Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Family Code'
Page 77 of 500
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
General Government REVISED: HB4434 - Added Feb 17th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- As you will see before you, I gave you an example of what the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument would
- are some of the designs that are from across the state and across the nation from the Gold Star families
- We work with a lot of these families. Absolutely. Input on some of the consultation of design.
- We work with a lot of these families. Absolutely. Thank you. Any further questions?
Keywords:
housing, legislative committee, affordable housing, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, policy improvement, HB4414, Oklahoma Homebuilder Program, OHFA, single-family housing, homebuilder loans, 0% interest loan, housing finance, workforce housing, Legislative Workforce Housing Committee, housing needs assessment, community housing assessment, disaster recovery housing, federally declared natural disaster, rural housing, urban housing
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- What's the role of courts vis-a-vis the family? What should it be? Well... ...vis-a-vis the family?
- I do have an attorney in family law.
- I'm here in support of SB 1330, the family court right to jury bill, because family court is one of the
- Family court judges are uniquely experienced in child welfare and high-conflict family dynamics, Family
- Currently, it's not uncommon for a family to exhaust a half million dollars or more in family court.
Keywords:
sentencing, correctional facilities, multiple sentences, death penalty, aggravating circumstances, juvenile offenses, class 2 felony, foreign donations, election administration, certification, Arizona Revised Statutes, transparency, public disclosure, victims' rights, attorney fees, government accountability, right to counsel, legal representation, parents' rights, family law
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes and then took up several election, family court, and criminal justice bills. SB 1425, the “big bill,” would move Arizona’s 2026 primary election date earlier and adjust related election administration timelines; the chair’s amendment moved the primary to July 21 and removed the shortened curing/ID deadlines. County officials testified in support, explaining the timing changes and the need to align dates, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. SB 1289, dealing with certifications for entities providing money or resources for election administration and foreign funding disclosures, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from supporters arguing it would block foreign influence in election administration and ballot issue spending. The committee later heard SCR 1013, a related resolution that would more directly prohibit foreign-source money for election administration and ballot measures; the sponsor and supporters said it was similar to SB 1289 but broader, and testimony focused on foreign money flowing through nonprofit networks.
The committee then considered SB 1326, which would allow courts to award attorney fees and costs to victims when a party violates or worsens a victim’s rights. A victim’s attorney testified that the bill would provide needed accountability and guidance, while opponents argued the term “exacerbates” was vague and that existing remedies already exist. The committee approved SB 1326 on a 4-3 vote. SB 1402, requiring courts to impose a fee on certain probationers to cover electronic monitoring costs, drew support from the sponsor and advocates who said offenders should pay for monitoring, and opposition from defense attorneys who warned it could burden indigent probationers and divert money from treatment; it also received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation.
The most extensive debate was on SB 1330, which would allow a parent in certain custody cases to request a jury trial on parenting time or legal decision-making. Supporters, including several parents, described costly and traumatic family court experiences and argued a jury would provide a neutral check on judges and court-appointed professionals. County and court representatives opposed the bill, saying family cases require specialized judicial expertise, jury trials would delay urgent matters, increase costs, and risk confidentiality. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. The committee also approved SB 1328, which declares state policy favoring parental rights and a child’s equal access to both co-parents, after adopting an amendment adding legislative intent language. Finally, SB 1329, which would let parents sue court-appointed professionals who deviate from professional ethics or standards in custody matters, passed 4-3 after testimony from parents and advocates who said court appointees lack accountability, while opponents said existing malpractice and licensing remedies already address misconduct.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a disability rights advocate and one of the many state parent consultants supporting families with
- For my family, this is not just an issue of policy; it's personal.
- I've had to miss out on family outings, avoid community events, and feel isolated simply because the
- Our thinking is we'll have family bathrooms.
- The family bathroom is not in every... No, no, no, Senator, this is going to take time.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a common-sense measure that is in line with the majority of Arizona parents and Arizona families
- I want kids and I want families to be able to choose the educational environment that best suits their
- For some, that is going to be K-12 districts, and for those families I am not okay with the broken status
- For the families that choose to go to K-12 public district schools, I want their teachers compensated
Keywords:
kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health, child safety, oversight, independent committee, transparency, accountability
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government considered only SCR 1032, along with a strike-everything amendment. The amendment would require school districts, subject to voter approval, to dedicate at least 60% of operational spending to teacher pay, with a phased-in increase starting in FY 2028 for districts below that threshold. It also would penalize noncompliant districts by requiring unexpended Classroom Site Fund monies to revert, making districts ineligible for those funds until back in compliance, and directing JLBC to exclude those districts from per-pupil calculations. The Superintendent of Public Instruction could grant limited waivers of the forfeiture provisions for up to one year, not more than two consecutive years for the same district.
