Video & Transcript Research : 'mandate'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/04/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- c><01:39:54.960>
certain hesitant about mandating a certain hesitant about mandating a certain - It's not statutorily mandated.
- Not statutorily mandated.
- However, I have concerns regarding mandating the use in statute of a copyrighted product.
- Um, would you process than mandating it.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and it is a mandate because these projects are needed all across the state of Minnesota.
- <00:25:56.559>
Um, <00:25:56.880>and our mandate to deploy our funds. - Um, and our mandate to deploy our funds.
- Then why do we need to mandate it? Thank you. Final question to Representative Stone. Sorry.
- c> and [snorts] It's a mandate and [snorts] It's a mandate and we're<01:19:59.440>
saying <
Keywords:
virtual power plant, VPP, distributed energy resources, DER, demand response, load management, grid modernization, peak demand, peak shaving, battery storage, energy storage, solar photovoltaic, solar panels, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, heat pumps, aggregator, public utilities commission, PUC, rate recovery
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/24/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- policymakers as we pass more mandates policymakers as we pass more mandates down<00:06:33.759>
- these mandates that we're putting down. these mandates that we're putting down.
- Just mandate<00:31:58.799>
it." - Well, as soon as you mandate it."
- > construction, mandate something onto construction, mandate something onto construction, guess<00
MO
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh this is congressionally<00:44:06.800>
mandated <00:44:07.520>formula <00:44:08.079>- > funding congressionally mandated formula funding congressionally mandated formula funding to<00
- It imposed a categorical mandate on the spending of congressionally appropriated and obligated funds
- to perform the functions it is mandated to perform the functions it is mandated to<01:08:42.560>
- agencies that have statutoily mandated agencies that have statutoily mandated roles<01:12:24.800
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety.
Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA.
The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (6-24-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the legislation that was passed set forth some um guidelines and some mandates and some provided
- Um, it put a mandate structure in place that said basically three things.
- Um it put a mandate structure counties.
- So while there is a shared cost increase, this proposed bill is not a mandate.
- We're simply giving the city mandate.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:11
Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42
Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48
Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09
Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33
Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer.
The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control.
Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 4/3/25
Energy Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25 - Part 1
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But let's be clear: Xcel is a for-profit company that has a mandate to maximize the profits of their
- <00:53:34.799>
to for-profit company that has a mandate to for-profit company that has a mandate - consistently opposed government mandates consistently opposed government mandates that<01:02:34.680
- should be our priorities if the Mandate should be our priorities if the Mandate proves<01:02:49.880
- <01:21:13.320>
for that deal was actually a mandate for that deal was actually a mandate for
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 20th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It is unclear whether that language includes sales taxes and other mandated charges that are outside
- It encourages; it doesn't mandate. So this just says it puts a seal of approval...
- It encourages; it doesn't mandate.
- And it doesn't mandate they're doing anything.
- It doesn't mandate they do anything.
Keywords:
economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price
Summary:
The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud.
The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection.
The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we want to pass bills like this, then we should have been having a mirrored version of unfunded mandates
- There is no discipline in our state legislature to stop passing on unfunded mandates to our schools,
- These are the predicaments that we're facing: unfunded mandates, unfunded mandates.
- Unfunded mandates. Unfunded mandates.
- Stop with unfunded mandates. Provide a fiscal note.
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:05 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- Here in the state, without, if you will, a mandate from the state with regard to these renewable portfolio
- This bill also mandates a zero-carbon requirement decades in advance, which removes flexibility to adapt
- It adds new mandates, reporting requirements, and long-term generation standards that create uncertainty
- The bill adds layers of PRC oversight, reporting requirements, and compliance mandates, along with the
- This mandate is a mandate of 100% zero carbon on a government-approved timeline.
Keywords:
nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight - Morning Session Dec 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a mandate: every trooper will adopt a school.
