Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :
Page 312 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a seat for you; just hold tight and sit close by, and we'll get you on the next panel.
- how to do this well, but I'm still going to remind you, when you're on the end, you've got to get close
- Saying none, public testimony is closed.
- Seeing none, public testimony is closed.
- Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed. The bill is left pending at this time.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
heat illness prevention, workplace safety, administrative penalties, advisory board, employee protection, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy, local government, state agency, political subdivision, foreign adversary, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Taiwan, major non-NATO ally
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Closed hearings to examine United States Cyber Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an open hearing at 3:30 p.m. in SD-G50.
Cybersecurity Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- And in closing, I'll ask that we all continue to commit to a decision through the lens of lethality and
- As we recognize things like childcare are one of the primary resources crucial for quality of life and
- Specifically, we asked, we were looking into this because of the NDA last year that directed the close
- Two weeks ago, a child development center in Utah closed because of cuts to its civilian staff.
- However, we have completely closed the gap based on a lot of it is the bonuses, the aviation bonuses.
Committees:
Senate Cybersecurity Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- The campus will benefit, assuming we can close on the property, but we're moving in that direction, and
- DCAMM is working closely with each institution to develop roadmaps for how to do this.
- It allows our state universities to work more closely with the MSCBA, the Massachusetts State College
- It allows our state universities to work more closely with the MSCBA, the Massachusetts State College
- We're serving close to 2,000 students who come from across the Commonwealth and around the world.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on the BRIGHT Act, a higher education capital bill that would use Fair Share surtax revenue to fund major repairs, modernization, and decarbonization projects across UMass, state universities, and community colleges. UMass leadership described a $4.8 billion deferred maintenance backlog, aging buildings, and the need to modernize facilities, improve accessibility, and reduce emissions. Administration officials said the bill would authorize $2.5 billion in capital funding, split roughly 50-50 between UMass and the rest of public higher education, plus additional targeted funding for housing planning, smaller modernization projects, campus master plans, and workforce skills grants. They emphasized that the financing structure is modeled on the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and would not raise student costs, while also supporting affordability through financial aid and free community college.
Members raised questions about regional equity, the distribution of funds among the five UMass campuses and the 24 state university/community college campuses, project labor agreements, whether the bill would unlock private or federal matching funds, and how the system is preparing for AI and changing workforce needs. UMass officials said project selection is data-driven, based on deferred maintenance, safety, accessibility, sustainability, and programmatic needs, and that the flagship campus in Western Massachusetts would likely receive a large share because of its size and needs. They also said UMass Boston would receive its own share and would not be shortchanged by the Bayside project. On labor, they said PLAs are commonly used and they would follow existing board and building authority policies. On affordability, they said the university has shifted hundreds of millions into need-based aid and that the state’s recent support has helped keep tuition low for many students.
DCAMM and higher education officials said the state’s public campuses account for a large share of state-owned building space and a disproportionate share of operational carbon emissions, making decarbonization a major driver of the bill. They said the legislation would allow larger, more comprehensive projects that can address deferred maintenance, energy efficiency, and program needs at the same time, while also making some projects shovel-ready through the Fair Share supplemental funding already appropriated. A later panel from the State Universities Council of Presidents argued the bill’s authorization is still too small to meet long-term needs and urged the committee to increase the bond cap and ensure a more equitable distribution among segments. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs Mar 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- How closely are you working with those tribal nations?
- In closing, I respectfully suggest that policymakers encourage solutions, expand coverage options, and
- From a general safety perspective, this issue is closely tied to wildfire risk and preparedness.
- And in closing, I'll just say, reducing insurance costs... All the things like that.
- And in closing, I'd just say, reducing insurance costs cannot be solved by insurance policy alone.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Native American Affairs met on Barona tribal land to examine rising homeowners insurance costs affecting tribal communities, with opening remarks from tribal leaders and Assembly members emphasizing tribal sovereignty, the history of forced settlement in high-risk areas, and the need for the state to recognize mitigation work already being done on tribal lands. The committee heard that wildfire, drought, and other climate-driven disasters have sharply increased insurance premiums and reduced coverage options, especially for tribes located in rural or mountainous areas that were not chosen by the tribes themselves.
