Video & Transcript Research : 'computational thinking'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I think maybe day 15, 20.
- I think maybe day 15, 20.
- <00:39:08.880>
that's said, "Okay, I don't think that's said, "Okay, I don't think that's - kind of effect will that have I think kind of effect will that have I think that<00:48:19.920>
- I think we certainly have a good amount of raw data with our landlord-tenant line. >> Um, I think we
Keywords:
liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers.
Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels.
Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I think I just wanted to support.
- Well you know I think the lawsuit?
- I think we do. issue here? I think we do.
- Well, that's what I think.
- But I would think so.
Keywords:
insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment.
Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims.
The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:58.480>
counties million roughly out to I think counties million roughly out to I think - <00:26:05.320>
about impact um I mean I'm just thinking about impact um I mean I'm just thinking - <00:31:38.399>
we completely understandable so I think we completely understandable so I think - Senator Weber, I think that would be correct. Mr.
- just want to register that I think just want to register that I think that's<01:30:26.600>
a<
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/15/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's a separate matter.
- I don't think this does it. >> Yes. I don't think this does it.
- I think we are vulnerable right now, and I think states need to take some action on it.
- So I think I think there's and so on.
- And um think I may take it out anyways. And um think I may take it out anyways.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAL-PBS Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Water & Land
Transcript Highlights:
- what what What we're thinking. what what What we're thinking.
- I think... Okay, I don't have you on my list, I think, but come on up.
- But,<01:32:17.600>
um But, um But, um I<01:32:18.600>think I think I think based<01:32 - you the truth, my computer is my phone. you the truth, my computer is my phone.
- think that happened before I was born. think that happened before I was born.
Bills:
HCR13, HCR61, HCR136, HCR185, HCR155, HCR68, HCR174, HCR178, HCR179, HCR91, HCR103, HCR115, HCR199, HR15, HR128, HR175, HR147, HR62, HR164, HR168, HR169, HR83, HR95, HR107, HR189
Keywords:
coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks.
The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward.
Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, so and I think that's a concern and I mean for me.
- The second piece is, I really think that... I would love to think people are accessing it.
- I think there's only five of our members who serve more.
- But I also want to say, I think as a.
- And think about, because I do, as someone who has a sister with disabilities, I do think we should be
Keywords:
HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's really on the bill.
- So I think, oh, go ahead.
- So I think, oh, go ahead.
- I’ve been pushing computer science as a foundational thing across the state, and I think that’s really
- what they they think are best. what they they think are best.
Keywords:
short-call substitute, substitute teacher, substitute teaching license, pilot program, teacher shortage, education workforce, school district, charter school, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, background check, paraprofessional, education support personnel, temporary license, substitute training, retaliation, teacher pay, daily substitute pay, Minnesota education law, education innovation
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it sends a good signal to families that are thinking about coming to UNH and those who are there
- Thinking<00:15:12.639>
about Thinking about Thinking about funding<00:15:15.120>sources. - and I'm just wondering if you think and I'm just wondering if you think there's<00:15:36.800>
- I think you answered it. I my question. I think you answered it.
- I don't think so. Okay. All right.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Computers are definitely a little sleepy today.
- I think I know. Thank you, Madam Chair. I may answer the question.
- I think I know. Thank you, Madam Chair. I may answer the question.
- I think we want to try to be efficient with the block, but I think it's going to be smoother if we pull
- The vote to incorporate is a voice vote, I think so. Is that?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- IT MAY HAVE BEEN PART OF YOUR THINKING.
- I THINK THAT WAS IN 2023.
- I THINK THE PUBLIC WILL GET WARY OF THAT.
- I THINK EVERYBODY WANTS IMMIGRATION REFORM.
- AND PLAY VIDEO GAMES, YOU MAY THINK THAT.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (6-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I do think if I were sending an $8.5 million check, I don't think I'd send it to U.S. mail.
- I do think if I were sending an $8.5 million check, I don't think I'd send it to U.S. mail.
- But I do think today I do think that it.
- But absent that, I don't know... think, at a mediation. And I I want to think, at a mediation.
- Did you all think this was high for the Did you all think this was high for the area? area? area?
Keywords:
0:00:07 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:47 Approval of Minutes
0:01:05 Correspondence and Information Items
0:54:15 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
0:56:19 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
1:08:46 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
1:13:00 Rpt from Office of Financial Mgmt - KIA
1:20:00 Office of Financial Management
1:35:50 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure.
The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation.
KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (05/29/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the the in the coming weeks.
- >> Um, I think I could.
- I don't think any state is.
- You know, I think in terms of just like many other areas, I think they'll be tinkering with the HR1 law
- You know, I think in terms of just like many other areas, I think they'll be tinkering with the HR1 law
Summary:
The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published.
Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2.
Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Think of it as a supportive piece.
- your computer your computer um<00:37:02.760>
looking <00:37:03.160>and <00:37:03.280 - I<00:53:06.000>
said think at one point I said think at one point I said your<00:53:07.440 - I would agree I think that anyone who I would agree I think that anyone who has<00:56:22.040>
a - So, I think the question is things.
Keywords:
Roll Call - 00:10
Discussion on SCR 61 – 01:46
Vote on SCR 61 – 11:33
Discussion on SR 18 – 12:30
Vote on SR 18 - 30:01
Discussion on Ky Residential Autism Services – 32:34
Questions & Comments – 56:56, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0.
The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers.
Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- modernization of our uh computer systems modernization of our uh computer systems uh<00:53:10.799>
I <01:00:34.160>think really I think really I think per<01:00:36.200>the <01:00- I do think that part of what's going on here is that I do think it's important that we recognize the
- <01:05:01.480>
the place I think the place I think the uh<01:05:03.359>the <01:05:03.520 - <01:07:15.000>
we have met the the goal and I think we have met the the goal and I think we
Keywords:
opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 049 Mar 4th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think<01:03:03.520>
the think the think the level<01:03:05.440>of <01:03:05.760>< - very real story about this that I think very real story about this that I think is<01:20:54.480>
- <01:25:17.360>
it's of this I think is really I think it's of this I think is really I think - I think it's general enough.
- We think it's a good idea." done this. We think it's a good idea."
Summary:
The meeting included routine floor business, announcements, and several committee notices, followed by consideration of resolutions and third-reading votes on multiple bills. Members also recognized visiting groups, including North Glenn High School students, NFIB members for Small Business Day at the Capitol, Parker Day participants, and advocates for intellectual and developmental disabilities. A resolution honoring Youth Mental Health Action Day was taken up and adopted 62-0, with sponsors emphasizing the shortage of mental health services in many Colorado counties and the need to support children’s mental health.
The House then passed several bills on third reading. House Bill 1189, concerning property held by a community property spouse under the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act, passed 61-1. House Bill 1039, concerning requirements for municipal jails, passed 46-16. House Bill 1044, aimed at improving equity in maternal health, passed 49-13. House Bill 1135, increasing transparency about chemicals used in certain hair products, passed 42-20. House Bill 1134, addressing conditions for municipal court defendants, passed 43-19. House Bill 1113, concerning modifications to election laws, passed 41-22.
The House also heard a lengthy debate on House Bill 1110, which would allow financial institutions to place temporary holds on suspicious transactions involving vulnerable adults and provide related protections. Supporters said the bill would help prevent elder financial exploitation and give banks and credit unions tools to intervene. Opponents argued the bill’s liability protections for financial institutions were too broad and could weaken protections for victims. Representative Garcia offered amendment L007 to strike the immunity provision, and several members spoke for and against the amendment, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on the amendment or final action on the bill.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- to hear your thinking on this. to hear your thinking on this.
- So, I think we're good. We had a pass vote, so I think we're good by the time you got my attention.
- So, I think we're good. We had a >> Okay. So, I think we're good.
- I<01:36:41.679>
think <01:36:42.000>this <01:36:42.159>is I think this is I think - I think you misspoke and said 1417, which is security. Um, I think the issue is in 1501.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (5-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- there that was I think it was 21.6<00:13:54.480>
million. - These computer-based systems will be 10 to 17 years old in 2026.
- Uh I think uh the last one we Kentucky.
- Uh I think that's on the Ohio River.
- I think that last year it was $15 million.
Summary:
The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project.
The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs.
The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I don't think that's appropriate.
- I I don't think it's fair to clear.
- the overwhelming majority of them think the overwhelming majority of them think that<00:20:33.600
- <00:26:31.760>
maybe saying you think maybe saying you think maybe 30%<00:26:34.480>of - So I would think between assaults.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber excused an absent senator, approved the prior journal, received House communication that the House had passed HB 168, 185, 249, and 455 and requested concurrence, and heard committee reports advancing SB 37 and SB 214 from Agriculture, SB 157 and SB 189 with a committee substitute from Banking and Insurance, and SJR 54 with a committee substitute from Families and Children. The Senate also introduced SB 226 on pre-need burial contracts and SR 113 honoring Robert Connley Young.
The main floor debate centered on SB 101, an act relating to children, which would require a mandatory 12-month expulsion for students in grades 6-12 who assault a school employee, with exceptions for certain students with disabilities under an IEP and for incidents involving provocation by a school employee. The bill also creates a mandatory reporting requirement for assaults and penalties for intentionally failing to report them. The sponsor argued the measure responds to widespread, underreported assaults on teachers, citing 25,000 reported incidents since 2021 and sharing testimony from a teacher whose career ended after repeated assaults. Supporters said the bill would improve school safety, accountability, and classroom control, while opponents argued it is too harsh for children, could permanently remove students from school, and should leave more discretion to principals and districts.
After debate, the Senate adopted Senate Committee Substitute 1 for SB 101 and then proceeded to final passage. Several senators spoke for and against the bill during roll-call explanation, with supporters emphasizing teacher safety, parental responsibility, and consequences for repeat offenders, and opponents warning about lost educational opportunities and the need for second chances. The transcript cuts off during the roll call, but the chamber had already adopted the committee substitute and moved to vote on SB 101 as amended.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're computer in front of me.
- So, I think we're in a unique opportunity because I think we can plan and try to establish the district
- then they should Yeah, I don't think then they should Yeah, I don't think affected<01:12:27.360>
- um I think that this we heard testimony. um I think that this we heard testimony.
- I think we need to have the discussion. I think we need to have the discussion.
Bills:
HB1817, HB2056, HB2616, HB1718, HB1842, HB1740, HB1919, HB1616, HB1774, HB1984, HB1603, HB2171
Keywords:
fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing
Summary:
The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations.
Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year.
The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- If I'm thinking about bringing a child into this world, I have to think about what it's like to raise
- We're going to have Sean Lee next, I think.
- So please think of me.
- But I don't think I would ever have that.
- They're not thinking about crime.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself.
Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism.
There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.