Video & Transcript Research : 'prison programs'
Page 74 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:27.279>
prison sentenced to 23 years in prison prison sentenced to 23 years in prison - prison but<00:09:28.440>
quickly <00:09:28.760>following <00:09:29.560>pardons < - <00:10:26.600>
where <00:10:27.000>countless to a private prison where countless to - a private prison where countless unspeakables<00:10:28.120>
had <00:10:28.279>happened - Any and all persons in prison for any reason could be released, to include death row inmates, with a
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum, recognized a student page from Covington Catholic High School, and then took up House Concurrent Resolution 67, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway. The resolution would create a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Act task force to study restoration of civil and voting rights for people who have served their sentences and shown rehabilitation. Callaway said the task force would include legislators and representatives from state offices and advocacy groups, and she noted the issue should receive serious attention as part of civic participation and reentry.
Members asked about differences between the House resolution and a similar Senate measure. Callaway explained that her version was more specific about membership and included state agency representatives and advocacy organizations. Representative Blacket said he preferred the House version and noted expungement had also been discussed. Representative Marzian said she would vote no, arguing the Secretary of State already handles election integrity and that the proposal was unnecessary and costly. Representative Roberts supported the resolution, saying the current process for restoring voting rights can be expensive and lengthy. The resolution passed with favorable consideration.
The committee then heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Bill 126 from Senator Chris McDaniel, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power. McDaniel argued the power has been abused and said the amendment would not eliminate pardons, but would restrict them to the 60 days before an election and the period between the gubernatorial election and inauguration so voters could weigh in. He cited high-profile pardons and commutations as examples and said the measure had previously been supported by law enforcement groups. Representative Lockard and another member expressed support, saying pardon power can be undemocratic and that the timing of mass pardons after elections is troubling. McDaniel said the 60-day window was chosen as a practical period for information to reach voters. No vote was taken on the bill, and the meeting adjourned after a visiting district judge was recognized.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 25 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that will offer the less culpable a way to earn release while ensuring that actual killers remain in prison
- The less culpable a way to earn release while ensuring that actual killers remain in prison to serve
- The computer data center equipment exemption program enacted in Act 25 of 2021 incentivized data centers
- That will protect ratepayers who sign up for energy-type programs that are a short period of time.
- We have Department of Corrections state prisons, state correctional facilities around the state.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- On top of that, there was the Bracero program.
- The program was started in 1942 as a way to replace workers in the U.S. who were off fighting wars in
- We have Arbor Day, National Day, the Cowboy, Korean War Veterans Day, Prisoner of War Remembrance Day
- We have Arbor Day, National Day, the Cowboy, Korean War Veterans Day, Prisoner of War Remembrance Day
- We have Arbor Day, National Day, the Cowboy, Korean War Veterans Day, Prisoner of War Remembrance Day
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several ceremonial introductions and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, recognition of guests tied to Pre-born Day of Rights, a proclamation honoring Carmen Green Smith’s retirement, and a memorial resolution for Brad Brower. The chamber also heard a Game and Fish outdoor expo announcement and welcomed student visitors and other guests in the gallery.
The main legislative action centered on House Bill 2072 and House Bill 2307 in Committee of the Whole. SB 1396 was the subject of an unsuccessful motion to suspend the rules and move it immediately to third reading; that motion failed 12-16. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal, drew extensive debate over a Miranda floor amendment to rename the day as Farm Worker Day and preserve the farm worker movement’s recognition. The Miranda amendment failed 12-15, a subsequent committee amendment was adopted, and the bill was ultimately reported out as amended and later passed on third reading.
HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility/restoration process, was amended with an Angus floor amendment addressing funding, bed capacity, a sunset, and a study committee. The bill passed the Committee of the Whole and then passed third reading 27-2, with several members explaining support as a public safety measure and others noting remaining concerns. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and expenses, also received a technical floor amendment and passed as amended on third reading 18-11, without the emergency clause.
The Senate also adopted HCR 2053, a death resolution for Brad Brower, with a moment of silence and unanimous adoption. At the end of the meeting, the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and the chamber recorded the final passage of HB 2307 and HB 2874 and the passage of HB 2072 as amended.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- borders and includes mandatory prison borders and includes mandatory prison time<00:02:58.000>
- Development Block Grant program.
- <04:02:20.159>
counts participate in the cdbg program counts participate in the cdbg program- <05:29:40.600>
to successful Federal homeless program to successful Federal homeless program- the uh HUD VA Supportive Housing program the uh HUD VA Supportive Housing program last<05:35:32.520
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 74 criminal justice programs we have today.
