Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 162'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- However, under current law, Section 78 of Chapter 10, Massachusetts National Guard members who did not
- This bill would extend eligibility for benefits under Chapter 115, the Chapter 115 program, to members
- What it does is allow those who currently serve in the Guard and Reserve access to Chapter 115 benefits
- while they remain... ...access to Chapter 115 benefits while they remain serving in good standing.
- The Adjutant General, as currently defined under Chapter 33 of the Massachusetts General Laws, holds
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (11/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The chapters had, I think, gotten up to 26 or plus chapters of rules.
- Typically, we have between five and seven chapters.
- The chapters had I duplicative pieces.
- Typically, we have chapters of rules.
- <00:13:44.880>
So, between five and seven chapters. So, between five and seven chapters.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its October 3 meeting unanimously. It then reviewed follow-up status on prior performance audits, beginning with the Department of Corrections’ sex offender treatment program. DOC said all audit items from the 2016 review were resolved except one related to tracking benchmarks, progress, and recidivism. Officials explained that a new offender management system, Chorus, was recently implemented but has had rollout problems affecting operations, including restitution checks, and that they hope the system will be stable enough within about six months to begin tracking the needed metrics. Members asked about treatment inside prison and after release; DOC described in-prison treatment, parole aftercare, probation and parole oversight, administrative restrictions, and reassessment if conditions are not met.
The committee next heard from OPLC on the Real Estate Commission audit. OPLC reported that all but one finding is substantially or fully resolved, with the remaining issue involving review of applicants’ adverse financial history and liabilities. The delay is tied to ongoing rulemaking, and OPLC said the commission is amending its criteria and integrating universal application procedures into board rules. The office estimated substantive completion by March 2027, with rule filing expected sooner. The committee then took up the Board of Pharmacy audit, where OPLC said most findings remain partially resolved because the board is in the middle of a major rule overhaul and a new licensing software project. Officials described a shift toward a compliance bureau and more routine, risk-informed inspections, rather than inspections driven only by complaints, and said updated manuals and forms will follow the new rules and technology.
Finally, the Legislative Budget Assistant reported on ongoing audits. For special education, staff said they are writing the report, have 25 completed observations, and have expanded to 70 identified observations, with a full draft expected in the first quarter of 2026 and a final report by summer 2026. For education freedom accounts, 40 observations have been identified, 15 finalized, and a draft is expected by midspring with a fiscal committee presentation in summer. For the Doorway program, the audit plan was finalized with DHHS help, financial activity was isolated, fieldwork is expected to finish by Thanksgiving, and a draft report is planned for January or February 2026, with a final report by March or April 2026. The committee discussed scheduling its next meeting for February 6 at 10 a.m. and emphasized the value of follow-up on older audits; the meeting adjourned after members agreed the follow-up process should continue.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor. (2-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is the chapter that requires legislative oversight over regulations.
- And this is the chapter that requires legislative oversight over regulations.
- And this is the chapter that requires legislative oversight over regulations.
- <00:13:41.519>
13A Kentucky in accordance with chapter 13A Kentucky in accordance with chapter - this is the chapter that requires legislative<00:13:45.320>
oversight <00:13:46.040>over
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:13
SB 15 Discussion 00:45
SB 15 Vote 08:40
SB 103 Discussion 11:12
SB 103 Vote 29:49, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor heard two bills. Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, was presented with testimony from Major League Baseball in support of exempting minor league baseball players from Kentucky wage-and-hour treatment. Witnesses said the bill would preserve the negotiated collective bargaining structure for players, avoid impractical time-tracking requirements, and keep Kentucky aligned with other states. Senators discussed minor league salary levels, the importance of baseball to Kentucky communities, and the bill’s relationship to minimum wage law. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed the bill with unanimous support from members present.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 103 from Sen. Danny Carroll, which would require the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to adopt regulations under Chapter 13A, limit reciprocal agreements with other states until in-state provider contracts are exhausted, establish procedures for service fee memos before a new fiscal year, and require an annual report with operating and financial information. Testimony from community rehabilitation providers and disability advocates emphasized that the bill would increase transparency, protect local providers, and improve services for people with disabilities seeking competitive employment. They said Kentucky has a large disability population, that many working-age individuals with disabilities are not employed, and that better oversight could help address workforce shortages and reduce reliance on public assistance. Senators asked about the disability population, age ranges served, funding, and recent changes to provider rates and selection processes. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 103 unanimously.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Mar 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- This is under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-7.
