Video & Transcript : 'Hawaii Island' :
Page 96 of 244
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- She graduated from high school and went on a senior trip to Hawaii, where she decided to stay and not
Committee:
Senate Senate Rules
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Board, encompassing the rapidly growing Southwest region of Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Hawaii
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First item on the agenda is HB 1093 HD1 SD1 relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/16/2026 - Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so the Maricopa contract was for only county schools—not, let me put it this way, county island
- So the phase one of the contract was for county island schools.
- So the phase one of the contract was for county island schools.
- to just county island schools.
- Are all of these county island schools, or the six schools that have been implemented?
Committee:
Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard presentations on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, beginning with remarks from Senator Kevin Payne, who described the program as a response to school shootings and 911 overloads, and said the goal is to let schools trigger a panic-button alert that immediately shares video, floor plans, and location information with law enforcement and other responders. Several members echoed support for the concept, while also raising concerns about whether the systems are actually working as intended and whether school resource officers remain necessary or should be supplemented by technology.
Auditor General Lindsay Perry summarized the JLAC-directed special audit, explaining that the office reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She said the office had tested a sample of systems with vendors, schools, and law enforcement, and that some agencies had not provided requested follow-up information. Members questioned Pinal County’s lack of response and the status of its reports and payments, and committee leaders criticized the county sheriff’s claim that the committee had treated staff unfairly.
Representatives from Mutualink, Motorola Solutions, and Navigate 360 then defended their systems and described implementation challenges. Mutualink said its platform connects schools, dispatch, and responders across jurisdictions and claimed it can reduce response times, but acknowledged that implementation depends on training, infrastructure, and cooperation among schools and agencies. Motorola said it had deployed systems in Maricopa and Yuma counties and that some delays stemmed from school participation and procurement issues. Navigate 360 highlighted Cochise County as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented and that the company had added maps, emergency management tools, and training support after audit findings. Members repeatedly pressed the vendors on statutory criteria, procurement practices, rural infrastructure, and why some counties or schools were not fully operational; the vendors generally said the biggest barriers were local readiness, training, and interagency coordination rather than the technology itself.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 15th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The gentleman from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Sears. Thank you, Madam President.
- The Senator from Cape and Islands, Mr. Sear, offers Amendment Number 109 that the clerk shall read.
- The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Mr.
- The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Sear. I rise in support of Amendment 109.
- Collins, Boston Harbor Islands improvements. The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
Summary:
The Senate considered a broad environmental bond bill with amendments touching climate resilience, coastal infrastructure, housing, plastics, wildlife protection, and public health. Early in the debate, Senator Keenan withdrew an amendment to fund the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program, explaining that the program had been enacted without funding and that he hoped to secure money through the budget process instead. The Senate then adopted his amendment banning hotels from providing plastic toiletry packaging. The chamber also debated and rejected a Republican amendment to remove the paper bag fee; supporters argued the 10-cent charge would burden working families, while opponents said it was a necessary environmental measure. The amendment failed on a standing vote, 5-10.
Several environmental and coastal amendments were adopted, including measures on ocean acidification and nutrient pollution, a statewide carbon sequestration goal that includes salt marshes and seagrasses, a study of banning polystyrene, restrictions on rodenticides with local control and emergency-use exceptions, and indoor air quality improvements. Senators also approved amendments to create a Massachusetts Climate Bank, establish a trust fund and on-site housing for the Manuel F. Corrella State Forest on Martha’s Vineyard, increase the Douglas State Forest entry fee from $1 to $2, and clarify procedures and oversight for housing priority projects. Some proposals were withdrawn, including a special commission on resilient urban coasts and a conservation commission proposal, while others were rejected, including a local-priority housing confirmation amendment and a warrantless-entry amendment that raised Fourth Amendment concerns.
The Senate also adopted a series of coastal resilience and permitting amendments, including streamlined permitting for urban coastal projects, a pilot for nature-based solutions, dredging and sand placement in general permits, and a Salisbury Beach trust fund clarification. A New Bedford state pier redevelopment amendment and a harbor protection amendment were adopted, as were amendments related to public and private water utility reporting and equitable representation. The session concluded with notice that only two amendments remained before a roll call, followed by an adjournment in memory of James A. Jim Sheets, former Quincy mayor and educator.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 15th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The gentleman from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Sear. Thank you, Madam President.
- The senator from Cape and Islands, Mr.
- The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Mr.
- The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Sear. I rise in support of Amendment 109.
- Collins: Boston Harbor Islands improvements. The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On Staten Island and Coney Island, Black history is woven into our neighborhoods, institutions and movements
- These were the first free African Americans to purchase land on Staten Island, and here on the island
- He opened a hugely popular restaurant on Staten Island.
