Video & Transcript : 'behavioral support' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Co-Chair, and thank you for both reps filing the legislation and in support of the PFFM on these.
- I'm going to support it, and my hope is that it does make it through this session as well.
- I mean, sounds like lots of support for this.
- Thank you. ...It sounds like lots of support for these pieces of legislation.
- It sounds like lots of support for these pieces of legislation. I thank you for your time.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its fifth hearing of the 194th General Court on disability, line-of-duty, and health presumption bills. Committee members noted the hearing was livestreamed and accepted written testimony through June 16, 2025. The first panel, including the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, strongly supported H.2845, which would require restoration of sick, vacation, or personal time used while an injured officer or firefighter awaits a Chapter 41, Section 11F determination if the injury is later found work-related. Testimony said the current process often forces injured personnel to litigate to recover accrued time, and members described the bill as a fairness measure with no fiscal cost. Committee members asked about prior consideration and municipal positions, and one member shared a personal experience with a similar loss of accrued time.
A second major panel from the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and sponsoring legislators supported several firefighter-related bills: H.2918/S.1792 on mandatory insurance coverage for firefighter cancer screenings; H.2962/S.1818 on Commonwealth fire department parity for military-base and Massport firefighters, including injury coverage and presumptions; and H.2860/S.1851 on maintaining physical examination records. Testimony emphasized the high cancer risk in the fire service, the importance of early detection, and the need to extend municipal-level protections to state and Massport firefighters. Committee members expressed strong support, discussed PFAS-related gear replacement and funding, and noted that similar bills have been before the committee for multiple sessions.
The committee also heard H.4147, a retirement-related bill for a MassDOT employee seeking to transfer approximately five years of MBTA retirement contributions into the state system as a service buyback. The bill was described as having been filed in 2017 and reported favorably last session, but it stalled in Senate Ways and Means. Finally, Howard Levine testified remotely in support of a correctional officer disability pension bill, describing severe injuries from a 1990 inmate assault, multiple surgeries, early retirement, and a request to increase his pension to reflect a current lieutenant’s salary. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after testimony concluded.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I strongly urge your support of this bill, 1426. First.
- I'm here to support SB 1110.
- Jordan continued: I support SB 1110.
- This kind of support reduces harm. I do want to ask for your support.
- I am in support of this bill, and I want to say thank you to the sponsor.
Bills:
SB1110, SB1140, SB1234, SB1275, SB1426, SB1436, SB1470, SB1489, SB1512, SB1540, SB1556, SB1568, SB1569, SB1573, SB1585, SB1609, SB1627, SB1634, SB1635, SB1648, SB1654, SB1687, SCR1027, SCR1040
Keywords:
home confinement, electronic monitoring, community supervision, criminal justice reform, recidivism, expungement, misdemeanor, criminal record, Arizona Revised Statutes, judicial process, record sealing, juvenile court, legal representation, appointed attorney, guardian ad litem, child welfare, veterans, mental health, criminal diversion, military service
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (11-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and then also some positive behavior and then also some positive behavior supports<00:51:35.920>
- </c> supports and improvement as well. supports and improvement as well.
- We also need support for fidelity. We also need support for strong<01:51:32.560><c> principles.
- We do behavior management. A lot of those have come from grants. We do student support systems.
- We do behavior management. A lot of We do behavior management.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:04
Approval of Minutes – 0:03:57
United Way of Southern Kentucky –0:04:30
Preschool Education – 0:36:46
School Safety Updates – 1:01:41
Kentucky Association of School Superintendents – 1:41:47
Educational Cooperatives – 1:55:18
Adjournment – 2:07:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened its sixth meeting of the 2025 Interim Joint Committee on Education, confirmed a quorum, recorded attendance votes, and approved the minutes. Chair Lewis reminded presenters to keep remarks brief because of the full agenda and limited time. The first presentation was from United Way of Southern Kentucky, with Anne Puckett, Craig Browning, and Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton introducing a regional early childhood initiative.