- Most of my comments will be based around Chapter 48, public buildings.
- This will move us out of Chapter 48 into Chapter 54, but it's a very similar comment related to the construction
- Moving away from Chapter 54, Chapter 15, this is related to our projects here.
- They also, at the end, letter V, added water districts subject to chapter 61-35.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (02/20/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:04:59.840>
ly DCF by way of background current ly DCF by way of background current ly chapter - <00:05:00.759>
RSA chapter RSA chapter RSA 170c<00:05:02.919>describes <00:05:03.440>- 00:06:27.599>
that is added to another section of that is added to another section of that chapter- which was added into chapter which was added into 2018<00:06:31.759>
um <00:06:32.160>170< - It's remedial legislation to Senate Bill 417 from last year in Chapter 377, Laws of 2024. district 19
- 00:06:27.599>
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 24, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, there are two separate chapters. I want to make sure that we're all clear.
- The National Guard is in Chapter 9, and it is described there.
- And then the State Guard, we do have a separate chapter, and it's Chapter 10.
- Uh there's uh I want to make chapters.
- have a a separate chapter and it's chapter<00:21:05.440>
10.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 44-04 and a new section to Chapter 58-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an open meeting
- Engrossed House Bill 1064, a bill for an act to create a new section to Chapter 15-18.1 of the North
- Engrossed Senate Bill 2172, a bill for an act to create a new section to Chapter 26.1-45 of the North
- Madam Secretary, Re-engrossed Senate Bill 2335, a bill for an act to create a new section to Chapter
- Re-engrossed Senate Bill 2176, a bill for an act to create a new section to Chapter 54-07 of the North
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes.
On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it.
On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:15:11.519>
sections <00:15:11.959>of <00:15:12.160>of <00:15:12.320>chapter - suppose obscure sections of of chapter suppose obscure sections of of chapter 10<00:15:13.079>
- And that's how it's defined in statute under chapter 13.
- <00:47:56.480>
13 it's defined in statute under chapter 13 it's defined in statute under chapter- 13 question so a 13 Point that's chapter 13 question so maybe<01:04:43.480>
that's <01:04:43.720
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- My concerns are that the provisions of Labor Code Chapter 410 don't necessarily mesh with the provisions
- Now, the biggest ambiguity I can see in the bill, as it written now is under Texas Labor Code Chapter
- Judicial review under Chapter 410, there are two. types.
- This will review under Labor Code Chapter 410, a substantial evidence review, which is just a review
- To Chapter 607 of the Government Code, which covers firefighters and police officers for specific diseases
Keywords:
peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- sitting in the blue in the gallery, and specifically I have a few of my constituents from the Maui chapter
- And we have Lauren Akit, who's the Maui president of the Maui chapter and also the University of Hawaiʻi
have <00:02:25.200>Sonia <00:02:25.640>Toma <00:02:25.959>who's Maui chapter- we have Sonia Toma who's Maui chapter we have Sonia Toma who's the<00:02:26.319>
public <00:02 - of<00:02:31.760>
the <00:02:32.160>a <00:02:33.160>Maui <00:02:33.440>chapter
Summary:
The Senate convened, called the roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and heard several introductions recognizing staff, visiting students from Do Middle School participating in Working Families Day, and advocates from organizations including H-CAN, Hawaii Workers Center, Aloha Care, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the American Association of University Women Hawaii. The clerk then reported gubernatorial messages withdrawing several nominations to boards and commissions, transmitting one nomination to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, and House communications sending House bills to the Senate for first reading and committee referral.
