Video & Transcript Research : 'proxy proposal'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/23/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- >
is <00:32:28.800>complete Next, the proposed wording is complete Next, the proposed wording - The wording of this proposed amendment is misleading.
- The wording of this proposed amendment is misleading.
- Our first president, proposed language.
- <01:02:42.520>
amendment in this proposed amendment in this proposed amendment could<01:02
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- any number of places in this proposal any number of places in this proposal that<00:26:59.919>
- That's why we've been proposing the CUB Credit.
- That's why I'm proposing this bill, and here's how it works.
- SF 1197 proposes the establishment of a SF 1197 proposes the establishment of a seasonal<01:29:05.040
- <01:33:38.400>
31.4% request, this legislation proposes 31.4% request, this legislation proposes
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Finance and Tax Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- If we as a state are looking at this type of proposal in eliminating the property, taxes will be the
- and this committee, there were a number of proposals that have been filed dealing with. >> Homestead
- You know, we're certainly taking our time to look at each proposal.
- Some of these proposals also need to be scored.
- So there are proposals out there.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Erica Iderhoven, and today I join you to testify in support of H-63 and S-7, a proposal for a legislative
- Just a quick question: in your proposals before us today, how would, if this were to go through, do your
- proposals direct how the voting would take place?
- Just to clarify, as far as these two proposed constitutional amendments are before us, it is silent to
- Originally proposed as part of the Bill of Rights, and it is now part of the Constitution.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work.
A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later.
Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided.
The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me explain what this proposal will do.
- will propose we use for food security and child care needs for those who need it the most.
- Let me explain what this proposal will Let me explain what this proposal will do.<00:26:03.520>
This - This proposal will bring back $1.8 do.
- budget $16.5 million in our proposed budget $16.5 million in our proposed 2026<00:45:16.079>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- begin, I just wanted to address a major issue that we all, some of you who have been following the proposed
- The proposal that was passed by the Republican Congressional members that may end up moving forward will
- The proposal that was passed by the Republican Congressional members that may end up moving forward will
- The proposal that was passed by the Republican Congressional members that may end up moving forward will
- As Representative Noor just referred to, and as he stated, this bill contains three distinct proposals
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You were sent a copy of the proposed committee rules in advance of the hearing.
- You were sent a copy of the proposed committee rules in advance of the hearing.
- SB2's proposal is modest in comparison. All these other states started out that way.
- This choice program in 2002, like this one being proposed today, checks those boxes.
- Absolutely, let's keep this perspective as we refine our proposals. Chairman Creighton.
Bills:
SB 2
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a proposed biomass facility in the East Springfield Corridor in Springfield.
- years, myself, my constituents, and the Springfield City Council have been vocal opponents to the proposal
- We're opposed to the bottle deposit expansions as proposed, and just believe that this existing system
- The Governor's Energy Affordability Bill does propose to repeal the APS in its entirety.
- I'm actually speaking to you as an individual, and I'd like to speak a little bit about the proposed
Summary:
The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions.
The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The $94 million is a backfill to Prop. 64, which were proposed to cut 6,800 child care slots.
- An alternative tax credit to the May revision proposal for certain business tax credits lowers taxes
- One of the most disturbing aspects of this proposal is a new-to-the-nation, I believe, I could stand
- However, why would we also be proposing a permanent cap on the research and development tax credit?
- Number one, it proposes a novel, perhaps first-of-the-nation, 100% tax on the anti-weaponization fund
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, and proceeded with routine procedural business, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees and several rule suspensions to allow bills to be heard or moved. Assembly Member DeMaio attempted to amend and then return AB 109 to the Senate to add health care premium reductions, but the motions were ruled out of order and his request to suspend the rules failed on a 13-45 vote.
The main floor action was on AB 109, the 2026-27 state budget. Assembly Member Gabriel presented the budget as balancing fiscal responsibility with protections for health care, schools, housing, wildfire prevention, and the safety net, while opponents argued it raised costs, underfunded education and public safety, and relied on gimmicks. Supporters emphasized investments in hospitals, Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, food banks, housing, and reserves, and repeatedly defended the budget’s approach to Proposition 36 funding and prison closures. After extensive debate, the Assembly voted to concur in the Senate amendments to AB 109, and the bill was immediately transmitted to the Governor.