- that started as a pilot program.
- started as a pilot program.
- So I covered every basis of this program.
- I was a lieutenant at Walpole State Prison, and I worked with three toughest cell blocks in that prison
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its third hearing of the 194th General Court session, taking testimony on several individual bills and home rule petitions, mostly involving retirement and pension-related relief. The committee chair outlined hearing procedures, including three-minute limits for individuals, ten-minute limits for panels, livestreaming, and the deadline for written testimony. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that House matters heard that day must be reported by Friday, July 11, 2025, subject to extensions, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
Several witnesses supported bills seeking retirement credit or pension adjustments for public employees. These included H. 2917 for Dedham-Westwood Water District employees seeking pension buy-in credit; H. 2976 for Eileen Mullen to purchase creditable service for teaching in a criminal justice pilot program; H. 2996 for Virginia Cummings, a retired Department of Correction lieutenant seeking greater pension parity; H. 2977 for Wendy Lopieri to buy back part-time community college service; and H. 2989 for Wayne Taylor, who said he was mistakenly credited for fewer years of select board service than he expected. Testimony emphasized long public service, injuries, and what witnesses described as unfair denials or flawed interpretations of retirement law.
The committee also heard testimony on bills involving post-retirement earnings and disability-related relief. Kevin Blanchett testified in opposition to H. 2931, arguing it would improperly reduce money owed to a regional retirement system and its members, while the bill’s sponsor argued the retirement board was seeking an excessive recovery based on law firm gross earnings rather than the individual’s earnings. Jamie Magarian described severe injuries from a 2018 crash and urged favorable action on his bill, with support from the State Police Association. Michael Palmer testified in favor of S. 1841, seeking to extend prior violent-crime retirement income-cap relief to his case after being shot on duty and later finding that even part-time private-sector work exceeded his retirement earnings limit.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/02/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Gonzales's question, we have already started applications for this program.
- We are already, as a state, not capitalizing on federal funding programs.
- There's a federal program.
- You've probably seen it on the tops of facilities sometimes, like prisons.
- Facilities sometimes, like prisons, will have that on the top of them.
Keywords:
immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights
Summary:
The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met and approved the January 26, 2026 minutes, then took up several bills related to veterans, immigration, and border security. SB 1268 was described as an emergency cleanup measure clarifying that a 100% service-connected disabled veteran’s primary residence is fully exempt from property tax, including when jointly owned with a spouse; county assessors supported it as needed to fix ambiguous language before the 2026 tax year, and it passed 7-0. SB 1152 would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until asylum is granted; supporters framed it as limiting state spending on pending cases, while opponents argued it was redundant, could encourage racial profiling, and conflicted with humanitarian and economic considerations. It passed 4-3. SB 1156 would appropriate $20 million to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs involving unauthorized persons; supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden, while opponents said the money should go elsewhere and that the state was already spending heavily on border issues. It passed 4-3.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Governor Walz and Legislative Leaders Announce Bipartisan Budget Agreement May 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:52.239>
So <00:02:52.400>I undermining all of those programs. - So I undermining all of those programs.
- One of the state prisons might be being closed. Can you talk about that?
- One of the state prisons might be way.
- One of the state prisons might be being<00:31:49.679>
closed.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Commerce and Legal Service Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's a program that's been established for a number of years.
- So it's a program that's been established for a number of years.
- And then on top of that, there is a program called IPAWS.
- So it's a very, very good program.
- So it's a very, very good program.
Summary:
The committee met as the Commerce and Legal Services Division and first approved the minutes, then received a Legislative Council overview of the Attorney General’s current budget status and a blue-sheet summary of the AG’s base budget for the next biennium. Staff highlighted compliance with legislative intent items, including FTE changes, one-time funding updates, litigation pool spending, opioid settlement receipts, and continuing appropriations. Members asked about specific funds such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund and the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and staff explained the statutory basis and status of those items.
The Attorney General’s office then presented an extensive overview of its divisions and budget pressures. Chief Deputy Attorney General Clare Ness described the office’s 14 divisions, the role of the office in defending the state and recouping funds, and concerns about attorney pay, recruitment, and retention. Members discussed whether attorney salaries should be benchmarked across state government and whether more legal work could be centralized in the AG’s office. The office also described challenges with the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, leased office space, and the criminal justice information systems used to connect law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts.
