Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :

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WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session-Day 18, March 3, 2026-PM

Wyoming House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think try to decide our own future.
  • That's what the program was for.
  • That's what this program is area.
  • We have programs in place.
  • . program. program.
Keywords: 916, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Jul 21st, 2025

Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of our most competitive programs at Housing New Mexico is a low-income housing tax credit program
  • We call it the HIP program, Home Improvement Program. It's actually fairly new to us.
  • things that this program does.
  • One of the programs that does expend a little bit faster is the down payment assistance program.
  • at that level. but it's always been kind of a feeder program to the apprenticeship programs.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • and programs serving lower census levels than the maximum budget the program is projected to support
  • program that we've lost here in Sacramento.
  • If they land in a diversion program, that diversion program will be funded by the DSH program.
  • It was a pilot program investment. I don't think it's a pilot program. It was investment.
  • In statutes that govern our DHCS alcohol and drug program certification and our narcotic treatment program
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Housing Committee Jun 30th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • have ensured that there's total local control, so a small city or a small county gets to build the program
  • This not only affects the viability of projects, but also impacts affordability for future homeowners
  • Rather than burden taxpayers and ratepayers with more future retrofits, developers should continue to
  • Remote inspections aren't a far-fetched technology of the future.
  • The county's video inspection program was born in 2019.
Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 748, which would create pre-approved housing plans for single-family homes and small multifamily projects under 10 units, with delayed implementation for smaller cities and counties. The author said the bill is modeled on the state’s ADU preapproval process and is intended to make housing approvals ministerial and faster. Support came from housing and business groups, while several cities opposed it. Senators raised concerns about local control and whether small or rural jurisdictions have the staff and infrastructure to implement the program, but the author emphasized that local agencies would still control the plans and land-use decisions. No vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee then heard AB 1621, which would tighten timelines and accountability for post-entitlement permits, limit plan-check resubmittals, and restrict field changes unless needed for health and safety. The California Building Industry Association and many housing groups supported the bill, arguing that permitting delays raise costs and slow housing production. The League of California Cities, counties, and several local governments opposed it, saying the two-plan-check limit is too rigid and that the bill could create litigation risk and reduce local flexibility to ensure code compliance. Members debated the proper standard for additional review and whether the bill should allow exceptions for state mandates; the author said the bill was meant to stop endless back-and-forth while preserving health-and-safety exceptions. The bill was recommended for a due-pass motion to Appropriations when quorum is reached. AB 2748 was next, proposing a three-year delay in the new electric-vehicle readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing projects, keeping the older 40% standard during that period. The author and affordable housing advocates said the change would reduce costs and help scarce housing dollars go further, while opponents from environmental, transportation, and clean-energy groups argued the current code is already cost-effective and that the bill would create a double standard and reduce EV access for low-income residents. Senators discussed whether the bill should require additional EV-capable infrastructure if projects use the older standard, and several members said they supported the bill but urged continued work on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining to student housing projects at public universities and community colleges with long-range plans. The author and student housing advocates said campus housing shortages are driving student homelessness and that the bill would help projects move faster; some senators supported the concept but questioned the bill’s geographic limits and whether labor standards or rural-campus criteria might be too restrictive. The meeting also included AB 1738, which would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple home inspections. Supporters said remote inspections save time and money and have been used safely in California, while one senator said she could not support virtual inspections for more complex items like roofs and solar work. No final votes were taken during the transcript, and several bills were held pending quorum or further action.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • and programs serving lower census levels than the maximum budget the program is projected to support
  • and the delayed activation of a new Central California fact program that will replace the program we've
  • If they land in a diversion program, that diversion program will be funded by the DSH program.
  • It was a pilot program investment. I don't think it's a pilot program. It was investment.
  • County-funded program.
Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State and Local Government Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm not sure who would in the future, but I think that's a process.
  • They're conservative.
  • I mean, it speaks more of a future problem with it.
  • But, so I am concerned, again, like I said before, I'm concerned about future.
  • future, there's always an issue.
Bills: HB1162
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: an act further regulating the amendment of a conservation
  • Third reading of the bill: An act further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate took up several third-reading matters and advanced them by voice vote. It adopted an amendment substituting a new draft for Senate No. 1425, a bill further regulating amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson, and then passed the bill to be engrossed. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a sick leave bank bill for Marie LaTondra of the Department of Transitional Assistance. The Senate suspended rules to act on a House bill authorizing the Department of Fire District No. 1 prudential committee to appoint a treasurer, ordering it to a third reading and then passing it to be engrossed. It also considered a House bill authorizing Scituate to issue four additional on-premises alcohol licenses; Senator O'Connor offered an amendment, which was adopted, and the bill as amended was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. On procedural and referral matters, the Senate suspended rules and joint rules to move forward a petition to include inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing education, referring it to the Committee on Public Health. It also ordered a House bill on the appointment of the police chief in Fall River to a third reading, and referred a House petition concerning survivors and holders of abuse or harassment prevention orders to the Judiciary Committee. The Senate adopted an order to reconvene the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., then adjourned.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

