Video & Transcript Research : 'boating fees'
Page 55 of 451
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- So I mean 16 authorizes fees if you have an election and 15 as amended in 2020 authorizes fees without
- There's a rule charge fees and taxes.
- A fee that does not require<00:21:47.039>
that <00:21:47.280>a <00:21:47.440>fee - Fees are not taxes.
- Absent service fee, service space<00:23:38.880>
fees, <00:23:39.360>storm <00:23:39.760>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 31st, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- When I grew up in Miami, I hunted in the Everglades, and I went boating in Biscayne Bay.
- Likewise, we have more registered boats than any other state in the country. Successful with it.
- Likewise, we have more registered boats than any other state in the country.
- Boat manufacturing, boat business in Florida is a big business.
- Most people come and retire here and first thing they do is buy a boat and enjoy Florida.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists.
Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/30/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We're in the same boat.
- one has done that we're in the same boat one has done that we're in the same boat I<00:36:13.200
- know in terms of what we have for fees know in terms of what we have for fees how<00:55:49.599><
- <01:12:37.639>
that Investments and also uh any fees that Investments and also uh any fees - fact that there might be investment fees fact that there might be investment fees and<01:13:49.400
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard a presentation from Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tiki Brown on the department’s 2025 budget and transition plans. Brown said the governor’s budget pairs targeted reductions with modest investments, resulting in net general fund savings, while preserving core safety-net programs. Major proposals included funding for program integrity, modernization of the child welfare SSIS system, compliance changes for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), operating adjustments, and a transition account reallocation as the new department continues moving programs from other agencies through July 1, 2025.
A large portion of the discussion focused on CCAP fraud prevention and oversight. Brown and Assistant Commissioner Diane Hy explained that the proposed statewide electronic attendance recordkeeping system would replace retroactive paper-based attendance reporting with more timely data, making it harder to falsify attendance and claim payments improperly. Brown also said the department is working with the Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General and other partners on compliance and fraud controls. Senators pressed for more detail on current enforcement, whether payments can be withheld for violations, and whether recent media reports showed gaps in oversight; Brown said payments can be stopped for false attendance records, suspended or revoked licenses, or fraud allegations, but not for health and safety violations alone.
The committee also reviewed other budget-neutral policy changes, including expanding permanency support services for relative foster care and tribal equivalents, strengthening tribal child welfare grants, updating TEACH scholarship rules for early childhood educators, and adjusting the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program to create a special revenue fund and extend a 10% payment increase to tribally licensed programs and programs on tribal reservation land. Brown also described a $1.5 million annual reduction to restorative practices grants, leaving a smaller ongoing base. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- and impact fees.
- All applicable rates and charges authorized by law, including connection fees and impact fees.
- and costs and charges, including impact fees.
- or the ability to collect impact fees.
- Flying cars and electric boats.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee considered a full agenda of transportation, utility, aviation, and energy bills. HB 4045, amending the Jacksonville Aviation Authority charter, passed without questions or debate. HB 1075, which would require municipal utilities to allow outside property owners to connect when capacity exists and fees are paid, drew testimony from local government and municipal advocates who warned about conflicts with existing agreements, long infrastructure payback periods, and the risk of subsidizing nonresidents; despite concerns from Rep. Smith and others about municipal boundaries and cost, the bill passed, with Smith voting no. HB 519, as amended, authorizes golf cart crossings at signalized intersections on designated golf cart roads; it passed unanimously after lighthearted debate about golf carts and pedestrian crossings.
The committee then took up HB 919, which creates a state definition for major commercial service airports and preempts airport naming authority, including renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA, county, and trademark-related conditions. Palm Beach County supported the bill and an amendment clarifying implementation and trademark language, while Rep. Eskamani and others raised concerns about preemption and the timing of honoring a sitting president; the bill passed with several no votes, including Eskamani, Skidmore, and the ranking member. HB 1093, the Advanced Air Mobility and Infrastructure Act, would support eVTOL/vertiport development through tax exemptions, infrastructure funding flexibility, and statewide siting standards while preserving local zoning; supporters framed it as an economic-development and workforce bill, while Rep. Cheney raised taxpayer concerns. An amendment narrowing liability protections for vertiports co-located with public airports was adopted, and the bill passed with Cheney voting no.