Cal Fire Deputy Director Frank Bigelow described the state’s wildfire response and tribal engagement efforts, including tribal liaisons on incident management teams, a Southern Region Tribal Affairs Deputy Chief, cultural burning agreements, and more than $30 million in tribal wildfire resilience grants over the last three years. Members questioned why tribal communities receive only a small share of grants, whether Cal Fire should do more outreach and budget proposals for tribes, and whether mitigation work is being recognized by insurers. Bigelow said Cal Fire is working with insurers and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety on mitigation standards, but acknowledged that more tribal outreach and participation are needed.
Tribal chairpersons and fire chiefs testified that their communities are already investing heavily in fire protection through dedicated fire departments, fuel reduction, defensible space, prescribed burns, firebreaks, and home-hardening efforts, yet premiums remain high or coverage is denied. Barona leaders said premiums can range from $6,000 to $18,000 and urged insurers to assess properties individually rather than by broad high-risk zones. Soboba, Hamu, and Pechanga representatives described similar efforts and said grant rules, environmental review, and insurer practices can make it difficult to translate mitigation into lower rates. Several members suggested short-term state assistance or a tribal insurance mitigation fund, and the committee discussed the possibility of requiring insurers to better account for tribal mitigation and sovereignty in risk assessments.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Chauvin, deputy director with AAPI-specific and primary education fund.
- My name is Chauvin, deputy director with AAPI-specific and primary education fund.
- My name is Sandy Close.
- My name is Sandy Close.
- For the first time, this program really brought the nonprofit sector in close.
Summary:
The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services.
The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress.
The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We work closely with the Department of Social Services, whose leadership was essential in designing,
- And we worked very closely with CDSS to...
- My name is Chauvin, Deputy Director with AAPI-specific and primary education fund.
- My name is Chauvin, Deputy Director with AAPI-specific and primary education fund.
- My name is Sandy Close.
Committee:
House Human Services
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You're recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll waive close.
- Representative Baker, you're recognized to close. We waive close.
- Representative Baker, you're recognized to close. We waive close.
- Representative Baker, you're recognized to close. We waive close.
- Representative Briseau, you are recognized to close. Wave close.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 01/27/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in the last 10 years it's been a primary in the last 10 years it's been a primary focus<00:17:47.880
- We also work closely with other state government agencies.
- very closely with the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
- very closely with the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
- very closely with the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You're recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll waive close.
- Representative Baker, you're recognized to close. We waive close.
- Representative Baker, you're recognized to close. We waive close.
- Representative Briseau, you're recognized to close. Waive close.
- Representative Dunkley, recognized to close. Mr. Speaker, waive close.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers.
The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Public Library Service/Executive Board Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then once it closes, they review and tell us who is qualified and who is not.
- So, but she... >> Did you want to explain about how it's closed, or did you...?
- And then<01:39:23.760><c> once</c><01:39:23.920><c> it</c><01:39:24.159><c> closes,</c><01:39:24.800>
- <01:40:35.760><c> or</c><01:40:36.000><c> did</c><01:40:36.159><c> you</c> closed or did you closed or
- This would just be the primary. primary. primary.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and then I'll just kind of quickly go into some of the primary benefits of the blockchain over some
- Um, and then I'll just kind of quickly go into some of the primary benefits of the blockchain over some
- Um, and then I'll just kind of quickly go into some of the primary benefits of the blockchain over some
- Um, and then I'll just kind of quickly go into some of the primary benefits of the blockchain over some
- Um, and then, of course, you know, there's the primary use cases for blockchain right now, which is sort
Summary:
The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing on digital assets, blockchain, and related regulatory developments. Chair Jarrett Keohoko said the committee was focusing on national and state policy issues around digital assets, while leaving the separate issue of Bitcoin kiosks and fraud to the House Consumer Protection Committee, which had already noticed a similar briefing. No public testimony was taken; the session was for informational updates and member questions.
Representatives from the Aptos Foundation, including JC Yun and Michael Cheng, gave a detailed presentation on blockchain basics and Aptos’s technology. They described blockchain as a tamper-resistant digital ledger, explained proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, and argued that proof-of-stake networks are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. They also emphasized smart contracts and potential uses beyond speculation, such as car titles, college transcripts, collectibles, digital IDs, real estate, and other tokenized assets.
