Video & Transcript Research : 'sentence modification'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Info Briefing - Wed Oct 29, 2025 @ 11:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, in preparation of that upcoming um deadline, DHS has worked to make modifications to our legacy Javi
- Um, in preparation of that upcoming um deadline, DHS has worked to make modifications to our legacy Javi
- Um, in preparation of that upcoming um deadline, DHS has worked to make modifications to our legacy Javi
- Um, in preparation of that upcoming um deadline, DHS has worked to make modifications to our legacy Javi
- Um, in preparation of that upcoming um deadline, DHS has worked to make modifications to our legacy Javi
Summary:
The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date.
Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules.
Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:06.880>
This <00:22:07.120>modification certification counts. - This modification certification counts.
- . modification. modification.
- It's a modification to the achievement and integration program administration.
- It's a modification to the achievement and integration program administration.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Reporting of campaign contributions from outside district required under HF1447 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If the data entry screen could have as little as a modification where the treasurer, whoever is doing
- <00:09:22.279>
where <00:09:22.760>the <00:09:23.279>uh little as a modification - where the uh little as a modification where the uh Treasurer<00:09:24.079>
whoever <00:09:24.320 - I mean, you could do a modification so you'd already have that done when it's—so there's another field
- I mean, you could do a modification so you'd already have that done when it's—so there's another field
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 108 May 1st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So it would read that sentence would then read: if an elector whose registration record is marked inactive
- And then, ironically, the next sentence says nothing in this section allows electors' registration record
- And then, ironically, the next sentence says nothing in this section allows electors' registration record
- And then, ironically, the next sentence says nothing in this section allows electors' registration record
- After a throat clear, another speaker began to respond, but the transcript cuts off mid-sentence. it's
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports advancing or disposing of bills. Committee actions included favorable referrals for measures such as House Bills 1336, 1069, 1227, 1314, 1132, 1342, 1196, 1224, and Senate Bill 178, while Senate Bill 100 and House Bill 1308 were postponed indefinitely. The chamber also adopted a motion allowing current Joint Budget Committee members to leave while the Senate remained in session.
On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 134, a bill concerning fees imposed by payment card networks, after a close 18-17 vote. Supporters argued it would help restaurants and other small businesses by limiting swipe fees on sales tax, while opponents warned it would not lower consumer costs and could trigger litigation and broader conflicts among financial institutions, payment processors, and businesses. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 138 on reducing administrative burdens in the health care system, Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range passenger rail district, House Bill 105 on reducing barriers in the Labor Peace Act and eliminating Colorado’s second union-election requirement, House Bill 106 on designating higher education institutions as thriving institutions, and House Bill 1312 on peace officer participation and POST-related changes.
The Senate then moved into committee of the whole for second-reading consent calendar bills and adopted House Bills 1235 and 1299. Later, House Bill 1113 on election law modifications was taken up in committee of the whole; amendments were adopted to update terminology, extend Secretary of State review time for petitions, and exempt special districts from a recording fee. The bill’s sponsor and supporters described it as a technical and security-focused update to election administration, emphasizing voter access, anti-intimidation protections, and data safeguards. The transcript ends while debate on House Bill 1113 continues.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have an ongoing conversation, Senator Rasmusson, on the county cost modification of care provisions
- <00:00:41.840>
of <00:00:42.039>care the county cost modification of care the county - cost modification of care Provisions<00:00:42.760>
when <00:00:42.920>we <00:00:43.120> - she now lives in the home modifications she now lives in the community<01:21:17.960>
with <01: - analyst qualifications modifications analyst qualifications modifications you're<01:26:25.920>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a modification for a 2023 grant.
- This<00:09:57.400>
is <00:09:57.680>a <00:09:57.800>modification <00:09:59.280>- This is a modification for a 2023 grant. This is a modification for a 2023 grant.
- Not more modifications, more policy issues.
- There is one other modification, a Senator Klein modification. Thank you.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 055 Mar 9th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I have two more quick sentences to say, which is simply that you as men, when you are walking in
- quick sentences to say which<01:19:29.679>
is <01:19:29.840>simply that<01:19:33.520>< - The modification costs are not even mentioned, the costs to plumbing, the cost to electric, the cost
- 06.720>
not <04:08:06.960>even The modification costs are not even The modification costs - , it's at, what kind of modifications, it's at, what kind of modifications, what<04:09:00.720>
Summary:
The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance.
The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber.
Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Another flag is the number of modifications. The average MA has eight modifications.
- One of the SERVS master agreements had 126 modifications.
- The average MA has of modifications. The average MA has eight<00:16:00.720>
modifications. - One of the serves eight modifications.
- master agreements had 126 modifications. master agreements had 126 modifications.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01
Staff Report on Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System- 00:01:09
Kentucky State Police and Finance and Administration Cabinet Response to Staff Report- 00:48:37
Adjournment-01:34:512, 958, all
Summary:
The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025.
The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements.
Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Fifth component of review is potential modifications.
- When appropriate, the evaluation will suggest potential modifications to increase the effectiveness of
- <00:48:54.079>
when review is potential modifications when review is potential modifications - to increase the potential modifications to increase the effectiveness<00:48:58.839>
of <00:48: - A few of the provisions have special Minnesota treatment, such as modifications.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 115-FN would effectively remove less than a sentence from current law.
- crossed off, not an entire sentence, as regards to the change.
- <00:34:21.679>
sentence <00:34:22.679>as <00:34:22.879>regard <00:34:23.240>< - c> to off not an entire sentence as regard to off not an entire sentence as regard to the<00:34:23.639
- All right, I'll just give you my final sentence.
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective.
Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator.
Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 097 Apr 21st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representatives Smith and Taggart Representatives Smith and Taggart concerning<00:20:35.640>
modifications - <00:20:36.240>
to <00:20:36.360>certain concerning modifications to certain concerning - modifications to certain statutes<00:20:37.000>
relating <00:20:37.360>to <00:20:37.480 - Lukens Bacon and<00:20:48.400>
Lukens <00:20:48.720>concerning <00:20:49.160>modifications - <00:20:49.800>
to and Lukens concerning modifications to and Lukens concerning modifications
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received messages from the House on several bills and conference committee matters. The House concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 1305, 1373, and 1406, repassing them as amended, and requested conference committees on a number of other bills. The Senate also noted several bills and resolutions as correctly engrossed or revised.
On the consent calendar, the Senate passed House Bill 1110 on protecting vulnerable adults from financial exploitation, Senate Bill 78 on higher education administration and data-sharing changes, and Senate Bill 151 on PERA modifications. Senators Carson, Seymour Wilson, Baisley, Rich, and Liston asked to be recorded as no votes on SB 151, which passed 29-5. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 6 on parity for non-opioid pain management drugs; Senator Mallicoat opposed it as costly and too restrictive, while Senator Weisman and Senator Baisley supported it as a response to the opioid crisis. SB 6 passed 29-5. Senate Bill 15 on commercial sexual activity with a child and Senate Bill 101 on landfill methane emission compliance both passed unanimously.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 159 on early parole procedures for youthful offenders by a 22-12 vote, and Senate Bill 158 on youthful offender parole procedures by a 23-11 vote. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills, beginning with House Bill 1071 on local governments placing automated vehicle identification systems on interstate highways. Amendments addressing privacy and local safety concerns were adopted, and the bill was approved. The committee then considered Senate Bill 150, a major RTD governance reform bill. Supporters said it would reduce the board size, add expertise, preserve elected representation, and respond to long-standing RTD performance problems; opponents raised concerns about appointed members, labor-seat conflicts, and whether voters should approve the changes. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes to board term limits, public finance expertise, conflict-of-interest recusal, a future review after 15 years, and districting/petition provisions. One amendment requiring a ballot referral before the board changes was debated, with the sponsor urging a no vote and another senator arguing for asking the voters first.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
GVO DEFER, GVO-WTL, GVO-AEN Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- to allow any resident to petition for modifications to an established EAL.
- More importantly, it also provides for a process for residents to petition for any modification of the
- More importantly, it also provides a process for residents to petition for any modification of the EALs
- More importantly, it also provides for a process for residents to petition for any modification of the
- of the eals and this is modification of the eals and this is really<00:38:10.000>
important <00
Summary:
The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused.
In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands.
Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jan 12th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Labor and OCTAE that says this is when you’re—every two years, you’ve got to do a modification
- So 26 is the modification, 28 will be the next big four-year plan, but we’re letting states know, look
- Department of Labor and Ate that says this is when you're, so every two years, you've got to do a modification
- So 26 is the modification, 28 will be the next big four-year plan, but we're letting states know, look
- So that's a huge problem that we want to lean into, not only with this modification process, but with
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell.
Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs.
In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/28/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But for patients who are out of options, that type of timeline can be a death sentence.
- . sentence. sentence.
- All right, I'll wrap it up in two or three more sentences.
- We are sentencing people who, you know, would otherwise have solutions to wait for 10 years when they
- <04:32:50.800>
which with for to make one modification which with for to make one modification
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/16/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- If I can just, um, this last sentence you just said, an individual can go beyond a town can't.
- If I can just, um, this last sentence you just said, an individual can go beyond a town can't.
- If I can just, um, this last sentence you just said, an individual can go beyond a town can't.
- If I can just, um, this last sentence you just said, an individual can go beyond a town can't.
- There is nothing not one sentence deal.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 33 makes modifications to independent expenditure disclaimers.
- Section 33 makes modifications to independent expenditure disclaimers.
- <00:10:31.519>
to <00:10:31.800>independent <00:10:32.800>expenditure modifications - Section 37 on page 68 from the OSS bill makes various modifications to the errors and emissions process
- Section 37 on page 68 from the OSS bill makes various modifications to the errors and emissions process
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- On line 86 of this legislation, it says any modification or alteration of an appliance, operating procedure
- :09:03.360>
any 86 of this legislation, it says any 86 of this legislation, it says any modification - 04.080>
or <00:09:04.320>alteration <00:09:04.720>of <00:09:04.880>an modification - or alteration of an modification or alteration of an appliance,<00:09:05.600>
operating <00:09
Keywords:
business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, SB84, agricultural nonprofit, farm bureau, nonprofit agricultural organization, health benefits, member benefits, family coverage, health insurance exemption, insurance regulation, Title 27, Alabama insurance code, risk transfer
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- The litigant, the petitioner filed a modification.
- And actually won The modification and they modified the child support.
- can be, it can represent a material and substantial change in circumstances for the purposes of modification
- Particularly like the fact because to, to prove a modification to change custody, to alter visitation
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think every time there is a rate case, there is a modification.
- We made multiple modifications to both cases that we saw last fall.
- There are elements in which the company is asking for that we do approve, but there are certain modifications
- There are certain modifications that we make after we litigate and after we hear the case.
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably.
Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate.
The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Mar 24, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- says should YB return following sentence says should YB return to<00:56:53.359>
a <00:56:53.520 - It specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for class C felony offense
- and imposes additional sentencing and imposes additional sentencing probation<02:09:21.840>
requirements - Specifies as imposes<02:09:35.679>
additional <02:09:36.000>sentencing <02:09:36.560> - and imposes additional sentencing and imposes additional sentencing and probation<02:09:37.119><
Summary:
The committee heard SB 2694 SD2, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to create automatic adjustment mechanisms for water carriers, including a water carrier inflationary cost index, and to waive certain requirements under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Testimony was sharply divided. The Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and several shipping, harbor, labor, and business-related supporters argued the bill would modernize regulation, reduce the need for large catch-up rate cases, and help keep rates aligned with rising costs. Young Brothers said its current rate-setting process is expensive and delayed, and that annual adjustments with guardrails such as a 5% cap and periodic full reviews would support sustainable operations and the state’s supply chain. Some supporters also said the company’s less-than-container-load service and required inter-island routes create costs that are not fully covered by current rates.
Opponents, including the Consumer Advocate, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, restaurant and chamber groups, and other businesses, argued the bill would lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses and should not move forward. Several testified that shipping costs already significantly affect pricing and that automatic increases would worsen the cost of living. The Consumer Advocate said Young Brothers should focus on cost control and implementing its business plan rather than automatic rate increases. The Maui Chamber and others pointed to a recent PUC decision that imposed a two-year stay on rate increases and said the bill would undermine that protection. Some opponents urged the committee to defer to the PUC’s regulatory authority.
The PUC explained that it regulates water carriers as public utilities under existing statute and said it had recently approved a temporary rate increase while imposing a two-year stayout period on further increases, with emergency relief still possible. PUC members said they were still examining whether they have authority to adopt the proposed WICI mechanism by rule and wanted legislative clarity. In response to questions, the PUC said it prefers the current two-year stayout as reflected in its order. Young Brothers also clarified that it serves less-than-container-load cargo, that some routes and services are cross-subsidized because they are not profitable, and that an independent observer is being put in place to monitor implementation of its updated business plan. The transcript ended with the committee still taking questions; no final vote or disposition on the bill was shown.