The Crime Laboratory director gave a detailed update on space and infrastructure problems, saying the current lab is overcrowded and outdated, with safety, workflow, air-handling, glycol leak, alarm, and maintenance issues that can delay casework and risk evidence integrity. She said a 2024 study projected a need for a much larger facility and that the preferred option would be a new building on the current health department site, at an estimated cost of roughly $40 million to $45 million. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, firearms, fingerprint, and drug cases, though toxicology had recently developed a small backlog after an air compressor failure.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, gaming division, and BCI also provided updates. MFCU’s new director said the unit is federally funded 75/25, focuses on fraud, abuse, and neglect, and is seeking two attorney hires while continuing to work with federal partners on cases and recertification. Gaming staff reported continued growth in charitable gaming and electronic pull-tab activity, with concerns about site competition, large trust balances, possible ineligible expenditures, and the need for more scrutiny as revenues have grown. BCI outlined its staffing, drug task forces, ICAC work, and the Missing Indigenous Person Task Force, which is using its $250,000 appropriation to help tribal nations develop emergency response plans and purchase alerting tools such as IPAWS. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 101 Apr 24th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You want to make sure that the schools that do choose that, that you've got this program here, but jamming
- here,<01:42:25.280>
but <01:42:25.440>but <01:42:25.920>jamming got this program - here, but but jamming got this program here, but but jamming this<01:42:26.480>
down <01:42:26.639 - campus received approximately $200,000 in one-time funding to cover the costs of implementing the program
- or when they were um doing a program or when they were um doing other<03:49:58.720>
things <03
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 23, and then moved through announcements and recognitions before taking up third-reading business. Members recognized a guest connected to the Mason Museum and Learning Center in Aurora, honored the family of a bicyclist killed in a 2021 hit-and-run, and heard reminders about open enrollment and an upcoming Auctioneer Day fundraiser for nonpartisan staff. The chamber also welcomed guests from Concerned Women for America and celebrated a pair of birthdays with the capital choir.
On legislation, Senate Bill 95, concerning measures to support victim survivors of certain crimes without changing substantive criminal offenses, passed third reading 58-0 with five excused. House Bill 1132, which would increase pollinator habitats through conservation of native plant materials on state lands, passed 43-18 with four excused. House Bill 1130, requiring baby diaper changing stations in public restrooms, drew extensive debate: supporters said it would improve accessibility for parents and that small businesses were exempted or given flexibility, while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate that would burden small businesses, raise installation and liability costs, and create safety and maintenance concerns. The bill ultimately passed 35-28 with two excused.
The chamber also passed Senate Bill 136, requiring reporting of missing livestock to the Department of Agriculture, by a vote of 63-0 with two excused, and House Bill 1287, continuing certain Division of Real Estate regulatory functions under the sunset process, by a vote of 49-14 with two excused. Senate Bill 43 was laid over until Monday. At the end of the excerpt, the House began receiving committee reports from Appropriations, listing several bills recommended for referral onward.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:52.879>
when <00:02:53.040>they <00:02:53.159>come prisoners when they come - prisoners when they come in<00:02:54.840>
Mr <00:02:55.120>chair <00:02:56.000>uh <00:38:08.200>- for trans women to be in a men's prison, I think is in fact the exact opposite.
- for trans women to be in a Men's prison for trans women to be in a Men's prison<00:20:06.080>
um< and behalf of uh the women prisoners and behalf of uh the women prisoners and
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Program, and it felt that illegal aliens are more likely to be incarcerated in state prisons and county
- Program, and it felt that illegal aliens are more likely to be incarcerated in state prisons and county
- Program, and it felt that illegal aliens are more likely to be incarcerated in state prisons and county
- Program, and it felt that illegal aliens are more likely to be incarcerated in state prisons and county
- Program, and it felt that illegal aliens are more likely to be incarcerated in state prisons and county
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- prison prison commitments<00:34:02.200>
and <00:34:02.320>on <00:34:02.600>charges< - Justice programs um this is these are Justice programs um this is these are the<01:16:07.440>
uh <01:16:08.960>- under
our the uh programs that are under our the uh programs that are under - <01:16:32.960>
is office uh one of those programs is office uh one of those programs is alcohol - That brings us to the Office of Justice Programs.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present, approved the January 21, 2025 minutes by voice vote, and then took up House File 7, which was recommended to pass and be re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee. The chair also reminded attendees about decorum rules in the committee room. House File 7 was described by the author as a public safety package combining 12 provisions from prior Republican-authored bills, aimed at supporting law enforcement, reducing violent crime, and increasing accountability in the criminal justice system.
