Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 1301'
Page 74 of 313
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THESE AGREEMENTS INCLUDE BOTH STATE TERM CONTRACTS AND ALTERNATE CONTRACT THEY ARE DEFINED IN CHAPTER
- JUST LIKE STATE TERM CONTRACTS MUST BE COMPETITIVELY PROCURED WITHIN THREE METHODS PRESCRIBED IN CHAPTER
- CHAPTER 282 OF FLORIDA STATUTE REQUIRES COORDINATION BETWEEN AGENCIES AND THE FLORIDA DIGITAL THE FORM
- CHAPTER 287 REQUIRES MINIMUM NUMBER OF QUOTES FOR ALL STATE TERM CONTRACTS.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 381 to the corporation finds the housing project is consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter
- 381 to the corporation finds the housing project is consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter
- c><00:09:41.680>
intent <00:09:41.839>of <00:09:42.000>this <00:09:42.240>chapter - , purpose and intent of this chapter, purpose and intent of this chapter, meets<00:09:43.040>
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- is in House Bill 449 by Representative Rizzo, but this infers that I cannot use it unless it's in Chapter
- You can go under Medicare and federal law, and in Chapter 456, it defines, for purposes of Medicare,
- It does not say it in Chapter 463.
- , because It is very unclear whether we could use the term optometric physician because it's in a chapter
- seven chapters before our practice act.
Summary:
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 361, by Rep. Nix, would reclassify registered interns as registered associates for clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling, and would streamline supervision rules by removing the requirement that licensed supervisors be physically present in private practice settings. Supporters said the bill would modernize terminology, reduce barriers to practice, and expand access to mental health care while maintaining supervision and public safety. Several members raised concerns about possible unintended effects on community health centers and Medicaid workforce issues, but the bill drew broad support and passed 17-0, reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 1341, by Rep. Gonzales Pittman, which is aimed at preventing misuse of physician specialty titles and limiting those titles to practitioners who are actually board-certified in the specialty they claim. The sponsor emphasized that the bill does not address the general use of “doctor” or “physician,” only specialty designations such as dermatologist, gynecologist, neurologist, or plastic surgeon. Testimony in support came from medical and professional groups, including anesthesiologists and plastic surgeons, who said clearer titles help patients know who is treating them and improve safety. The Florida Optometric Association opposed the bill, arguing it could create confusion or omit optometric titles and other designations.
Two amendments were adopted without objection. One removed a hospital name-tag requirement from the bill. The other changed a claims-denial provision so that denial letters need only disclose that a Florida-licensed physician in good standing made the decision, while the insurer must retain the physician’s identifying information for potential litigation or discovery. Some members supported the privacy protections, while others questioned whether the amendment was germane to the bill. As amended, HB 1341 passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Vindu Mukhamla, on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, in strong
- Hello, Bindu Mukamla, on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, and
- In the O'Kamla, on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, in strong
- The National Association of Social Workers, California chapter, in strong support.
- Bindon McComla with the National Association of Social Workers, California chapter, in strong support
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to run homeless response multidisciplinary teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, while no opposition testified. SB 902 would permit electronic signatures for Child Care and Development Services Act paperwork, with supporters describing the burden of paper processes on working families and noting that paper would remain an option. Both bills were referred onward after committee action.
The committee also approved SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability; SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule; and SB 1077, requiring CDSS to develop a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns. Testimony on these measures emphasized fragmented food assistance systems, the need to modernize outdated welfare rules, and the importance of preparing for future federal benefit interruptions. Each bill drew broad support from advocates, local governments, and social service organizations, with no opposition testimony, and each received a due-pass recommendation to the next committee.
The committee further advanced SB 1194, which would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand access to immigration legal services in underserved regions, and SB 1201, which would seek federal waivers and other protections to help veterans affected by CalFresh changes and connect applicants with county veterans service officers. Supporters said both bills would fill critical service gaps and strengthen legal and food-security infrastructure. SB 1194 received a 6-1 vote, while SB 1201 passed unanimously. Earlier in the hearing, SB 557 and SB 1051 were approved on consent. The committee then adjourned after recording final roll calls for absent members.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- They're a state chapter of the National Federation of Democratic Women, and they work to engage, educate
- House Bill 2533, amending Title 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article
- House Bill 2750, amending Title 41, Chapter 8, Arizona Revised Statutes, adding Article 6, Mining; Title
- 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes; and Section 41-33, relating to the legislative
- Her story connects to a broader chapter in our past.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring the future USS Arizona, SSN-803, and the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. Members also announced committee assignments and several bills were read for first and second reading. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 4034, HB 2444, HB 2992, and HB 4027, with amendments adopted on each measure. HB 4034 drew comments about career and technical education funding and district disputes; HB 2992 prompted debate over a pilot sexual abuse prevention program, with supporters calling it a resource for students and opponents criticizing it as an opt-out pilot and a burden on classrooms; HB 4027 generated discussion about a highway naming amendment involving Charlie Kirk and Ed Pastor. All three bills were reported out as amended and sent to engrossing and third reading.
