Video & Transcript Research : 'Section 42'
Page 68 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/9/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:25.280>
Uh <00:42:25.360>I <00:42:25.440>appreciate <00:42:25.800> - is um I<00:42:29.120>
do <00:42:29.320>not <00:42:29.880>uh <00:42:30.240>I< - /c><00:42:30.400>
I <00:42:30.440>appreciate <00:42:30.920>the <00:42:31.000> - 35.240>
digital <00:42:35.560>IDs <00:42:36.000>are <00:42:36.320>a <00:42 - So, I<00:42:41.640>
hope <00:42:41.840>you'll <00:42:42.040>uh <00:42:42.200>
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 022 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :06.160>
and <00:42:06.400>said <00:42:06.640>we <00:42:06.800>need <00:42 - <00:42:08.079>
So <00:42:08.319>we <00:42:08.560>did <00:42:08.960>so - So<00:42:15.359>
I <00:42:15.599>just <00:42:15.839>wanted <00:42:16.079>to - >
we <00:42:17.920>renew <00:42:18.319>our <00:42:18.640>commitment <00:42- We are<00:42:20.880>
grateful <00:42:21.280>for <00:42:21.599>your <00:42:21.839> - >
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 3, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several bills, appointments, and resolutions. Finance reported Senate Bills 9 and 39 favorably, with SB 39 recommended for the consent calendar, and the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee reported Senate Bills 27 and 29 postponed indefinitely. The chamber also received and later adopted Senate Joint Resolution 9, recognizing Missing Persons Day, after extensive remarks from Senator Danielson and Senator Cattellin (spelling as transcribed) and recognition of families, law enforcement, CBI staff, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office staff in attendance. SJR 9 passed 33-0.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 on third reading and final passage, a housing measure authorizing county commissioners to support certain housing and expanding the middle-income housing tax credit to certain transferees. The bill passed 26-7. The chamber also heard a personal privilege recognizing School Nutrition Day and the Colorado School Nutrition Association, highlighting their work providing meals to students and implementing the Healthy School Meals Act.
In Committee of the Whole, the Senate began second reading of Senate Bill 32 on immunization access. The bill would expand use of the state immunization schedule alongside ACIP recommendations, allow pharmacists to independently prescribe, dispense, order, and administer vaccines, update liability provisions, authorize rulemaking for infant immunization programs, and remove a prohibition on using state money for those programs if federal funds are unavailable. Senators Mullica and supporters argued the bill protects access to vaccines and insulates Colorado from federal dysfunction, while Senators Bright and Frisell raised budget concerns and supported Amendment L004 to restore the state-funding prohibition. Senator Ba opposed the amendment, saying the bill merely removes a funding restriction and does not mandate spending. The transcript ends during continued debate on Amendment L004, with no final vote on SB 32 shown.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill is referred<00:42:45.520>
to <00:42:45.600>the <00:42:45.680>Committee < - <00:42:50.240>
its <00:42:50.520>entry <00:42:51.000>on <00:42:51.240>the - Are<00:42:53.200>
there <00:42:53.320>any <00:42:53.520>further <00:42:53.800> - Seeing<00:42:56.320>
none, <00:42:57.160>member <00:42:57.480>from <00:42:57.640> - ><00:42:58.880>
a <00:42:58.920>motion <00:42:59.360>to <00:42:59.520>adjourn
Summary:
The House opened with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural items, including referring Senate Bill 223 on Vermont water quality, which carries an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations. The chamber also read and recognized three House Concurrent Resolutions: honoring Maria Blair for nearly four decades of service in the Joint Fiscal Office; designating April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont; and congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council class of Eagle Scouts. Members offered brief tributes to Blair’s institutional knowledge and service, and to the importance of addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Guests connected to the resolutions were recognized in the gallery, and the House also heard announcements introducing visitors and upcoming meetings.
The main legislative action was on Senate Bill 255, which would establish a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Committee members described it as a limited, voluntary pilot intended to improve regional public safety governance and funding without imposing a statewide mandate or new tax. Testimony came from legislative staff, local officials, sheriffs, police, the Vermont State Police, and municipal representatives. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably with a 9-0-1 vote and a small amendment adding an additional report-back requirement; Ways and Means found no fiscal impact to state revenue and reported it favorably 10-0-1. The House then agreed to propose the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading.
