Video & Transcript Research : 'prosecutorial function'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- These are the functions that you do.
- you just spoke of, Senator Angius, and then get them to the point where you can get them back and function
- went on to undergo These participants underwent a rigorous evaluation protocol, which included functional
- So in the Stanford study, these functional MRIs that initially showed, So in the Stanford study, these
- functional MRIs that initially showed reduced activity in certain brain regions demonstrated increased
Bills:
SB1051, SB1114, SB1115, SB1122, SB1132, SB1162, SB1169, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1179, SB1188, SB1233, SB1236, SB1242, SB1316, SB1368
Keywords:
SB1051, Arizona hospitals, immigration status, patient intake, admission forms, registration forms, health care reporting, uncompensated care, emergency department, lawfully present, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen patients, hospital funding, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, border security, health care institutions, patient privacy, medical access, immigration policy
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard a series of bills focused on developmental disabilities oversight, behavioral health fraud, AHCCCS operations, child safety, and state hospital capacity. SB 1179 would make the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program permanent and remove the appropriations contingency; Disability Rights Arizona and program managers testified that Commit had identified systemic care problems, while the sponsor said the work should continue. The bill received a 6-1 do-pass recommendation. SB 1114 would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for behavioral health patient brokering investigations; Native advocates described widespread recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable people, especially Native Americans, and the bill passed 8-0. SB 1115 would prohibit AHCCCS from allowing remote work for Access employees; the sponsor argued in-person oversight was needed, while AHCCCS warned of space and staffing problems. It passed 4-3. SB 1051 would require hospitals to collect and report patients’ citizenship or immigration status for cost accounting; supporters called it a data-collection measure, while nurses and physicians said it would create fear and deter care. It passed 4-3. SB 1122, as amended, would replace prior authorization with 100% prepayment review for certain behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan, and passed 7-0 after AHCCCS said it had worked on the amendment. SB 1132, to appropriate unspecified funds for a new Arizona State Hospital wing, drew testimony from families and advocates describing severe shortages of state hospital beds and the need for more long-term treatment capacity; it passed 7-0. SB 1169, to fund graduate medical education and a new residency program, passed 6-0. SB 1171, requiring AHCCCS to check for dual enrollment in exchange plans and AHCCCS, passed 4-2-1 after AHCCCS said implementation would require system changes and costs. SB 1172, requiring more experienced DCS investigators for repeated abuse/neglect reports and court notification of hotline calls in dependency cases, passed 7-0. SB 1173, requiring behavioral health facility applicants, owners, and licensees to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present permanent residents with fingerprint clearance cards, passed 4-3 after an amendment clarifying the lawful-presence requirement.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, even though we have around 18 functional small sawmills and wood processors, they are unable
- This is key to protecting watershed function and dry land.
- with respect to meet the Office of the State Engineer's requirements and to make it a lot more functional
- The federal project is the dam itself and the operations of the dam that function to serve water to.
- Chair, with that, how many treatment plants do we have that are fully functional off of solar?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs May 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Veteran status functions as a social determinant of health, and it is within this broader context that
- The function of these district offices lies in quality control, continued training to CVSOs, as well
- Through this relationship, California maintains a unique and high-functioning veteran services delivery
- California maintains a unique and high-functioning veteran services delivery model.
- Yet without current legislative clarity, these companies continue to function without legal recourse.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need.
County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports.
Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 9th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- If the commission has no function, its duties are being carried out elsewhere, it should be eliminated
- I mean, you have to do, you have to perform. functions that you are required to perform as a state agency
- money or wholly from. political entities, but it has to be organized in a manner to do government. functions
- My agency, my entity, we don't perform governmental functions.
- And daylight to government functions and how taxpayer dollars are spent. spent, but some agencies, you
Bills:
HB 111, HB1545, HB2145, HB2467, HB2520, HB4136, HB4181, HB4214, HB4218, HB4219, HB4359, HB4437, HB4822, HB111
Keywords:
Texas Public Information Act, open records, public records, government transparency, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, governmental body, Chapter 552, public information law, nonprofit association, quasi-governmental entity, economic development, trade secrets, proprietary information, commercial financial information, Alamo restoration, local workforce board, TDCJ contract facility, civil commitment facility, water supply corporation
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- It is used for core academic and student functions that would be severely impacted if not restored.
- At our current size, non-formula funding, especially institutional enhancement, functions as an essential
- Without this funding the university's ability to fund on core academic and student functions would be
- In order to address the state's need for high-functioning, safe and efficient transportation systems,
- This creates a functional delay of seven to nine years from when a student enrolls at TST. and when the
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/10/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We use advanced liquid anti-icing technology, calibrated equipment, dashcams, multi-functional plows,
- <01:09:33.880>
plows, <01:09:34.720>GPS dashcams, multi-functional plows, GPS dashcams - Minnesota's winter functionality. Minnesota's winter functionality.