Later, the Assembly took up SCR 89 on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members from several caucuses spoke in support, arguing DEI is central to equal opportunity, civil rights, and California’s identity, and warning against federal efforts to roll back such programs. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, saying DEI treats people differently based on immutable characteristics. The transcript ends during that debate, with the resolution still under consideration.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- We just took into account their own testimony, which is why I propose... I don't know what to say.
- We just took into account their own testimony, which is why I proposed the amendment.
- I would like to propose an amendment that the single pay easy passes are not transferable to different
- Senior senator from 13th, counsel, is what the senator from Wetzel proposing the current law? Yes.
- My question is, is what he's proposing already the current law?
Summary:
The Senate Infrastructure Committee took up several bills involving the West Virginia Parkways Authority and work-zone safety. On House Bill 4563, which would allow E-ZPass single-fee transponders to be used with multiple vehicles, members debated amendments that would have limited or codified restrictions on transferring transponders between vehicles. Testimony from Parkways Authority CFO Samuel indicated the current agreement already ties a transponder to one vehicle but allows users to update vehicle information online, and that the authority is considering a sticker-based system in the future. Delegate Daniel Linville also testified in support of the bill’s broader intent, arguing the revenue risk was limited and that the authority’s existing practices and bond obligations would not be harmed. The committee rejected the Wetzel amendment and then voted to report House Bill 4563 to the full Senate.
The committee then considered House Bill 4419, which would require public hearings and notice before the Parkways Authority could raise tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would subject related revenues and sinking funds to audit. Counsel noted possible constitutional and fiscal concerns, and Senator Randolph moved to send the bill to the Finance Committee for further review. That motion passed, and the committee then reported the bill to the Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for speeding and other violations in highway construction work zones and adds penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Jason Pizzatella of the Contractors Association testified in support, saying the bill was a safety measure in response to recent work-zone fatalities. Senators from Fayette, the 13th district, and Randolph also spoke in favor, emphasizing worker safety and the dangers of speeding through active construction areas. The committee reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Nov 4th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So my question is: why was this particular proposal withdrawn from the ARC committee agenda?
- So my question is: why was this particular proposal withdrawn from the ARC committee agenda?
- I might be conflating this with another proposal, but I think for this proposal in particular, I might
- be conflating this with another proposal, but I think for this proposal in particular, for example,
- I looked it up, and this was the Withlacoochee land swap that was proposed.
Summary:
The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects.
The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline.
Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Taken together, these proposals would prioritize patients over profits of PBMs.
- First, I want to outline the proposed... ...particular people with disabilities.
- The HPC would then review the impact of drug costs on patient access and determine their own proposed
- We respectfully urge you to reject these proposals as they're written. Thank you very much.
- We respectfully urge you to reject these proposals as they're written. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients.
On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections.
On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- and finance supports this this and finance supports this this administration's<00:12:48.959>
proposal - What is proposed in this measure, we believe, is much more efficient and also, I guess, appropriate for
- What is proposed in this measure, we believe, is much more efficient and also, I guess, appropriate for
- agreement. um what we're what's proposed agreement. um what we're what's proposed in<00:28:19.840
- language on page two of insert proposed language on page two of AG's<00:57:45.119>
written <00
Keywords:
reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In the current proposed CD29, I don't think it had any impact on it.
- This newly proposed CD9, I didn't make that decision.
- CD29, which you've drawn in your proposed map, a coalition district.
- The idea that was, so anyone who proposed any changes about this process?
- And CD9 meets that criteria in the proposed form. In the proposed form, Mr.
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jun 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We proposed a bill that got hung up in Senate Judiciary, um.
- So actually, um, Senator, we had proposed, um, we, we just had this one piece of legislation kind of
- And so eliminating Head Start, as proposed in the in the president's budget, eliminating, you know, I
- They just barely got the president's skinny budget proposal.
- Uh, things in either proposal that would give me alarm that we're gonna need to do something like this
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:39.360>
operating <00:07:40.039>adjustment, <00:07:41.039>motans proposed - <00:08:44.320>
contained funding that the um proposal contained funding that the um proposal - These trails aren't proposed without extensive planning.
- These trails aren't proposed efforts.
- These trails aren't proposed without<00:19:11.440>
extensive <00:19:12.080>planning.
Bills:
HF2439
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, because of this involvement, we are proposing that two positions be added to the task force.