On third reading, the House passed HB 293, HB 2502, HB 2750, HB 2999, and H.C.M. 2009. HB 293 dealt with school curricula and passed 31-22. HB 2502 related to the Arizona State Retirement System and passed 37-16. HB 2750, concerning mining and legislative department provisions, passed 44-9. HB 2999, creating special taxing districts tied to housing development, drew supportive remarks about affordability and private financing and passed 32-21. H.C.M. 2009 urged federal action to streamline access to minerals on federal land withdrawals and passed 31-22.
HB 2229, relating to maternal services and funding for pregnancy resource centers, failed initially by a 26-27 vote after extended debate over abortion-related implications and taxpayer funding. Members then moved to reconsider that failure, and the motion to reconsider passed 27-21, placing the bill back on the calendar. The House also heard a proclamation for March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and a Women’s History Month reflection on Mexican-American and Mexican-Irish heritage. The chamber adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 17th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Replace line 234 with the following: Nothing in this chapter shall require a board or agency come under
- See the provision this chapter. >> All right. Uh, any questions from the members on the amendment?
- Nothing in this chapter<00:22:10.960>
shall <00:22:11.280>require <00:22:11.760>a - ><00:22:12.080>
board <00:22:12.559>or <00:22:12.880>agency chapter shall require- See the provision<00:22:32.080>
this <00:22:32.320>chapter. - ><00:22:12.080>
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 11, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Local governments will still have power, and we still are under Chapter 163; we're just adding also Chapter
- We still are under Chapter 163. We're just adding also Chapter 120. Any other questions?
- So in my mind, if we are just creating another avenue, Chapter 5.
- So in my mind, if we are just creating another avenue, Chapter 120, which still gives the local governments
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended.
The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no.
The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve on the Board of Directors at AFSCME, Texas Retirees, Chapter 12.
- credit availability has tightened, and about three out of four Texas residents who seek loans from Chapter
- Those unable to get a loan from lenders regulated under Chapter 342, Subchapter E still need credit and
- House Bill 4339 would increase the credit available to Texas borrowers from lenders regulated under Chapter
- If you were going to go borrow, you would call it a Chapter 342E loan.
Bills:
HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737
Keywords:
retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 12th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Executive Director for the Council. created in 1993 under Texas Government Code Chapter 2308
- And at this point in time, there is no mechanism that actively workforce boards about Chapter 3D and
- County to notify their local Workforce Development Board about signing, amending, or renewing a Chapter
- and information that municipalities and counties are already doing when they have to submit their Chapter
- But local development boards coordinate with local stakeholders on Chapter 380 and 381 agreements.
Bills:
HB406
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- from mandatory and voluntary reporting, is subject to open records disclosure under Government Code Chapter
- Matt Wagner, executive director of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, testified in support of
- He said the chapter has almost 1,000 members and is the nation's largest chapter of an international
- The Texas chapter supports Senate Bill 1248.
- The Texas chapter thanked Chair Perry for being proactive in proposing the legislation and said it stands
Keywords:
water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met without a quorum at first, then later established quorum and proceeded with testimony and votes. Senate Bill 1248, by Chair Perry, was explained as a narrow Open Records Act exception to protect harvest report location data collected through Texas Parks and Wildlife’s digital tagging system. Support testimony came from Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, who said the bill would protect private land and sensitive biological information while preserving useful wildlife data. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending until later in the meeting.
The committee then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which urges the State Department and the International Boundary and Water Commission to press Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty and deliver its share of Rio Grande water. Senator Hinojosa, farmers, municipal officials, and other witnesses described severe water shortages in South Texas, low reservoir levels, crop losses, the closure of the Valley sugar industry, and the need for alternative supplies such as desalination, reuse, and drainage-runoff projects. Members also discussed treaty enforcement, regional drought, and the role of cartels and Mexican water storage, while emphasizing that Texas must also invest in its own water infrastructure.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 740, which the committee substitute amended to require the Public Utility Commission to adopt a standardized application form for system improvement charges and complete related rulemaking by September 1, 2026, applying only to applications filed on or after that date. Members discussed concerns about water wholesalers using the process to delay cases and drive up costs, and the need for more transparency and PUC resources. The committee voted to adopt the substitute and report SB 740 favorably. After returning to the earlier items, the committee voted SB 1248 out favorably and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar, and voted SCR 13 out favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy - Transportation Committee Meeting Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Marissa McClinton here with Sierra Club Delaware Chapter. Good afternoon.