The final action item was House Bill 956, approving Burlington’s charter amendment to formally establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a permanent city office. The sponsor explained that Burlington voters had already approved the change and that the bill would codify existing duties, including equity strategy, policy advice, representation of underserved communities, and community engagement, with the director reporting to the mayor. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the House ordered it to third reading. Later, Ways and Means reported favorably with amendment on Senate Bill 327, an economic development bill carrying an appropriation, and it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then adjourned until April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/11/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- judges<00:42:02.400>
in <00:42:02.640>terms <00:42:02.800>of <00:42:03.440>< - .<00:42:06.400>
And <00:42:06.480>we <00:42:06.640>hope <00:42:06.800>that <00:42:08.720>we <00:42:08.880>go <00:42:09.040>forward <00:42:09.359>in - >
what <00:42:10.720>else <00:42:10.880>can <00:42:11.119>be <00:42:11.280 - <00:42:16.640>
um <00:42:16.960>it <00:42:17.200>doesn't <00:42:17.440>go
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 9 February, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :42:35.119>
don't <00:42:35.359>require <00:42:36.160>a <00:42:36.480>human - >
Uh, <00:42:38.160>section <00:42:38.560>two, <00:42:39.359>um, <00:42:39.839- Uh, section two, um, improves the<00:42:40.400>
dividend <00:42:40.800>process. - banks<00:42:53.839>
in <00:42:54.079>good <00:42:54.240>standing <00:42:54.960><- >
um <00:42:58.079>volume <00:42:58.400>of <00:42:58.560>back <00:42:58.800 - >
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Pearl Huggin, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including Dr. Huggin’s family, the doctor of the day, first-year medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and representatives from Mississippi hospitals and law enforcement. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up multiple bills.
Senate Bill 2911, concerning alternative return-to-work provisions for state retirees, was explained as shortening the required separation period from 90 days to 30 days and allowing retirees to return in certain positions at up to 80% of the salary for the job they are performing, with the employer paying both sides of retirement contributions. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies in education, public safety, corrections, and local government and could save money compared with contract labor; questions focused on work expectations, insurance, and how the bill would apply to teachers, bus drivers, and other retirees. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed on the afternoon roll call.
Senate Bill 2272, which would exempt certain agriculture and forestry items from the 1.5% sales tax, was explained as reducing the tax to 0% for qualifying commercial farmers and loggers and expanding covered items to include equipment and fencing supplies. A question clarified that the exemption applies to commercial operations, not individuals raising animals for personal use. The bill passed on the afternoon roll call. Senate Bill 2909, which lowers the years needed for unreduced retirement under tier five from 35 to 30, was also taken up; after adoption of the committee substitute, the bill was laid on the table subject to call of the chair because of a pending amendment. The Senate also tabled a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2588 (the Shield Act codification) and heard Senate Bill 2260, which creates a government efficiency task force to study ways to streamline agency licensing and service delivery; that bill was explained as a preliminary study commission intended to recommend consolidation and a more one-stop approach to state services.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 2438 - Transportation Omnibus - 05/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:06.880>
of <00:42:07.359>uh <00:42:07.520>technical <00:42:07.839> - c> uh<00:42:14.960>
obtaining <00:42:15.280>of <00:42:15.440>a <00:42:15.599> - :42:18.000>
Um, <00:42:18.720>I <00:42:18.960>know <00:42:19.119>Senator < - > section of sections.