The presenters argued that kindergarten readiness and early childhood support are critical to later academic and life outcomes. They cited research and statistics about brain development in the first five years, the effects of unprepared kindergarten entry, and links between low literacy, school discipline, dropout rates, and incarceration. They said their region’s readiness scores fell during COVID and after a tornado, and that the most effective response was in-home parent education to help families support children from birth to age five. They described the model as voluntary, community-based, and not requiring new buildings, and said similar programs have been successful in Missouri.
The group said it had already raised more than $1 million in private donations and committed three years of funding for four additional staff, expanding service in Allen, Logan, and Warren counties. They requested $600,000 per year for the next two-year budget cycle to add 12 more educators, serve about 360 families and 660 additional children, and build evidence for a possible statewide model. Members generally expressed support for the concept, with Representative Tipton and Representative Jackson discussing a prior home-based preschool pilot and the importance of starting early. Representative Calloway questioned whether increased family chaos and government involvement justified the approach; presenters responded that the program uses community educators, not a government-run organization, and is aimed at helping overwhelmed families. Representative Stalker asked about eligibility and early intervention, and presenters said the program serves children from birth to age five and can help identify needs early enough to connect families with services such as First Steps.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:18:21.680><c> in</c> In conclusion, I ask you to support in In conclusion, I ask you to support
- I ask that you support Senate file 2149 I ask that you support Senate file 2149 and<00:20:26.680><c>
- </c> tools to support everyone impacted. tools to support everyone impacted.
- I also do not support that there's a lot of services and supports in Minnesota at this point.
- ,</c> very limited VRS support, very limited VRS support, that's<01:01:55.360><c> a</c><01:01:55.440>
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I support them. I support our law enforcement. I want them to be safe. I want them to go home safe.
- I think there are a cross-section of people who support it.
- support it.
- Tools in law enforcement's toolbox are generally speaking to be supported.
- I'm here to speak in support of House Bill 3088 and ask for a due pass.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and approved HB 2468 and HB 2481. HB 2481 was amended to replace earlier federal-style language with the governor’s recommended definitions and executive-order language, then rolled into a committee substitute and passed out of committee on a 9-3 vote. The discussion on HB 2481 centered on SNAP-related definitions and whether the revised language would affect federal waivers or change food-stamp purchasing rules; the sponsor said it would not. The committee then moved to regular session.
The main public hearing was on HB 3070, the Second Amendment Preservation Act. Representative Hardwick said the bill was revised to remove language the Eighth Circuit had found problematic, while keeping Missouri’s anti-commandeering approach and prohibitions on state or local participation in certain federal gun-control actions, such as firearm registries, tracking, and confiscation from law-abiding citizens. Members questioned whether the bill would interfere with task forces, federal cooperation, courthouses, FFL paperwork, or local officers sharing information with federal agents. Hardwick and supporters said it would not affect Missouri enforcement of state gun laws or cooperation on other crimes, and that the bill was intended to stop Missouri officers from being used to enforce specific federal gun-control measures. Supporters from the Missouri Firearms Coalition and a gun-rights advocate backed the bill and emphasized civil penalties and anti-commandeering protections, while an opponent from Moms Demand Action argued it would handcuff police, weaken interstate trafficking enforcement, and create a dangerous patchwork of enforcement. No vote was taken on HB 3070 in the hearing.
The committee also heard HB 388, which would prohibit certain anti-competitive health-care contracting practices, including anti-steering, anti-tiering, gag clauses, and most-favored-nation clauses. The sponsor and supporting witnesses described the bill as an anti-consolidation measure intended to improve price transparency, preserve competition, and help consumers and insurers steer patients toward lower-cost providers. They said the bill would apply to both providers and insurers and would not be anti-hospital or anti-payer. Members asked about effects on rural access to care, 340B pricing, physician-owned referral arrangements, and whether the bill would actually lower consumer costs. Supporters said the goal was to give payers more negotiating leverage and ultimately benefit patients through more competitive pricing, but no action was taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-02-13 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And nothing in this bill stops that behavior from occurring.
- I hope you all will support the bill.
- Is there any evidence to support this? There is not.
- However, there is one provision of this legislation I cannot support.
- Support inspection activities to protect interesting borders.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 10:30AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Sniffen in support. >> Thank you. >> Alliance in support. >> Nestie in support. this bill to make the
- </c> in support. in support.
