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 10th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is asking us not to support our troops, not to support police officers, not to support public safety.
- Rising in support of this amendment, I would call this. Rising in support of this amendment.
- Please support this amendment.
- I would urge you to support it.
- And to support that, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you support this amendment. Thank you.
Summary:
The House debated a series of amendments to a major income tax bill, with repeated arguments over tax fairness, affordability, administrative feasibility, and the role of the Department of Revenue. Early motions to reconsider a failed child care amendment were rejected, and Amendment 2561, which would have restricted data sharing with the IRS, was also defeated after debate over privacy, federal relationships, and whether the proposal was administrable. Amendment 2579, which would have required annual reporting on the tax’s effects on filers, businesses, and charitable donations, likewise failed, with supporters emphasizing transparency and opponents arguing DOR was not the right agency and the report was too speculative. Amendment 2598, proposing to use half of new revenue for a broad sales tax cut, was rejected despite arguments that it would reduce regressivity and provide immediate relief; Amendment 2556, expanding sales tax exemptions for diapers and other child-care essentials to include adult diapers and earlier implementation, also failed after debate over scope and timing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> testimony's been received in support. testimony's been received in support.
- </c> We're in uh support of this measure. We're in uh support of this measure.
- </c> stand in strong support on this bill. stand in strong support on this bill.
- </c> Hawaii we strongly support this measure. Hawaii we strongly support this measure.
- </c> Support SB 3040. Mahalo for your time. Support SB 3040. Mahalo for your time.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 83, which would require hotel keepers to give adequate notice of service disruptions to guests and third-party vendors. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but asked for amendments to restore remedies and add a nonwaiver provision, arguing that without penalties the measure would lack consequences and that consumers should not be able to waive the notice rights. Supporters, including Unite Here Local 5 and individual testifiers, said guests deserve transparency and meaningful recourse when disruptions occur, especially for labor disputes, construction, or other service interruptions that affect the experience they paid for.
Hotel industry representatives, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, and hotel workers/testifiers, opposed the bill in its current form while offering amendments. They said the measure was too broad, difficult to implement, and could interfere with collective bargaining, third-party booking systems, and existing contracts. They also argued that some disruptions are not easily known in advance and that the bill unfairly singles out hotels compared with other industries. One testifier emphasized that notice should be required only for actual, known disruptions rather than potential events, and another raised concerns about applying the bill to properties not directly involved in a labor dispute.
After the SB 83 testimony, the committee moved on to SB 2798, which would make permanent and expand statewide the agricultural enforcement pilot program created in 2025 and rename it the agricultural enforcement program. The chair introduced the measure and called on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity as the first testifier, but the transcript excerpt ends before testimony or any vote on SB 2798.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Please support HB 2062.
- Please support HB 2062.
- Please support HB 2062.
- Uh, in support. Mr. Dunn. Dennis Dunn. Uh, in support. Mr. Dunn.
- </c> Prosecuting Attorney in support. Prosecuting Attorney in support.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided.
Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions.
The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 28 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today in support of this bill.
- I ask for your support for this bill.
- I rise today to support Amendment 2.
- So you were supported then? He's supportive now. And I'm grateful for that support.
- support our immigrant communities.
Summary:
The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority.
Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.