Supporters, including representatives of Heritage Action, the Goldwater Institute, and the Center for Arizona Policy, argued that Arizona has increased school funding substantially while teacher pay has remained flat in real terms, and said the measure would improve accountability and ensure more money reaches teachers rather than district administration. They cited Auditor General findings and prior voter-approved efforts such as the Classroom Site Fund and teacher pay initiatives as evidence that districts have not prioritized classroom spending as intended. A rural school coalition testified in opposition, saying the proposal would be difficult for small districts to meet because it could force cuts to other essential costs such as fuel, insurance, facilities, and other operating needs, and that the Auditor General’s classroom-spending categories may not accurately reflect actual teacher pay. One committee member also raised concerns that the measure could harm special education and other legally required student services.
During discussion, the sponsor said charter schools were excluded because they are private businesses under the state’s framework, despite receiving public funds. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted 4-3 to give SCR 1032, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- makes sense in most cases where hospitals are so far away, and we're seeing in rural New Mexico families
- become the first responder in trying to help... ...in rural New Mexico families become the first responder
- , almost 24 months trying to really ascertain how we are funded through the Children, Youth, and Families
- adequately and meaningfully fund, you know, in your community, Affirming Heart, Carl's Bedbatter Families
Keywords:
Governor's Residence, management committee, government administration, New Mexico, advisory, commission, general services, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, overdose prevention centers, harm reduction, drug overdose, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, public health, addiction treatment, naloxone
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (9-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Fish and Wildlife Code. So, 16 U.S.
- Code 742 was put in place, and it just prohibited the use of drones for the take or harassment of wildlife
- So we're just trying to comport with that U.S. code, first of all, but also we had complaints from hunters
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services 900 KAR 5:020, emergency, and 6:075, emergency. 900 KAR 6
- I'm the general counsel for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Thank you so much.
Keywords:
:54 – Board of Pharmacy
2:00 – Board of Social Work
3:44 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
4:43 – Board of Registration for Professional Geologists
7:27 – Board of Imaging and Radiation Therapy
8:33 – Board of Emergency Medical Services
10:38 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
17:37 – Transportation Cabinet
18:37 – Department of Education
25:00 – Department of Workplace Standards
27:06 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, 958, all
Summary:
The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a series of agency regulations, most of which had staff-suggested amendments. The Board of Pharmacy regulation on remote prescription processing was amended to make grammatical and KRS Chapter 13A compliance corrections, and the Board of Social Work regulation on continuing education, telehealth training, waivers, and related fees was deferred at the agency’s request. The Occupational Therapy Compact rule update and the Professional Geologists fee increase regulation both received staff amendments and were approved, with the geologists’ board explaining the increases were driven by rising oversight costs and declining revenue.
The committee also reviewed emergency regulations from the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, the Board of Emergency Medical Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and the Department of Workplace Standards. The EMS package covered licensing classifications, compliance audits, ambulance service rules, and electronic forms; the Transportation Cabinet’s emergency rule established procedures for street-legal special purpose vehicles; and Workplace Standards’ emergency rules updated Kentucky requirements to align with federal standards and House Bill 398, including shortening the discrimination complaint filing deadline from 120 days to 30 days and adjusting appeal procedures. Staff amendments were approved where offered, and members asked several clarifying questions about the rationale and effect of the workplace and EMS changes.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources explained rules on aircraft and drone use in taking wildlife and on reciprocal hunting and fishing agreements with neighboring states. The agency said the drone restriction was intended to align with federal law and address hunter complaints, while the reciprocal agreement rule was a cleanup of older agreements that had lapsed or been overlooked; the committee deferred the wildlife regulation 301 KAR 2:031 at the agency’s request. The Department of Education also presented multiple KHSAA-related and standards updates, including academic eligibility, sports timing, health and physical education standards, and career studies/financial literacy standards; staff amendments were approved, and members questioned the athletic forms and the designation of KHSAA as the state’s athletic agent. Finally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented emergency regulations to support a pediatric teaching hospital expansion and related certificate-of-need changes, which the agency said were aimed at improving pediatric and neonatal access to care; staff amendments were approved, and the committee concluded by setting its next meeting for October 13 at 1:00 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations (10-16-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpla0FnGX9c, 2026-06-21T07:17:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:15
Approval of minutes from September 28, 2023 01:38
Riverboat Alcohol Sales 02:40
Freestanding Birth Centers 06:55
Kentucky Distillers’ Association 37:30
T-21 Minimum Sales Age Enforcement 49:45
Marriage & Family Therapists 01:05:40, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Joint Meeting of House and Senate Committees on Health Services (1-12-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnBH-9G46wI, 2026-06-21T07:17:02+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:42
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 00:10:20
Overview of the Organization and Structure of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services: 00:14:01
Update and Overview of the Kentucky Medicaid Program: 01:08:19, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Bills:
HB150
Keywords:
improvement district, special assessment, assessment lien, public infrastructure, bond financing, bond interest rate, county commission, tax assessor, tax collector, judge of probate, ad valorem tax, tax lien, tax sale, foreclosure, delinquent taxes, municipal finance, public improvements, infrastructure financing, collection enforcement, property lien
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Rescue in Texas rather than traveling to other states.
- It's a project that will save lives and make Texas a better place.
- Texas disasters do not respect county lines.