HOUSE CONVENES May 4th, 2026

Arkansas All Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • with the state's financial stability, increased economic growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative
  • enacted to provide further tax relief during this period. ...growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative
Summary: The Arkansas House convened in an extraordinary session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members granted several leaves of absence and recognized visiting state troopers and the nurse of the day. The clerk then read the governor’s proclamation calling the special session, which cited the state’s strong finances and outlined the session’s purposes: reducing individual income tax rates to a top rate of 3.7% and corporate tax rates to a top rate of 4.1%, along with authorizing payment of legislative expenses and per diem for the special session. The House adopted motions to suspend House Rules 41A and 41B, which normally require bills to be on the desk for 24 hours before final passage and limit how soon filed bills can be placed on committee agendas, as well as Rule 60A on committee meeting notice requirements, for the duration of the special session. House Bill 1001, a revenue and tax bill, was then read a second time. The House also directed the clerk to notify the Senate and governor that it was ready for business. Before adjourning, the House set a meeting of the Revenue and Tax Committee for 5:15 p.m. that day. A motion to adjourn until 9:30 the next morning was adopted without objection.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

HOUSE CONVENES May 4th, 2026

Arkansas All Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • with the state's financial stability, increased economic growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative
  • policies, additional tax reductions can be enacted to... ...growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative
Keywords: 1204, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • In addition, the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council also passed a resolution in 2018
  • 14 uh in it at the minimum age of 14 uh in addition<00:40:24.599><c> the</c><00:40:24.880><c> conservative
  • </c><00:40:25.880><c> American</c> addition the conservative American addition the conservative American
  • 07.400><c> in</c><00:41:07.520><c> the</c><00:41:07.640><c> Union</c><00:41:08.319><c> and</c> conservative
  • state in the Union and conservative state in the Union and liberal<00:41:08.839><c> Democrats</c><00
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • His vision for the America's future.
  • These students work hard, program.
  • </c> music programs have on our youth. music programs have on our youth.
  • </c><00:24:49.760><c> to</c> Sheriff, he he spearheaded a program to Sheriff, he he spearheaded a program
  • </c> student athletes and help ensure future student athletes and help ensure future generations<01:02
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • But is that an optional program or is it a forced program?
  • Are you aware of the program? I'm aware of the ICTT program. Yes.
  • And you're aware of that program? I'm not aware of that program.
  • And you're aware of that program? I'm not aware of that program.
  • So to address these, prevention program and no quality assurance program.
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • ,</c><00:49:45.119><c> you</c> differential aid in the EFA program, you differential aid in the EFA program
  • Um, and most of the time DHS program.
  • </c><01:06:18.079><c> even</c> special education approved program even special education approved program
  • And it's a reimbursement program.
  • They're not, particular program here.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The commission met to continue its study of the cost of special education, with the chair emphasizing that the group needs to narrow its focus over the coming year toward specific cost drivers, including the IEP process, Medicaid, charter schools, and EFAs. Members reviewed a draft first report due November 1 and agreed it would be a brief synopsis of prior meetings, with minutes attached. The September 30, 2025 minutes were amended to correct the number of federally funded department staff from 234 to 23, and to revise language about Senator Sullivan’s comments so they reflected concerns about IEP advocates and fees charged to families rather than support for the concept. The amended minutes were then approved unanimously, with abstentions noted for members who were absent. The main presentation focused on how special education costs are handled for students attending charter schools. The DOE representative said there are 804 students with disabilities in charter schools across 88 of the state’s 176 districts, and that the district of residence remains responsible for all services and costs. She explained that students must meet IDEA criteria through district evaluation and parent consent, and that services are determined through individual IEP meetings rather than by a blanket charter-school decision. Members asked how those costs are tracked, whether any students are merely “monitored,” and whether districts separately identify charter-school special education expenses; the answer was that most districts fold those costs into their overall special education budget, though some may break them out as a line item. The discussion then turned to transportation and mileage costs for staff providing services at charter schools. Testimony indicated that districts may use their own staff, contract staff, or contract with a charter school for certified services, and that travel costs are often either built into contracts or absorbed as part of staff time rather than separately reimbursed. Members questioned whether mileage is reimbursed when staff travel to distant charter schools and whether those costs can be isolated in district budgets; the response was that practices vary by district and are not usually broken out by special education function. Several members argued this makes it difficult to determine the true cost of delivering special education, especially given New Hampshire’s model in which the district of residence pays regardless of where the charter school is located. The chair noted the complexity of the system and compared it to the state’s separate tuition and transportation approach for career and technical education centers.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Executive Departments and Administration (01/22/2026)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • > Furthermore, the apprenticeship program Furthermore, the apprenticeship program that<00:06:04.960><
  • So, 1,000 hours of apprenticeship, a five-course certificate program from an accredited mortuary program
  • They would have to certificate program.
  • They mortuary science program degree.
  • </c> operate work with conservation operate work with conservation cemeteries<00:59:09.119><c> um</c>
Keywords: 1189, house, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,</c> two days, managing our intern program, two days, managing our intern program, overseeing<00:08:
  • This program has trained over programs.
  • Under the mankind's future on earth.
  • </c> Let's make this a nationwide program. Let's make this a nationwide program.
  • How do you save my kids' future?
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • I also want to highlight a complementary program.
  • , and the program no longer received state funding again, and the funding for the program has decreased
  • Nurse Home Visitor Program proposed in HB 2828 and the Healthy Families Arizona program. ...and the
  • Healthy Families Arizona program.
  • They're just providers that administer the program.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPN-JDC, CPN, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 03-04-2026