- Oahu Youth Action Board in support. 350 Hawaii in support on Zoom. Caucus in support.
- Department of Transportation Services in support. UPW in support. Emmoa Alliance in support.
- HGA in support. 350 Hawaii in support. Greenpeace Hawaii in support on Zoom. >> Yes. Good morning.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints.
HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- testimony in support.
- . support. support.
- </c> testimony in support. testimony in support.
- </c> testimony in support. testimony in support.
- intent,</c><01:26:42.960><c> support</c> So again, support the intent, support So again, support the
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several education resolutions, beginning with HCR 11 and HR 14, which ask the Board of Education and the State Public Charter School Commission to report on improving access to stable, suitable, and affordable facilities for public charter schools. The Charter School Commission supported the measure, and OHA also supported it while noting long-standing facility challenges, the lack of a dedicated facilities appropriation, and the strain on charter schools that have had to use operating funds for buildings and temporary structures. Kealakehe Academy, Hawaii Technology Academy, and several individuals also testified in support.
The committee then took up HCR 181 and HR 171, which seek a shared decision-making committee to develop an action plan for a K-12 Ka Waihona School in Kapolei. The Department of Education said it has already developed a strategic plan for Kaipuni education, has expanded immersion programs over the past decade, and is addressing growth through interim guidance and a new priority placement process. Community witnesses, including representatives of Ke Alo Ever, strongly supported the resolutions, emphasizing the need for a K-12 pathway, the importance of Hawaiian language and culture, and the role of community voice in planning. They argued that teacher shortages, especially for licensed Hawaiian immersion teachers, remain a major barrier and proposed a kumu recruitment and retention program tied to community, UH, and DOE partnerships.
The committee also heard HCR 187 and HR 177, which urge the Department of Education to begin initiatives to address teacher retention statewide. DOE and the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education said teacher retention is already being addressed through the Teacher Education Coordinating Committee, a five-year plan focused on building capacity, improving satisfaction, and compensation, and a new DOE human resources plan. In response to questions, DOE said it is seeking better school-level data on why teachers leave, is preparing for contract negotiations, and is working with the standards board and DLIR on an apprenticeship-related grant. TECC representatives said the group has been working since the pandemic era, may narrow its focus to retention as the most actionable area, and expects to provide more concrete recommendations in its annual report. The transcript ends as the committee moves on to the next item, HCR 47 and HR 43, without showing any votes or final actions on the measures heard.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Asia/California Trade and Investment Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will not accept any disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
- So thank you all so much for just your support.
- There are over 18,963 foreign-owned enterprises throughout the state of California, supporting direct
- And so to continue that support. But it's really our image.
- We need that additional commitment to the infrastructure that supports small businesses.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement.
The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment.
The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers.
In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We're proud of the work we do for the state of Texas, and with your support and your past support, our
- We really wanted to show support.
- support staff.
- . and support services.
- I agree and support this. wholeheartedly.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans Broadband and Rural Development - 03/12/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:36.240><c> for</c> now uh unanimous bipartisan support for now uh unanimous bipartisan support
- </c><01:09:29.799><c> through</c> support programs that we support through support programs that we support
- </c><01:09:54.719><c> um</c><01:09:55.400><c> through</c> that we support um through that we support
- or non-support?
- /c><02:01:01.679><c> can</c><02:01:01.880><c> our</c> support or nons support and can our support or
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 43 (3-10-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> the operations, maintenance, support, the operations, maintenance, support, and<00:14:30.360><c
- But Fayette County really did not get a whole lot of support.
- So, this is a fund that goes to support preventing underage drinking.
- So, this is a fund that<01:04:39.080><c> goes</c><01:04:39.400><c> to</c><01:04:39.640><c> support</c
- to support um preventing underage<01:04:42.360><c> drinking.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- We're very excited about it, and we stand in strong support. We provided testimony and support.
- What's important about this bill, and what we support, we support the KALIs, but we also support this
- What's important about this bill, and what we support, we support the KALIs, but we also support this
- What's important about this bill, and what we support, we support the KALIs, but we also support this
- We strongly support this measure.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies.
