Video & Transcript Research : 'Buckman Lock'
Page 83 of 173
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 10, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This may include workers who are locked out by an employer, like the almost 600 Kapiolani nurses who
- year without a contract, and when they exercise their right to strike for one day, they were then locked
- ><01:04:50.480>
workers <01:04:50.960>who <01:04:51.120>are <01:04:51.240>locked - <01:04:51.560>
out may include workers who are locked out may include workers who are locked - out by their day, they were then locked out by their employer<01:05:04.840>
for <01:05:05.000>
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This PLO locked these reserves for 20 years and prematurely ended the permitting process. H.J.
- This PLO locked<02:27:34.399>
these <02:27:34.640>reserves <02:27:35.120>for <02: - 27:35.359>
20 <02:27:35.600>years <02:27:35.920>and locked these reserves for 20 - Public Land Order 7917 locked up the Duluth complex and ended this opportunity that we had.
- locked up the duth locked up the doo the locked up the duth complex<05:26:20.480>
and <05:26:20.798
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed bill locks in the current discounted rates as a new toll rate schedule that would then gradually
- The proposed bill locks in the current discounted rates as a new toll rate schedule that would then gradually
- The proposed bill locks in the current discounted rates as a new toll rate schedule that would then gradually
- The proposed bill<00:33:06.240>
locks <00:33:06.640>in <00:33:07.440>the <00:33:07.840 - >
current <00:33:08.320>discounted bill locks in the current discounted bill locks in the
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, December 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Before 1975, this country locked up 200,000 disabled children in institutions.
- Before 1975, this country locked<02:11:35.760>
up <02:11:36.320>200,000 <02:11:37.520> You and you alone will decide whether a person should be locked up or released, unlike what the- Lock you up. Relatives don't know where you are. No due process. I know. I know who you are.
- It has locked families into a system where premiums keep rising and deductibles keep climbing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You can say locking them up is public safety, but in reality, if they don't come back into prison, that
- You can say locking them up is public safety, but in reality, if they don't come back in prison.
- You can say locking them up is public safety, but in reality, if they don't come back to prison, that's
- You can say locking them up is public safety, but in reality if they don't come back in prison, that's
- get you the information on the breakdown, but it's roofing, it's elevators, it's security equipment, locks
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools.
Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees.
DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.
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:
- As we are locking up—I'm sorry, as we are incarcerating the fewest amount of people we've incarcerated
- Families are often facing evictions with a sheriff waiting outside to pack their goods and lock their
- Families are often facing evictions with a sheriff waiting outside to pack their goods and lock their
- I think the 14 of us need to get in a room, lock the door, and we need to come back to you and present
- If you don't go to programs, pre-trial or sentenced, you're locking in at 8:30 or 9 o'clock at night,
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.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And so it was my opinion that doing it beyond one year would, in fact, sort of lock us into multi-year
- our goals and responsibilities are as a state of Maryland, but also do that in a way that does not lock
- in<00:46:20.280>
fact <00:46:20.720>sort <00:46:20.920>of <00:46:21.120>lock - <00:46:21.440>
us <00:46:21.640>into would in fact sort of lock us into would in fact - sort of lock us into multi-year multi-year multi-year which<00:46:24.120>
would <00:46:24.560>
Summary:
The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and then proceeded through committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and amendments without objection. Early measures included SB 530, which funds grants for multigenerational social connection programs for older adults; SB 731, clarifying the legal status of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council; SB 809, directing a feasibility study on a caregiver infrastructure program; SB 860, creating an Aging Resilience Fund with reporting and budget protections; SB 910, requiring insurance reimbursement for services provided by graduate-level clinical interns under supervision; and SB 972, making several Baltimore City alcoholic beverages licensing changes. Each of these bills was advanced to third reading after committee amendments were adopted.
The Finance Committee also advanced SB 555, establishing a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and a provider resource toolkit for dementia care; SB 757, creating a Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources for tariff-impacted goods; SB 772, creating an employment training and opportunity database to help people qualify for or maintain Medicaid and SNAP; SB 792, requiring hospitals to adopt and train staff on immigration-enforcement policies consistent with Attorney General guidance; SB 869, establishing a workforce training pilot program through Commerce and community colleges; SB 905, creating an advanced manufacturing grant program through TEDCO; and SB 974, changing who may serve as inspector for the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or narrowing amendments and then ordered printed for third reading.