The chamber adopted multiple groups of standing committee reports, including reports requiring 48-hour notice and one-day notice, and then took up third reading of Senate bills. Several bills passed third reading by unanimous consent or near-unanimous votes, including measures relating to water pollution, spaying and neutering animals, condominiums, marine life conservation districts, mental health, geothermal resources, the University of Hawaiʻi, and aircraft. Senate Bill 841 SD1 and SB 1042 SD1 each passed 22-1, SB 1197 SD1 passed 21-2, and SB 319, relating to marijuana, failed on third reading with 11 ayes and 12 noes.
The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for Senate Bill 1621 SD1 to the Committee on Ways and Means so it could meet the first taking deadline, and gave one day’s notice for third reading. The session concluded with a motion adopted to leave the journal open until 11:00 p.m. for additional committee reports and to recess until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Kappa Alpha serves people around the world through the efforts of the 360,000 members and over 1,000 chapters
- Speaker: ...around the world through the efforts of the 360,000 members and over 1,000 chapters in the
- The Texas chapter of the American Public Works Association are here in the gallery today.
- congratulating Heather Keister of Lubbock for being named 2024 Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter
- Way, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers South Plains Chapter
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 554, in 2019, the Legislature adopted a long-overdue comprehensive update of Chapter 607
- Senate Bill 554, in 2019, the Legislature adopted a long-overdue comprehensive update of Chapter 607
- Senate Bill 554, in 2019, the legislature adopted a long overdue, comprehensive update of Chapter 607
- dissolution of marriage, and Chapter 742, paternity proceedings.
- Yom Kippur, I believe, Senator, is in Chapter 683.
Summary:
The committee first considered CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility to certain contaminated or brownfield properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, added adjacency and density/intensity limits, and excluded agricultural land, park land, land outside the urban growth boundary, and land near military installations. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote, with limited support and opposition noted in waived appearance forms.
Members then took up CS/CS/SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators. The strike-all added public swimming pools and related child-centered locations to residency and presence restrictions. Testimony was sharply divided: proponents argued the bill would help protect children and law enforcement, while opponents, including treatment experts and homelessness advocates, said there was no empirical evidence the restrictions reduce abuse and warned of retroactive punishment and increased homelessness. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 8-1.
The committee also approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after an amendment allowing certain enclaves adjacent to interstates to be developed for commercial, industrial, or single-family residential uses and clarifying exclusions for protected areas. Opponents argued it would weaken zoning and comprehensive plans, while supporters framed it as a property-rights measure; the bill was reported favorably 10-0. SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, a technical update to nonprofit law modeled on prior for-profit corporate revisions, also passed unanimously after supportive waived testimony.
Later, the committee approved SB 1338 on charitable giving, which creates a donor remedy for endowment restrictions and limits state reporting burdens on certain regulated or exempt organizations; members discussed cy pres and the sponsor said further changes would be worked out later. CS/SB 532 on court fees was amended to let clerks retain all collections above revenue projections rather than half, with supporters saying clerks have been underfunded for years; it passed 10-0. The committee also favorably reported SB 218 on land use regulations, which restores normal land-use authority to counties not affected by recent hurricanes, and CS/SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability, which creates a presumption against liability for entities that comply with cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements; the cybersecurity bill drew concerns about retroactivity and the adequacy of compliance incentives but passed 9-2.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 21st, 2026 at 09:02 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I see New Mexico chapter leadership. Would you unmute, and you will have one minute to speak.
- I am the Legislative Chair for the New Mexico chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
- All right, will you try again, New Mexico chapter leadership? Hello, can you hear me now?
- New Mexico chapter leadership.
- The New Mexico chapter is in support. Thank you.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 342 is ultimately going to be the prevailing chapter that governs and oversees adult use and
- The original chapter in which the medical cannabis program was established, chapter 152, ultimately will
- statutory language uh throughout chapter statutory language uh throughout chapter 152<00:20:28.000
- check process required in chapter 342. check process required in chapter 342. members,<00:21:15.200
- :21:32.799>
medical <00:21:33.039>cannabis chapter in which the medical cannabis chapter
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- utility agencies are subject to the same regulatory framework and procedures as water districts under Chapter
- The Chapter 13 statutory duty to provide continuous and adequate service places on the utility of the
- Under Chapter 36 of the Water Code, groundwater conservation districts enforce their rules by setting
- That's what Chapter 11 provides.