The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted.
For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:28.639><c> the</c> other readiness work to help support the other readiness work to help support
- So um help support this procurement.
- </c><01:09:03.279><c> recovery</c> paid to fraudsters and support recovery paid to fraudsters and support
- Um but place, which I I support that.
- </c> minimum standards necessary to support minimum standards necessary to support healthy<01:34:28.000
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 7th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate the support that you all have Shown to not only the families but the town of Goldsby and
- So, thank you for supporting them, and we would love to encourage you to take your kids out and clean
- There are many areas that the support is covering. Senator Bourne, I'll allow one more question.
- Completely, we should absolutely support law enforcement and their important mission.
- What that means is people don't have access to that support.
Bills:
HB3418, HB3985, HB3463, HB3002, HB4303, HB3919, HB3416, HB3417, HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219, SR39, SB1177, HB3298, HB2696, HB3941, HB3970, HB3264, HB3321, HB2650, HB3497, HB3980, HB3981, HB4421, HB3177, HB3322, HB3499, HB3500, HB3845, HB3742, HB3622, HB1250, HB2710, HB3831, HB4408, HB1002, HB3008, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB4107, HB3695, HB3315, HB3590, HB3006, HB3151, HB2959, HB2398, HB3026, HB3467, HB4268, HB3372, HB2210, HB4359, HB4427
Keywords:
public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here on behalf of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility in support of House Bill 8.
- Uh, we strongly support compression because as has been identified earlier.
- I'm here today speaking in support of HB 8.
- We support the exemption of the 1st $250,000 in income-producing property and we strongly support the
- We are here today in support of House Bill 9 and HJR 1.
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Sep 4th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And I thank you for supporting her and supporting our family.
- support that they're seeking.
- I will not support it.
- But I will not support that.
- So not just an event of bad behavior, but patterns of bad behavior.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've tried to, in tandem, bring incredibly bold public school reforms and support, teacher support
- The Supreme Court's ruling supports us on this.
- They deserve that attention and support.
- we fully support our public schools.
- TCCRI has always supported the public school system.
Bills:
SB 2
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- There's also a legal support unit that supports each division.
- There's also a legal support unit that supports each division.
- </c><00:52:59.280><c> division</c> support unit that supports each division support unit that supports
- I’m just trying to correct behavior.
- Lastly, in this section, our team's training... another support mechanism to get our another support
Summary:
The meeting began with introductory remarks for new and returning members of the House Commerce Committee, led by Chairman John Hunt. Members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds, and several noted the committee’s bipartisan, collegial tone. Hunt explained the committee’s structure and traditions, including the division into three subcommittees: banking and business, consumer protection, and liquor commission matters, with insurance now handled as a single area. He also reviewed basic hearing procedures, including decorum, questions for information only, and the committee’s practice of moving bills through subcommittees before full committee executive sessions.
The committee then heard an overview from the New Hampshire Insurance Department, led by Commissioner DJ Bettencourt and staff. The department described its mission as promoting a safe and competitive insurance marketplace and emphasized consumer protection, market competition, and affordability. Officials outlined the department’s responsibilities, including licensing insurers, producers, adjusters, and TPAs; reviewing insurance forms; regulating companies and market conduct; overseeing financial solvency; and investigating insurance fraud. They also noted that the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers, collects premium taxes and fees for the state, and returned more than $2.7 million to companies in fiscal year 2024 due to underspending.
The presentation also covered the broader regulatory framework for insurance, including the role of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in promoting uniform standards across states and territories. Officials said New Hampshire licenses about 1,200 insurance companies and roughly 245,000 producers and adjusters, and that the department’s financial examinations are part of an accreditation system used nationwide. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the session was primarily organizational and informational, with the insurance department presentation beginning the committee’s substantive work for the term.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we have Hawaii Housing Future in support. Next, we have Hawaii Appleseed in support.
- support.
- We support this measure.
- Next we have Kawai, Office of the County Clerk, in support. County of Kauai in support.
- Hawaii Community Association in support, and Hawaii Watershed in support.
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope.
The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that.
Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.