Video & Transcript : 'communication technology' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/30/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> community has to go through. community has to go through. >> Correct. >> Correct.
- some communities that have do know some communities that have adopted<02:19:23.519><c> the</c><02:19
- </c> service community. service community. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
- </c><02:49:39.520><c> and</c> there's still that communication and there's still that communication and
- </c> That's absolutely up to the community That's absolutely up to the community whether<04:45:47.040
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And very simply, what it does is empower a community at the local level, by local option, to exempt a
- And very simply, what it does is empower a community at the local level, by local option, to exempt a
- And like the gentleman, I am in favor of local options for our communities.
- So I know that the minority leader cares about a communities.
- We cannot ignore the climate facing immigrant communities today.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0.
The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill.
In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to identify every dark dollar and to say, oh, wait, I think it's another nonprofit, Center for Technology
- to identify every dark dollar and to say, oh, wait, I think it's another nonprofit, Center for Technology
- to identify every dark dollar and to say, oh, wait, I think it's another nonprofit, Center for Technology
- to identify every dark dollar and to say, oh, wait, I think it's another nonprofit, Center for Technology
- Identify every dark dollar and to say, oh, wait, I think it's another nonprofit, Center for Technology
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and the whole community. and the whole community.
- You would try to integrate technology.
- . technology. technology.
- </c><01:40:16.960><c> who</c> been caring for their communities who been caring for their communities
- </c> communities, in their small businesses. communities, in their small businesses.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Safety Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- communities, and immigrant communities.
- Build relationships with communities of color, emerging communities, and immigrant communities, and we've
- And of course, we have emerging communities in the Karen community.
- Communities in the Karen community.
- cultural communities.
Keywords:
public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Community colleges also, we have seen enrollment growth in community colleges.
- Community colleges also, we have seen enrollment growth in community colleges.
- That is a key communication tool for our underserved communities.
- More work needs to be done on GGRF for AB 617 communities, who all my district represent, for community
- Community college transfers.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/27/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Senate Health and Human Services COR
Transcript Highlights:
- out of state, I love our beautiful state and have spent much of my time giving back to make our communities
- Scout in Troop 18 of the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for 10 years, I learned early on the value of community
- I went to Estrella Jail and helped female inmates transition back to our community, get treatment, access
- I have also been a member of the Banner Foundation's Women Investing in Science and Technology, also
- And so opening up those lines of communication.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met, approved the March 25 minutes without objection, and heard testimony from Dr. Lynette Livesey, a nominee for the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. Dr. Livesey described her Arizona background, long career in psychology and public health, work with correctional and community mental health populations, and volunteer service. She said she has served on the board’s application review and complaint screening committees and values the board’s fair, collaborative approach, while noting concerns she has seen in family court-related complaints and the importance of communication among providers and agencies in behavioral health.
Committee members asked about her experience on the board, challenges facing the board, and broader behavioral health issues such as access to services, coordination among professionals, and how to measure success. One member encouraged her to meet with caucus members and discuss family court issues further. After discussion, a motion was made to recommend Dr. Livesey’s confirmation to the full Senate. The committee voted 5 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 not voting to advance her nomination, and then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/27/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I love our beautiful state, and have spent much of my time giving back to make our communities a better
- Scout in Troop 18 of the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for 10 years, I learned early on the value of community
- I went to Estrella Jail and helped female inmates transition back to our community, get treatment, access
- I have also been a member of the Banner Foundation's Women Investing in Science and Technology, also
- And so opening up those lines of communication.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> engagement</c> work and community engagement work and community engagement requirements<00:21:43.280
- living, and 500 more for the home and community-based services.
- living, and 500 more for the home and community-based services.
- living, and 500 more for the home and community-based services.
- living, and 500 more for the home and community-based services.
Summary:
The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations.
Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities.
He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 5/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Michael and Albertville area and surrounding communities.
- Michael and Albertville area and surrounding communities.
- So that's one thing I know Chair Nash is working on, on some technology upgrades for the state.
- </c><00:17:12.480><c> But</c> technology upgrades for the state.
- But technology upgrades for the state.
Summary:
House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Chair Kristen Robbins and Vice Chair Patti Anderson reviewed the committee’s first session, saying its work focused on exposing fraud, identifying gaps in statute and agency tools, and creating a public whistleblower portal (mnfraud.com). Robbins said the committee helped drive bipartisan opposition to legislatively named grants/earmarks, and that committee testimony from agencies, the Office of Legislative Auditor, and the Office of Grants Management led to late-session committee bills on issues such as a state kickback statute and required grants-management training. She also said the portal received 530 submissions in its first week, which the committee will review over the interim.