- ,<01:20:42.600>
and <01:20:42.760>so it's not actually um functional, and so it's not - actually um functional, and so they<01:20:43.000>
have <01:20:43.120>to <01:20:43.240><
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In order to have an actual functioning regulated marketplace, you have to have regulations.
- pre-approval process, which, before the rules were finished and before we could actually issue functional
- In order to have an actual functioning regulated marketplace, you have to have regulations.
- So without those sections, we would have a functioning market today, I would argue, and I think that's
- market today I would have a functioning market today I would<00:50:16.040>
argue <00:50:16.480
Summary:
The Minnesota House Commerce Committee held its inaugural meeting with Chair Tim O’Driscoll and co-chair Representative Greg Davids opening the session and inviting members to introduce themselves. Members briefly described their districts, business backgrounds, and priorities, with recurring themes including small business competitiveness, insurance and health care access, property and real estate issues, agriculture, and making Minnesota easier to do business in. Committee staff also introduced themselves and reminded members and testifiers about sign-in procedures and microphone use.
The committee then heard an overview from Eric Toell, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, on the agency’s work and budget priorities. He said the office now oversees adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, has grown from about nine employees to 90 full-time staff plus temporary workers, and has been working with a Cannabis Advisory Council on testing, warning labels, and implementation issues. He also described outreach efforts, including webinars, newsletters, guidebooks for local governments, and office hours for applicants, along with enforcement of hemp-derived product rules through more than 3,000 inspections and an increase in compliance rates from about 35% to 75%.
Toell also reported that the medical cannabis program has surpassed 51,000 patients and nearly 2,500 registered health care providers, and that a chronic pain report found more than a third of patients reported decreased pain. On the adult-use side, he said the office has posted proposed rules for public comment, plans to adopt them after review, and will open a licensing window from February 18 to March 14. He explained that the office is also managing community reinvestment grants and a technical assistance grant, with an emphasis on safeguards to ensure funds reach intended recipients. No votes were taken during this meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We also are fortunate that our agency combines the workforce function and economic development so that
- One other function that is in the commissioner's office and has kind of an agency-wide role, as I mentioned
- One function of the Construction Codes and Licensing Division is to proctor licensing exams for licensed
- <01:23:24.760>
of <01:23:25.199>the <01:23:25.760>um officials one function - of the um officials one function of the um construction<01:23:26.440>
codes <01:23:26.679>and
Summary:
The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities.
Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff.
The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/14/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- services should be subject to market competition and minimal economic regulation and at least functionally
- services should be subject to market competition and minimal economic regulation and at least functionally
- that functions as a cap or a ceiling. that functions as a cap or a ceiling.
- To me, that ultimately, when you're talking about distance, distance is a function of time.
- To me, that ultimately, when you're talking about distance, distance is a function of time.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (6-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and Technical College System, but operates with substantial independence in its finances and core functions
- independence in its finances<00:02:45.760>
and <00:02:46.000>core <00:02:46.239>functions - finances and core functions. finances and core functions.
- The commission's standards serve another function.
- to provide a lot of how we function to provide a lot of things<01:52:28.159>
that <01:52:28.400
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:14
Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:02:02
Response from the Kentucky Fire Commission-00:32:06
Judge Testimony on Child Removal-00:42:47
Update on Child Removal and Reunification-01:11:19
Staffing at Kentucky Veteran Centers-01:40:15
Adjournment-02:05:55, 958, all
Summary:
The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated.
The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test.
Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There are a lot of veterans, seniors, and people that rely on those products to function normally.
- I don't know, because I have brain functions. I don't understand time. I really don't.
- She was functioning. About the third year in college, she used it for about three years.
- She was functioning normally, and then when she stopped, her mind went into a breakdown or something
- During that time, the VA prescribed me medications and opioids, those of which I could not function.
Keywords:
flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The team that has the direct responsibility over that function. You have over payments? No. Yep.
- They do function; they just are, uh, not ready to, you know, close off the facility yet.
- It’s a human capital management system, which includes payroll and the HR functions.
- So now it’s functionally led.
- now now it's functionally LED this project<01:03:35.520>
is <01:03:35.720>functionally <
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees.
A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion.
Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It says acting in an official capacity means performing or purporting to perform a function, duty, or
- So acting in an official capacity, isn't a mayor acting in their official capacity to perform a function
- I understand your point about needing to perform, not needing to perform a function, something that is
- It's the official capacity, again, is the function, duty, or responsibility.
- This is a keep-out eligibility process aimed at ensuring Citizens truly functions as a market of last
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and a moment of silence honoring service members killed in the conflict in Iran, including Florida native Captain Cody Cork. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar, taking up several bills on education, public safety, insurance, health, and local government policy. Many measures were accompanied by sponsor explanations and supportive remarks from members, often emphasizing constituent impacts, public safety, and administrative efficiency.