The bill’s main provisions discussed included tougher penalties for aggravated fleeing, making it a crime to be in a stolen vehicle, allowing tracking devices on stolen vehicles even when occupied, increasing penalties for blocking highways and critical infrastructure, and increasing penalties for assaulting peace officers. The author also highlighted provisions on sex trafficking, predatory offender registration, and greater public disclosure of bail payments, case dismissals, sentencing reductions, and sentencing guideline changes. Testifying in support were Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher, MPPOA President Shane Mey, and Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Executive Director Jeff Potts, all of whom argued the bill would help officers address auto theft, fleeing suspects, and assaults on law enforcement. They cited increases in assaults on officers and high numbers of stolen vehicles and fleeing cases, and said the bill would improve safety and transparency.
Witnesses generally supported the bill’s approach but suggested some refinements, including adding language for additional aggravating factors in officer assault cases and considering similar treatment for corrections officers. Sheriff Fletcher also urged reconsideration of the recently enacted raise-the-age changes, arguing they could limit law enforcement’s ability to respond to younger offenders involved in stolen vehicles. No opposition testimony or final vote on House File 7 was recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to pass and re-refer it.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And since implementation, excuse me, prison phone call minutes have increased from 500 million a year
- The driver charged with taking his life is eligible for a diversion program, allowing them to avoid a
- and water they need because such detainees often only earn about $1 per day through facility work programs
- Senator mentioned, California has already acted to limit unconscionable commissary costs in state prisons
- Senator mentioned, California has already acted to limit unconscionable commissary costs in state prisons
Summary:
The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on criminal justice, public safety, and detention-related issues. SB 498 by Senator Becker would make electronic messaging free for incarcerated people in CDCR facilities and end 15-minute limits on voice calls; the author and supporters argued it would strengthen family ties and rehabilitation, while no opposition testified. SB 953 by Senator Niello would require two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even when diversion is granted; victims’ family members and law enforcement groups supported it as an accountability measure, while the ACLU and Debt-Free Justice California opposed it, arguing diversion should remain an incentive for rehabilitation and safer roads. The committee also heard SB 1306 by Senator Cortese, which would align state law with federal exemptions for certain GBL-containing chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing; the author and SEMI said it would reduce unnecessary regulation and protect California’s semiconductor industry, and there was no opposition testimony.
Members also considered SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost. The author and supporters described high prices for basic necessities and poor conditions in private detention centers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 691 by Senator Wahab would require law enforcement body-camera policies to include a process for EMS personnel to request redaction of recordings before public release when patients are receiving medical treatment; supporters said it would protect patient privacy, while the Sheriff’s Association opposed it as duplicative and potentially confusing. SB 562 by Senator Ashby would allow partial refunds of bail bond premiums when charges are not filed or are dropped early; supporters framed it as a fairness measure for low-income families, while bail industry representatives and victims’ advocates warned it could discourage bail agents from posting bonds and could affect domestic violence cases.
The committee also took up several additional measures on consent or with no opposition testimony, including AB 2796, SB 891, SB 1012, and SB 1143. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 953, SB 1306, and SB 941, and to move SB 498, SB 691, and SB 562 forward as well, with some votes initially held open for absent members. Several bills were pulled by their authors and not heard, including SB 1004, SB 1208, SB 1338, and SB 1401. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning until the following week.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/28/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- terrific group of students from my district, who came to Albany as part of the Voices Unfiltered Policy Program
- Programs like this are so... >> Important because they empower young people to engage in the policymaking
- Chair, from the Sing Sing Prison Museum, we have Minerav, Amy, and from the board, retired Sing Sing
- TODAY FROM THE SING SING PRISON MUSEUM.
- CHAIR, FROM THE SING SING PRISON MUSEUM, WE HAVE MINERAV, AMY, AND FROM THE BOARD, RETIRED SING SING
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted.
The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate.
The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- Industry Enhancement Program.
- new Commonwealth Authority, my amendment tasks the Department of Corrections with administering the program
- The amendment also retains the core provisions necessary to operate a prison industry enhancement program
- The amendment also retains the core provisions necessary to operate a prison industry enhancement program
- negotiate that contract that establishes exclusivity, then they... ...they lose value in their programming
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- colleagues, please join me in recognizing students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program
- as they're standing. ...in recognizing students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program
- This program includes visits to the state capital and state agencies to meet with individuals firsthand
- , The goal of any health and human services program has got to be self-sufficiency.
- We will not allow any resources, state resources, to go to any program that is not housing first.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several recognitions during privileges of the floor, including students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The body also approved the Senate journals and proceeded to confirmations, including Heather Lynn Gonzalez to the Court Reporters Board and reappointments of Anacubas and David Hübner to the California Law Revision Commission, each confirmed by roll call votes of 26 ayes and 10 noes.