- Marissa McClinton here with Sierra Club Delaware Chapter, here in support of House Bill 111.
- Good afternoon, Marissa McClinton, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter, Environmental Justice Organizer.
- Good afternoon, Marissa McClinton, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter, Environmental Justice Organizer.
- House Bill 456 updates the Subaqueous Land Chapter of the Code with the intent of reducing permitting
Summary:
The committee met in hybrid format on June 18, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so minutes were not approved until later in the meeting after additional members joined. The committee heard a series of bills, with most receiving supportive testimony from sponsors, agency officials, advocacy groups, and frequent public commenter Robert Overmiller. Several measures focused on transportation and public safety, including HB 363 on residential speed limits, HB 384 extending DelDOT open-end contracts from three to five years, HB 413 allowing green flashing lights on road work and emergency vehicles, HB 456 streamlining subaqueous lands permitting, and HB 388 letting drivers with temporary medical suspensions keep their license for ID purposes while being flagged in the system as not allowed to drive. Members asked questions mainly about implementation, enforcement, and scope, and sponsors or agency witnesses explained that the bills were intended to improve safety, efficiency, and administrative clarity.
The committee also took up HB 111, which would require single-use food service items such as utensils, straws, napkins, and condiments to be provided only upon request, with exemptions for schools, nonprofits, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and similar settings. Supporters, including Plastic Free Delaware and the Sierra Club, said the bill would reduce waste and save businesses money, while opponents from the restaurant industry argued it could confuse customers, hurt tourism, and be difficult to enforce. Sponsors emphasized that restaurants could still ask customers if they wanted items and that the bill included a phase-in period and capped penalties. The committee also heard HB 393, a consumer protection bill for third-party electric suppliers that tightens oversight, training, reporting, renewal notices, and rate limits after concerns about misleading sales and unexpectedly high bills; it drew support from environmental advocates and members who had seen constituent complaints.
Finally, the committee heard HB 412 on hunting and trapping education and wildlife drug administration, which was described as a safety and modernization measure and supported by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and sportsmen’s groups, and SB 346, which would speed up Environmental Appeals Board hearings and decisions. SB 346 drew broad support from DNREC, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and business groups, though one witness asked to clarify that Superior Court appeal rights would remain intact; DNREC confirmed they would. The committee also approved the June 10, 2026 minutes after quorum was established, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous approval.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Data Practices 1/22/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I’m here to speak about my experience with Chapter 13 when the state relies on third-party data,
- <00:12:40.240>
13 I am currently engaged in a chapter 13 I am currently engaged in a chapter - six-month<00:13:25.839>
cool Chapter 13 provides a six-month cool Chapter 13 provides a six-month - 13 some or sorry reliant on a chapter 13 some or sorry some<01:03:40.160>
chapter <01:03:40.480 - 12 definitions up in 2.13 some chapter 12 definitions up in 2.13 and<01:03:43.039>
2.14.
Summary:
The committee continued its hearing on enforcement and compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, first taking additional public testimony from Melissa Zimmerman and Matt Senot of the East Side Corridor residents in Owatonna. They described submitting roughly two dozen data requests across several government entities related to a proposed highway project, saying some agencies responded but others did not, and that even after they substantially prevailed in a data practices complaint and the court imposed a maximum civil penalty, they still did not receive meaningful access to the records. Zimmerman said the lack of access harmed their ability to comment on the project’s environmental review, and both witnesses argued that the law needs stronger enforcement, realistic timelines, better communication, and more accessible remedies for requesters who cannot afford repeated litigation. They also raised practical barriers such as inaccessible file formats, missing software on a county-provided laptop, and the need for electronic delivery options.
The committee then heard from Eric Johnson of Anoka County, who testified about Chapter 13 issues involving third-party polygraph data used in probation monitoring. He argued that when the state relies on third-party-generated summaries, the responsible authority’s obligations for access, retention, and correction are unclear, and there is no effective remedy when the third party does not respond. Johnson said the county directed him to seek raw data from the third party, which had not responded, and he warned that short retention periods can make data subject rights unenforceable if the records are destroyed before a request is resolved. Members asked about statutory citations and retention schedules, and several commented that the issue may warrant review of data-retention rules.