The first major bill, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, was expanded through a delete-all amendment and passed 37-0 after extensive floor debate praising debate programs as a civic and educational tool. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office; an amendment clarified that criticism of Israel is not prohibited, and the bill passed 37-0. SB 1230/HB 1019 addressed PFAS “forever chemicals,” especially in firefighting foam, with phase-outs, testing, enforcement, and exceptions for certain federal, military, and emergency uses; it also passed 37-0 and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. SB 1706 expanded the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with tighter eligibility rules, and SB 186 required broader seizure-response training and seizure action plans in schools; both passed unanimously.
The Senate also approved SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining foster care medication and oversight procedures, SB 684 easing electronic signature requirements for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, and SB 778 revising forensic client services for certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 432, SB 928, and SB 620. Most of these measures passed by votes of 36-0 or 37-0 after brief debate or no debate.
The most contentious item was SB 1134 on official actions of local governments related to DEI. The sponsor argued the bill would stop taxpayer funding and promotion of discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several counties and cities. Multiple amendments sought to narrow penalties, protect good-faith officials, and preserve local proclamations and observances, including LGBTQ Pride Month and other cultural events, but those amendments were rejected. Debate centered on vagueness, local discretion, and whether the bill would chill legitimate government activity. The transcript cuts off during questioning on the underlying bill, before final disposition is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/02/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:12:21.199>
perception psychological functioning perception psychological functioning perception - so just note psychological functioning so just note that<02:12:54.639>
this <02:12:55.079> - prescribing and then all renewal prescribing, we think we could do it through a claims auditing function
- could do it through a claims we think we could do it through a claims auditing<02:16:35.040>
function - which can be automated auditing function which can be automated uh<02:16:37.040>
but <02:16:37.120
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/15/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Distance is a function<01:58:58.639>
of <01:58:58.960>time. - How far we set a function of time.
- <01:59:25.440>
I said, distance is a function of time. - I said, distance is a function of time.
- <02:01:56.400>
of remember that distance is a function of remember that distance is a function
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/01/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- or did so in a dangerous way functions or did so in a dangerous way that<00:53:25.160>
this <00 - These have just presented a challenge for us just from a functional standpoint of trying to make this
- These have just presented a challenge for us just from a functional standpoint of trying to make this
- of a traditional product Ste function of a traditional product Ste Tri<01:31:56.760>
organization - uh given the for their functionality uh given the importance<01:54:45.040>
of <01:54:45.199>
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: HB 3717 - Texas Ibogaine Initiative Mar 18th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen increases in cognition and executive functioning, and suicidality has plummeted from 47% to
- The centers of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and executive functioning grew in size.
Summary:
The meeting was a Texas Capitol press event in support of House Bill 3717, which would advance ibogaine research and create a public-private pathway to move the treatment toward FDA approval. Speakers included Brian Hubbard of the American Ibogaine Initiative, Rep. Cody Harris, and VETS co-founders Marcus and Amber Capone. They framed the bill as a chance for Texas to lead on treatment for opioid use disorder, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other “diseases of despair,” especially among veterans and their families.
Testimony focused heavily on the veteran suicide crisis and personal stories of loss and recovery. Marcus Capone described his Navy SEAL service and said conventional treatments had not been enough for many veterans, while Amber Capone cited VETS’ support for roughly 1,000 veterans and a Stanford collaboration that she said showed large reductions in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidality after ibogaine treatment. Supporters also argued ibogaine may have broader applications, including for other substance use disorders and some neurological conditions, and emphasized the need for research, supervised clinical use, and insurance coverage.
No formal committee vote or legislative action was taken in the transcript. The event ended with a brief Q&A and a call for Texas legislators to support HB 3717 and help move the bill forward.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (03/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any functional difference between confiscation of an animal taken into protective custody?
- <01:17:30.800>
difference um so is there any functional difference um so is there any functional - equivalence of that already functional equivalence of that already in<02:14:09.440>
rules <02: - There’s a firewall there, and you can’t go in and hack those things to stop their safety functions from
- <02:31:35.120>
from stop their safety functions from stop their safety functions from occurring
Summary:
The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later.
The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If you have technical issues, you can use the Zoom chat function to communicate with our excellent technical
- c><00:16:29.519>
the <00:16:29.759>Zoom <00:16:30.079>chat <00:16:30.399>function - <00:16:30.959>
to you can use the Zoom chat function to you can use the Zoom chat function - They are taking home leftover meals from work functions that someone else has paid for because that's
- ,<02:55:56.160>
powers, authority to exercise functions, powers, authority to exercise functions
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's very narrowly defined, very narrow function. So it's not for playing blackjack. Follow-up.
- One of the difficulties<00:32:00.000>
of <00:32:00.240>this <00:32:00.399>function - of this function is this activity<00:32:02.320>
is <00:32:02.559>going <00:32:02.720>- So lottery function, revenues must go. So lottery function, right?
- Those are functions of lottery right?
- of this function is this activity<00:32:02.320>
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire.
Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming.
Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.