Video & Transcript Research : 'volunteer program'
Page 82 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 27th, 2026
Senate & Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm just also concerned about us keeping volunteers.
- We do have some exceptional vocational programs.
- We do have some exceptional vocational programs.
- It is not just a financial program.
- Program.
Keywords:
sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, public meetings, broadcast, transparency, government accountability
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- up statute by removing outdated programs up statute by removing outdated programs and<00:02:12.720
- Section one amends two programs.
- expired property tax programs and aids. expired property tax programs and aids.
- expired job opportunity building program expired job opportunity building program or<00:09:58.959
- Was there any program that succeeded the Job Z program that had similar purposes, or did we just move
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-01 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We can't have volunteers collecting ballots.
- Charging volunteers with third-degree...
- We give flexibility to volunteers.
- You talked about the Guardian program now with our child care facilities.
- They're eligible for loan forgiveness in the frame program.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of member introductions recognizing interns, pages, volunteers, and the retirement of Pastor Gary Austin from the sergeant’s office. Leadership also announced that budget talks with the House were continuing and that senators would not need to plan on being in next week, suggesting progress toward a budget framework. After routine floor business, the chamber took up a major third-reading measure on citizen initiatives and several education bills, followed later by returning messages from the House on health and school-safety measures.
The most extensive debate centered on the citizen initiative bill, which sponsors said was intended to protect the constitutional amendment process from fraud and abuse based on election-crime investigations and a large state report on petition fraud. Supporters argued the bill would add reasonable guardrails, prevent misuse of public funds, and preserve integrity while still allowing grassroots participation. Opponents from both parties argued it would make citizen-led amendments much harder by adding costs, deadlines, criminal penalties, and administrative burdens that would chill participation and favor wealthy or corporate interests. After lengthy debate, the Senate voted 28-10 to pass the bill.
The chamber then passed several education measures with little or no opposition, including bills tied to Bright Futures, dual enrollment, Florida ABLE, teacher preparation, and other education policy updates, all by 38-0. Later, the Senate concurred in House amendments on a stem cell therapy bill, an EKG requirement for student athletes, and a cardiac emergency bill, each passing 37-0. The House also sent back a school safety bill with amendments affecting child care facility partnerships with law enforcement, temporary door locks during active assailant incidents, supervision windows, and funding for panic alarm systems; the transcript ends as that bill is being explained.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 5, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee will come to order, and Nola, please call the roll.
- , and the Sunshine Genetics Act Pilot Program.
- , and finally, the Sunshine Genetics newborn whole genome sequencing pilot program.
- For this program, families volunteer with fully informed consent to have their baby's genome sequenced
- That group is charged with executing the pilot program and fostering collaboration.
Summary:
The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met with a quorum present and received a briefing from Melissa Jordan, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Health and chair of the Florida Rare Disease Advisory Council (ARDAC). Jordan explained that rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 people each individually, but together impact an estimated 2.3 million Floridians. She reviewed ARDAC’s structure, its three subcommittees, and its 2025 legislative report recommendations, which focused on expanding Florida-specific data, disaster preparedness, state agency coordination, insurance oversight, provider education, faster diagnostic tools, research collaboration, and establishing centers of excellence. She also highlighted ARDAC’s work with other states and its effort to build an online repository of resources for families and providers.
Jordan discussed the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program, funded at $500,000 annually, which supported research awards at Florida State University and the University of Miami in 2024 and another University of Miami project in 2025. She also described House Bill 907 and the Sunshine Genetics Act pilot program, which created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn whole-genome sequencing pilot to screen volunteer infants for hundreds of conditions beyond traditional newborn screening. The institute will include research, training, clinical care, a diagnostic lab, genome editing capacity, and a sequencing pilot overseen by a board, consortium, and steering committee.
Members asked about interstate collaboration, the scope of data collection beyond Medicaid, how the council reduces family financial burdens, how families and providers can learn about available resources, and how ARDAC measures effectiveness. Jordan said Florida has learned from other states’ survey-based approaches and instead is using administrative data sources such as Medicaid, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, birth and death certificates, with more clinical data to be added over time. She said success is tracked through annual reports, ongoing work plans, and quarterly research reports that measure progress, patient enrollment, treatment outcomes, and potential follow-on funding. The meeting concluded after the presentation and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned without further business.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- that they're going to change how that program works.
- The next day can I get another 25, or one time only as a volunteer?
- The next day can I get another 25 or one time only as a volunteer?
- Second, when the board terminates a program because the program director has failed to appear before
- And whether it's the program itself or the director of that program, they have great responsibility.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders.
The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals.
Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- They can't even go to programs.
- I'm also testifying as someone who has volunteered in several different prison volunteer programs for
- I'm also testifying as someone who has volunteered in several different prisons, volunteer programs for
- As someone who has volunteered in several different prison volunteer programs for the past 18 years,
- The program, you know...
Summary:
The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations.
A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry.
The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/26/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- loads or cut essential programming loads or cut essential programming undermining<00:04:56.639><
- Since we have launched the Hope program, 282 people have completed our entire life skills program.