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first measure is SB 2975, Senate Draft 1, relating to marine life conservation districts.
  • </c><00:04:26.000><c> life</c> Draft 1 relating to marine life Draft 1 relating to marine life conservation
  • </c> conservation districts. conservation districts.
Bills: SB2386 , SB2804 , SB2852
Summary: The committees met in decision-making sessions on several bills and generally advanced them without opposition. Early actions included SB 2386, which clarifies job-posting pay disclosure requirements and lowers the small-employer exemption threshold, and SB 2804, both recommended to pass unamended. SB 2852, addressing accessibility of information and communications technology for people with disabilities in public accommodations, was also recommended to pass unamended. SB 2975 on marine life conservation districts was advanced unamended despite a noted defective effective date. The CPN committee then acted on SB 3019, a consumer protection bill, recommending passage with amendments to require refunds of certain fees upon cancellation and to defect the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 3231 on agricultural districts, SB 2378 on housing, and SB 3062 on liquor were all recommended to pass with amendments and a defective effective date set to July 1, 2050. SB 3255, concerning cash payments and rounding guidance, was reconsidered after discussion with small business stakeholders and was also advanced with amendments. In the later regular CPN agenda, SB 2607 on landscape architect licensure drew support from the board and professional groups and was recommended to pass with board-requested amendments and a July 1, 2050 effective date. SB 2623 SD1 on pharmacy technician registration was recommended to pass with clarifying amendments from the Board of Pharmacy. SB 2396, which would create a registry for agents managing property for absentee owners and require on-island contact information for certain condo owners, received mixed testimony: supporters emphasized accountability and enforcement, while opponents from community associations raised implementation concerns and asked for further work. The committee ultimately recommended SB 2396 with amendments from the Hawaii Council of Community Associations and a July 1, 2050 effective date.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 6th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • you know need to think about the future you know need to think about the future you know we we're all
  • they have less problems with them future they have less problems with them future they have less problems
  • I know about more mentoring programs I know about more mentoring programs I know you're working on one
  • Patrick Birmingham the Explorer Program Patrick Birmingham the Explorer Program Patrick selers and I
  • because right now I'm I'm programs because right now I'm I'm programs because right now I'm I'm begging
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have an anchialine pool inventory and monitoring program, so we could incorporate some of the science
  • We would probably just utilize our existing education programs and partnerships to move this forward.
  • </c><00:02:22.400><c> so</c><00:02:22.560><c> we</c> inventory and monitoring program so we inventory
  • and monitoring program so we could<00:02:22.920><c> incorporate</c><00:02:23.920><c> some</c><00:02:
  • </c><00:03:16.280><c> and</c> our existing uh education programs and our existing uh education programs
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose. Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits. The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Advisory Committee under the State Fire Marshal to establish a voluntary home hardening certification program
  • But this is the first fundamental step: have the right voluntary certification program.
  • Sá'uwaadio with the Nature Conservancy, in support. Thank you.
  • County, all of them, have brush inspection programs for all homes that are in areas like this.
  • That slowed us down by a year here on the voluntary certification program.
Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard two main bills. AB 1934 by Assembly Member Bennett would create a voluntary home hardening certification program under the State Fire Marshal’s Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee. Supporters, including local governments, counties, fire-related organizations, and conservation groups, said the certificate could help guide future incentives for wildfire resilience and home hardening. Senators discussed how long certifications should last, whether recertification should be required, and how the program could align with local fire inspections and future state incentive funding. The bill was advanced to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. The committee also heard AB 2411 by Assembly Member McKinner, which would create a process to train and deploy out-of-state law enforcement officers as temporary supplemental security for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The author, the Los Angeles mayor’s office, and the Los Angeles Police Protective League supported the bill, saying the Games will require far more officers than California can supply on its own and that out-of-state personnel should augment, not replace, California officers. Opposition from PORAC and the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs focused on ensuring California POST standards, accountability, and proper training, while also raising concerns about recruitment, retention, and cost. Committee members generally supported the concept but emphasized that California officers should remain the primary source of personnel and that federal involvement should be limited; the bill was sent to the Senate Public Safety Committee. The committee also took up a consent calendar of additional measures, which were approved. After several roll calls and calls placed on absent members, both AB 1934 and AB 2411 ultimately passed the committee 9-0, and the meeting adjourned.