Budget and Taxation advanced SB 28, which would create binding arbitration for state employee collective bargaining impasses and include a proposed constitutional amendment requiring funding in the Governor’s budget; SB 466, expanding a physician preceptor tax credit and adjusting training-hour requirements; and later SB 704, concerning estate tax treatment for qualified agricultural property transferred to an LLC. SB 557, a gaming-related bill, was laid over until the end of the evening at the majority leader’s request. In the Education, Energy, and the Environment report, the committee advanced SB 35 on a state natural science museum designation, SB 166 on shellfish aquaculture permit sanctions, SB 189 on municipal drainage inlet safety requirements prompted by a child’s death, SB 242 on civil relief for service members and spouses, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees and tree-of-heaven, and SB 267 on a corporate rental-property registry and local housing application review process. SB 267 drew a brief question from the minority leader, who asked whether prior opposition remained and how the amended bill differed; the sponsor said the opposition had gone away and described the bill as now focused on a responsible-owner registry and an administrative review process.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 25, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It was used to lock up Japanese citizens. That's when it was first used.
- It was used to lock up Japanese citizens. That's when it was first used.
- It was used to lock up Japanese citizens. That's when it was first used.
- It was used to lock up Japanese citizens. That's when it was first used.
- It was used to lock up Japanese citizens. That's when it was first used.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But very soon, I locked eyes with my eighth grader, Lydia.
- door and pulled so hard on it, it felt like he was going to rip the door open, and we had the doors locked
- to rip the door open. and we had the to rip the door open. and we had the doors<01:36:36.800>
locked - > when<01:36:39.120>
my <01:36:39.440>friend <01:36:39.600>decided doors locked - Um, when my friend decided doors locked.
Keywords:
assault weapons, semi-automatic rifle, military-style firearm, gun ban, firearms regulation, gun control, public safety, BCA, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, background check, transferee permit, private gun sale, waiting period, felony possession, gross misdemeanor, AR-15, AK-47, Uzi, TEC-9, high-capacity magazine
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> My name is Brian Lock. I'm an attorney.
- ; My<01:11:43.920>
name <01:11:44.000>is <01:11:44.159>Brian <01:11:44.400>Lock - >> My name is Brian Lock. I'm an attorney. >> My name is Brian Lock.
- what's needed for the high acuity mental health facility because those young people don't need to be locked
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- There were doors that had been locked for security purposes, but this was a very easy building to enter
- And he held the doorcloth with one hand because it did not have a lock.
- How can this be locked in as anti-Semitism?
Summary:
The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 158, 281, 317, 340, 1062, 1187, 1234, 1300, 1306, 1381, 1541 (5/27/26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And sort of some indeterminable but low amount of ongoing costs because you'll need new seals, new locks
- , essentially, those disposable numbered locks.
- new<01:49:26.880>
um need new seals, new um need new seals, new um like<01:49:28.360>locks
Keywords:
9:00am HB 158
9:10am HB 281
9:20am HB 317
9:30am HB 340
9:40am HB 1062
9:50am HB 1187
10:00am HB 1234
10:10am HB 1300
10:20am HB 1306
10:30am HB 1381
10:40am HB 1541, 928, house, all
Summary:
The committee of conference first resolved House Bill 158, which concerns public inspection of absentee ballot lists. The Senate explained a revised approach that removed the broader bill language and instead directed the Secretary of State to review absentee ballot data after each general election for patterns such as common addresses and to report findings to the committees of jurisdiction. The House agreed to the Senate position, and the conference committee voted unanimously to concur.
The committee then took up House Bill 281, dealing with a sortable electronic voter checklist. Members debated the Senate’s removal of language that would have included the absentee ballot mailing address when different from the voter’s registration address. Concerns were raised that releasing mailing addresses could expose where voters are not home and could affect overseas and military voters. The committee also discussed a related form for election officials who personally know a voter, including how long the form would be retained and whether it would be subject to public records law. After further discussion, the House agreed to the Senate changes with an additional requirement that the form be signed, and the committee voted to proceed with the amended Senate position.