- that uh two positions be added proposing that uh two positions be added to<00:03:33.360>
the < - I'm leaning towards your proposed amendments. Okay, but I will ask. All right. Thank you.
- I'm leaning towards your proposed I'm leaning towards your proposed amendments.<00:08:08.639>
- and Climate Protectors proposed and Climate Protectors proposed amendments.<00:32:00.559>
Um<
Summary:
The committee first heard SR 12/SCR 16, which asks the Department of Health to convene a task force to identify minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The Department of Health supported the measure and said it could take on the work with current resources. Testimony from Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Community Health Worker Association, and community health workers strongly supported the resolution but urged broader task force representation, including community health workers themselves, Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Community Health Worker Alliance, and community-based rural nonprofit organizations. Several testifiers also asked that community health workers make up at least half of the task force. The department indicated it had no objection to adding the requested groups, and members discussed those proposed amendments.
The committee then took up SR 141/SCR 172, which requests a Department of Health working group on demolition waste reduction. Energy Justice Network and other supporters urged amendments, including use of the internationally recognized zero-waste definition and hierarchy. The committee also heard SR 165/SCR 205, which would direct the Department of Health to adopt rules setting maximum decibel levels for concerts or events at private venues in primarily residential areas. The department said it was already working on noise issues and wanted a community noise working group to address nuisances beyond current statutory categories, but members questioned the lack of specific standards, the absence of a defined working group membership, and whether the proposal would lead to broader restrictions on events. Testimony and discussion focused on concerns about noise impacts, enforcement, and the balance between community complaints and long-standing local events.
No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided. The hearing then moved on to SR 174/SCR 194, which would ask the Department of Health to reduce the use of disposable surgical equipment and adopt sustainable practices, but discussion of that measure was not included in the transcript excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- To be fair, the actual proposal is much more nuanced than that.
- Staff proposal, we're planning to have that ready.
- Yeah, so we're working on a proposed decision.
- The company will increase its profits in the long run from our proposal.
- Our proposal in the PUC proceeding about reforming Kohler is optional.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:20.759>
amendment uh soft copy of the proposed amendment uh soft copy of the proposed - and then and Ransom numbers on proposed and then and Ransom numbers on proposed uh<00:17:16.959>
- the budget structure of the proposed the budget structure of the proposed Pharmacy<00:18:02.799>
- We have the proposal include a defective date of July 1, 3000, to facilitate further discussion.
- We have the proposal include a defective date of July 1, 3000, to facilitate further discussion.
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on January 31 and heard six bills. The chair opened by outlining committee practices, including giving at least 72 hours’ notice for hearings, releasing testimony by 5:00 p.m. the day before hearings, and deferring bills needing substantive HT1 changes so members would not vote “blind.” Members briefly thanked the chair for the transparency approach before moving to the agenda.
HB 223 would create a Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy special fund and workforce assessment fee to support a pharmacy center. Testimony from the Board of Pharmacy, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo College of Pharmacy, Mokai Drugs, and others generally supported the measure, emphasizing workforce data, rural access, student loan repayment, and retention. The committee later advanced HB 223 with amendments, including leaving fee amounts blank for further discussion and inserting a defective date, and the motion passed unanimously.
HB 940 would appropriate funds for the rat lungworm lab at UH Hilo; HB 546 would establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute at UH to advance AI; HB 549 would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program; HB 1172 would add the Department of Taxation to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System for wage-data sharing; and HB 1320 would require UH to collect and publicly report graduate outcome data and create a dashboard. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with some privacy concerns raised on HB 1172 and a request to protect taxpayer confidentiality. In decision-making, the committee passed all five bills with amendments, generally deleting or blanking appropriations and FTEs for Finance Committee review, adding defective dates for further discussion, and in HB 549 adding a statement that the program is a matter of statewide concern. The committee recessed briefly for decision-making and then adopted the chair’s recommendations on each bill.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN, AEN-HWN Public Hearings 01-24-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I read a lot of the notes from the prior years, and every single year they propose an amendment.
- I read a lot of the notes from the prior years, and every single year they propose an amendment.
- The department offers comments and recommendations on each of the proposed amendments to chapter 165
- recommendations on each of the proposed recommendations on each of the proposed amendments<00:33
- an amendment under number seven propose an amendment under number seven to<00:42:25.319>
list
Summary:
The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record.
SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050.
SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224.
The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.