Video & Transcript Research : 'equal access'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In your opinion, this is an opportunity for. access, for lack of a better term, for access to to get
- It's equal for everyone that you may need to have a job there.
- There's been no publicly accessible data that has ever proven that.
- HB 17 makes clear that racial equality is not a priority in Texas.
- Constitution and the fundamental value of equality for all.
Bills:
HB17, HB34, HB41, HB 118, HB 119, HB 127, HB 128, HB 129, HB 130, HB132, HB133, HB17, HB41, HB118, HB119, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB132, HB133
Keywords:
foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- question is: does the change away from "substance use disorder" to "comprehensive assessment" change its access
- have often placed their children on waiting lists for residential treatment, applied for community access
- that we know can help, are they going to get more difficult to access or less difficult to access as
- Having every bit of raw data accessible on a website at all times, I think, would intrude on people's
- File 689 grants county attorneys the authority to issue administrative subpoenas, enabling them to access
Bills:
HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273
Keywords:
Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/1/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, if access to Medicaid dollars?
- <00:32:07.679>
to access or less difficult access to access or less difficult access to access - as as you look ahead in the next access as as you look ahead in the next three<00:32:10.000>
to - With that, Madam Chair, I will have testifiers come up. to access business records related to to access
- The wage theft is certain so equally.
Bills:
HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273
Keywords:
Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They should have audio and video access, or at the very least, free access to transcripts, reviewing
- To access.
- Ban it, right, and allow access for customers and patients?
- Access to the governor. Everybody can't call the governor.
- We know anytime there's been any access to that equipment.
Bills:
SB31, SB33, SB510, SB871, SB1868, SB2024, SB2166, SB2309, SB2880, SJR27, SJR39, SJR40, SB 31, SB 33
Keywords:
SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability, health care liability claim, aiding and abetting, Texas Medical Board, State Bar of Texas, continuing medical education
TX
Bills:
SB31, SB33, SB510, SB871, SB1868, SB2024, SB2166, SB2309, SB2880, SJR27, SJR39, SJR40, SB 31, SB 33
Keywords:
SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability, health care liability claim, aiding and abetting, Texas Medical Board, State Bar of Texas, continuing medical education
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 22 Afternoon Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And if we think about that, we think about, is that equal?
Bills:
HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107
Keywords:
Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 22 Morning Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Where I got interested in this was obviously the exposure of minors having access to it and even those
- Investigation to create and maintain a domestic violence offender registry, allowing for the public to have access
- Representative, since this is a public registry, how would the public be able to access the registry?
- How do they access the activation button for emergency sirens? I'll explain that to you.
Bills:
HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107
Keywords:
Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 4th, 2026 at 11:20 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB95, HB111, HJR1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HB2, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM23, HM24, HM26
Keywords:
HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Sep 2nd, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But I think it should be equal and paired across the entire state equally, regardless of population.
- That's one of the reasons that we're saying we want equality across the board for all taxpayers across
- forth sanctions and punishment, they're trying to treat us like children rather than colleagues and equals
Bills:
HB18, SB 54, SB 10, HR 76, HR 77, HR 78, HR 82, HR 83, HR 88, HR 89, HR 93, HR 94, HR 95, HR 98, HR 101, HR 102, HR 104, HR 105, HR 107, HR 108, HR 109, HR 110, HR 111, HR 112, HR 113, HR 123, HR 125, HR 79, HR 80, HR 81, HR 84, HR 85, HR 86, HR 87, HR 90, HR 91, HR 92, HR 96, HR 97, HR 100, HR 103, HR 106, HR 114, HR 115, HR 116, HR 117, HR 118, HR 119, HR 120, HR 121, HR 122, HR 124, HB 18, SB 54, SB 10, HB 8
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
HI
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SRXoF8fbBI, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Scheduled for February 4, 2020
Ka ‘Aha Kenekoa
THE SENATE
Ka ‘Aha ‘Ōlelo Kanakolu
THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE
‘Aha Kau Kānāwai 2020
REGULAR SESSION OF 2020
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Ke Kōmike Ikehu, Ho‘omohala Waiwai, a me ka ‘Oihana Ho‘okipa Malihini
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM
Kenekoa/Senator Glenn Wakai, Luna Ho’omalu/Chair
Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 2:45 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Papa Kumuhana
A G E N D A
SB 2527 RELATING TO BROADBAND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE.
