Video & Transcript : 'rules committee' :
Page 391 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, of Oregon, to be Secretary of Labor. - Part 2 of 2 Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Labor has the responsibility to fairly enforce the nation's law.
- I thank this committee, and I look forward to your questions.
- rule.
- In the last administration, OSHA published a proposed rule.
- Chairman, and welcome to the committee. I enjoyed our conversation.
Keywords:
PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization
Summary:
The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules to order.
- Committee are in favor, signify by saying aye. Those no, the ayes have, the motion carries.
- We are working with stakeholders right now, but I would urge it coming out of the Rules Committee.
- In fact, in many ways, it’s more complicated with recent rulings.
- In fact, in many ways more complicated with recent rulings.
Committee:
Senate Rules
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Once we establish quorum, we'll do some committee rules and things like that. Thank you, Mr.
- Chair, and good afternoon, committee members.
- And just very quickly, we're going to move to adopt the committee rules for the remaining 2025-26 session
- So, without objection, our committee rules will be adopted.
- Okay, hearing no objection, the committee rules are adopted. Please proceed. Apologies.
Committee:
Senate Emergency Management
Summary:
The Senate Emergency Management Committee held its first meeting and adopted committee rules for the 2025-26 session. The committee heard SB 1001, which would require the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to issue identification cards for essential utility workers so they can more easily access evacuation zones during emergencies. The author and supporters, including Rowland Water District and the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, said the bill was prompted by delays during the Eaton Fire, when utility crews in marked vehicles were denied access despite having authorization. Members generally supported the bill as a practical way to improve coordination between utilities, law enforcement, and incident command during disasters. The bill was voted out on a do-pass motion to the Senate Public Safety Committee.
The committee also heard SB 1153, which would require urban retail water suppliers in high-risk areas to include wildfire-specific procedures in emergency response plans and make findings clarifying the role and limits of public water systems during wildfires. The author and witnesses from water agencies argued that public water systems are not designed to function as wildfire suppression systems and that the bill would improve planning while addressing growing liability exposure after major fires. Senator Perez raised concerns about balancing liability reform with accountability and the need for future infrastructure hardening, and the Vice Chair emphasized that the bill should not create a hollow safe harbor. The author accepted committee amendments clarifying that negligence liability remains intact, and the bill was moved out as amended to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.
A consent item, SB 870, was also approved. After roll calls were completed and absent members later voted, all three measures passed the committee 8-0. SB 1020 was pulled from the hearing for a future date.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-01-28 (4:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, your Rules and Ethics Committee herewith submits the special order for Tuesday, January 28,
- Are there motions relating to committee and subcommittee references?
- We will abide by the rule of law. We understand that.
- We will abide by the rule of law. We understand that.
- And yesterday in committee, I talked about the law versus humanity.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B on immigration, along with discussion of anticipated Senate changes. The sponsor described the bill as creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, establishing an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, expanding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses by unauthorized aliens, ending undocumented-student fee waivers, and providing substantial appropriations for enforcement and related programs. Members also questioned the Senate version’s proposed mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses involving unauthorized aliens, as well as pretrial detention, 287(g) participation, DMV reporting requirements, and the bill’s effects on schools, teachers, social workers, and local agencies. The sponsor and supporting members repeatedly said the bill required broad cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and that existing federal law would control where conflicts arose.
A major portion of the debate focused on whether the bill would allow or require immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive settings, and whether teachers, school resource officers, and social workers could be placed in conflict with federal privacy or professional obligations. Members also raised concerns about detention based on suspected status, the standard of proof for immigration-status determinations, prison and jail impacts, workforce shortages, and the fiscal effects on counties and state agencies. The sponsor said the bill did not provide DMV funding, that the state would need to study some implementation questions, and that the appropriations included $25 million for a local law enforcement participation incentive program and up to $350 million for broader implementation and coordination.
Several amendments were offered and failed. Representative Chambliss proposed protecting schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; Representative Escamani offered amendments to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers and to grandfather currently eligible students; Representative Woodson offered a similar Dreamer-related amendment; and Representative Bartleman proposed barring local law enforcement from entering schools during school hours to detain children solely for immigration status. Supporters of these amendments argued they would protect children, preserve educational access, and prevent trauma in schools and houses of worship. The House rejected each amendment by voice vote, and the transcript ends during debate on the Bartleman school-safety amendment before final disposition is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 5/12/26
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order. A quorum is present.
- I move the adoption of the calendar for the day pursuant to Rule 1.21 and 3.33.
- The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will designate Thursday, May 14th, for the adoption
- The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will designate Thursday, May 14th, for the adoption
Committee:
House Rules and Legislative Administration
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Clerk, do we have any reports from select committees, any reports from standing committees?
