Video & Transcript Research : 'pardons'
Page 9 of 100
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Pardon me. >> Thank you very much. >> Make sure the video goes on. Yeah.
- Oh, pardon, Representative Luneau. You were hidden, right? >> Right. No, thanks.
- Oh, pardon,<02:07:34.639>
Representative <02:07:35.199>Luno. - >> Pardon<02:20:48.560>
me. >> Pardon me. >> Pardon me. - The chair said, “Once again, those people—well, pardon me.”
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1330 pertains To the pardoned parole board, specifically to the pay of those pardoned parole
- Members, if you've not been to a pardon parole board meeting, I would encourage you to do that.
- As you know, that's a very important part of the pardon parole process and is very important to our criminal
- What a critical role that the pardoned parole board plays not only in public safety but in our prison
Bills:
SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195
Keywords:
SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Transportation and Energy Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transportation and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Pardon? >> Speaker. >> That's only speaker. That's it. Mr. Livingston, >> Mr.
- >> Pardon? >> Speaker. >> That's only speaker. That's it. Mr. Livingston, >> Mr.
- >> Pardon? >> Speaker. >> That's only speaker. That's it. Mr. Livingston, >> Mr.
- >> Pardon? >> Speaker. >> That's only speaker. That's it. Mr. Livingston, >> Mr.
- >> Pardon? >> Speaker. >> That's only speaker. That's it. Mr. Livingston, >> Mr.
Keywords:
SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security 1/13/26 - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh,<00:21:50.000>
pardon <00:21:50.240>me. - Pardon me if I could ask Senator Arms Linquist to present page four, please.
- Pardon<00:24:23.679>
me <00:24:23.919>if <00:24:24.159>I <00:24:24.320>could< - /c><00:24:24.480>
ask <00:24:24.720>Senator <00:24:25.679>uh Pardon me if I could - ask Senator uh Pardon me if I could ask Senator uh Senate<00:24:26.400>
Arms <00:24:26.720>
Summary:
The committee reconvened in open session after a closed discussion of sensitive security details and reviewed the public executive summary of the Minnesota State Capitol Complex Security Assessment by Axtel. Members discussed weapon screening and access control at length, including testimony from Capitol security and judicial center staff about screening procedures, prohibited items, and how screening is managed for visitors and authorized personnel. The chair emphasized that the committee was voting on high-level recommendations to be included in the final ACAST report and that the Department of Public Safety and Department of Administration would be encouraged to pursue the necessary work, including any legislative or budget requests.
The committee then took a series of roll-call votes on the Axtel recommendations. Access control screening and visitor management (5.11) passed 4-2, while authorized access control and credential oversight (5.12), internal circulation and zoning controls (5.13), perimeter and exterior grounds (5.14), staffing models/post orders/operational readiness (5.15), technology and system integration (5.16), and protective intelligence (5.18) all passed unanimously 6-0. Each approved item was added as a recommendation in the final report.
After the votes, the Department of Administration, Department of Public Safety, and House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms offices walked through the draft final report. They highlighted staffing improvements, security infrastructure already installed, and remaining needs, including an estimated $41.008 million request for future enhancements such as kiosks, glass-resistant film, door access controls, cameras, lighting, bollards, and an updated distributed antenna system. The report also includes recommendations on trauma-informed safety drills, conduct rules for hearings, and designating the Minnesota State Patrol Capital Security Division as the primary investigative authority for potential criminal activity on Capitol grounds.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Pardon? Yes. What did you say? Oyster's Patrick? I'm fine. I'm fine. Oyster's Rockefeller.
- “Pardon me?” “Only every other year, but yes.” “No, no, no. Unless we’re in a special session.”
- Pardon me? How many votes do you need for that?
- Pardon me, 24. Pardon me, as president. It's correction, 24. Didn't have to do my math.
- Pardon me, say again. Continue.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, recognized a Karnes County Day delegation and the Texas Association of Museums, received a governor’s message on Texas Diabetes Council appointments, and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 388 honoring the Texas Association of Museums, and adopted SRs 380, 382, and 387 by voice vote. Senator King was excused due to a family death, and the journal reading was dispensed with.
The Senate then moved through a series of bills, most of them on expedited suspension of the regular order and three-day rule. Measures passed included SB 868 on Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funding for high-wildfire-risk areas; SB 264 exempting certain family motor-vehicle transfers from tax; SB 2112 on oyster mariculture penalties; SB 1484 on catfish labeling and marketing; SB 660 on bollards near hospital emergency rooms; SB 1809 creating offenses for gift card fraud; SB 32 and SJR 81 providing business personal property tax relief and a related constitutional amendment; SB 1267 modernizing boat titling and adding disclosure for hidden hull damage; SB 1470 allowing DPS data sharing for voter list maintenance; SB 2406 and SB 2407 implementing Sunset recommendations for the Sabine River Authority and Lower Neches Valley River Authority; SB 609 on school district compliance with legally required policies; SB 921 on ex parte Medicaid eligibility renewals; SB 2320 increasing DWI penalties; SB 1822 requiring disclosure and oversight of AI-based utilization review algorithms; SB 693 on notaries public and deed theft prevention; and SB 664 setting statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and related judicial officers.