Establishes the broadband service infrastructure grant program to award grants to applicants to extend deployment of facilities used to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the State. Makes an appropriation.
TEC/EET, WAM
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Peleluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 2:50 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Papa Kumuhana
A G E N D A
SB 2837 RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STEERING COMMITTEE.
Preserves the continuity of the Information Technology Steering Committee to properly administer 27-43, Hawaii Revised Statutes, while redefining the composition of the committee.
TEC, JDC
SB 2243 RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE TESTIMONY.
Requires the house and senate to permit remote testimony, via telephone, at public hearings.
TEC, WAM
SB 2432 RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION.
Amends the factors the director of commerce and consumer affairs must consider when determining whether cable service should be made available upon a new application of a cable franchise. Requires that the director require cable operators to provide cable service to residences in their service area where there is a minimum density of at least twenty-five homes per linear mile, with certain exceptions.
TEC, CPH
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Ua Ho‘opane‘e ‘ia nā Pila a i ka Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020
MEASURES DEFERRED TO Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 4, 2020/ Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 2:55 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 414 / Conference Room 414
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Ka Ho‘oholo Mana‘o ‘ana ma nā Pila i Helu ‘ia ma Lalo Nei:
DECISION MAKING ON THE FOLLOWING MEASURE(S):
SB 2307 RELATING TO STATE PROCUREMENT OF WIFI AND INTERNET SERVICES.
Requires that all state and state funded facilities have internet computer and wireless access filters to block access to pornography sites.
GVO/TEC, WAM
SB 2836 RELATING TO THE ACCESS HAWAII COMMITTEE.
Gives agencies more flexibility and online options to provide enhanced digital services to the public in order to better serve the public and businesses
TEC/GVO, JDC
No Ka ‘Ike ‘Ē A‘e, E Kelepona Aku I Ke Kākau ‘Ōlelo Kōmike Ma (808) 587-7217.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT (808) 587-7217., 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 26th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Keywords:
highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments.
The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays.
The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- to pay for grocery delivery fees and related costs, particularly as it relates to improving food access
- populations would benefit the most, the typical cost of delivery services, potential impacts on food access
- populations would benefit the most, the typical cost of delivery services, potential impacts on food access
- So this resolution is about just gathering data and evaluating whether expanding access to grocery delivery
- populations would benefit the most, the typical cost of delivery services, potential impacts on food access
Bills:
HR174, HR194, HCR98, SB39, SB124, SB190, SB236, SB270, SB273, SB359, SB415, SB426, SB437, SB451
Keywords:
fenbendazole, cancer treatment, public health, FDA, clinical trials, patient safety, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, SNAP, food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, grocery delivery, delivery fees, service charges, online grocery, food access, food insecurity
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 12 and first reported HCR 98 favorably without objection. The resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Health to study whether SNAP benefits could be used to pay grocery delivery fees and related costs, especially for elderly and mobility-limited recipients. The author said the measure would not change SNAP rules, only request a study, and LDH was not opposed.
The committee then advanced several Senate bills. SB 273, on hospice care in inpatient licensed facilities, was amended and reported favorably; the bill requires documentation of hydration, nutrition, and care decisions and clarifies facility responsibility when multiple providers are involved. SB 415, creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program, was amended and reported favorably; the author described it as a privately funded, charity-run food card program for people in need, with LDH to develop rules. SB 437, a cleanup bill on judicially referred residential substance abuse treatment facilities, was reported favorably, with LDH explaining that facilities providing treatment must be licensed and surveyed.