Finally, HB 1461 established a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, assigning oversight roles to the PSC, DOH, and DEP. Supporters argued the bill would improve energy reliability, affordability, and Florida’s leadership in clean, advanced energy, while an opponent from Deploy US urged strong consumer protections and cautioned against overbroad deregulation. Rep. Eskamani emphasized preserving PSC prudency review for ratepayer protection, and the sponsor said the bill was refined through committee discussion. After an amendment fixing technical issues and clarifying that one section applied to all nuclear, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a line item for almost $509,000 worth of boats.
- We were going to be there for a year, so we needed boats for monitors, for safety, protecting people
- So when we did the cost-benefit analysis to lease boats, by your example, the leasing of boats over a
- And I believe in that situation, half of those boats went to FWC and half of those boats went to the
- They have mechanics for boats. And we're not going out and buying 500 boats.
Summary:
The Economic Development Budget Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster costs, recovery operations, sheltering, and major capital projects. He reviewed the 2024 hurricane season impacts from Debby, Helene, and Milton, explaining how FEMA public assistance and state reimbursement work, how cost shares can shift from 75/25 to 90/10 after a federal threshold is reached, and how Florida uses prior storm data and inflation to estimate recovery costs. He also described the state’s faster reimbursement timelines, crediting legislative investments in technology and digital field documentation, and said the division is working to reduce disaster closeout timelines from decades to about seven years.
Members asked about debris removal, FEMA de-obligations, local preparedness, and whether regional shelters or co-located emergency operations centers could be used more efficiently. Guthrie said debris assistance is complicated and should generally remain tied to local contracts and planning, though the state will help fiscally constrained communities when needed. He explained de-obligations as FEMA clawing back previously approved funds after later review, and said Florida’s FROC program is helping local governments reduce those risks through standardized documentation, procurement review, and training. He also urged more mandatory emergency-management training for local and state officials and cautioned against weakening the FEMA 50% rule for rebuilding damaged structures.
Guthrie provided updates on the new central Florida warehouse in Auburndale and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. He said the warehouse will improve logistics, include cold and ultra-cold storage, and be run by a private vendor with virtual inventory tracking, while the new EOC is designed for Category 5 conditions and expanded partner capacity. He acknowledged budget pressures that reduced the size of the EOC project and said an additional IT request was needed because those costs were not originally included. The meeting ended with praise for FDEM’s work and no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Has anyone here ever seen these boat houses? Could you explain, Mr.
- Steel to have these boat houses on U.S. Steel land. At the time of the transfer, U.S.
- house to boat house.
- so they are they are boat house to boat<00:52:36.040>
house <00:52:36.160>to <00:52:36.280 - >
very boat house to boat house it's a very boat house to boat house it's a very unique<00:52:
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 5/6/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- construction codes and licensing fee construction codes and licensing fee alignment<00:24:35.279
- have not seen fee increases since 2007. have not seen fee increases since 2007.
- c> levels<00:24:53.520>
would Leaving fees at current levels would Leaving fees at current - But without these fee of a request.
- I talked bill. the junk fee ban.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, prevailing wage, certified payroll, payroll reporting, construction contracts, public works, project registration, labor standards, contractor compliance, subcontractor reporting, state government, Department of Administration, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Metropolitan Council, highway construction, public construction
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/27/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I remember there was a boat plant that they spent millions of dollars on with a new pipe to keep the
- Is that part of our stranded cost, seeing how we shut down that boat plant with the coal?