- Texas 2036 here today in support of Senate Bill 3.
- I was saved by the EMS in Bastrop, Texas. ...and the fire department.
Keywords:
disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- senior property taxpayers and disabled property taxpayers of any bill we've ever passed yet in the Texas
- We'll call James Pope, Susan Spittaro, Brandy Winch, Texas Realtors, and Shannon Obrook.
- Texas Realtors supports SB 23 and SJR 85 because we understand that our seniors...
- Mike Taylor, and I am representing the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature.
- Hale here on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders, today in support of Senate Bill 23.
Keywords:
homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes.
Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs.
The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Jennifer Richter and my family has been deeply harmed by the sale of synthetic THC in Texas
- Is that an "oh well" to Texas consumers? Please stand with families, not poison peddlers.
- We have all our family still living here in Texas.
- Again, my name is Jacob Charles, and my family has Texas roots spanning multiple generations.
- We're a small family-based farm and a health and wellness store located in East Texas.
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A full ban is the only way to truly protect Texas families.
- My name is Kyle Gawger, and I'm the owner of Caprock Family Farms in Lubbock, Texas.
- I'm the owner of Caprock Family Farms in Lubbock, Texas.
- My family is from here, been here since before Texas was Texas, and I am representing my current three
- My name is Jennifer Richter, and my family has been devastated by synthetic THC in Texas.
Keywords:
flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We often are selling to independent small family-owned businesses as well.
- We often are selling to independent small family-owned businesses as well.
- codes there's no parallel<00:52:54.559>
requirement <00:52:54.960>for <00:52:55.440> - > can<00:53:15.520>
use <00:53:15.720>a <00:53:15.960>QR <00:53:16.400>code - kind of product that can use a QR code kind of product that can use a QR code to<00:53:16.799>
Keywords:
medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Our families, our help.
- generations in a family.
- This is Jake and Ludy... ...single family.
- He's from Mountain Brook and providing medical care is a family tradition.
- Service members are parts of families.
Keywords:
veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:11:03.360>
I code and the and the electrical code. - I code and the and the electrical code.
- code, electrical code and why this whole discussion<02:11:14.880>
the <02:11:15.119>codes< - >
code. - >
plumbing <02:13:39.679>codes building codes and the plumbing codes building codes and
Bills:
HB1846, HB2205, HB1802, HB1571, HB2047, HB2434, HB2426, HB2361, HB2395, HB1712, HB2544, HB1619
Keywords:
coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed.
Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Criminal Judiciary REVISION 2: SB1379 - Removed Mar 31st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Criminal Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- We're very grateful for their commitment and their advocacy in this space and making sure that our families
- install it on this vehicle,' and once Again, if they got caught driving another vehicle, friend, family
Bills:
SB137, SB1216, SB1226, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1733, SB1921
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the CEO of three nonprofit organizations serving Alabama's most vulnerable families in Birmingham
- a standalone school of social work; it completely erases the establishment from our Alabama State Code
- <00:13:32.880>
However, from our Alabama State Code. - However, from our Alabama State Code.
- Call the next bill. >> They could be in Texas training.
Keywords:
fire chaplains, distinctive license plate, firefighter, volunteer service, criminal penalties, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/19/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The fact that small families can't buy a home by the age of 40 delays the formation of families, which
- Wealth accumulation for families basically comes from real estate.
- So we have families all across this county, Pinal County, where we have two and sometimes three families
- If I have two families or three families living in a home, the impact is already there. It's...
- If I have two families or three families living in a home, the impact is already there.
Keywords:
SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA
Summary:
The Rural Economic Development Committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow governing bodies to approve tourism improvement areas to promote lodging and tourism as an economic development tool. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said tourism is a major economic driver, especially in rural communities, and argued the bill would give local areas a voluntary, industry-led way to market themselves, attract visitors, and support jobs without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism in places such as Yuma and other rural destinations, and the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2950 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then heard a presentation on rural economic development centered on Lucid Motors’ investment in Pinal County and its partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described workforce training programs, including the Drive48 accelerator, which they said has helped train workers for advanced manufacturing jobs and raised local incomes. The committee read proclamations recognizing both Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to job creation, workforce development, and economic growth in rural Arizona.
Finally, the committee considered HB 2946, which would revise development fee requirements, including changes affecting the timing and administration of fees and a prohibition on charging development fees for accessory dwelling units. The sponsor and housing advocates said the bill was intended to help address housing affordability and give developers more predictable costs, while city and league representatives opposed it, arguing it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and interfere with local infrastructure planning. After adopting an amendment that removed county-related provisions and made clarifying changes, the committee passed HB 2946 on a 4-1 vote with two members present, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:20:35.440>
House relating to military families, House relating to military families, - communication with their family members. communication with their family members.
- <01:58:19.679>
Families <01:58:20.239>are families stay connected. - Families are families stay connected.
- to stay connected with their families. to stay connected with their families.
Bills:
HB676
Keywords:
HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees
Summary:
The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language.
HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments.
HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.