The presenters highlighted Aptos’s Hawaii connections and said the technology could help local residents and businesses participate in the digital economy. They cited adoption statistics, including billions of transactions on Aptos, tokenized money market funds from major financial firms, micro-lending applications, decentralized cloud infrastructure, and the rapid growth of stablecoins. They acknowledged concerns about scams and consumer protection, but argued that the answer is stronger regulation and education rather than avoiding the technology altogether.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Burgess, who are recognized to close on the bill? I'll waive close in the interest of time.
- Senator Leak, you are recognized to close on the bill. Oh, waive close.
- Senator Abelow, you have recognized to close in the bill. Thank you, Mr.
- Chairman. have recognized to closing the bill. Thank you, Mr.
- Senator Martin, you are recognized to close on the substitute amendment. I'll waive close.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Oliverson to close on the bill. Mr.
- If not, the Chair recognizes Representative Goodwin to close. I close.
- So with that, I reserve the right to close. I mean, I close. Okay, thank you, Vice Chair.
- If not, the Chair recognizes Representative Wharton to close. I close.
- Representative Morgan, please close.
Committee:
House Insurance
Keywords:
autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, I close. Members, any questions? Thank you.
- With that, Madam Chair, I reserve the right to close.
- I think we are close to landing the plane.
- Real close. How do you say it? Paradez.
- I recognize Representative Manuel to close. Thank you. I close. Thank you, Representative Manuel.
Bills:
HB660 , HB4845 , HB3902 , HB5396 , HB4615 , HB1825 , HB1403 , HB4336 , HB4585 , HB4371 , HB863 , SB1589 , HB5223 , HB3195 , HB2734
Committee:
House Human Services
Keywords:
child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board Jun 9th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the years, we became close. Over the years, we became closer.
- And we were not close friends. We knew each other, but not closely.
- to then, once the record closes, begin their deliberations.
- And the fourth option would be to waive closing entirely.
- At that point, the record would close, meaning that once the record is closed, that's when the Legislative
Summary:
The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony.
The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed.
Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 21, March 6, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 25-after Call of the Chair Mar 16th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair is preparing to close. Pfeiffer, aye.
- The chair is preparing to close.
- Those wishing to vote or change the vote, the chair is preparing to close.
- Close vote, declare the vote: 43 aye, 45 nay.
- Close the vote. Declare the vote: 46 aye, 43 nay.
Bills:
HR1038 , HB3263 , HB3127 , HB2997 , HB3115 , HB2123 , HB3587 , HB3028 , HB2035 , HB3369 , HB3620 , HB3621 , HB3622 , HB3624 , HB3175 , HB3173 , HB3178 , HB1979 , HB4476
Keywords:
Oklahoma Youth Expo, OYE, 4-H, FFA, agriculture, agricultural education, youth expo, livestock show, junior livestock, scholarships, youth leadership, Oklahoma City, rural communities, ag mechanics, engineering contest, farm youth, student recognition, ceremonial resolution, house resolution, livestock competition
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the pledge, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Major General (ret.) Tony L. Wright, Doctor of the Day Dr. Jeanette Kelly, Capitol Day students, Girl Scouts, and family members of legislators. Members also adopted House Resolution 1038 honoring the Oklahoma Youth Expo and its agricultural education and scholarship impact, including recognition of top ag mechanics exhibitors.
The chamber then considered and passed several bills, including HB 3263 designating the morel mushroom as the state mushroom; HB 315 setting qualifications and a term limit for the Department of Corrections director; HB 2123 revising authorization for an Arkansas River bridge project near Bigsby; HB 3587 allowing court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment; HB 3028 allowing career techs in public schools to pass along credit card surcharges; HB 2035 clarifying transportation protection agreements related to funeral services; HB 3369 allowing food trucks to use two fire extinguishers and training in lieu of an automatic suppression system; and a series of census-related bills creating a census count committee, reestablishing a state data center function, and updating Commerce technology for census address work. The House also passed HB 3624 to standardize county boundary mapping, HB 3175 creating an Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 3173 allowing repurposing of orphaned and abandoned wells for geothermal or energy storage uses, and HB 4476 creating a revolving-fund rebate program to help smaller communities compete for music events and tourism.
Two measures failed on final passage: HB 3178, which would have created a standard depreciation table for county assessors to value farm equipment, and HB 1979, which would have created an Early Childhood Task Force. In both cases, members later served notice of intent to reconsider the failed votes. The House also reconsidered and passed previously failed motions on HB 3127 and HB 2997. Most bills that reached final passage were approved by recorded vote, with HB 3178 failing 43-45 and HB 1979 failing 46-43. The House adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Kalata, you'd to close. We close.