- our entire life skills program completed our entire life skills program and<01:27:07.280>
that things of that nature since the program things of that nature since the program has<01:27:17.560 - This program has to be a licensed teacher to teach these programs, so that is the bulk of the cost.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 34 (2-25-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas the YMCA is a leader in providing swim lessons, camping programs, youth sports, meal programs
- <00:40:00.400>
in <00:40:00.720>1936, program in 1936, program in 1936, a<00:40:02.640> - Whereas the YMCA is a leader in providing swim lessons, camping programs, youth sports, meal programs
- , programs, youth sports, meal programs, programs, youth sports, meal programs, lifestyle,<00:41:
- of fitness programs for older provider of fitness programs for older older<00:41:59.520>
adults.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages noting passage of House Bills 1, 422, 568, and 627, and heard second-reading reports for several measures, including bills on the state dog breed, mortgage loan income limits, virtual currency kiosks, agriculture, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Committee reports also advanced a number of bills from Appropriations and Revenue, Health and Services, Natural Resources and Energy, and State and Local Government, with many sent to the Rules Committee for further action. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on transportation, tobacco/nicotine/vapor products, Public Schools Week, and honoring Joseph H. Mattingley Jr.; the Rules Committee later posted several bills for the next day and committee referrals were announced.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 98, relating to welding safety. The sponsor explained that the bill requires inspections by American Welding Society-certified personnel on certain projects where those standards apply, citing a prior school structure collapse in Kentucky as the public-safety rationale. After debate, the bill passed by a vote of 33-4. The chamber next considered Senate Bill 122, which updates alternative sentencing law to allow judges to consider caregiving responsibilities when sentencing defendants. A floor amendment, developed with input from judges, broadened and clarified the caretaker definition and moved the language into the existing sentencing statute while preserving judicial discretion. Supporters said the bill is intended to help keep families together without mandating probation or reducing penalties; after the amendment was adopted, the bill passed 35-2.
Later, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 57 honoring Father Patrick McDow on his ordination, and Senate Resolution 60 was read in full to honor the YMCA on its 175th anniversary in the United States, highlighting the organization’s history and Kentucky service. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including a special Health Services Committee meeting on artificial intelligence in rural health, and other committee schedules. The session concluded with the Senate in recess for committee meetings and then returning to report additional committee referrals and announcements.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (10/22/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um with an eye to uh and the program.
- >> So, it's neutral with respect to the way that you come into the program.
- You can't just the number of volunteer.
- , or volunteer service documentation.
- hours as well, including volunteer hours as well, including volunteer service<00:40:16.079>
training
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board Jun 8th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- They were able to get a huge number of volunteers from Microsoft Corporation to do a lot of the programming
- I was one of the very first volunteers as a legal advisor.
- I remain working as a volunteer and as the board treasurer.
- I remain working as a volunteer and as the board treasurer. Okay.
- She's the fiscal analyst at House Office of Program Research.
Summary:
The hearing concerned a Legislative Ethics Board complaint against Representative Tara Simmons in Washington State OAH Docket 401-645. The judge outlined the process, the two issues on appeal—whether Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070, and, if so, what penalty should apply—and admitted a number of exhibits by stipulation or prior ruling, while taking one exhibit under advisement pending an offer of proof. The board also moved to sequester witnesses, which was granted, and the judge deferred ruling on a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after hearing the board staff’s case. Opening statements followed, with staff alleging Simmons used her position to benefit an outside organization and to secure special privileges, and the defense arguing the conduct was lawful, technical in nature, and consistent with prior ethics guidance.
Board staff then called Kimberly Gordon, an attorney and founding board member/treasurer of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), as its first witness. Gordon testified that AEJG used data dashboards to make justice-system data more accessible, received state proviso funding sponsored by Simmons, and also received two donations from Simmons—$10,000 and $40,000. She said the first donation was intended to help hire Antoine Coleman, whom Simmons had recommended and who was later identified as Simmons’s romantic partner, and that AEJG returned the $10,000 and declined the $40,000 after concluding there was a potential conflict of interest. Gordon also testified that AEJG believed Simmons’s involvement in the organization and her communications about Coleman created ethical concerns.
Gordon further testified about a second proviso intended to expand AEJG’s work into education data and its subcontract with Equity in Education Coalition (EEC). She said EEC did not perform the expected deliverables, prompting repeated communications with the Administrative Office of the Courts and a meeting involving Chris Stanley, where AEJG raised concerns that EEC was not complying and that Simmons had intervened in the dispute. According to Gordon, Stanley ultimately directed the parties to rewrite the subcontract and continue, but AEJG later moved forward largely without EEC’s assistance. The board staff introduced AEJG’s complaint and related timeline exhibits during her testimony. After direct examination, the hearing recessed for lunch, and cross-examination by Simmons’s counsel began when the hearing resumed.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/03/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm even for my program today.
- I'm even for my program today.
- I'm even for my program today. the hair. I'm even for my program today.
- I do the program. We help the children, but it's not just with the program.