Members emphasized the need for stronger statewide oversight of grants and fraud prevention. Anderson said existing agency inspector general structures have not worked well and described a bipartisan effort to create a statewide Office of Inspector General with full investigatory authority. Robbins said the Senate version was moving through finance and expected on the floor soon, with the governor indicating he would sign it. Walter Hudson argued that hearings showed agencies often focus on paperwork and compliance checkboxes rather than actually preventing fraud, citing conflict-of-interest attestations and the Feeding Our Future-related testimony as examples. Jim Nash said the state government finance bill includes funding for anti-fraud efforts through the Office of the Auditor and related provisions.
In response to questions, Robbins said the committee tried to remain bipartisan despite a 5-3 Republican majority, and that members had handed significant allegations to law enforcement when appropriate. She said the committee did not need subpoena power this session because it is an oversight body, not a law-enforcement body. On legislatively named grants, Robbins said the goal is to change legislative culture rather than impose a formal ban, and she expects future policy to require front-end risk review, 990 review, and capacity checks before such grants are approved. Anderson added that the House and Senate versions of the inspector general bill differ on branch placement and law-enforcement authority, and that the House will decide whether to accept the Senate version once it comes back from finance and the floor.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capitol Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (1-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- 27.400><c> of</c> cabinet with the Commonwealth office of cabinet with the Commonwealth office of Technology
- <00:04:28.160><c> reporting</c><00:04:28.720><c> independently</c><00:04:29.759><c> and</c> Technology
- reporting independently and Technology reporting independently and postsecondary<00:04:30.800><c> institutions
- Kentucky Community and Technical College System reported asset preservation projects.
- The first three are for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services
Keywords:
00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call
01:00 Election of Co-Chairs
03:38 Approval of Minutes
04:09 Information Items
05:55 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab
12:13 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab
17:48 Ky Infrastructure Authority
28:50 Economic Development - EDF Grants
32:50 Ofc of Financial Mgmt
36:30 SFCC Debt Issues
40:50 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first reorganized by electing new co-chairs for the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee: Senator Fanny Fromom? as Senate co-chair and Representative McPherson as House co-chair, both by acclamation. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting and received quarterly capital project status reports from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Finance and Administration Cabinet, and postsecondary institutions. Those reports noted University of Kentucky equipment purchases, several school districts planning general obligation and revenue bond issues, a notification of non-approval for PR 3567, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System asset preservation projects.
Kevin Cardwell of the Finance and Administration Cabinet reported two action items: a $5,100 federal-funded Transportation Cabinet renovation of the Rowan County east and westbound rest areas, and a $1 million federal fund increase for the Capitol City Airport terminal building project, bringing the total federal support to $10 million and reducing the need for restricted funds. The committee also received a no-action report on a $1,363,000 Kentucky State University exterior repairs project funded through the 2024 asset preservation pool. Both action items were approved unanimously after roll call votes.
The committee approved four lease renewals presented by Natalie Bronner for Cabinet for Health and Family Services locations in Bell, Lee, and Clay counties, plus a parking lease for the Department of Corrections in Jefferson County. Members asked about lease pricing and were told renewals must remain at existing terms and conditions. The committee then approved a $57,000 Kentucky WATS emergency grant for Wood Creek Water District to cover part of arrears tied to the City of Livingston; members discussed the city’s audit delinquency, possible regional water/sewer solutions, and concerns about rates and private involvement, but the grant was approved.
Finally, the committee approved a $1 million line-item water grant to the City of Williamsburg with no action required, three Economic Development Fund grants for Bell, Franklin, and Shelby counties totaling $8 million in state support for site acquisition and infrastructure work, and five SFCC-supported school debt issues for Elizabethtown Independent, Erlanger Independent, Boyd County, Henderson County, and Union County. The school projects included middle school, high school, and vocational school renovations or new construction, and members requested a breakdown of the space funded by the debt. All action items were approved, and the meeting adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So again, very clear, transparent, very community-driven.
- My daughter uses an AAC device to communicate. It's via eye gaze.
- She also has used SSD-provided assistive technology to fully demonstrate her academic abilities.
- She also has used SSD-provided assistive technology to fully demonstrate her academic abilities.