- Senator Rodriguez to close. Wave closed.
- Burgess to close. Senator Burgess to close. Wave closed.
- Senator Burgess to close. Wave closed. Wave closed.
- Senator McLean to close? We've closed.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of the day’s doctor of the day, an intern, and a resolution honoring the late Bob Graham and firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber also adopted a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day. After routine announcements, the Senate moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion bills substituted in place of Senate versions.
The first major floor action was passage of a tax-related bill conforming Florida’s Internal Revenue Code to federal changes while excluding certain provisions from H.R. 1; it passed 34-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 1758 on public assistance and Medicaid, which proposed stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services, pharmacy and drug rebate reforms, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. A Berman amendment to require Medicaid expansion before work requirements was rejected, as was an Osgood amendment to add photo-ID protections and exemptions for certain SNAP users. The bill remained on the calendar for third reading after extensive debate and questioning about implementation, exemptions, and potential impacts on beneficiaries.
The chamber also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on gold and silver legal tender, public records exemptions for financial institutions and custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government finance transparency, digital voyeurism, and insurance customer representative licensing. Most of these measures were adopted after brief explanation, minor amendments, or substitution of House companions, with votes generally in favor and several passing unanimously or by wide margins.
Later, the Senate took up CS/SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin access, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition. The bill’s first amendments clarified anti-kickback rules for vaccine manufacturers and required informational materials to address risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy; the transcript ends during consideration of this bill, before final passage is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/25/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Minnesota's law regarding primary Minnesota's law regarding primary assumption<00:48:36.520><c>
- Backus for working so closely with us to make sure we get this right. Um, and with that, Mr.
- communicating as if we were close friends. friends. friends.
- In closing, a teacher cannot accidentally groom a student. It is not a one-time event.
- cannot</c> In closing, a teacher cannot In closing, a teacher cannot accidentally<01:16:56.120><c> groom
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, HRE DEFER Public Hearing 02-04--2025 Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- :03:13.920><c> Obby</c><00:03:14.640><c> testifying</c><00:03:15.200><c> for</c><00:03:15.440><c> primary
- </c><00:03:15.799><c> Hawaii</c> Eric Obby testifying for primary Hawaii Eric Obby testifying for primary
- Hawaii Primary<00:03:16.519><c> Care</c><00:03:16.799><c> Association</c><00:03:17.440><c> in</c><00
- :03:18.080><c> support</c><00:03:19.080><c> uh</c> Primary Care Association in support uh Primary Care
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education heard Senate Bill 101, which would require University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine graduates who paid in-state tuition to serve as physicians in Hawaiʻi for at least two years after residency or fellowship, beginning with the class of 2029. The Deputy Attorney General said the bill addressed a matter of statewide concern. JABSOM Dean Sam Shoemaker testified in opposition, arguing the school already uses scholarships, loan repayment, and other incentives, and that the strongest predictor of where physicians practice is where they complete residency; he said the school is working to expand residency slots, neighbor-island training, and class size. Supporters argued the state faces a severe physician shortage and should do more to ensure publicly subsidized students remain in Hawaiʻi. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including a statewide concern statement, and deferred the measure to July 31, 2025; the vote was adopted.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 19, which creates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on Maui. University of Hawaiʻi and nursing workforce representatives testified in support, saying there is ample capacity on Maui and strong demand for higher nursing education. Members discussed the broader nursing pathway, including existing associate and bachelor’s programs at UH campuses and the need to improve access for Maui and nearby communities. The measure was moved to decision-making and adopted with amendments and a deferred date.
Senate Bill 637, appropriating funds for various University of Hawaiʻi nursing programs, also received support from UH nursing leaders, who said the funding would support the final phase of the West Oʻahu-Manoa collaboration and an online RN-to-BS program. The Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing said its research showed capacity and demand for these programs. The committee recommended amendments to blank out appropriation amounts for the committee report and deferred the measure, then adopted it. The committee also adopted Senate Bill 741, which establishes an external audit committee within the UH Board of Regents, and deferred or amended several other measures, including a wastewater technology pilot program, a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, and a climate-resilient development appropriation.