- On Coney Island, local historians preserve Black history not just through dates and building books, but
- every day and lives on the West End in Coney Island.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, I was the best dressed in the Cape and Islands delegation until Kip Diggs was elected, and
- We are home to the second-largest community land trust in the state of Massachusetts, Island Housing
- We are home to the second largest community land trust in the state of Massachusetts, Island Housing
- Yeah, I think that would be helpful in grounding how many resources are coming to the Cape and Islands
- In Cape Cod, the Islands, and the Berkshires, caregivers often are unable to afford rentals year-round
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Housing
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held its second introductory hearing to frame the session’s housing agenda. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty described the hearing as a chance to hear a wide range of perspectives on Massachusetts’ housing crisis, including underbuilding, zoning and permitting barriers, rising costs, and the need for both state and local action. The committee heard from court, municipal, advocacy, and regional housing leaders, with recurring themes of increasing supply, preserving existing housing, preventing displacement, and expanding resources for renters and homeowners.
Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Housing Court said the court is handling more than 40,000 new filings annually with only 15 judges, and estimated the court would need about 21 judges to meet demand. She described complications from RAFT-related stays, mental health and guardianship issues, aging housing stock, and the new eviction sealing law, which she said was being implemented smoothly but may require additional resources if filings continue to rise. The Massachusetts Municipal Association and MAPC emphasized that municipalities need flexibility, funding, and better tools such as MassWorks, Housing Works, H-DIP, 40R reforms, inclusionary zoning changes, and a local option transfer fee; they also said local control concerns and long permitting timelines remain major barriers. MAPC and others stressed that supply growth alone will not solve the crisis and urged continued support for subsidized housing, access to counsel, and modular/off-site construction.
Advocates and housing providers focused on displacement, preservation, and tenant protections. Homes for All Massachusetts and Mass Law Reform Institute called for rent stabilization, stronger tenant protections, foreclosure prevention, elimination of junk fees, continued funding for RAFT and HomeBASE, and expanded access to counsel. Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants said the state needs far more extremely low-income housing, more operating subsidy, and major investment to repair public housing, while also supporting tenant technical assistance during redevelopment. Franklin County’s housing authority warned that rural communities are being left out of many state programs and asked for a rural LIHTC set-aside, a permanent rural credit boost, and a review of housing choice programs. A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation researcher presented findings that communities that add housing generally see stronger municipal finances, and that housing growth can improve property tax and state aid outcomes.
Seasonal community representatives from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket described extreme affordability pressures and the need for tailored tools. Nantucket’s housing trust chair said the island has made progress through local funding, inclusionary zoning, and deed-restricted units, but still needs a real estate transfer fee and faster ways to preserve year-round housing. Across the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for a mix of production, preservation, tenant protections, and local flexibility, rather than relying on any single policy solution.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee Jun 12th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- on Hayden Island, connecting up to the bridge itself over the main channel of the Columbia River, and
- It does again include a new bridge over the Columbia River, the connections to I-5, Hayden Island, and
- SR-14, inclusive of the shared use path that is connected down to Hayden Island and at the Vancouver
- It does again include a new bridge over the Columbia River, the connections to I-5, Hayden Island, and
- SR-14, inclusive of the shared use path that is connected down to Hayden Island and at the Vancouver
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- traveling<00:39:47.280><c> as</c><00:39:47.440><c> far</c><00:39:47.599><c> as</c><00:39:47.839><c> Hawaii
- </c> traveling as far as Hawaii. traveling as far as Hawaii.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I’ll just offer that the Asian American Pacific Islander experience is one that has repeatedly
- Columbus's actions on the islands where he landed, including slave labor, starvation, sex trafficking
- of Asia, only to land in the Caribbean islands."
- All of this abuse, plus mismanagement of the island of Hispaniola, led to Columbus' arrest by Spanish
- He enslaved Indigenous people in the islands. He conquered in the Caribbean.
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education.
Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Committee on Housing Afternoon Subcommittee (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, so think like, for example, in Tuftonboro, you think like Cow Island or, um, you know, Chase
- Island, where they have these septic systems that aren't to code.