- The last section, section of sections.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:00.960>
to <00:42:01.200>section Section 53 deletes the requirement that the section <00:42:30.960>53. - <00:42:46.400>
Section <00:42:46.920>53 <00:42:47.920>deletes <00:42:48.319>< - Section 53 deletes requirement that<00:42:48.880>
the <00:42:49.119>office <00:42:49.280 - proposal.<00:42:57.200>
Section <00:42:57.680>54 <00:42:58.400>on <00:42:58.640>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-03-25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if<00:42:06.880>
I <00:42:07.040>explained <00:42:07.680>it's <00:42 - And >> thank<00:42:13.440>
you <00:42:14.000>uh <00:42:14.160>Madam <00:42: - <00:42:14.960>
My <00:42:15.119>name <00:42:15.280>is <00:42:15.440>Tom - >
uh <00:42:17.520>I <00:42:17.760>am <00:42:17.920>the <00:42:18.000>- Um, I think<00:42:23.599>
the <00:42:24.000>amendment <00:42:25.040>delays <00:42 - >
Keywords:
firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/02/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- c> of<00:42:22.800>
moving <00:42:23.200>any <00:42:23.440>of <00:42:23.599>< - I do have one<00:42:27.520>
question <00:42:28.640>and <00:42:28.960>that <00:42: - /c><00:42:51.839>
to <00:42:52.000>enter <00:42:52.240>inspect <00:42:52.640> - <00:42:58.400>
rules <00:42:58.720>for <00:42:58.880>the <00:42:58.960>executive - We call<01:42:42.239>
it <01:42:42.400>a <01:42:42.560>no <01:42:42.719>hit.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/3/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- > we're<00:42:09.520>
going <00:42:09.680>to <00:42:09.760>have <00:42:09.839 - <00:42:11.839>
Um, <00:42:12.319>is <00:42:13.760>do <00:42:14.079>we - Um, is do we allow<00:42:14.480>
them <00:42:14.720>to <00:42:15.680>share <00:42 - 00:42:21.680>
have <00:42:21.920>been <00:42:22.079>a <00:42:22.400>co-author - 42:32.000>
And <00:42:32.880>you <00:42:33.119>know <00:42:33.920>if <00:42
Keywords:
facial recognition, privacy, government surveillance, public safety, data protection, civil liberties, disability rights, discrimination, accommodations, employment, housing, public services, education, civil action, failure to render aid, damages, Minnesota Statutes, legal liability, trespass, civil immigration enforcement
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from February 24 and February 26. It then took up House File 3661, a bill originally authored by Representative Gomez and presented by Representative Feist, which would ban government use of facial recognition technology and be re-referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. The committee adopted the A1 amendment, described as a technical amendment based on House Research recommendations, before hearing testimony on the bill.
Representative Feist said the bill is aimed at preventing serious privacy and civil-liberties harms, including secretive surveillance, racial and gender bias, and the lack of statewide rules governing government use of facial recognition. Supportive testimony came from Chad Marlo of the ACLU, who argued the issue is bipartisan, the technology has accuracy problems, and government use is expanding against vulnerable groups. Chris Wayland of Restore the Fourth Minnesota also supported a ban, emphasizing the inability to opt out of facial recognition and the lack of standards, disclosure, and community input. Rich Newmeister urged stronger transparency measures, including agency policies and public notice in buildings using the technology.
Major Spencer Baky of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office opposed an outright ban, saying facial recognition is used only as an investigative lead, not for positive identification or real-time surveillance, and that results are corroborated before use. He said the office has used the tool in hundreds of investigations and supports a statutory framework with safeguards instead of a ban. In member discussion, Representative Hudson argued a blanket ban was too broad and suggested a more targeted evidentiary approach, while Representative Moller and Representative Kurr expressed concern about misuse and the federal government's use of the technology. Representative Durant asked whether there was a current Minnesota problem and whether stakeholders and law enforcement had been involved in drafting the bill. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, beyond adoption of the amendment and the committee’s continued consideration of HF 3661.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (05/08/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:42:00.400>
As <01:42:00.639>long <01:42:00.800>as <01:42:00.880>that's <01:42:15.760>You <01:42:15.920>may <01:42:16.159>you <01:42:16.320>may< - <01:42:22.639>
I <01:42:22.880>don't <01:42:23.040>think <01:42:23.199>you - <01:42:46.719>
make <01:42:46.880>a <01:42:47.119>determination <01:42:47.840> - <01:42:53.199>
Um, <01:42:53.679>so <01:42:53.840>I <01:42:54.080>think
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (3-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:01.560>
strengthen <00:42:02.040>your <00:42:02.200>bill <00:42:02.440 - >
believe <00:42:04.560>it <00:42:04.640>would <00:42:04.839>weaken <00:42 - I'll<00:42:07.640>
I'll <00:42:07.760>leave <00:42:08.000>the <00:42:08.480> - 00:42:15.000>
to <00:42:15.119>know <00:42:15.599>how <00:42:15.839>that - 42:27.760>
of <00:42:27.880>wrap <00:42:28.119>it <00:42:28.280>up <00:42:
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first considered two concurrent resolutions. SCR 76, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, would create a Kentucky School for the Deaf Governance Task Force to examine the school’s future governance and its relationship with the Kentucky Department of Education. Bledsoe described the school’s long history and said the task force would give the small deaf-school community more voice. The committee adopted the resolution unanimously with favorable expression.