- it but in2022 the commissioner came out and he goes I want troopers back in the schools this is a mandate
- I mean, and how many different mandates, and of course the goal is to increase reading proficiency and
- And we know they got a lot of training to do, and there's a lot of mandates, but I don't know of one
- It also seems that we're hesitant to establish codes and laws mandating safety and security measures,
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on Oklahoma school safety from Commissioner Tipton, OSSI director Mike Fike, OACTIC director Alan Young, OSBI lieutenant Isiles Keene, and Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton. The main focus was a statewide school-safety framework built around response, prevention, and recovery. Witnesses described training law enforcement in the LASER active-shooter response model, adding A-TURK training for coordinated law enforcement/fire/EMS response, expanding run-hide-fight and Stop the Bleed instruction for educators and staff, conducting risk and vulnerability assessments, and using the Rave panic-button system and the ProtectOK tip app to speed reporting and dispatch. They also emphasized behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) teams as a prevention tool to identify and support at-risk students before violence occurs.
Members asked about administrator and teacher training, school counselor involvement, how apps are deployed on personal versus school devices, and whether schools are actually using the programs. Witnesses said administrators, counselors, and SROs should be part of BTAM, that training is most effective when it is realistic and repeated, and that Rave is geofenced and typically invited onto devices by schools. Several members stressed that school leaders must buy in for safety plans to work, and one member raised concerns about traumatic training and the need for mental-health support as part of prevention. Witnesses said mental-health referral and monitoring are part of BTAM, but the school and local partners must manage the process.
OSBI’s lieutenant added broader context, comparing school safety to fire safety and noting that Oklahoma still lacks some statutory requirements for intruder drills and stronger penalties for school threats. He also discussed possible future tools such as surveillance analytics, gunshot detection, ballistic-rated doors and walls, and better access controls, while warning that technology should supplement, not replace, basic safety systems and training. Sheriff Walton closed by describing rural response challenges and his foundation’s effort to place ballistic shields in schools and police cars, arguing that human resources and rapid communication remain the biggest gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- added cost, and so I'm curious about the question of does it make sense for local governments to mandate
- It might be good for arterials, but does it make sense to have these frontage improvement mandates?
- the types of homes that cities across Washington are depending on to meet the state-wide housing mandates
- Yeah, there's a lot in my field of work in planning that is mandated by the state.
- Additional mandates could be put on the table for other types of facilities.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on form-based codes, child care facility siting, and street standards/frontage improvements. On form-based codes, Commerce’s Dave Anderson explained that these codes emphasize building form, orientation, and the public realm more than traditional use and density tables, and that they are typically applied in specific districts rather than citywide or statewide. Lacey’s Vanessa Dolby described the city’s Woodland District code, developed through community charrettes, fiscal and market analysis, and subdistrict-specific standards to create a walkable downtown. She said the approach has helped produce a more desirable built environment and more flexibility in permitted uses, but also noted it can be less user-friendly for applicants and still requires some use restrictions; both presenters said a hybrid approach is often best.
The committee then heard from DCYF and multiple providers about barriers to opening child care facilities. DCYF officials said Washington has more than 6,500 licensed providers and that a new pre-licensing support team is helping applicants navigate licensing, but local zoning, building, fire, parking, utility, and occupancy requirements still create delays and confusion. Testifiers described long permitting timelines, inconsistent local interpretations, costly upgrades, and utility hookup delays; one Yakima provider said county requirements, a floodplain-related elevation certificate, and a private well issue stopped her in-home child care proposal, while others described traffic impact fees, parking mandates, and zoning barriers that made projects infeasible. Enterprise Community Partners highlighted examples of successful local reforms, including fee waivers, expedited permitting, and zoning changes in several cities, and DCYF said it is working toward a 2026 action plan and a resource guide for providers.