- I do the program. We help the children, but it's not just with the program.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Jul 1st, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Program.
- And so we've begun these programs, and now we're not going to be able to continue those programs until
- We do have graduates of that program.
- We're all volunteers, so we're doing this on the weekends.
- We're volunteers too, and it's sometimes hard to be a volunteer when you feel like your service is not
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment committee hears 'Keep it Clean' bill, HF1120 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Management and programs to remove garbage, making it easier for our local communities to improve and
- the work of this bill and expanding the program.
- the work of this bill and expanding the program.
- It's not a 501(c)(3); it's just a group of volunteers.
- This is why I'm asking. program because I think we're going to program because I think we're going to
Summary:
The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice.
Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option.
No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025 at 11:30 am
Nevada Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 119, introduced by Senator Neal, revises provisions relating to the Nevada Grow program.
- Senate Bill 193, introduced by Senator DeNiate, establishes a pilot program to reduce interest rates
- because the details were so Our honorees even came up to some of our volunteers and asked them to plan
- Not only did all the volunteers give their time and energy, but they also brought together a dedicated
- So just a shout-out to all the volunteers. 83rd legislative session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment committee hears HF1012 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:53.360>
to clubs work diligently as volunteers to clubs work diligently as volunteers - In 1995, I was hired as the department's first off-highway vehicle program manager.
- I'm the statewide programs and planning manager for the DNR's Division of Parks and Trails.
- I'm the statewide programs Laura Price.
- of government as well as volunteer of government as well as volunteer trails<00:32:17.360>
and
Summary:
The committee heard House File 1012, as amended by the A1 amendment, and the author moved the bill to be laid over for possible inclusion in a future bill. The amendment, adopted on a voice vote, changed the timing for public input in trail planning, removed language on decommissioning trails, and combined the measure with another ATV-fee bill. The author said the bill would unify ATV trail signage policy statewide, align statute with DNR best practices, and not affect the forest trail inventory, existing ATV-accessible miles, or hunting exemptions.
Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives of the Minnesota Public Lands Coalition, tribal officials from the Max Band and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, a retired DNR conservation officer, a retired wildlife manager, and the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, argued the bill would better protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, and culturally significant areas, improve transparency and tribal consultation, and make trail planning and enforcement more workable. The EQB said the amended bill’s rulemaking timeline was more workable, and the DNR described its existing multi-step trail review and consultation process.
Opponents, including ATV Minnesota, county commissioners from northern counties, and a representative of the Minnesota Trappers Association, argued the bill would burden or restrict existing trail systems, increase costs, and threaten tourism and local economies. They said current trail development already involves DNR and local review, and that the bill could reduce access for riders, trappers, and other users. In member questions, the author and a Minnesota Association of Townships representative said the bill was intended to codify DNR best practices and bring local governments into the process earlier, while confirming that hunting exemptions were not removed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and the the issues with volunteers and the the reduction<00:08:56.240>
of <00:08:56.399>volunteers - Um these turn into commission programs.
- recognized volunteer fire department. recognized volunteer fire department.
- the lack of volunteers the lack of volunteers is<00:14:16.399>
is <00:14:16.720>what's - And do other volunteer uh that we see.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:13
Roll Call 00:00:24
Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:02:10
Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entities Report 00:03:19
Presentation of Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session of the General Assembly 00:15:37
Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 00:37:05
Adjournment 00:55:53, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case.
Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas.
The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Rental Assistance Program to allow the agency to distribute funds by formula to program administrators
- Rental Assistance Program to allow the agency to distribute funds by formula to program administrators
- development program development program Awards<00:46:43.640>
then <00:46:43.800>in - money has to go back into the program money has to go back into the program and<00:46:59.960>
- are um available for that grant program are um available for that grant program also<00:48:17.960
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- As an experienced gardener and a volunteer coach with the program for the past four years, I have witnessed
- As an experienced gardener and a volunteer coach with the program for the past four years, I have witnessed
- As an experienced gardener and a volunteer coach with the program for the past four years, I have witnessed
- As an experienced gardener and a volunteer coach with the program for the past four years, I have witnessed
- As an experienced gardener and a volunteer coach with the program for the past four years, I have witnessed
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Bob Rink, who is the City of Phoenix photographer for 30 years and a volunteer at the Western Spirit
- Alina Dosamantes, program coordinator with the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance.
- We then met with Planned Parenthood volunteers and had a great lunch with ACE Lucha, who are working
- He is studying computer programming at Phoenix College, and he is also the current male co-chair.
- We then met with Planned Parenthood volunteers and had a great lunch with Ace Lucha, who are working
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess.
The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended.
On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Jan 30, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 6
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have our Miss Hawaii Teen Volunteer 2026, Arya Chock.
- Program, Larry Nano and Tony Aliva.
- 58.639>
2026, <00:16:59.759>Leina, Miss Havayi volunteer, 2026, Leina, Miss Havayi volunteer - Larry Nano and Tony Aliva are the directors of the Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii Teen Volunteer Program
- Program, Larry Nano and Tony Aliva.