Video & Transcript : 'first grade' :
Page 498 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
State Rep. Shaun Scott Press Conference Dec 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Who's first? Who's first?
- The first thing they did is move 10,000 jobs to Bellevue. Right.
- The first thing they did is move 10,000 jobs to Bellevue. Right.
- I said that when I asked you the first question. Thank you very much.
- I said that when I asked you the first question. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes.
Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs.
In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Oct 8th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- First, we recommend the legislature consider requiring private insurance companies to develop ways to
- But back to your first original question, grants are difficult to sustain year after year when we're
- But back to your first original question, grants are difficult to sustain year after year when we're
- But back to your first original question, grants are difficult to sustain year after year when we're
- So first I have Steve Larkin-Bellingham Fire. Is it Steve Larson? Excuse me. Yeah, good afternoon.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain.
Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them.
The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation.
Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to get right into it with our first item.
- The first item on the agenda is within your tab one.
- As stated by the First District Court of Appeal in State DHS v.
- As stated by the First District Court of Appeal in State DHS v.
- The first is the lack of statutory authority to issue permits for a cigar wholesale dealer.
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion.
The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection.
Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> to go first as as an unfair thing. to go first as as an unfair thing.
- </c> this disclaimer first. this disclaimer first. as<00:32:30.880><c> it's</c><00:32:31.200><c> no</
- And I win until you get the first win.
- </c> government and until I get the first government and until I get the first one. one. one.
- So, the medical first place.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/17/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, right of first refusal.
- Um Right of first refusal. be fixed. Um Right of first refusal.
- </c> uh resident owned communities and first uh resident owned communities and first right<00:54:04.600
- </c> have a contract for rights of first have a contract for rights of first refusal<01:23:19.480><c>
- </c> How do I do that first? How do I do that first?
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So first uh up we have the uh statewide So first uh up we have the uh statewide emergency<00:03:06.319
- So that was not the first reason.
- The first reason was the first reason.
- </c> law enforcement and first responders. law enforcement and first responders.
- Um the first invested in objectives.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/27/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- So the first is the permitting program.
- So the first is the permitting program.
- So the first is the permitting program.
- </c> use so just as an example the first use so just as an example the first water<00:20:08.440><c> use
- ><c> and</c><00:59:10.119><c> then</c> first first full-time employees and then first first full-time
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> 2024 and then we're going to get first 2024 and then we're going to get first and<00:46:15.440><
- So that's the first change.
- </c> traditional products but if the first traditional products but if the first part<01:36:49.400><c
- so it all goes through the FDA first so it all goes through the FDA first<01:40:16.719><c> no</c><01
- The first is the railroad tax.
Summary:
The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken.
Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales.
Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/18/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I would first like to thank my co-author.
- ><c> their</c><00:08:38.840><c> base</c> The first residence revealed their base The first residence
- Um No Um it's my first time here.
- </c> agreement in the first place? agreement in the first place?
- For the first issue, Senator Mr.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- held in this Commonwealth on the 3rd day of March, 2026, for the Senator in the General Court in the First
- It took a long time, but we canvassed the votes in the First Middlesex District.
- It took a long time, but we canvassed the votes in the First Middlesex District.
- And congratulations on being the first Cambodian American ever to hold the position of state senator.
- I am honored to be standing here today as your new state senator for the First Middlesex District.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and took up two resolutions, laying aside one commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts and adopting the other, which commended the Admetech Foundation for recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The chamber then recessed while it received the certified returns from the special election in the First Middlesex District and appointed a committee to canvass the votes.
The special committee reported that the votes had been canvassed and that Vanna Howard appeared duly elected. The Senate then appointed a committee to notify Governor Maura Healey and the Executive Council that the Senate was ready for the swearing-in, and Howard was formally administered the oath of office as senator from the First Middlesex District. Governor Healey and Senate leaders offered welcoming remarks highlighting Howard’s background, her historic status as the first Cambodian American state senator, and the significance of her service.
In her remarks, Howard thanked voters, supporters, family, and mentors, reflected on her journey as a refugee from Cambodia, and said she was committed to continuing the work of her predecessors and serving the district. After the ceremony, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m. in formal session, ordered Howard’s remarks spread upon the record, and approved the emergency preamble for an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosher, an employee of the Department of Correction. The Senate then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Mar 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- held in this Commonwealth on the 3rd day of March, 2026, for the Senator in the General Court in the First
- It took a long time, but we canvassed the votes in the First Middlesex District.
- years of distinguished service in the House and the commitment you make today to the people of the First
- And congratulations on being the first Cambodian American ever to hold the position of state senator.
- I am honored to be standing here today as your new state senator for the First Middlesex District.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and took up two ceremonial resolutions: one honoring the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts and another recognizing the Atmitech Foundation for the 17th annual prostate cancer awareness day. The endometriosis resolution was set aside, while the prostate cancer resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The chamber then recessed to canvass the special election returns for the First Middlesex District. A special committee reported that Vanna Howard was duly elected, and the Senate adopted orders to notify the Governor, constitutional officers, and Executive Council so Howard could be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Senate leadership offered remarks welcoming Howard, praising her service, resilience, and historic election as the first Cambodian American state senator in the United States.
Howard was then sworn in and delivered remarks thanking voters, supporters, family, and mentors, and reflecting on her background as a refugee from Cambodia and her commitment to public service. After the ceremony, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m., spread Howard’s remarks upon the record, and approved an emergency preamble for an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosher, an employee of the Department of Correction, by a standing vote of 18 in favor and none opposed. The Senate then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Jul 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And right now we are first: the tribe submits a request to the governor's office.