In the final section, planners and developers discussed how street standards and frontage improvement requirements can undermine infill and middle housing. Poulsbo’s planning manager said current standards were designed for greenfield subdivisions and often force costly curb, gutter, sidewalk, stormwater, and utility upgrades on small infill sites, sometimes adding tens of thousands of dollars and causing projects to be abandoned. A Seattle-based developer made similar points about small middle-housing projects being burdened by frontage work, curb ramps, buried standards, and EV-ready parking requirements that can trigger expensive undergrounding. Committee members asked about possible state-level changes, including whether child care should be treated as an essential public facility and whether parking requirements had already been reduced; one senator noted that minimum parking requirements for child care facilities were eliminated in prior legislation, with implementation phased in over the next few years.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senate Leadership's Plans for Session / Online Sports Betting Testimony / November Budget Forecast Jan 14th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the more egregious issues that were coming down the pipe, like tax increases and some of the mandates
- /c><00:14:16.959>
the tax increases and and some of the tax increases and and some of the mandates - that that they were looking at mandates that that they were looking at so<00:14:18.720>
we <00 - c> they grow government how they can they grow government how they can increase<00:15:15.440>
mandates - There's been some mandate reform issues that I think have some bipartisan agreement.
Summary:
The program opened with interviews on the start of Minnesota’s 94th Senate session, where the chamber is evenly split 33-33 after the death of DFL Senator Kari Dziedzic and a special election to fill the vacancy. DFL Majority Leader Aaron Murphy and Republican Leader Mark Johnson both said the tied Senate and narrow margins in both chambers will require more cooperation and compromise. Murphy emphasized affordability issues such as health care, child care, housing, college costs, and medical debt, while Johnson said Republicans want to refocus on Minnesota’s needs, limit tax increases and mandates, and use the split chamber to gain more influence in negotiations. Both leaders said they expect bipartisan work on issues like mental health, EMS, public school funding, permitting reform, and mandate reform. Former Senator Ann Johnson Stewart was also sworn in after winning the special election for District 45 and said she hopes to work on infrastructure, transportation, bonding, and jobs.
The Senate Finance Committee then held a hearing on the social impact of legalizing online sports betting. Testimony from researchers and gambling addiction experts warned that online sports betting can contribute to addiction, family harm, and financial distress, with one witness describing it as a public health disaster and citing higher bankruptcy filings in states that legalize it. Committee discussion also reflected the competing view that many Minnesotans want the option to bet legally, while lawmakers have a responsibility to protect residents from harm.
The final segment focused on Minnesota’s budget and economic forecast. Officials said the state is expected to end the 2026-2027 biennium with a surplus, but spending growth is projected to outpace revenues in the following years, creating a structural deficit of nearly $6 billion in fiscal years 2028-2029. Legislators said the forecast underscores the need to address spending, inflation, and long-term obligations such as special education and disability services, and some Republicans called for attention to waste, fraud, and abuse. The report noted that an updated forecast will be released in February, which could further shape budget negotiations.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have not mandated that.
- We have not mandated that. We container. We have not mandated that.
- And just to expanding coverage or mandating new expanding coverage or mandating new benefits.<04:32:23.040
- Because we argued that it's a statewide mandate, but it's not a statewide mandate.
- Because we argued that it's a statewide mandate, but it's not a statewide mandate.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions. Members marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, promoted Cinco de Mayo and a related potluck, welcomed DeMolay International guests, and recognized correctional officers and employees during Corrections Officers and Employees Week. Several committees also announced upcoming meetings and bill hearings, including Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, Capital Development, and Appropriations.
Committee reports were read, including favorable recommendations on several bills and a postponement indefinitely of House Joint Resolution 1029. The Majority Leader then moved a slate of bills to special orders, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber then proceeded to floor consideration of Senate Bill 134, concerning payment card network fees.