- :22.320>
plant shut down that boat plant shut down that boat plant with<01:17:24.560>the It modifies applications and fee It modifies applications and fee requirements.<02:31:53.120>- It modifies applications and fee requirements.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- You've got the one-way attorney's fees.
- But with this language in legal fees, I also couldn't afford to be right.
- I think, you know, some work on the attorney's fees.
- Attorneys fees. Three different sections today that I can reference.
- If you sue a local government, you get one way attorney's fees.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/25/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- It was on those early morning boat rides on Long Lake, when the fish weren't biting, that I learned the
- It was on those early morning boat rides on Long Lake, when the fish weren't biting, that I learned the
- as well as fee for service um<00:42:00.880>
associated <00:42:01.319>with <00:42:01.440 - 04.599>
persons very good picture and your 10 persons very good picture and your 10 persons boat - ><00:46:07.880>
it <00:46:08.079>it <00:46:08.200>was <00:46:08.559>it boat
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- He said that because of the fee bill, costs, and other increases, the office was trying to balance its
- We are in that same boat.
- And then, I know there was a fee implemented to help address this, but aside from the fee, which cannot
- continue to go up, we can't just continue to fee our way out of situations.
- So I think you’re in reference to the fee in the current fee bills or State Bar Act for an extra $52
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first took up several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with roll calls on each item showing unanimous support from members present and the items left open for additional votes before final tallying.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, J.D., for a second term as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made since taking office, including new conflict-of-interest and gift rules, stronger investigative requirements, efforts to reduce backlog and improve efficiency, and monitoring of discipline disparities identified in prior studies. Senators questioned him about safeguards after the Girardi matter, the John Eastman discipline case, racial and ethnic disparities in attorney discipline, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing shortages, and the use of AI in filings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others spoke in support. The committee voted 3-0 to advance Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director of the State Bar. She said her priorities would be restoring public trust, improving the discipline system, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening fiscal stability and internal controls. Members asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the remote administration failures in the February exam, safeguards against undisclosed gifts and conflicts, and the status of audits and investigations. Supporters from the State Bar, the civil defense bar, SEIU Local 1000, and a longtime colleague testified in favor. The committee approved her appointment 5-0 to move to the full Senate. At the end of the meeting, members also approved the remaining governor’s appointments and procedural items, and the chair thanked Senator Jones for his service on the committee before adjourning the public portion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Infrastructure fees, upgrades, infrastructure fees, what would those, what would that bill look like?
- We are in the same boat, and it's really in fact we delayed the update of our water management plan to
- So that $71 includes any potential fees that they would see in Dallas? Yes, sir.
- I don't care if we're putting in a park, a boat ramp, asphalt.
- It was a tap fee. And the bigger tap you had, the more you paid.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (7-8-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that they get their monthly administrative fee. >> Is that monthly administrative fee based on the
- We're billed per service. flat fee of uh $459. Uh and so there's a flat fee of uh $459.
- <00:06:23.600>
schedule approximately 23 uh point fee schedule approximately 23 uh point fee - Dentists do not have fee schedule.
- health fee schedule.
Summary:
The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it.
The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items.
Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a long time for guys to march who aren't used to boats to get involved in all that.
- Revolution 250 is not taking a fee for any of this.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so the gathering remained unofficial and no minutes were approved or formal votes taken. Chair Senator Paul Mark conducted roll call, then moved to updates and presentations from House co-chair Representative Sean Garballey, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Director Sheila Green, and Revolution 250’s Jonathan Lane.
Representative Garballey highlighted the recent Patriots’ Day and Lexington-Concord commemorations, calling them highly successful, and noted that the House’s supplemental budget included $15 million for 250th anniversary events. Director Green gave a broad Massachusetts 250 update, emphasizing the large turnout for April commemorations, upcoming events including Fall River, Bunker Hill, Flag Day, Charlestown’s parade, Gloucester’s reenactment, and Newburyport’s parade, plus ongoing initiatives such as Museums 250, Lunch and Learns, grant programs, podcasts, and partnerships with sports teams, museums, and state agencies. She also reported 131 applications for FY26 grants totaling $7.5 million, with $2 million available for awards.