- That's what Chapter 11 provides.
Keywords:
water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection
Summary:
The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable.
The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending.
House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Addressing Healthcare Worker Well Being - 02/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a pediatrician at the Mankato Clinic, and I'm the president of the Minnesota chapter of the American
- <00:07:33.199>
of <00:07:33.319>the <00:07:33.400>Minnesota <00:07:33.919>chapter - the president of the Minnesota chapter the president of the Minnesota chapter of<00:07:34.319>
- 00:09:40.720>
for <00:09:40.880>the <00:09:41.000>Minnesota <00:09:41.480>chapter - the governor for the Minnesota chapter the governor for the Minnesota chapter of<00:09:41.959>
- 00:09:40.720>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1672, an act in Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
- Senate Bill 1672, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
- Senate Bill 1752, an act amending Title 13, Chapter 34, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 13
- On Monday, March 16th, 2026, please join the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
- Please join the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and numerous points of personal privilege recognizing guests, including Justice of the Peace Day participants, Donate Life Day attendees, State Farm representatives, educators, rural water advocates, and other visitors. The chamber also received a House message consenting to adjournment later in the week, and the Senate agreed to the House’s request to adjourn after completing its work on March 11 until March 16. Several announcements were made about upcoming events, including a nurse anesthetists’ reception, Golf Industry Day, National Civic Learning Week, and other advocacy gatherings.
The Senate then considered and passed a series of bills, including SB 1602 on kinship foster care; SB 1621 creating an Obesity Treatment and Prevention Advisory Council; SB 1672 on AHCCCS step therapy and related health coverage issues; SB 1677 appropriating money for forestry and fire management; SB 1811 relating to public schools; SB 1001 appropriating money to the Department of Economic Security; SB 1072 and SB 1169 appropriating money to AHCCCS and its administration; SB 1531 on special plates; and SB 1776 amending AHCCCS statutes. Members offered explanations of vote on several measures, with support often tied to health care access, education, wildfire mitigation, and social services, while some no votes cited fiscal concerns.
The chamber also passed SCR 1020, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase compensation for elective state officers, with floor debate emphasizing the need to recruit and retain qualified public servants. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced SB 1170 on drug offenses, removing mandatory minimums and changing crime qualifications; SB 1488 establishing a study committee on coal-impacted communities, with an amendment changing appointment authority; SB 1641 on marijuana producer licensure, amended to remove DHS’s annual license-number determination; SB 1752 on mescaline-related drug offenses; and SB 1740 on turquoise alert statewide training. SB 1740 was later passed on third reading, and the Senate also confirmed gubernatorial nominees for Director of Tourism, the Game and Fish Commission, and the Livestock Loss Board. The session ended with committee announcements, first-reading referrals for numerous House bills, and adjournment until March 16.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a volunteer with the Hawaii chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gunsense in America.
- I'm a volunteer with the Hawaii chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gunsense in America.
- I'm a volunteer with the Hawaii chapter I'm a volunteer with the Hawaii chapter of<00:14:33.440>
- I was in your testimony in relation to Chapter 711 with the unreasonable noise.
- So, if you could help us chapter 708.
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided.
Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions.
The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Washington County Community Development Agency, as well as the legislative chair for the Minnesota chapter
- c> the<00:03:10.879>
National <00:03:11.200>Association <00:03:11.760>of chapter - of the National Association of chapter of the National Association of Housing<00:03:12.159>
and - of NARO, the National Minnesota chapter of NARO, the National Association<00:07:13.280>
of <00- revisions of chapter 504B 216 that<00:15:33.920>
included <00:15:34.480>utility <00:15: - of NARO, the National Minnesota chapter of NARO, the National Association<00:07:13.280>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the Director of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
- The Texas Chapter supports HB 4543.
- And the Texas Chapter stands ready to assist the committee as the session progresses. Thank you.
- I'm Matt Wagner, Executive Director of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
- The Chapter supports HB 5458.