- According to Rule 44, no bill can be brought back the second time on the day without a motion unless
- And this is all within the rules of engagement to hear this bill twice.
- The motion is adopted and the formal election process in House Rule 10A is suspended.
- The motion is adopted and the formal election process in House Rule 10A is suspended.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Transportation Mar 31st, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, Chairman and committee.
- So, again, don't let the safety fanatics rule.
- Chairman, and members of the committee.
- Chairman, and members of the committee.
- Chair, members of the committee.
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on Senate Bill 1408, which would allow Missouri to raise the maximum speed limit on rural interstates from 70 to 75 miles per hour. Senator Berger, the bill sponsor, argued the change would better match neighboring states, improve traffic flow, and reflect modern vehicle safety technology. Several members supported the idea as a practical adjustment, while others questioned whether the time savings were worth the safety tradeoff, raised concerns about driver behavior, truck speed governors, road design, fuel use, and the possibility that higher posted limits would lead to even faster driving.
Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including a motorist advocate and some committee members, said 75 mph is common in surrounding states and worldwide, that most crashes are caused by inattention rather than speed alone, and that MoDOT should be able to set limits based on engineering and traffic conditions. Opponents included a Hazelwood police lieutenant, AAA, the Missouri Insurance Coalition, and MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. They argued that higher speeds increase crash severity and fatalities, that Missouri’s roads and traffic volumes differ from flatter neighboring states, and that the bill could disproportionately affect young and older drivers as well as roadside workers. MoDOT said its data shows speed is a major factor in fatal crashes and cited fatality increases in Arkansas and Kansas after those states raised rural interstate limits.
Committee members also debated whether the bill actually mandates 75 mph or merely authorizes MoDOT to set it where appropriate. MoDOT and AAA said any increase should be tied to engineering studies and roadway-specific analysis, while supporters argued the department already has that discretion and that the bill simply removes an outdated cap. No vote was taken in the excerpt. After closing the hearing on SB 1408, the committee moved on to House Bill 3447, a towing and recovery bill that would require more insurance for large commercial vehicles, improve notice and dispute procedures, and address abandoned vehicles; testimony on that bill began with the sponsor and representatives from the towing and trucking industries.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Feb 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- That's how we do it here in the Joint Committee on Education.
- I was also here in June supporting the similar home rule petition.
- Any questions from the committee? All right. Thank you very much.
- I'm the chair of the Hancock School Committee.
- I'm the chair of the Hancock School Committee.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing on two late-file bills. H. 4867, relative to school choice, drew testimony from leaders, parents, and educators in Hancock, Warwick, Richmond, and Worthington, who said DESE’s interpretation of Chapter 76, Section 12B(k) requires small districts without high schools to pay secondary tuition for nonresident school choice students after they leave the elementary grades. Witnesses said the resulting gap between the $5,000 school choice payment and high school tuition of roughly $13,000 to $18,000 per student has forced some districts to stop accepting school choice students, hurting class sizes, budgets, and rural families’ access to local schools. Committee members questioned how the current rule works, whether students have home high schools to return to, and whether a broader statutory fix could address all districts without secondary programs; testimony indicated the affected districts are a small number of rural communities, with some others having found alternative arrangements. Representative Barrett described the bill as a general solution to an issue that had gone unenforced for years, and the hearing ended with testimony closed on the bill.
The committee also heard H. 4927, relative to protecting access to applied behavior analysis (ABA). Educators and ABA providers testified that the bill would clarify that qualified ABA providers, including BCBAs and RBTs, may deliver services in schools while preserving school safety and operational rules. They argued that better access to ABA would help students with autism make progress on IEP goals, remain in the least restrictive environment, and reduce conflicts between families and districts. A parent described repeated delays in getting promised supports for her young son and said the bill would help ensure follow-through and accountability. The committee then closed testimony on H. 4927 and adjourned after a motion and second.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members of the committee.
- Chair and distinguished members of the committee.
- I have sat on this committee Judiciary for 59 days.
- The prime sponsors, I know are in other committees.
- Back to committee members, any other questions?
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He likes to debate the rules.
- All right, we can suspend the rules, right?
- And if you all remember, in caucus retreat, we discuss with the rules committee from the caucus what
- senate rules we're going to adopt and what joint rules we're going to agree to with the House.
- Sarah Miller to the state textbook committee.
Bills:
HB1168
Keywords:
abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to the Committee on Human Services.
- on</c> and re-referred to the Committee on and re-referred to the Committee on Human<00:20:10.320><c
- </c><00:22:18.560><c> recommends</c> is that the Energy Committee recommends is that the Energy Committee
- </c> all Republicans on the Committee all Republicans on the Committee supported<00:22:25.560><c> this
- Rule 26, I designate the following bills Rule 26, I designate the following bills be<00:24:08.840><c>
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 19, 2026 - 03:15 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to call to order the Rules Committee meeting for Thursday, February 19, 2026.