The chamber then took up SCR 136, commemorating the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, resilience, and the economic value of the coast, while Senator Grove raised concerns about regulatory overreach, delays, and impacts on local control and development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with extensive remarks focused on survivor support, accountability, and the need for trauma-informed systems; it passed unanimously, 37-0. SCR 130, recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, also passed unanimously after remarks about child abuse, trafficking, and prevention efforts.
Several bills then passed on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement flexibility, SB 930 requiring end-to-end encryption for certain school exam proctoring services, SB 917 expanding farmers’ market sales opportunities for wineries, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care for eligible patients, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissal, SB 969 on remote developmental services, and SB 1418 and SB 1429 on the consent calendar. The Senate also adopted SCR 131 on unsheltered homelessness after debate over interim shelter, permanent housing, self-sufficiency, and housing-first approaches; it passed 34-0. Finally, SCR 157 recognizing School Bus Driver’s Day passed unanimously, committee announcements were made, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, with the next floor session scheduled for April 30, 2026.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-AEN, HHS-HOU, HHS Public Hearings 03-12-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- One is concern about moving money from one intent to another program.
- Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the committee, yes, IHS is in strong support of this program.
- I know they have this program and return to home program, yes, but don't...
- I know they have this program and return to home program, yes, but don't...
- <01:36:13.679>
and Brady Community Alli in prisons and Brady Community Alli in prisons and
Summary:
The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant.
HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity.
HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's get them into programs and programs and programs.
- to programs.
- , for the basic training program and the annual in-service training program.
- , for the basic training program and the annual in-service training program.
- We do not have this money for these programs in FY27. Not just the programs.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership.
Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind.
The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- capacity if we were giving everybody life sentences. ...would have to massively increase our prison
- But I vote no, because our state literally can't afford to double our prison population overnight.
- So last month I went to a program that was on the Mexican gray wolves. A very interesting program.
- It was really a very interesting program that I went to, and I just think that this population of wolves
- And this bill limits cooperation with federal conservation programs of the endangered species.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- capacity if we were giving everybody life sentences. ...have to massively increase our prison capacity
- But I vote no, because our state literally can't afford to double our prison population overnight.
- So last month I went to a program that was on the Mexican gray wolves. A very interesting program.
- And this bill limits cooperation with federal conservation programs under the Endangered Species Act.
- And this bill limits cooperation with federal conservation programs under the Endangered Species Act,
Summary:
The House convened, approved the prior journal, received gubernatorial communications, and then moved into an additional Committee of the Whole to consider Senate bills on two calendars. In that committee, members adopted floor and committee amendments and reported SB 1100, SB 1160, and SB 1178 out as amended. On the second calendar, the committee considered SB 1200, SB 1560, SB 1627, and SB 1723, adopting amendments on SB 1200, SB 1627, and SB 1723 and reporting all four measures out, while SB 1725 was retained on the calendar. The House then adopted the committee reports and sent the amended bills to engrossing or third reading as appropriate.
The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading votes. Several bills passed with recorded votes and some member explanations focused on public safety, parental rights, school safety, health care, local control, property rights, and wildlife management. Among the measures that passed were SB 1013, SB 1015, SB 1046, SB 1094, SB 1095, SB 1124, SB 1186, SB 1214, SB 1275, SB 1280, SB 1315, SB 1318, SB 1205 on reconsideration, SB 1327, SB 1416, SB 1418, SB 1582, SB 1613, SB 1662, SB 1664, SB 1670, SB 1711, SB 1741, SB 1821, and several concurrent memorials. A number of bills failed, including SB 1052, SB 1170, SB 1457, SB 1074, SB 1540, SB 1649, and SB 1663.
Debate on several bills drew pointed partisan and policy disagreements. Members opposing health-related bills argued they targeted LGBTQ people or medical decision-making, while supporters framed them as protecting children or bodily autonomy. On SB 1170, members said the bill contained a drafting error that would create extreme penalties and strain prison capacity. On SB 1280, supporters and opponents split over Mexican gray wolf management and federal conservation efforts. On SB 1199, the Salt River horse herd bill, members discussed herd management, heritage, property impacts, and a required emergency clause; it passed with the needed two-thirds majority. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous House bills and passed several House bills on final reading, including HB 2013, HB 2016, HB 2028, HB 2086, HB 2118, HB 2140, HB 2170, HB 2226, HB 2244, HB 2248, HB 2249, HB 2327, HB 2379, HB 2380, and others, forwarding them to the Governor.