During member discussion, legislators broadly agreed that the Data Practices Act’s enforcement mechanisms are not working well enough and that many requesters cannot afford to pursue administrative or court remedies. Co-Chair Scott suggested staff compile the testimony into a report to identify possible legislative fixes, while Senator Lucero said there may be some “low-hanging fruit” that could be addressed quickly in the short session. The chair also floated the idea of involving the Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution in a mediation role to improve communication and reduce gridlock, though members noted that any process would still need to produce results consistent with the law. The committee then moved on to its next agenda item, a discussion of the BCA Fusion Center and its annual reporting requirements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/26/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It would only go into chapter law; it would not go into the statute.
- It would only go into chapter law; it would not go into the statute.
- It would only go into chapter law; it would not go into the statute.
- It would only go into chapter law; it would not go into the statute.
- It would only go into chapter law; it would not go into the statute.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- NAHawaii Chapter, in support; BIA Hawaii, in support; Maui Chamber of Commerce, in support; strong in
- /c><00:04:44.639>
you <00:04:44.880>na <00:04:45.280>Hawaii <00:04:45.680>chapter - <00:04:46.039>
in chair thank you na Hawaii chapter in chair thank you na Hawaii chapter in
Summary:
The Committee on Housing met on February 11, 2025, to hear Senate Bill 662 and Senate Bill 66. SB 662 would require HHFDC to transfer the public roads in the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January 1, 2026, and would authorize county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on all public streets and highways. Testimony on the measure was in support from H50, the City and County of Honolulu, and an individual testifier. HHFDC Executive Director D. Minomi said the agency had been negotiating with the city over a $60 million transfer of road and infrastructure maintenance responsibility, but no formal agreement had been drafted; negotiations were paused when related bills were introduced. He said that if the bills do not pass, HHFDC would continue negotiations because the amount is less than the estimated cost of rehabilitating the roads itself and would free up staff time. The committee recommended SB 662 be passed with amendments, including a deferred date and report language referencing the ongoing negotiations, and the recommendation was adopted with aye votes from the chair, vice chair, Senator Kino, and Senator Kuha.
The committee then heard SB 66, which would require counties to issue building permits within 60 days when applications are stamped and certified by a licensed engineer and architect and other conditions are met. Testimony was mixed, with the Department of Planning and Permitting for the City and County of Honolulu in opposition, and several groups including the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, RMS Sales, Hawaii Realtors, NAHawaii Chapter, BIA Hawaii, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support; several individuals also testified both for and against. The State Historic Preservation Division testified with comments.
In decision-making, the chair recommended SB 66 be passed with technical, non-substantive amendments and with additional amendments from the State Historic Preservation Division, including requiring a complete application and specifying qualified professionals under SHPD rules for architecture, archaeology, architectural history, and/or physical anthropology. The committee adopted the recommendation by a vote of the chair alone, with no objections noted. The hearing then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:03 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Larry Jack, and the Chapter Manager, Myron Joe, from Beclabot Chapter House. Welcome to the House.
- Manager Myron Joe from Beclavito Chapter House. Welcome to the House.
- And they are one chapter, which gives them.
- Welcome to the House to the Beclavito Chapter. Thank you for being here.
- Welcome to the House to the Beclavito Chapter. Thank you for being here.
Bills:
HB145, HB164, HJR6, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB166, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, HJR5, SB104, SB193, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 21b and this is not uh parts of chapter 21b and this is not one<00:32:01.519>
of <00:32:01.679 - So if you look through the current chapter 10, 09 subdivision 5, you know, we're required obviously to
- So if you look through the current chapter 10, 09 subdivision 5, you know, we're required obviously to
- 10 uh current chapter 10 uh 09<00:42:59.359>
subdivision <00:43:00.480>5 <00:43:01.480> - Chapter 10A does define securities to mean stocks, shares, bonds, warrants, options...
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 03:04 pm
Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- to carry concealed firearms. ...the Chapter 5 provisions that allow Attorney General investigators to
- 44 relating to guardians and Chapter 49 relating to abuse and neglect proceedings.
- , it probably makes more sense to start conceptually from the Chapter 49 process.