- He uses a device to communicate. He is total care.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- She does an exceptional job communicating her priorities in the budget.
- That program is focused on government partnering with the faith community and with community-based nonprofits
- That program is focused on government partnering with the faith community and with community-based nonprofits
- That's also under the community corrections oversight now.
- There's still community corrections centers.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- action, a promise to deliver immediate relief, robust recovery, and stronger protections for our communities
- This is to use outdoor warning sirens, which could be coupled with the new technology of phone alerts
- Or do you think impacted communities know the best policy to keep them safe?
- The community for multiple sessions has been trying to get this type of legislation.
- We advocate for legislation on behalf of our community.
Bills:
SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB 2, SB 3, SB 5, SB 9, SB 10, SB 14, SB 16, SB 18, SB 34, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 4, SB1, SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB4
Keywords:
flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The state should also partner with and invest in community health workers and community-based organizations
- While there is some availability of community health worker support, community health workers cannot
- The other thing that I think has been a major draw is our community engagement and community integration
- Now, I can tell you that community integration, the power of community, has really accentuated just the
- Now, I can tell you that the community integration, the power of community has really accentuate the,
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Environmental Quality
Transcript Highlights:
- California is a leader in fusion technology. One third of all U.S.
- This ongoing contamination disproportionately impacts working-class border communities and communities
- It's not anti-solar, it's pro-community.
- benefits perspective for the impacted communities.
- benefits perspective for the impacted communities.
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on several energy, environmental, and consumer protection bills while operating at times without a quorum. Senator McNerney presented SB 925, which would direct the California Energy Commission to develop a statewide roadmap for fusion energy, and SB 1350, which would expand the use of green hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using hydrogen. Supporters said both bills would help California maintain leadership in emerging clean-energy industries, attract investment, and create jobs. Opponents of SB 1350 raised concerns about greenwashing, resource shuffling, and increased NOx emissions from hydrogen combustion, while supporters said committee amendments added guardrails against those outcomes. Senator Ashby presented SB 1010, a manufacturer-funded extended producer responsibility program for refrigerants in appliances; supporters said it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve recovery, while opponents argued existing laws already regulate refrigerants and that the bill could raise costs and disrupt recycling markets. Senator Grayson presented SB 1145 to streamline CEQA and federal reuse procedures for qualifying projects in the Concord Reuse Project Area, which supporters said would help deliver long-planned housing, jobs, and open space, while one housing group sought stronger affordable-housing guarantees. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1341, which would give CalRecycle authority to reduce processing fees for wine and spirits bag-in-a-box containers when fee collections exceed program needs; supporters said the current fee increase was abrupt and excessive, while opponents warned against giving the agency too much discretion. Senator Padilla presented SGR 13, urging the U.S. to secure enforceable commitments to eliminate transboundary sewage pollution in the Tijuana and New River watersheds during the 2026 USMCA review, and SB 1033, which would require testing and disclosure of heavy metals in protein products; SGR 13 drew strong support from border and environmental justice advocates, while SB 1033 drew support from consumer and health groups and opposition from industry groups concerned about labeling burdens and scope. Senator Caballero presented SB 1183, requiring a state study of the environmental, land-use, and economic impacts of industrial solar in the Central Valley; farm and land-use advocates supported the bill, while solar industry groups opposed unless amended, saying it should better reflect solar’s benefits and existing state analysis. After testimony, the committee took roll and adopted several measures on a 4-0 or 3-0 basis, with bills including SJR 13, SB 925, SB 1350, SB 1145, SB 1341, SB 1033, and SB 1010 advanced on call to Appropriations or, in the case of SB 1010, already voted with a 3-1 result before being held on call.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That is technology as we look at it today, like Representative Spear said.
- That is technology as we look at it today, like Representative Spear said.
- </c><01:44:35.040><c> for</c> making a change for our communities for making a change for our communities
- </c><01:44:49.159><c> which</c><01:44:49.320><c> can</c> scanning technology which can scanning technology
- <01:45:12.639><c> and</c><01:45:12.800><c> our</c><01:45:13.000><c> core</c> community and our core community
Summary:
The committee opened with House Bill 242, a liquor bill concerning brew pub licenses. Testimony from the New Hampshire Beer Distributors Association, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Liquor Commission explained that the bill is intended to correct a clerical error from the prior session and restore the agreed-upon language. The bill would allow a brew pub, within the existing 2,500-barrel limit, to self-distribute its own product to one authorized on- or off-premise license; otherwise it must use wholesale distribution. Witnesses said the measure is a narrow fix specific to brew pubs and does not affect other manufacturing licenses. No opposition was raised during the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after no committee questions remained.