Senate Bill 134 drew debate over whether merchants should continue paying swipe fees on the tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters said the bill would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and restaurants, with estimated savings of $8,000 to $10,000 per business and about $217 million statewide. Opponents argued the bill shifted costs to banks and could have unintended consequences, suggesting the state should instead directly pay or reimburse the fees. After debate, the House passed Senate Bill 134 by voice vote.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (11/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:45:26.480>
of discipline the the mandating of discipline the the mandating of disciplinary - >
notification They they already mandate notification They they already mandate notification to - They already mandate an to parents. They already mandate an investigatory<00:57:47.200>
process. - Who would um that would be mandated.
- >> I I do not see as a mandate but an >> I I do not see as a mandate but an option. option
Summary:
The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions.
Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies.
Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You're mandating changes before you even have a working, before you even have input.
- that as part of their to mandate that as part of their >> financing?
- um QAP changes testimony with mandating um QAP changes in<02:31:28.560>
statute. - <02:31:54.960>
what but the idea that we are mandating what but the idea that we are mandating - :02.560>
affordability with mandating permanent affordability with mandating permanent affordability
Bills:
HB2611, HB2102, HB1710, HB1868, HB1920, HB1812, HB1733, HB1715, HB1723, HB1724, HB1727, HB1711
Keywords:
HB2611, Hawaii antitrust, rental housing, rent price-fixing, algorithmic pricing, algorithmic rent-setting, property management software, pricing algorithms, rent coordination, price-fixing, collusion, cartel, multifamily housing, landlord software, occupancy levels, lease terms, Attorney General, public education program, consumer protection, housing affordability
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent.
The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- emphasis is undoing the unfunded mandate emphasis is undoing the unfunded mandate and<00:27:36.159
- The speaker said they are trying to undo an unfunded mandate.
- They are just trying to undo an unfunded mandate.
- If there was a full ban, of course, Louisville Water would follow that mandate, right?
- If there was a full ban, of course, Louisville Water would follow that mandate, right?
Keywords:
Discussion of SB 126 (2025 RS) 00:05:13
Discussion of HB 16 (2025 RS) 00:15:40
Kentucky Department of Parks – Overview 01:05:06, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met jointly for State Government, State and Local Government, and Elections and Constitutional Amendments, approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, and then took up discussion of Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power. Senator Chris McDaniel said the measure was prompted by concerns over pardons issued in 2019 and would bar pardons for 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the swearing-in of a new governor, leaving the power otherwise intact. Members who spoke generally supported the proposal as a way to increase accountability, and McDaniel said he intended to place it on the 2026 ballot. No vote was taken on the bill during the discussion.
The committee then moved to House Bill 16 on water fluoridation. Representative Hart and Senator Greg Elkins said the bill would remove Kentucky’s fluoridation mandate and give local water districts the choice to add fluoride or not. They emphasized that the revised draft also adds immunity language to protect districts from civil litigation regardless of their decision. Dr. Jack Call, a Louisville dentist, presented against fluoridation, arguing that the main dental benefit is topical rather than from drinking water and citing studies and reports he said linked fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children and other health concerns. Cindy Batson, a nurse and parent, also supported the bill and said she had testified on the issue for years.
During questions, Senator Rollins raised concerns about fluoride being an industrial byproduct and described fluoridation as forced medication. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s local-control and immunity provisions, with sponsors saying they were not trying to relitigate the broader science but wanted to remove the mandate. The transcript ends while questions and testimony on HB 16 were still underway, and no final committee action is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- it provides consistency and mandates it provides consistency and stability<00:12:50.560>
for < - And if we've listened to what they've said, please, no more mandates.
- <01:04:10.359>
and they've said please no more mandates and they've said please no more mandates - <01:15:11.520>
from that it is the unfunded mandates from that it is the unfunded mandates - Nobody's in favor of a mandate until they find one that they like.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/29/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, this bill is not a mandate.
- Nor is there any regulatory mandate.
- Um the the storms that we're mandate.
- <05:46:07.840>
is and their you know mandate is and their you know mandate is essentially< - <05:51:04.160>
that paragraph E, basically mandating that paragraph E, basically mandating