- After a Chapter 49 abuse and neglect petition is filed, but at least five days prior to the next step
- A Chapter 49 abuse and neglect petition is filed, but at least five days prior to the next step, which
Summary:
The committee first approved the previous meeting’s minutes, then took up House Bill 4198, which would require all employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization. Counsel explained that the bill would add enforcement by the Division of Labor, create tiered penalties including warnings, fines, debarment from state contracts, and possible business license revocation, while also removing criminal penalties tied to hiring unauthorized workers in light of federal law. Members raised extensive concerns about drafting problems, including circular and conflicting language, unclear references to existing verification and recordkeeping provisions, the meaning of terms like “seeks to employ,” and whether the bill could unintentionally apply to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements. Questions also focused on whether the bill would apply to public versus private employers, how compliance would be shown, and how penalties would work for small businesses or employers who never actually hire the person in question.
The bill sponsor defended the measure as a straightforward extension of the federally required I-9 process, saying E-Verify is a quick, free online check that helps employers verify work authorization and protects them from liability for unknowingly hiring unauthorized workers. He said the bill was intended to be mandatory, not permissive, and argued that it would help law-abiding employers compete fairly. After the questioning, the committee rejected a motion to table the bill and instead sent House Bill 4198 to a seven-member subcommittee to clean up the drafting, resolve inconsistencies, and review the penalties and scope of the measure. The subcommittee was directed to meet the next morning and report back quickly.
The committee then moved to House Bill 4710, with an amendment that would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the bill is aimed at preventing candidates from switching parties after losing a primary and then running as independents in the general election. Members discussed how the 210-day requirement would interact with both primary and general election filing deadlines, and the Secretary of State’s office clarified that the measure would affect candidates who change affiliation shortly before filing. The discussion continued with testimony from the Secretary of State’s general counsel about how the bill would operate in practice, but no final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Section five provides a definition of expert witness for chapter 10A.
- chapter chapter 10A.<00:05:06.160>
Section <00:05:06.639>six <00:05:06.960>comes - On page 19, section 21 comes from Senator Marty's 1996 and defines campaign disbursements for chapter
- On page 19, section 21 comes from Senator Marty's 1996 and defines campaign disbursements for chapter
- chapter chapter 10A.<00:08:32.320>
The <00:08:32.640>next <00:08:32.880>several
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Cecilia Palm, Hawaii Care Association of America, Hawaii Chapter, in support.
- Cecilia Palm, Home Care Association of America Hawaii Chapter, in support.
- Cecilia Palm, Home Care Association of America Hawaii Chapter, in support.
- Cecilia Palm, Home Care Association of America Hawaii Chapter, in support.
- Cecilia Palm, Home Care Association of America Hawaii Chapter, in support.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee hearing opened with notice that the meeting was being streamed and could reconvene later if technical problems forced an abrupt end. The chair also announced a one-minute testimony limit and proceeded through several bills, taking mostly written and oral support testimony and asking limited questions. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
HB 1626, relating to youth penalties, drew strong support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, youth advocates, the ACLU, the Department of Education, and others. Testifiers said financial sanctions on youth are ineffective, disproportionately burden Native Hawaiian youth, and function as poverty penalties; they urged replacing fines with community service, restorative practices, and ʻāina-based programs, and eliminating uncollectible legacy debt. The chair moved on after no member questions.
HB 1643, relating to pharmacy, was discussed with support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, Kaiser, the Board of Pharmacy, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Testimony focused on amendment language, audit procedures, HIPAA concerns, and the need for flexibility for small island pharmacies. HB 1668, relating to Medicaid, received broad support from disability advocates and the Department of Human Services; witnesses said CMS had already approved the underlying state plan amendment removing income and asset limits for certain workers with disabilities, but they wanted the protection codified in law to preserve it long term. The chair asked whether codification was necessary and was told it would not be harmful and would help ensure continuity if federal policy changed.
The committee then heard HB 1550 on drug paraphernalia and syringe access, with support from Shipta and the Department of Health; testimony emphasized preserving flexibility for the statewide syringe access program to respond to emerging drugs like xylazine. HB 1974, relating to health, was presented as a planning measure for hearing loss; testifiers said Hawaii lacks a comprehensive hearing-loss plan and that the bill would fund a state planning process, not direct services. HB 1858 on vital statistics drew support from clinicians and medical organizations, who said better data on spontaneous fetal deaths is needed and that the term used in the bill is standard medical and CDC terminology. HB 1871 and HB 1966 also received support, with HB 1966’s EMS special fund prompting discussion about the cigarette-tax revenue source; the chair questioned the nexus to EMS, and the Department of Health said the revenue currently funds the special fund and there is no alternative funding stream.