The committee then heard House Bill 81, which would allow patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restaurant restrooms. The sponsor argued the current prohibition is outdated and can create safety risks by forcing people to set drinks down, citing concerns about drink tampering and a personal story about a friend who was drugged and assaulted after leaving a drink unattended. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would increase liability for restaurants, how enforcement would work, and whether the current law is aimed at preventing underage handoffs or drink spiking. The sponsor said the bill would be permissive for establishments, not mandatory, and that liability would still depend on overservice and Liquor Commission investigations. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association testified in opposition, saying the bill could raise liability and create concerns about underage consumption in bathrooms. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would move on to further committee/subcommittee consideration.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Of students and strengthen communities across this state.
- And wellness supports to fully succeed once they arrive in their new school communities.
- Our gateway communities cannot afford to go down.
- We need to keep going forward in these gateway communities.
- You know, our president has put many people in LGBTQ communities at severe risk.
Summary:
The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, tax administration, and oversight. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce delays, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment adding $500,000 for Free Period to provide free menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins briefly proposed extending paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance coverage to graduate student workers, but withdrew that amendment for later discussion.
Several amendments were debated and either adopted or rejected. Senator Tarr’s proposal to create oversight of the Group Insurance Commission and fund an Inspector General review was defeated after opposition argued existing oversight was sufficient. Tarr also offered amendments on MBTA deficiency fund withdrawals and on requiring 90 days’ notice before state tax code decoupling changes; both were rejected after standing votes. Senator Driscoll’s amendment for Randolph Public Schools restroom improvements was adopted, while his veterans student loan forgiveness amendment was withdrawn. Additional amendments were adopted for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s pharmacy technician training program for local high school students.
A major discussion centered on school funding and enrollment declines. Senator DiDomenico withdrew an amendment that would have provided $100 million to address Chapter 70 funding losses tied to enrollment drops, but he and Senator Collins used the floor to argue that districts facing declining enrollment and rising costs need a broader state response. The Senate also adopted a new draft of the supplemental budget and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote, with 35 members in the affirmative and 4 in the negative. The chamber then adjourned to meet again Monday, and did so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state legislator, and clerk magistrate.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- SAF is widely acknowledged as the most promising technology to address aviation carbon emissions, and
- </c> 2045 and as a longtime Hawaii Community 2045 and as a longtime Hawaii Community organization<00:
- There's a limit on the bill for 10 years, so the idea is that over time technology would advance.
- of ill health in those communities.
- </c> pesticides do in surrounding communities pesticides do in surrounding communities thank<01:13:58.040
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 103, relating to electric vehicle batteries, and then moved to Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel. On SB 103, the Department of Health and the State Energy Office supported the measure, and Redwood Materials said it supported the bill’s intent but requested an amendment to add a battery recycler to the commission. Other testimony on SB 103 included support from several individuals and organizations, with one opponent noted. A committee member also raised a possible deadline change requested by the Alliance of Automobile Innovation for future work on the measure.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 995, which would create tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and related renewable fuel production. Supporters included the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pono Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Tax Foundation, PAR Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel, and others. Supporters said the bill would help build a local SAF industry, encourage camelina and other feedstocks, and advance decarbonization goals. Several supporters also said they had proposed amendments or technical comments and stood on their written testimony.
Opposition testimony argued the bill could allow toxic waste feedstocks, such as construction and demolition waste, into fuel production, and questioned whether the incentives would truly benefit Hawaii farmers or consumers. One opponent said the bill’s benefits could flow to the producer and to imported feedstocks rather than to local agriculture, and another questioned the scale of local land and water available for camelina production. Committee members pressed witnesses on acreage, water use, expected yields, the role of PAR Hawaii’s refinery investment, and whether the state would be subsidizing a business decision that might not produce significant local fuel. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Unintelligible / empty transcript segment] Welcome to the Committee on Economic Development and Technology
- a lot of people are doing training, whether they go to UH, JCM, or whether they're doing it with community
- We need to really get underneath that part of our community, and that is the mission of the existing
- We need to really get underneath that part of our community, and that is the mission of the existing
- development Corp create its technology development Corp create its own<00:45:33.880><c> authority</c
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on.
The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing.
The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.