One of the most contested items was SB 779 on common law public nuisance claims, which drew extended debate over whether the bill would limit lawsuits against lawful, regulated activities and whether it would preserve private nuisance and other existing remedies. Despite objections, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment by a 17-12 vote, holding it there. Another debated measure was SB 1008 on state and local authority over the food service industry; after a perfecting amendment, it was passed to engrossment and then to final passage. Several bills were adopted or passed with near-unanimous support, while others, including SB 1267, SB 1470, SB 1822, and SB 2320, saw some opposition but still cleared the chamber.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- And when the bill was originally written for the casinos, they were very conscious of—pardon me, I'm
- And when the bill was originally written for the casinos, they were very conscious of, you pardon me,
- I'm just not adept anymore. pardon me, I'm just not adept anymore.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation.
There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers.
Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, on the amendment rather—pardon me. Yes, no, no, I knew what you meant, Mr. Chair.
- On the amendment, rather pardoning. comment on Senate bill 1424 on the amendment rather pardoning yes
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and approval of the journal. Members then adopted motions to extend the second regular session, suspend the seven-bill limit for budget-related measures, and request the Senate return SB 1786 (Artificial Intelligence Content Verification) for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items.
In Committee of the Whole, members advanced SB 1057 with a do-pass recommendation. SB 1171, dealing with health and human services, was amended on the floor amid discussion of fingerprinting and fraud prevention, with supporters saying it would help address Medicaid fraud and improve accountability; it was then recommended do pass as amended. SB 1424, an education bill requiring age-appropriate firearm safety instruction and guidance on safe storage, drew extended debate. Supporters framed it as common-sense gun safety and child protection, while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, infringed on parents’ rights, and diverted attention from core academics. A proposed Gutierrez floor amendment to shift the focus toward secure storage responsibility was rejected by division vote, 23-31, and the bill was then recommended do pass. SB 1515, concerning public safety pay, was amended to create a public safety parity fund using rainy day fund interest and was recommended do pass as amended.
After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515 were deferred to engrossing, SB 1178 was retained on the calendar, and SB 1057 was placed on third reading. The House then held an additional Committee of the Whole on SB 1552, adopted a minor floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. On third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed. The House also received several appropriations bills on first reading and adjourned until Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after announcing a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing for the next morning.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I beg your pardon. That's true, 6 in the affirmative, 1 in the negative. Mr.
- right. passed a table from Senate bill 145 permanently six to zero no we have one one four I beg your pardon
Keywords:
SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- authorized to grant parole, supervise parolees, and make recommendations to the governor regarding pardons
- In addition to that, we processed 53 pardon and 70 commutation petitions and 41 early termination of.
- In addition to that, we crossed this 53 pardon and 70 commutation positions and 41 early termination
- It's the Advisory Board of Pardons, and so there's matters that the board will do, conduct a hearing,
Summary:
The Special Commission on Criminal Justice Reform 3.0 heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Parole Board focused on consolidation, cooperation, and evidence-based supervision across the correctional system. Parole Board Chair Angela Gomez-June described the board’s mission, its coordination with the Department of Correction, houses of correction, courts, probation, law enforcement, victim services, and UMass partners, and outlined 2024 activity including 2,810 institutional release hearings, 18,238 victim notifications, 53 pardon petitions, 70 commutation petitions, 41 early termination applications, and supervision of 2,993 parolees. She emphasized the board’s shift toward individualized, data-driven decision-making, including revised GPS use, graduated sanctions, and more service-oriented community supervision.
Members and sheriffs pressed for clearer breakdowns of the board’s data, including the difference between releases, hearings, and active supervision; average length of supervision; the share of lifers in the caseload; and how many people are placed in housing, employment, and treatment. The board said its active supervised population fluctuates around 1,600 to 1,800, with more than 400 lifers, and that about 30 to 36 percent of its population is housed through programs such as MASH, community justice resource centers, and sheriff-run residential programs like Rocky Hill and HOPE. Members also discussed parole refusals, noting that some individuals decline parole to avoid supervision or to serve time inside instead, and asked for a more detailed breakdown of those cases.
The board and commission also discussed collaboration with DOC and UMass on risk assessment, reentry planning, and community pathways, including a tablet video explaining the parole process and pharmacist support for medication-related drug test issues. The board reported that after the SJC’s Matus decision, 210 individuals were identified as affected, 144 were immediately eligible for hearings, 100 hearings had been completed, and 10 more were scheduled; it also said clemency and commutation work had been slowed by staffing and Matus-related demands. The meeting ended with a request for follow-up data on outcomes, supervision lengths, housing and employment placements, and other consolidated statistics, and the commission announced its next public hearing for March 9 at 10 a.m. before adjourning.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/29/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Leadership Media Availability on Last Day of Session Progress - 05/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Pardon me. Commit to asking them to meet in public. So, if not, I'll do that behind.
- <00:12:20.000>
Pardon <00:12:20.240>me. discussion meeting in public? - Pardon me. discussion meeting in public?