The committee then took up SCR 131, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, to continue the Efficient and Effective Districts Task Force from 2024. Wise said the prior task force met about 10 times and focused on student achievement and district policy, and the new version would continue that work as a legislature-only task force. The resolution passed unanimously with favorable expression.
Members next considered HB 240 on primary school promotion. Rep. Truitt explained that the bill would require students who are not ready in kindergarten to repeat kindergarten, while a committee substitute softened the approach by allowing a school to hold a child back in kindergarten but requiring action in first grade. He said the bill aligns with existing reading-screening efforts and is intended to strengthen early literacy foundations. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression; Sen. Williams briefly explained his support as favoring performance-based advancement.
The committee also approved HB 298, which would change the identification of schools for comprehensive support and improvement from every three years to annually, require KDE recommendations during management audits, add professional development in reading and math, and require effective instructional resources. The committee substitute also allowed districts with multiple CSI schools to contract for a turnaround vendor. The bill additionally carried employee-misconduct provisions from prior sessions, including disclosure requirements for applicants; the only change discussed was removing the word “investigation” from one disclosure section. HB 298 passed unanimously with favorable expression, and the committee also adopted a title amendment.
Finally, the committee heard HB 424 on employment at public postsecondary institutions. Rep. Tipton said the bill would require performance and productivity reviews for faculty at least every four years, clarify appointment and removal authority for presidents at certain institutions, and expand “cause” for dismissal to include failure to meet performance and productivity requirements. Dr. Ray Horton, speaking for faculty groups, proposed a small substitute that would tie any performance measures to existing employment contracts to preserve academic integrity and avoid unintended changes to tenure processes. Members discussed how tenure works at Kentucky universities, and the committee was still in the middle of considering the proposed substitute when the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :42:10.079>
of <00:42:10.240>the <00:42:10.400>things <00:42:10.480>that < - >
um <00:42:19.760>a <00:42:20.000>lot <00:42:20.079>of <00:42:20.160> - >
are <00:42:22.880>sort <00:42:23.040>of <00:42:23.119>that <00:42:23.440 - Um<00:42:24.880>
working <00:42:25.119>with <00:42:25.359>external <00:42:25.839> - :42:35.839>
and <00:42:36.160>cleanliness <00:42:36.640>of <00:42:36.880>a
Keywords:
tourism, World Junior Hockey Championships, funding, economic impact, sports events, Minnesota, economic development, livability, marketing, partnerships, labor and industry, electrical licensing, electrical inspection, continuing education, online course approval, Internet continuing education, power limited technician, maintenance electrician, master electrician, technology circuits
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:25.480>
I'm <00:42:25.599>sure <00:42:25.880>in <00:42:26.040>any< focus <00:42:30.559>on <00:42:31.800>is <00:42:32.800>having <00:42:33.040- c><00:42:39.400>
and <00:42:39.599>the <00:42:39.800>state <00:42:40.119>grant - >
because <00:42:42.000>it's <00:42:42.280>kept <00:42:42.720>it's <00:42: - /c><00:42:52.559>
and <00:42:52.680>I <00:42:52.800>want <00:42:52.880>to
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- c> records<00:42:11.360>
so <00:42:11.560>that <00:42:11.720>they <00:42:11.920 - 00:42:14.320>
register <00:42:14.800>to <00:42:14.920>vote. - <00:42:35.840>
Any <00:42:36.040>agreement <00:42:36.560>must <00:42:36.800>< - <00:42:38.400>
3 <00:42:38.720>years <00:42:39.280>and <00:42:39.440>the< - >
law <00:42:40.360>will <00:42:40.520>take <00:42:40.760>effect <00:42:41.640
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (12-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- uh section 31. uh section 31.