- Chair Garrison: Representative, welcome to the Rules Committee.
- Lopez: Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair Borrero, Ranking Member Gottlieb, and members of the committee.
- Lopez and come back to the Rules Committee anytime. I love having you.
- Chair Garrison: As required, the rules negotiated time for questions and debates on all bills.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, quorum of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committee is present, and the committee
- But the chair will rule that motion out of order, because the committee has already taken actions on
- And as I understand the ruling was..." "...the reflection of committee action already.
- And as I understand the ruling was because committee already acted on that, the substitute motion was
- ruled out of order.
Summary:
The committee received an LSO update on the latest green sheet, including the fiscal effects of House Bill 559, recent cash transfers, and the Idaho Budget Rescissions Act for FY 2026. Staff then walked through FY 2027 maintenance budgets, explaining how statewide decisions, benefit costs, contract inflation, and cost allocation were built into the numbers. Members also discussed clarifications to the health insurance calculation language and the treatment of certain agency plans, including graduate medical education and the Secretary of State’s cash balance approach.
The committee considered and approved maintenance budgets for the legislative branch, public safety, natural resources, health and human services, economic development, the judicial branch, constitutional officers, and general government. Several members objected to the across-the-board reductions, arguing they would create long-term costs, harm staffing and services, and shift expenses to other parts of government or to the public. Supporters said the committee needed a target, that the maintenance budgets were structurally balanced, and that further changes could be addressed in the enhancement process. Most budget motions passed on divided votes, and the committee also adopted standard language for each packet.
The committee debated several pieces of nonstandard language, including provisions related to budget integrity, reporting requirements for large Health and Welfare acquisitions, a cash transfer for livestock depredation prevention, public defender parking, insurance reimbursement limits, and a proposal to use reserve funds to hold state employee health insurance premiums flat. Some language was adopted by unanimous consent, while the employee premium language prompted extended discussion over which reserve funds could be used and whether the proposal should apply differently to elected officials and other employees. The meeting ended while that issue was still being worked through, with the committee having advanced multiple budget packets and accompanying language to do-pass recommendations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:00:43.559><c> uh</c> be in another committee at 9:00 am. uh be in another committee at 9:00 am
- This is my fifth committee.
- </c><00:31:43.360><c> has</c> other um bills that the committee has other um bills that the committee
- ><c> Minnesota</c><00:32:04.519><c> rules</c><00:32:05.120><c> uh</c> and then uh Minnesota rules uh
- Chair and members of the committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The rules of witness testimony are the... The committee is in order for us to complete our agenda.
- has rules to ensure a fair and efficient hearing, and we have a bunch of rules that I will state when
- rules.
- Bring it back to the committee for any questions or comments from the committee members.
- Chair, committee members.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote.
The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces.
SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action.
Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services #1
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the committee.
- Welcome to committee. Thank you very much. Good morning, Madam Chair and committee.
- Welcome to committee. Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
- Hello, Vice Chair, committee.
- Good morning, committee members.
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.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Further, the Committee on Government Operations...
- care, and was named Minority Vice Chair of the Committee on Public Health.
- During his time in the Senate, Robert Geake served on many committees.
- the Senate Committee on Appropriations, at times known as the Committee on Appropriations and Retirement
- to numerous special committees, ad hoc committees, and task forces.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 30 members present, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary excusals. The chamber received gubernatorial appointments to multiple boards and commissions, then recessed and later took up resolutions and legislation. It adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, a tribute memorializing former Senator and Representative Robert Geake, after remarks honoring his long legislative career and public service; the resolution was adopted and all members and the Lieutenant Governor were added as co-sponsors.
The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which approved an extension of a state of emergency related to gasoline prices through Labor Day. Senator Camilleri argued the extension would help lower fuel costs for residents, while Senator McBroom later criticized the resolution as political theater and urged action on substantive energy legislation, including a pending Upper Peninsula-related bill. The resolution passed by roll call, 36-1.
In floor action, the Senate introduced and referred several bills, including measures on the Income Tax Act, Michigan Trust Fund Act, road classification, the Food Law, Motor Fuels Quality Act, and automated decision tools in employment. The chamber then passed three bills on third reading: Senate Bill 480 on child care organization licensing and regulation, Senate Bill 517 amending the Revised School Code, and Senate Bill 278 amending the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. The Senate adjourned after statements and a final motion to adjourn until June 25 at 10 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So we just want to thank the legislature, especially this committee, members of this committee. for the
- There is a committee substitute to this bill. Sends up the committee substitute on Senate Bill 897.