- So you have completed that first part, the compact negotiation with the director.
- We negotiated and signed one of the first tribal-state gaming compacts in 1995.
- And do you know, are you the first one to put these amendments forward?
- We are not the first ones to put these amendments forward. Okay.
Summary:
The Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee held a public hearing on a proposed tribal gaming compact amendment involving the Lummi Nation and the Washington State Gambling Commission. Tina Griffin, director of the Gambling Commission, explained the compact amendment process under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the role of the commission and legislative ex officio members, and noted that the proposal had reached tentative agreement and would next go to hearings before the commission and the House. She said the commission and tribe have a long-standing collaborative relationship.
Lummi Nation Vice Chairman Terence Adams and other tribal representatives described the tribe’s gaming history and the purpose of the amendment. The proposal would add or update compact provisions for higher table and lottery limits, extension of credit to customers, electronic table games, and conforming definition changes. Tribal representatives said the changes would support tribal governmental services and economic development while maintaining strong regulation and internal controls. Commission staff said similar provisions have already been approved for other tribes and that the tribe would be responsible for setting responsible credit limits and controls, including customer vetting and self-exclusion checks.
Senator Hasegawa asked about how credit would work and what oversight would apply, and staff said they would follow up with more detail. Senator Fortunato clarified that the request was for Lummi to receive provisions already available in other tribal compacts. Committee members also asked about the timing of public comment, and staff said it would be taken at the end of the hearing if any was signed up. No public comment was offered, and the chair closed the hearing without any vote or formal action taken by the committee.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Faith Koua, and also joining Faith is her brother, visiting from New York, who's here for this week, first
- </c><00:01:34.920><c> time</c> York who's here for this week first time York who's here for this week
- first time to<00:01:35.399><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:36.159><c> let's</c><00:01:36.520><c> give</c><00:01
- reading and referral to for first reading and referral to committee<00:03:08.519><c> Senator</c><00:
- President, I move that said House Bill 410 pass first reading by title and be referred to committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I can go into more detail or move to the first motion.
- President, my first question is: Sen.
- I was a conferee on the first, and we had no public meetings from the first time I arrived in the room
- from the first time I arrived in the room.
- Message first, and the Secretary will read the message.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 05/05/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> have the spreadsheet run through first have the spreadsheet run through first before<00:01:16.640
- Uh the first block of columns is going Uh the first block of columns is going to<00:01:53.520><c> show
- subdivision in the first section.
- subdivision in the first section.
- </c><00:15:46.720><c> time</c> report and I will say the first time report and I will say the first time
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:06:07.759><c> we</c><00:06:08.000><c> have</c> and first up to testify, we have and first up
- The first is we're two things.
- First up, and two with comments.
- My name is Richard First. the committee. My name is Richard First.
- First check for the vote.
Bills:
SB2885 , SB2174 , SB2925 , SB2798 , SB2320 , SB2800 , SB1230 , SB2706 , SB3233 , SB2405 , SB2350 , SB2169 , SB3320
Committee:
House Agriculture & Food Systems
Keywords:
coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas.
The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups.
The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, we have testimony from the Department of Transportation.
- First up, we have testimony from the Department of Transportation.
- First up, we have the Department of Transportation.
- First up, we have the Office of the Public Defender, Ms.
- First up, we have the Office of the Public Defender, Ms. Chang.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions.
Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals.
The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted.
Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC, JDC Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First up today is SB 1231.
- </c> commission pronounce he him we uh first commission pronounce he him we uh first we<00:04:09.959>
- This is obviously not the first year that we've had these discussions.
- I'm Haley Chang, the First Deputy for the Office of the Public Defender.
- The first issue is that it is a public health concern.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard SB 1231, which would repeal the Parentage Uniform Act of 1973 and update Hawaii’s parentage laws, including parts of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Supporters said the current statutes are outdated and do not adequately address assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and modern family formation. The Attorney General’s office supported the bill with technical amendments, including conforming changes to the Probate Code and child support provisions, and several testifiers urged passage as a needed modernization of the law.
A major point of disagreement was Part 10, which concerns donor anonymity. Some supporters, including members of the task force, the Uniform Law Commission, fertility and family law practitioners, and LGBTQ+ advocates, backed the bill as written or said it should move forward even if Part 10 is removed. Others, including donor-conceived adults, parents, and advocacy groups, opposed Part 10 and urged the committee to adopt the 2024 version of Article 9 or delete Part 10 entirely, arguing that anonymous donation harms donor-conceived people’s access to genetic, medical, and identity information and that anonymity is not realistic in the DNA-testing era. One task force member and attorney said she supported the bill but preferred removing Part 10 if necessary to pass the rest.
The hearing included extensive public testimony both in support and opposition, with many individuals describing personal experiences with adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN/WAM Joint Info Briefing - Tue Jan 21, 2025 @ 1:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're trying to pursue our first public rodeo facility.
- </c> city lands out in coer to the first city lands out in coer to the first phase<00:50:31.680><c> with
- </c><00:51:14.680><c> Hawaiian</c> 3.8 Acres along with the First Hawaiian 3.8 Acres along with the First
- </c> like you know I just happen to be first like you know I just happen to be first I'm<01:13:20.480
- Those are the areas that we need to focus on first. Thank you, sir.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the first type of staff augmentation we have.
- So I'm first in line.
- Bacala, he did say, bring it to the table first.”
- So that's the first... Bundle.
- How about when we first got our first $50 million? It's like, “Let's break ground.” Yes, sir.
Committee:
House Ways & Means