- um you know so especially on islands um you know so think<00:45:33.520><c> like</c><00:45:33.839><c>
- or</c><00:45:36.640><c> um</c><00:45:36.800><c> you</c><00:45:36.960><c> know</c> think like Cow Island
- or um you know think like Cow Island or um you know Chase<00:45:37.440><c> Island</c><00:45:37.760><
Summary:
The subcommittee on SB 170 opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then worked through the bill section by section, focusing first on a housing-related provision that would prohibit municipalities from requiring occupants to be related by blood or marriage. The chair proposed adding “school enrollment status” as a protected class to prevent towns from limiting where students may live, especially in Durham. Members debated whether that phrase was too vague and whether “educational status,” “enrollment status,” or “school enrollment status” was the best wording. Public testimony raised concerns that adding a new protected class could have broader implications under the state’s anti-discrimination law and could also affect municipal zoning authority, while supporters argued the bill was aimed at preventing local rules that restrict student housing and group living arrangements. The subcommittee did not take a final vote on that language during the discussion.
The committee then turned to land-use and subdivision provisions. The Department of Environmental Services testified that its test-pit and related land-development rules are already protective of groundwater and surface water, and that municipalities sometimes impose stricter setbacks or other requirements locally. Builders and housing advocates argued that more stringent local requirements for test pits, well siting, and related approvals add time and cost and can impede housing development, while some municipal concerns were raised about aquifer and wellhead protection overlay districts and local groundwater safeguards. Public testimony also supported making state standards uniform across municipalities, though one speaker noted that local and state review processes can differ and that the bill could simplify approvals.
The subcommittee also discussed a road-length provision, with one member supporting limits on municipal caps that could impede development and another suggesting a possible water-and-sewer-capacity qualifier. Additional sections were explained as allowing utilities and infrastructure to be placed in subdivision open spaces or perimeter buffers, and requiring municipalities to act quickly on plan changes after initial review. The chair indicated support for several of the sections as drafted, and the discussion ended with the committee moving through the remaining provisions without recorded final votes in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Committee on Housing Afternoon Subcommittee (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, so think like, for example, in Tuftonboro, you think like Cow Island or, you know, Chase Island
- um you know so especially on islands um you know so think<00:45:33.520><c> like</c><00:45:33.839><c>
- or</c><00:45:36.640><c> um</c><00:45:36.800><c> you</c><00:45:36.960><c> know</c> think like Cow Island
- or um you know think like Cow Island or um you know Chase<00:45:37.440><c> Island</c><00:45:37.760><
- c> where</c><00:45:38.000><c> they</c><00:45:38.160><c> have</c><00:45:38.240><c> these</c> Chase Island
Summary:
The subcommittee opened discussion on SP 170 and worked through the bill section by section, focusing first on housing discrimination language and then on land-use and development provisions. On the housing section, members discussed adding “school enrollment status” or a similar term as a protected class to prevent municipalities from steering students into specific zones, especially in Durham. Some members questioned whether “status” was too vague and suggested “enrollment status” or “school enrollment status” for clarity. Public testimony raised concerns that adding a new protected class could have broader implications beyond this bill and could affect municipal zoning authority, while supporters argued the language was needed to prevent discrimination against students in housing access.
The committee then heard testimony on provisions limiting municipal authority over septic test pits and well-siting requirements. DEES officials and a builder testified that state standards are already protective of groundwater and surface water and that some local requirements are more stringent than the state’s, adding cost and delay to housing projects. Supporters said uniform state standards would make housing development faster and more predictable. Opponents warned that local rules can protect aquifers, wellhead areas, and drinking water in specific communities, and that removing municipal flexibility could weaken those protections. The subcommittee appeared comfortable keeping these sections, though members discussed whether to clarify the language and whether some local review authority should remain.
The meeting also covered road-length limits, caps on the number of lots on dead-end roads, and subdivision design rules. Members generally supported prohibiting municipalities from using maximum road length or lot caps to block development, with one amendment suggested to allow such limits where adequate water and sewer capacity is lacking. The committee also discussed allowing utilities and infrastructure such as septic systems, wells, electric systems, drainage structures, and shared leach fields to be placed in subdivision open space or perimeter buffers when those areas are not protected wetlands or shoreland. Finally, the committee reviewed a provision requiring municipalities to stamp and accept plan changes within three days after initial review, with members explaining that the goal is to prevent repeated, incremental changes from dragging out the approval process. No final votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided, but members indicated general comfort with several sections as amended or clarified.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President Washington, in the summer of 1790, penned a letter to the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island
- 26.960><c> President</c> President Washington closed that letter to the congregation in Newport, Rhode Island
- Hawaii seek recognition? Hawaii seek recognition?