- Real quick, members, you've each received the committee rules and have been provided prior to this meeting
- These are the standard rules that each committee is using in legislative session.
- Is there any questions from the committee? Adoption of the committee rules. Is there an objection?
Committee:
Senate Veteran Affairs
Keywords:
SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Apr 20th, 2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Fisher, you are welcome to address the committee.
- Thank you, committee.
- Thank you, committee members.
- It's kind of like what we have with administrative rules: an agency sends in rule changes, and if we
- It's kind of like what we have with administrative rules, an agency sends in rule changes, and if we
Bills:
HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Keywords:
early childhood education, task force, governance structure, healthcare access, stakeholder engagement, quality services, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity, X marker, transgender, vital statistics, State Department of Health, State Commissioner of Health
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee first considered the nomination of Christy D. Fisher to the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Senator Stanridge presented her as a lay member with legal and paralegal experience, and Fisher spoke about her family’s experience with speech therapy and autism-related speech needs. After brief questions, the committee advanced the nomination on an 8-2 vote.
The committee then heard several bills, including measures creating an Early Childhood Task Force (HB 1979), clarifying that Oklahoma has always prohibited sex-to-gender-identity amendments on birth certificates (HB 1225), and establishing a process for correcting death certificates after one year (HB 3931). Members also advanced a bill restricting edible medical marijuana products from being attractive to children (HB 4454), updating the mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents (HB 3849), and allowing juvenile safety plans to take effect if not acted on within 24 hours (HB 1746). Other bills addressed local food sales thresholds (HB 3720), allowing case managers and peer support specialists to work for cities and counties (HB 4275), DHS background-check and email-notice updates for child care centers (HB 4300), and a clarification that raising a child consistent with biological sex is not child abuse and that adoption cannot be denied solely over refusal to support a gender transition (HB 3586).
The committee also advanced bills on Medicaid reimbursement for dementia cognitive assessments and care planning (HB 2268), juvenile detention medication funding (HB 3755), family resource centers including faith-based and workforce organizations (HB 4117), epilepsy insurance coverage protections (HB 4294), extending the managed care rate floor to July 1, 2028 with a carve-out for multi-state contracts (HB 3650), and child care reforms raising subsidy co-pays and directing DHS to set more flexible master-teacher ratios for certain facilities (HB 4298). Several bills were amended or worked from committee substitutes, and most passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with HB 1225, HB 3586, and HB 4294 drawing some opposition. The committee adjourned after noting it would likely meet again later for additional executive nominations.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this is a joint committee hearing between the Committees on Labor and Technology, as well as Public
- private letter ruling.
- Okay, who signed up to be here in... private letter ruling private letter ruling um<00:03:49.400><c>
- The Committees, when we included suggested recommendations, should the bill pass out of committee, and
- </c> patience we're committing the committee patience we're committing the committee on<00:20:32.960>
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The joint hearing covered Senate Bills 470, 828, 730, and 1383. SB 470 would create a deferred retirement option program for police officers. The Employees Retirement System warned it could worsen the system’s $14.1 billion unfunded liability by stopping employer and employee contributions during the DROP period, and the Attorney General raised possible tax-qualified status, Internal Revenue Code, and age-discrimination concerns. Police and other supporters testified in favor, but the committees ultimately recommended deferring the bill indefinitely.
SB 828 would expand workers’ compensation medical benefits for firefighters to cover an additional respiratory condition. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Hawaii Firefighters Association supported the measure, citing occupational exposure and health risks. The committees recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted by both committees.
SB 730, which concerns allowance on service retirements, drew support from the Department of Human Resources Development and the Department of Law Enforcement, but also comments from the Attorney General and ERS. DHRD said the bill could help recruitment and retention but requested more time to work on language with ERS, Budget and Finance, and the AG’s office. The committees postponed decision-making until Friday, February 7, at 3:15 p.m. in Conference Room 225.
SB 1383, relating to fire protection, received broad support from the Governor’s office, Department of Defense, DLNR, Hawaiian Electric, and others. The committees agreed to pass it with amendments, including language suggested by the Hawaii Insurance Council on wildfire-related insurance issues and a committee report link to the Lina fire forward-looking report, phase three. The amended recommendation was adopted by both committees. Later in the meeting, the committees also heard SB 1360 and SB 1361 on ERS administrative and reporting matters, SB 340 on HLRB enforcement authority, and SB 997 on energy; SB 1360 and SB 1361 were presented as housekeeping measures, SB 340 drew disagreement between the Attorney General and HLRB over enforcement authority, and SB 997 was amended to incorporate prevailing-wage renewable energy rate language from SB 743 and then passed with amendments.