Video & Transcript : 'memorial garden' :

Page 31 of 386
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:10 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Genesis, God put the man into the garden to till it and to work it.
  • Big Sisters activities, which they say give them a great opportunity to just hang out and build memories
  • Senate Memorial 13, introduced by Senator Hadamillo, a memorial requesting the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty
  • Senate Memorial 13, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed, then referred to the Senate
  • Senate Memorial 14, introduced by Senators Lopez, Pinto, Sedillo Lopez, Charley, and Nava, a memorial
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-02-10 - 10:00AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • remember was when boxer Smoking Joe Frazier knocked Muhammad Ali to the canvas in Madison Square Garden
  • 00:02:19.040><c> in</c><00:02:19.280><c> Madison</c><00:02:19.760><c> Square</c><00:02:20.000><c> Garden
  • </c><00:02:20.319><c> in</c><00:02:20.480><c> the</c> canvas in Madison Square Garden in the canvas in
  • Madison Square Garden in the early<00:02:20.879><c> 70s.
  • Uh, I'd like to think it's because we hired Ben to spread compost all over our garden for three summers
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 24th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Kim Smith said she was there in support of House Bill 102 and in memory of her brother Brett, who was
  • And I'm here to do that all I can to help you champion your cause and the memory and the legacy of your
  • building, including designated parking area, front steps, patios, Capitol annex building, Capitol gardens
  • , and Pentagon Barracks, including designated parking of these locations; Veterans Memorial Park, including
Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 24, 2026, and heard a series of bills, with members generally expressing support for measures aimed at public safety, corrections, and criminal procedure. The committee first amended and reported HB 957, which removes the 72-hour advance notice requirement for sheriffs transferring prisoners, while adding notice to the prosecuting authority as well as the court. Testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said the change would help with overcrowding and security-related inmate moves, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then heard HB 106, which prohibits giving children non-prescription melatonin without parental consent. After debate over whether consent should be written, the committee rejected an amendment requiring prior written consent, but adopted a broader amendment making the bill apply to any person rather than only child care centers. Testimony from Gretna Police Chief Brett Lawson described a case involving a nanny and a one-year-old child, and child care representatives said licensed centers already require parental consent forms. HB 106 was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 111, which adds associate’s degrees to the existing sentence-reduction credits for incarcerated people who complete higher education programs; DOC said the programs are accredited and monitored, and supporters framed the bill as part of workforce reentry. Several other bills were advanced. HB 64 clarifies that judges may recall arrest warrants and requires notice to law enforcement when a warrant is recalled; former Rep. Joe Marino testified in support, describing problems with old or mistaken warrants remaining active. HB 53 adds certain gambling offenses as predicate acts under Louisiana’s racketeering law, with the Attorney General’s office citing illegal gambling operations and prison-based gambling rings. HB 152 updates the state controlled dangerous substances schedules to match federal changes, adding 13 opioids. HB 102 creates second-degree cruelty to elderly persons and persons with infirmities, with amendments adding the offense as a predicate felony and refining the penalty and affirmative-defense language; the bill drew emotional testimony from advocates and family members describing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and it was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 137, which strengthens penalties for threats against schools and adds a civil cost component for false threats; the Speaker Pro Tem said the bill is meant to deter school threats and reduce disruption and emergency response costs. HB 57 was reported favorably to clarify that courts may consider criminal histories in ex parte temporary restraining order proceedings. HB 337 increases from two to four the number of special charitable bingo events allowed each year for licensed nonprofits. Finally, HB 100 was substantially amended so that driving 100 mph or more is treated as reckless operation rather than a new felony speeding offense, and HB 155 expands the prohibition on unlawful drone use to additional Capitol grounds locations; both were reported favorably as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, with several bills supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups and a few receiving limited opposition or informational cards.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