House Bill 317, concerning verification of a person’s identity by a supervisor of the checklist without identification, was also discussed at length. The Senate’s version preserved the ability for election officials to identify people they know, but required a signed form under penalty of perjury and added a nursing home-related provision. Members described the measure as balancing community-based identification with tighter documentation, and a House witness described local problems with inconsistent ID checks and concerns about voting in nursing homes. The House sought one additional change requiring the nursing home verification form to be signed, and the Senate accepted that addition; the committee then voted to move the bill forward on the consent calendar.
The conference committee next considered House Bill 340 on electioneering by public employees. The chair presented a replace-all amendment that tied the definition of electioneering to existing law, added a prohibition on expressly or primarily political surveys, and created a civil penalty of up to $1,000 alongside the misdemeanor penalty. Members discussed clarifying when the misdemeanor versus civil penalty would apply and which categories of public employees were covered. After caucus, the Senate agreed to the House’s replace-all approach with the clarifying changes, and the bill was closed. The committee also resolved House Bill 1062 by agreeing to strike a sunset clause from the Senate version authorizing random audits of citizenship qualifications, and it began discussion of House Bill 1187 on the filing window for special-election candidates, where the House proposed requiring local election officials to arrange a filing time on the same day or next business day after being contacted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They need all kinds of things, but they don't necessarily need to be locked up in a custodial environment
- try to have facilities and options for these youth, to try to guide them to a different life or just lock
- I was 12 years old, and certainly the people that locked me out of my friend group at the lunch table
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're really concerned that any near-term supply or fuel supply stabilization measures don't lock us
- in. ...or fuel supply stabilization measures don't lock us in, you know, no big investments that lock
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the impact of the Iran conflict and global oil supply disruption on California fuel markets. Committee members and administration witnesses from the California Energy Commission and the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight described California’s heavy reliance on imported crude and refined products, the state’s shrinking refining base, current inventory levels, and how global supply tightness is affecting gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices. CEC officials said near-term supply looked adequate for roughly the next six weeks, but warned that continued disruption would likely raise prices further and increase competition for imports. DPMO said the conflict is a real supply shock, but also emphasized a separate, longstanding problem of unusually high California retail gasoline prices, especially among major branded stations.
Witnesses and members debated the causes of high prices and the state’s longer-term fuel strategy. Professor Severin Borenstein argued that much of the price gap beyond taxes and environmental costs comes from a “mystery gasoline surcharge” downstream of refineries, while also noting that California’s shrinking number of refineries creates market-power and supply-resilience concerns. Western States Petroleum Association CEO Jody Mueller argued that state policies have weakened California’s refining system and made it more vulnerable to global shocks, urging the state to protect remaining refining capacity and improve infrastructure for imports. United Steelworkers Local 675 Vice President Norman Rogers stressed the need for safe, reliable refinery operations and adequate staffing.
Several members pressed witnesses on whether California should rely more on imports, how to manage inventories and port/storage capacity, and whether the state needs clearer authority and better data collection to coordinate fuel policy. Discussion also covered branded versus unbranded gasoline pricing, the role of California fuel specifications, and whether a floating gas tax or other policy tools could buffer consumers from global price spikes. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating Apr 27th, 2026
The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They've locked in a site, and it takes away a bit of that competition in gamesmanship.
- We're not there as much as we are a locked facility.
- Is it locked? What does that mean? Whose authority is it currently? Whose authority should it be?
Summary:
The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information.
The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval.
The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She said that during an emergency lockdown, no one is allowed to enter classrooms because they are locked
- Gutierrez said that in an emergency and lockdown, no one is allowed to enter classrooms because they are locked
- there is an emergency and a lockdown, there are no people allowed to enter classrooms because they're locked
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- recidivism and endanger those of us who would rather try to address the causes of crime than simply lock
- But if you've been in jail and you've been arrested and incarcerated for whatever reason, or even locked
- So we're not locking people out of justice.
Bills:
HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602
Keywords:
emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- farm housing not of Farm Workers<00:10:29.800>
is <00:10:29.920>not <00:10:30.120>locked - <00:10:30.399>
but <00:10:30.519>some <00:10:30.760>don't Workers is not locked - but some don't Workers is not locked but some don't have<00:10:31.200>
their <00:10:31.320>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed.
Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted.
The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families.
Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.
MN