The committee also approved SB 451 on newborn hearing screenings, which updates terminology and expands reporting requirements to improve early detection and intervention for deaf or hard-of-hearing children. SB 426, modernizing the addictive disorder regulatory authority and creating a licensure pathway for peer support specialists, was reported favorably with amendments after testimony from behavioral health providers and training organizations. SB 236 on annual LDH reviews of kidney disease treatment in Medicaid, SB 39 creating provisional licenses for massage therapist graduates, SB 190 tightening oversight of nursing facilities in the CMS Special Focus Facility Program, and SB 124 allowing peer review sharing within a health system were all reported favorably, most with technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably HR 174 urging study of fenbendazole for cancer, SB 270 allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in health care facilities, SB 359 changing terms for a Morehouse Parish hospital district board, and HR 194 requesting de-identified school visual acuity screening data for researchers. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're higher, which means we have more people in Louisiana that don't have access to complete food
- access than we have.
- access that we have.
- And they have to travel 10 to 15 miles. access to where to spend them to get the food.
- The statute created a fund to help these people start again, but access to this fund is limited.
Keywords:
housing assistance, state-owned property, cost-burdened, state employees, affordable housing, fiscal audit, higher education, public funds, underrepresented minorities, Board of Regents, Louisiana legislation, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, airport authority, fire protection, supplemental pay, public safety
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which would reinstate an existing TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans after a sunset expired. The author said the program had been underused because it was not well promoted, but that the new veterans workforce effort called “The Boot” would help connect veterans to the benefit. Members confirmed it would use existing TOPS funds and not require new money, and the bill was reported favorably without objection.
House Resolution 3 asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be used for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. The author described it as an exploratory study, while members raised concerns about the fiscal note and the scope of the study. Fiscal staff explained the agency had requested additional positions to do the work. The committee discussed narrowing the study to certain areas, but the resolution was ultimately reported favorably.
House Bill 189 sought supplemental pay for fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport. The author and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform hazardous, specialized ARFF duties at a busy public airport and should be treated like other supplemental-pay recipients. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualified under existing law and whether the proposal would expand an already costly program. After debate, the committee rejected the bill on an 8-10 vote.
The committee then reported Senate Bill 461 favorably, which would place certain small groups of active employees under the Office of Group Benefits to improve insurance rates without using general fund money. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor product producers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was amended to clarify the direct-to-consumer shipment prohibition and then reported favorably. House Bill 1222, which would authorize LED to create a grocery initiative grant and assistance program to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters said it would only create incentives for private grocers and related assistance. It was amended and reported favorably by a 16-2 vote. Finally, House Resolution 80, as amended, would shift a proposed audit-related effort on higher education budget metrics away from the legislative auditor and toward university systems’ own boards; members questioned the need for a look-back report and the added workload, and the chair indicated he would move to recommit the resolution to the education committee.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 28th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
Compensation Commission, elected officials, salary evaluation, government accountability, Louisiana legislature, compensation, independent commission, salary adjustment, consumer price index, official journal, public notices, government transparency, local government, municipal website, school board notices, parish council, police jury, special districts, levee district, drainage district
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2026-04-14
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's reminding people that while we say this country is all equal, you know, we're all created equal,
- with equal. with equal.
- says hazardous objects were accessible says hazardous objects were accessible to<01:30:16.960>
accessible coverage options. accessible coverage options.- A weighted accessible to children.
Keywords:
child welfare, African American children, racial disproportionality, family preservation, reunification, foster care, kinship care, relative placement, noncustodial parent, guardian ad litem, ombudsperson, Department of Human Services, county social services, active efforts, reasonable efforts, child protection, placement, out-of-home placement, Northstar kinship assistance, data disaggregation
Summary:
The Children and Families Committee adopted the April 8 minutes and then took up House File 4407, as amended by the A1 amendment. The amendment, explained by nonpartisan staff, incorporated much of the Senate version of related legislation and made a series of changes: it revised the definition of “disproportionately represented child,” shifted that determination to the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families, made technical cross-reference and terminology updates, adjusted training requirements, set the working group to expire December 31, 2027, and added an appropriation for statewide implementation. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then referred the bill to Ways and Means.