House in Session Apr 23rd, 2025

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In memory of Pope Francis and Robert Morales, I ask for a moment of silence.
  • Over in Bradford County, the Heroes Memorial Overpass and Charlotte, the Sergeant Diaz Memorial Highway
  • Highway borders Memorial Highway and Lake County is a Master Deputy Links Highway and Seminole County
  • , the Memorial Highway and in Broward County, SPC Daniel Jay Bridge and that is the bill.
  • The bill applies to cover noncompete agreements and covered garden leave agreements.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • support and just ideas and concepts on their you honor your sister through your diligence in her memory
  • narrow set of employees, 2 types of commonly used employment agreements, noncompete agreements and garden
  • transparency for all concerned narrowly applies to to cover noncompete agreements and to covered garden
  • information while ensuring employees are given proper notice and fair treatment under noncompete and garden
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 26th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Concurrent Resolution No. 72 by Representative Bowie is a concurrent resolution to memorialize
  • This resolution memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026.
  • Highway 190 after Jesse Jackson; it renames it the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway.
  • Jesse Jackson renames it the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. We just lost him.
  • This memorial... This memorial designation is more than a highway sign.
Bills: SR146 , SCR12 , HB221 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR58 , HB1 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3 , HB2 , HB3 , SCR3 , SB56 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB223 , HB225 , HB387 , HB398 , HB457 , HB459 , HB540 , HB591 , HB616 , HB766 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB906 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1076 , HB1100 , HB1139 , HB1155 , HB1160 , HB1182 , HB1186 , HB1220 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1256 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1038 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB441 , SB449 , SB487 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB43 , SB149
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Mar 26th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have vivid memories right after Hurricane Laura decimated our side of the state, of where the food
  • Memorial Highway. Transportation. Senate Bill 28, by Senator McMath.
  • House resolutions reported by committee: House Resolution 15, by Representative Weible, to memorialize
  • It's going to be known as the Emily Catherine memorial bill, and hopefully act.
  • It's going to be known as the Emily Catherine memorial bill, and hopefully act.
Bills: HR70 , HR71 , HCR35 , HB31 , HB326 , HB1013 , HB1014 , HB1015 , HB1016 , HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , SB2 , SB13 , SB24 , SB28 , SB40 , SB47 , SB48 , SB70 , SB79 , SB80 , SB109 , SB127 , SB139 , SB154 , SB181 , SB199 , SB200 , SB208 , SB277 , SB317 , SB336 , SB349 , SB357 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HB51 , HB58 , HB69 , HB82 , HB93 , HB143 , HB166 , HB199 , HB201 , HB202 , HB218 , HB222 , HB223 , HB224 , HB231 , HB235 , HB246 , HB338 , HB349 , HB352 , HB379 , HB405 , HB429 , HB535 , HB547 , HB577 , HB588 , HB626 , HB636 , HB652 , HB653 , HB669 , HB688 , HB691 , HB721 , HB738 , HB749 , HB806 , HB843 , HB851 , HB857 , HB861 , HB889 , HB904 , HB907 , HB908 , HB929 , HB955 , HB1009 , HB952 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB337 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB739 , HB842 , HB875 , HB919 , HB52 , HB228 , HB289 , HB735 , HB796 , HB901 , HB193 , HB400 , HB570 , HB733
NV

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 29th, 2025 at 11:00 am

Nevada Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We just heard a bill not a few minutes ago that talked about funding school gardens.
  • We just heard a bill not a few minutes ago that talked about funding school gardens.
  • We just heard a bill not a few minutes ago that talked about funding school gardens that is a purpose
  • . not a few minutes ago that talked about funding school gardens.
  • The Assembly has amended this resolution with amendment number 5-5 in the Rainbow Gardens area.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee hearing on HF1066 3/6/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • management guidance, monitoring our lake water quality, working with urban residents on projects like rain gardens
  • 00:04:52.039><c> projects</c><00:04:52.600><c> like</c><00:04:52.880><c> rain</c><00:04:53.240><c> Gardens
  • </c> residents on projects like rain Gardens residents on projects like rain Gardens to<00:04:53.960>
Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, April 17, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Facing the agony of the cross while sweating drops of blood in the garden, Jesus prayed, 'Father, if
  • FACING THE AGONY OF THE CROSS WHILE SWEATING DROPS OF BLOOD IN THE GARDEN, JESUS PRAYED, FATHER, IF YOU
  • wanting to suffer but knowing what His suffering would produce, Jesus loved us enough to stay in the garden
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 82 Aug 17th, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Worcester, the members, guests, and employees please stand for a moment of silent tribute to the memory
  • He loved golfing, running, fishing, biking, and gardening.
Summary: The House took up several local and ceremonial matters. The Committee on Rules reported resolutions congratulating Aidan Sullivan on achieving Eagle Scout and Mary Beth Carter on her retirement as Whitman town administrator; the House suspended the rules and adopted both orders. The House also received a Senate petition concerning Massachusetts Water Resources Authority sewer service for a parcel in Foxborough, which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. On legislation, the House considered a Senate bill authorizing Walpole to grant up to two additional off-premises alcohol licenses. After suspending Rule 7A, the bill was ordered to a third reading. The House then passed to be enacted House bills removing a seating-capacity requirement for certain alcohol licenses in Belmont and authorizing Westfield to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 for a Malden former state property lease/use-restrictions petition, and later passed to be engrossed bills amending the Provincetown town charter and allowing appointment of associate planning board members in Tisbury to fill vacancies. The House observed a moment of silent tribute at the request of Representative LeBoeuf for Kurt Solomon, a Worcester police officer and Army veteran. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to adjourn and recessed until the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Jun 10th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Update on what happened in the last week and a half: Community Blood Drive in Paul, Idaho; Memorial Day
  • ; hold on just a second, I can't talk that fast; Garden Cemetery Celebration in Coeur d'Alene, which
Summary: The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including financial status, ambassador outreach, the Capitol celebration, the Liberty Bell tour, and related statewide events. LSO staff reported about $54,967.53 remaining for America 250 purposes and $17,500 pending disbursement in celebration fund grants. Treasurer Ellsworth described broad ambassador participation across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, along with numerous recent local events branded for America 250. Director Gallimore also reported that the Freedom Truck was on display, the Great American State Fair was underway, and the Liberty Bell had shipped from South Carolina and would be secured nightly as it tours the state. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on planning the July 4 Capitol celebration in Boise. Secretary McGrane outlined the parade, pancake feed, concert, vendors, live broadcast by Idaho Public Television, and the role of partners such as the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Just Serve, Duck Club, and Boise Family RV. Committee members asked about event timing, sponsorships, tribal participation, and the vehicle transporting the Liberty Bell. McGrane requested additional spending authority for unanticipated costs, including green rooms/trailers for performers, Ada County paramedics, water for attendees, and performer compensation. After discussion about costs and fiscal oversight, the committee approved a motion to grant an additional $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 Capitol celebration, specifically for paramedics, trailers for performers, water, and performer compensation. Members also discussed contingency planning for inclement weather, with general agreement that the committee should revisit the issue at a later meeting and aim to preserve some form of celebration even if the outdoor event must be adjusted. The committee then set its next meeting for June 24 and adjourned.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • libraries, job training, high school. equivalency programs, Head Start, financial literacy, community gardens
  • tribal leaders, there's always stories about Haskell from them or their family members, and there's a memory
Summary: The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • resources and hopefully someday we will turn those millions of barrels of water. a day produced into a garden
  • The institutional memory is critical. Thank you all very much. Thank you for all you do.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection.(7-20-26)

Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • He sent me one of those memory<00:10:09.760><c> pass</c><00:10:10.160><c> pictures</c><00:10:10.720><
  • Today, a memorial stands at the battlefield dedicated to those who died at Blue Licks.
  • <c> at</c><00:46:12.079><c> the</c> Today, a memorial stands at the Today, a memorial stands at the battlefield
  • The land of Blue Licks is not only a battlefield or memorial for the dead.
  • On August 15th, the Sons of the American Revolution will hold a memorial on that day.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I applaud everybody that does have a garden in their backyard.
  • It's comprised of key stakeholders to develop the Senate Memorial 19 report.
  • I'm here today to say thank you for putting forward this memorial.
  • This was a very comprehensive report on the Senate Memorial.
  • And so, did the memorial produce any data?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Minneapolis, Julia’s Neighborly CSA in Minneapolis, Northerly Flora in Minneapolis, and Our Roots Garden
  • </c><01:05:03.599><c> Um,</c> Garden, Minneapolis. Um, Garden, Minneapolis.
  • I did hear that there's concern about limiting some folks that may want to do some type of gardening
  • in a residential area and of gardening in a residential area and if<01:30:03.280><c> that</c><01:30:
  • Sabry responded that, from memory, there is a hardship clause, so if there is an economic hardship in
Bills: HF3508 , HF3548 , HF3549
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 9th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know what the percentage of people in Greensburg who have gardens are? Probably 80%.
  • You know what the percentage of people in Greensburg who have gardens are? Probably 80%.
  • I'm not 100% sure exactly what the specific rules are, but just off memory, being a councilman in Livingston
Committee: House Judiciary
Summary: The committee took up several bills, beginning with HB 519, which would require special masters appointed in complex consolidated litigation to comply with judicial conduct and federal appointment/disqualification standards, subject to Louisiana law. After a technical amendment clarifying that the provision applies to cases designated under Supreme Court rules, the bill was moved favorably without objection. HB 29, creating the Ascension Parish Retired Employee Insurance Fund, was then heard and also advanced favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 324 on judicial salaries. The bill would make the 2024 and 2025 judicial supplement stipend permanent and add future cost-of-living adjustments, subject to available funding and approval by the Louisiana Supreme Court and Judicial Budgetary Control Board. Members asked about funding sources and whether the stipend could be made permanent without a constitutional amendment; after discussion, the bill was moved favorably without objection. The longest discussion centered on HB 211, the Homelessness Court Program, later named the Streets to Success Act. Amendments were adopted to limit the bill to licensed group homes and to remove enforcement language that would have created civil actions against local governments for failing to remove encampments, while setting staggered effective dates. Supporters, including the bill author and governor’s office representatives, said the measure would create a coordinated court-and-services response for people experiencing homelessness, especially those with substance use or mental health issues, and would allow designated camping areas and diversion into treatment. Opponents, including housing advocates, legal aid groups, and people with lived experience, argued the bill would criminalize homelessness, increase jail and court involvement, and fail to address root causes such as unaffordable housing, lack of shelter capacity, and inadequate wraparound services. The bill drew extensive testimony but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> grow uh produce in a container garden grow uh produce in a container garden there<00:21:17.200><
  • ,</c><00:21:31.039><c> on-site</c> having on-site gardens, on-site having on-site gardens, on-site containers
  • So we had to be a little creative in these garden box solutions. But it's worked.
  • box that we had strawberries in a garden box that we had for<00:47:48.400><c> them.
  • They host really incredible youth garden summer camps.
Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PSM Public Hearing 02-02-2026

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is used for gardening.
  • This is used for gardening.
  • This is used for gardening.
  • This is used for gardening.
  • This is used for gardening.
Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.