- 13.520><c> member</c><07:22:13.840><c> of</c><07:22:14.000><c> the</c> When I was first elected to the Hawaii
- recognize Cohen and Collins Trolio, who helped the Ole Miss Rebels win the SEC golf championship in Sea Island
Keywords:
organized retail crime, retail theft, cargo theft, supply chain crime, shoplifting, organized theft groups, cargo diversion, stolen goods, fencing, online marketplace, e-commerce, gift cards, prepaid cards, money laundering, Homeland Security Investigations, HSI, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, interstate theft, transnational crime
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Greg Wood, professor of physics and chair of the physics department at CSU Channel Islands, and Michael
- I'm the executive director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs
- Within our ANAPI communities, Southeast Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students face the
- For Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students, that number is 22%.
- And as the only Pacific Islander in the ANAPISI community, this is just something that I would have to
Committee:
House Higher Education
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , while Sam was on Midway Island in the middle of the Pacific.
- , while Sam was on Midway Island in the middle of the Pacific.
- ISLAND, WHILE SAM WAS ON MIDWAY ILANA -- ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC.
- North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is two U.S. manufacturers of plum...
- NORTH KINGSTOWN, RHODE ISLAND IS TWO U.S. MANUFACTURERS OF PLUM Peanut to use food to save lives.
Bills:
HR480 , HR481 , HR488 , HB2035 , HR252 , HB1948 , HR1373 , HR1182 , HR248 , HR137 , HB2390 , HB2351
Keywords:
House of Representatives, congressional training, workplace rights, workplace responsibilities, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, sexual harassment training, employee training, Member orientation, House Administration Committee, Congressional Accountability Act, CAA, interns, unpaid interns, fellows, detailees, legislative workplace, congressional offices, compliance training, ethics training
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Back in 1984, we set up a sister-state relationship between Idaho and the island nation, and in the process
- And I look at this from the context of having gone there and seen the island firsthand.
- I think Representative Skaug also has a relationship and connection with the island as well.
- And it's really incredible to see what they've accomplished in such... ...connection with the island
Committee:
House State Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise to present
- Over 7 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders reside in California.
- We are honored to join our Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues in diverse communities across
- In that spirit, please join me in honoring our Asian Pacific Islander communities and the caucus.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file.
The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage.
The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Provincetown Brewing Company here in Provincetown, one of the many businesses in my district, Cape and Islands
- One of the many businesses in my district, Cape Islands district, who are clamoring for and asking for
- keep their doors open when many of our restaurants and bars that stay open here on Cape Cod and the islands
- So we are against this bill, as is Rhode Island, as is Connecticut, as are many other states across the
- who have the exact same prohibition, including the other two states in southern New England, Rhode Island
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on alcohol licensing, sales, and consumption issues affecting bars, restaurants, package stores, and local communities. The chair outlined hybrid hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits and instructions for written testimony. The committee heard a local bill for Milford, H. 4169, authorizing an additional off-premises all-alcohol license for Charlie’s Mini Mart, with the understanding that the existing wine and malt license would be surrendered if the new license is granted.
A major topic was the long-running debate over happy hour. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposed bills such as S. 217, H. 349, and H. 443, arguing that discounted alcohol would intensify competition, create pressure on restaurants to participate, and potentially raise liquor liability and insurance costs. In contrast, Senator Julian Cyr testified in support of repealing the happy hour ban through a local-option framework, saying the bill includes safeguards such as no discounts after 10 p.m., fixed pricing during promotions, and advance posting requirements, and that it could help downtowns and seasonal businesses without creating a public health risk.
The Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified on a broad package of bills, opposing measures to reinstate happy hour, allow supplier control over retail shelf space (H. 350), impose a transfer fee on licenses (H. 351), authorize alcohol coupons or discounts (H. 381 and S. 219), and permit Thanksgiving alcohol sales (H. 428). It supported bills requiring beverage alcohol training for off-premise licensees (H. 344), restricting self-checkout for alcohol (H. 366), changing Section 15 grocery-store license rules (S. 213), and several other regulatory changes. The Distilled Spirits Council supported H. 350 on private label spirits, while acknowledging concerns about disclosure and preferential treatment; package store witnesses defended private labels as lawful products they create with manufacturers, and the council argued the bill should address consumer confusion and unfair competitive advantages. The hearing concluded with Chair Chan announcing committee poll results on other bills, including a number of favorable reports and study orders, and the committee then voted to close the hearing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Standing Committee on Finance and Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation - 06/02/26
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, I want to capture State Park on Long Island, and we're building cricket fields because that's
- You go to New York City, it's very different than the Thousand Islands—very different park system and
- And so, like I brought up with lifeguards, we have a 95% retention rate for lifeguards on Long Island
- , but have a more difficult time getting lifeguards in the Thousand Islands because of the dispersed
- So I was just at—I visited six state parks on Long Island—and they have, they're hiring groups of maintenance
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature.
Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations.
She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.