Representative Gilman said the bill is intended to preserve the goals of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act while addressing operational, legal, and fiscal problems before statewide implementation. He argued for delaying the effective date by one year, shifting case review responsibilities to the state, and providing funding so counties are not left with an unfunded mandate. He also said the bill adds safety measures related to synthetic opioids and other imminent-harm concerns, and that the delay would allow the working group to finish its recommendations and give counties time to prepare.
County officials Steve Schmidt of Meeker County/Minnesota Rural Counties and Jenny Mojo of Clay County testified in support of the bill as amended, emphasizing that counties need clearer responsibilities, staffing, training, technology, and dependable funding to implement the law successfully. Rebecca St. George of DCYF said “active efforts” is not absolutely defined and is determined case by case, often with court involvement. Members raised questions about the meaning of active efforts, the bill’s synthetic opioid language, and whether the proposal should apply more broadly rather than within this specific act. A citizen also cautioned that the opioid language should not unintentionally affect families in treatment programs. Representative Hicks warned that the fentanyl provisions could lead to broad removals and create placement problems for teens with substance use disorder, while Representative Gilman responded that the bill includes a rebuttable presumption and is meant to protect children from imminent harm.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 1
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They need access to health care. It is an absolute human right.
- They risk their health because they can't access the care that they need.
- They need access to health care. It is an absolute human right.
- They need access to health care. It is an absolute human right.
- They need access to health care.
Bills:
SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75
Keywords:
legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- So they would be on equal footing with corporations that are chartered here.
- to the same kind of um you know, access to the same kind of um you know, um<01:13:53.640>
tweaks< - access, equitability to be heard.
- <01:25:31.840>
sure <01:25:32.160>that <01:25:32.400>there's <01:25:32.720>equal - see making sure that there's equal see making sure that there's equal access, access, access, equitability
Keywords:
insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment.
Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims.
The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- important then you should make it equal important then you should make it equal numbers<00:50:38.720
- U I think that it should be equal bill.
- equal number represent representation equal number represent representation makes<00:53:00.800><
- Now, the allowed to have access to it.
- Uh access to energy and water audits.
Keywords:
civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment
Summary:
The committee first attempted to approve minutes from February 24 and March 3, but members identified multiple spelling errors in names, so approval was held and the motion withdrawn. The committee then took up House File 3477, a bill by Representative Long proposing a civil remedy for constitutional violations by government actors, including federal actors. An author’s amendment (A4) was adopted to remove a subdivision and clarify retroactivity. In discussion, members raised concerns about Supremacy Clause and immigration-related issues; the author responded that the bill applies evenly to state and federal actors and is meant to enforce constitutional rights, not immigration law. After debate, the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register failed on a 6-7 vote, with one member excused.
The committee next heard House File 3480, authored by Representative Howard, which would commission an independent economic impact study of Operation Metro Surge. An A2 amendment was adopted to add a dollar amount for the study and clarify timing. Representative Howard said the study would help the legislature understand statewide impacts and noted reported harm to businesses, child care, schools, and local governments. Testimony in support came from Laura Santiago, reading a statement from Christopher Gomez of Willmar, who described ICE agents entering his family’s restaurant, the detention and deportation of family members, and resulting business losses. Rachel Ser, Minneapolis emergency management director, cited a preliminary city assessment estimating major impacts including food insecurity, lost wages, business revenue losses, hotel cancellations, and rental assistance needs. Some members questioned the cost and usefulness of the study, while others said suburban and greater Minnesota communities also wanted the data. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- , board equal, or say quality,<00:25:58.880>
which <00:25:59.120>says <00:25:59.279> - They weren't the client, but it happened where the wrong person got the access key.
- They weren't the client, but it happened where the wrong person got the access key.
- We are a national NGO working to make solar ownership affordable and accessible to everyone. >> Yeah,
- to solar energy in a small way for people that otherwise don't have access.
Keywords:
natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- responsibility for mālama but has produced real on-the-ground results: safer and more respectable access
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Bills:
HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861
Keywords:
land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly.
On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement.
HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings.
For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.