Jonathan Lane described Revolution 250’s work supporting local commemorations across the Commonwealth, including Chelsea Creek, Monotomy, Hingham, Pittsfield, Plymouth, and other communities, and praised local legislators’ involvement. He previewed major upcoming Bunker Hill and Charlestown events, the Gloucester reenactment, the 250th Revolution 250 podcast episode featuring Rick Atkinson, Knox Trail programming, and the start of Massachusetts 250 events in 2026. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters and a note that the commission would likely reconvene after July 4.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We also adopt appropriate rate fees to support maintenance and investing in research and advancement
- economy, and helps fuel economic development and job creation. and all of the above, it really lifts all boats
Keywords:
Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards
Summary:
The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- and the implementation fees and the recording fees and all of the fees that go along with that.
- 40:13.760>
along fees and all of the fees that go along fees and all of the fees that go along - We can lift all boats, and we should be lifting all boats.
- We can lift all boats, and we should be lifting all boats.
- We can lift all boats, and we should be lifting all boats.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 27, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And then there's also some hospitals will pay a big fee to other places that will come in and survey
- Um, one of my favorite books is Row the Boat.
- Um, I think we're all going to have to row that boat this summer.
- One of my favorite books is Row the Boat.
- I think we're all going to have to row that boat this summer.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, because of the fee bill and costs and other things that have increased, in order to basically
- We are in that same boat.
- In other words, a fee was implemented to help address this, but aside from the fee, which cannot continue
- to go up, we can't just continue to fee our way out of situations.
- So I think you're in reference to the fee in the current fee bills or State Bar Act for an extra $52
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee first established a quorum and then approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D. and Gerald Talbert, M.D. to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with all of those items receiving unanimous 5-0 votes.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, reappointed as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made in response to the Girardi scandal, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, improved auditing and investigative procedures, efforts to reduce discipline disparities, and steps to address a growing backlog amid staffing vacancies and rising complaints. Senators questioned him about Girardi-related safeguards, backlog and funding pressures, discipline disparities affecting Black and Latino attorneys, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, and the State Bar’s use of AI; public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others testified in support. The committee advanced Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Jones withholding support.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed’s confirmation as Executive Director of the State Bar. She emphasized fiscal stability, public trust, and operational improvements, and said the Bar is addressing the troubled February 2025 remote bar exam through audits, internal investigations, and a forthcoming recommendation to the Supreme Court on the exam’s future. Senators asked about the budget deficit, the bar exam failures, conflict-of-interest safeguards after Girardi, and how the Bar is preparing for future fee and staffing pressures. Supporters from the State Bar Board of Trustees, SEIU Local 1000, the California Defense Counsel, and a colleague testified in favor, and the committee approved her appointment to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded with thanks and a farewell to Senator Jones, who was leaving the committee, followed by a cake presentation and adjournment of the public portion.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 27, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a recreational boat harbor and not a commercial boat harbor.
- This is a recreational boat harbor and not a commercial boat harbor.
- A recreational boat harbor and not a commercial boat harbor.
- aquarium fish and perm boating aquarium fish and perm boating activities<01:33:07.080>
so - <02:23:36.520>
for not live on my boat it's just for not live on my boat it's just for recreation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal.
On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking.
On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-TRS Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- parties end up losing everything to parties end up losing everything to attorney's<00:09:40.560>
fees - cuz<00:09:41.040>
then <00:09:41.240>the <00:09:41.320>attorneys attorney's fees - you look like a masked guy running on the street with a gun. >> Right. >> We're in the exact same boat
- you look like a masked guy running on the street with a gun. >> Right. >> We're in the exact same boat
- you look like a masked guy running on the street with a gun. >> Right. >> We're in the exact same boat
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard.
SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments.
SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.