- the regulation<01:42:10.880>
or <01:42:11.199>even <01:42:11.360>in <01:42:11.600 - Indeed,<01:42:15.360>
I <01:42:15.600>have <01:42:15.760>another <01:42:16.080>- penalty<01:42:24.800>
case <01:42:25.360>that <01:42:25.600>I <01:42:25.760>- <01:42:45.119>
that <01:42:45.360>they <01:42:45.520>have <01:42:45.600>a - penalty<01:42:24.800>
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review.
The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses.
Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- could say depending on which I think we could say depending on which sections<00:42:42.680>
you're - <00:42:42.800>
talking <00:42:43.160>about <00:42:43.480>here sections you're - talking about here sections you're talking about here a<00:42:44.640>
majority <00:42:45.400>< - >
section <00:42:52.640>one <00:42:53.080>comes what we've done in section one comes - we<00:42:58.240>
have <00:42:59.040>sections <00:42:59.920>of which we have
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:01.040>
And <00:42:01.359>so <00:42:01.920>we <00:42:02.319>really - :42:04.720>
time <00:42:05.119>to <00:42:06.000>try <00:42:06.240>and <00: - > the<00:42:14.079>
intent <00:42:14.400>of <00:42:14.480>the <00:42:14.720>< - <00:42:16.400>
bill <00:42:16.560>is <00:42:16.800>that <00:42:17.200>in< - > current<00:42:18.079>
form, <00:42:19.119>um <00:42:19.359>it <00:42:19.599
Keywords:
Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:10.960>
on <00:42:11.240>this <00:42:11.920>measure <00:42:12.920>total - ><00:42:27.280>
a <00:42:27.440>bill <00:42:28.359>I'd <00:42:28.720>like - here<00:42:30.200>
at <00:42:30.359>this <00:42:30.559>table <00:42:31.280>- >
you <00:42:31.760>do <00:42:31.880>it <00:42:32.079>right <00:42:32.599>this <00:42:32.800>time <00:42:33.079>but <00:42:33.280>if <00:42:33.359> - >
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
Transcript Highlights:
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Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on March 13, 2025, and first announced that SB 1456 would be deferred to the end of the agenda and ultimately worked on later, with the chair indicating the bill would be deferred and revisited in a future measure. The committee then heard SB 841 on marine life conservation districts. DLNR supported the bill, saying it would fund carrying capacity studies to inform rules and policies. Testimony noted a pilot study already underway at the Puka Marine Life Conservation District and another nearing completion at the old Kona Airport MLCD. Members discussed costs, with DLNR estimating about $300,000 per year for one user-experience study, potentially more for ecological analysis, and also discussed possible funding from the Mālama Kai special fund. DLNR said it had no objection to consulting current operators and other users, and explained the program would be a new, ongoing adaptive-management tool.
The committee next heard SB 411 on capital improvement projects at small boat harbors. DLNR supported the intent, saying the bill would help expedite use of special funds for CIP work, while the Department of Budget and Finance opposed it, arguing the draft could conflict with constitutional limits on appropriations. Public testimony from an industry representative supported the bill and urged more collaboration with commercial operators, while committee discussion focused on whether DLNR could already use special funds for repairs, how much engineering and bidding work is required before projects go out to bid, and whether the current process creates bottlenecks when bids exceed initial estimates. DLNR said it can do some repairs and maintenance within existing authority and funding ceilings, but that the bill as drafted could be too broad.
The committee also heard SB 5 on historic preservation, where DLNR supported the measure and NAOP Hawaii opposed it, saying the bill’s broader definition could expand the scope beyond the stated goal of narrowing reviews and reducing backlog. The committee then took up SB 1462 on the state historic preservation income tax credit. The Department of Taxation said the revenue estimate assumes the cap would be reached each year the credit is available, and DLNR supported the bill. SHPD said the prior credit had sunset, outreach had previously been done in targeted communities such as Chinatown, and owners of eligible historic properties are notified during review. Finally, the committee heard SB 268 on island burial councils. DLNR supported the bill, and OHA strongly supported it, saying the councils have struggled with quorum and expertise and that the measure would restore the original intent of having lineal descendants and cultural practitioners as decision makers, while still allowing landowners and developers to testify and participate. OHA also said it would help provide technical support and urged continued involvement from SHPD and the Attorney General’s office.