- Pardon me. commit<00:12:20.880>
to <00:12:21.120>asking <00:12:21.440>them <00:12
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- review applications for clemency from criminal offenders and make recommendations to the Board of Pardons
- review applications for clemency from criminal offenders and make recommendations to the Board of Pardons
- recommendations to the Board of Pardons recommendations to the Board of Pardons Board<01:21:05.800
- >
of <01:21:05.960>Pardons <01:21:06.440>consists <01:21:06.880>of <01:21: - 07.000>
the Board of Pardons consists of the Board of Pardons consists of the governor<01:21:07.520
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present, approved the January 21, 2025 minutes by voice vote, and then took up House File 7, which was recommended to pass and be re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee. The chair also reminded attendees about decorum rules in the committee room. House File 7 was described by the author as a public safety package combining 12 provisions from prior Republican-authored bills, aimed at supporting law enforcement, reducing violent crime, and increasing accountability in the criminal justice system.
The bill’s main provisions discussed included tougher penalties for aggravated fleeing, making it a crime to be in a stolen vehicle, allowing tracking devices on stolen vehicles even when occupied, increasing penalties for blocking highways and critical infrastructure, and increasing penalties for assaulting peace officers. The author also highlighted provisions on sex trafficking, predatory offender registration, and greater public disclosure of bail payments, case dismissals, sentencing reductions, and sentencing guideline changes. Testifying in support were Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher, MPPOA President Shane Mey, and Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Executive Director Jeff Potts, all of whom argued the bill would help officers address auto theft, fleeing suspects, and assaults on law enforcement. They cited increases in assaults on officers and high numbers of stolen vehicles and fleeing cases, and said the bill would improve safety and transparency.
Witnesses generally supported the bill’s approach but suggested some refinements, including adding language for additional aggravating factors in officer assault cases and considering similar treatment for corrections officers. Sheriff Fletcher also urged reconsideration of the recently enacted raise-the-age changes, arguing they could limit law enforcement’s ability to respond to younger offenders involved in stolen vehicles. No opposition testimony or final vote on House File 7 was recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to pass and re-refer it.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- on page 27 of the calendar: House Bill Number 88 by Representative Starr, relating to the Board of Pardons
- and Paroles. ...relating to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
- Ladies and gentlemen, House Bill 88 is the department bill for the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles
- Ladies and gentlemen, this bill is a Pardons and Paroles bill that will presume rehabilitation for individuals
- It also mandates the Board of Pardons and Parole to issue certificates of employability to eligible parolees
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (10/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Pardon me. Yeah. And Jendola. Yeah. Yep. So those are they.
- Pardon me. >> As amended. >> As amended. Yes. Any further discussion? All those in favor?
- >> Pardon me. >> And the following week is Thanksgiving. >> Yeah.
- >> Pardon<01:51:58.480>
me. >> Pardon me. >> Pardon me. - >> Pardon<01:53:24.880>
me. >> Pardon me. >> Pardon me.
Summary:
The commission met to continue its study of the cost of special education, with the chair emphasizing that the group needs to narrow its focus over the coming year toward specific cost drivers, including the IEP process, Medicaid, charter schools, and EFAs. Members reviewed a draft first report due November 1 and agreed it would be a brief synopsis of prior meetings, with minutes attached. The September 30, 2025 minutes were amended to correct the number of federally funded department staff from 234 to 23, and to revise language about Senator Sullivan’s comments so they reflected concerns about IEP advocates and fees charged to families rather than support for the concept. The amended minutes were then approved unanimously, with abstentions noted for members who were absent.
The main presentation focused on how special education costs are handled for students attending charter schools. The DOE representative said there are 804 students with disabilities in charter schools across 88 of the state’s 176 districts, and that the district of residence remains responsible for all services and costs. She explained that students must meet IDEA criteria through district evaluation and parent consent, and that services are determined through individual IEP meetings rather than by a blanket charter-school decision. Members asked how those costs are tracked, whether any students are merely “monitored,” and whether districts separately identify charter-school special education expenses; the answer was that most districts fold those costs into their overall special education budget, though some may break them out as a line item.
The discussion then turned to transportation and mileage costs for staff providing services at charter schools. Testimony indicated that districts may use their own staff, contract staff, or contract with a charter school for certified services, and that travel costs are often either built into contracts or absorbed as part of staff time rather than separately reimbursed. Members questioned whether mileage is reimbursed when staff travel to distant charter schools and whether those costs can be isolated in district budgets; the response was that practices vary by district and are not usually broken out by special education function. Several members argued this makes it difficult to determine the true cost of delivering special education, especially given New Hampshire’s model in which the district of residence pays regardless of where the charter school is located. The chair noted the complexity of the system and compared it to the state’s separate tuition and transportation approach for career and technical education centers.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Read the title. relating to the board of pardons title. relating to the board of pardons title. relating
- Relating to pardons and pearls to title. Relating to pardons and pearls to title.
- and authorize the board of pardons and authorize the board of pardons and prolls to share electronic
- and parrols to adopt board of pardons and parrols to adopt board of pardons and parrols to adopt rules
- me, a collected about a user, pardon me, a collected about a user, pardon me, a user's age user's age
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, in our state, we have two departments that have their fingers in the dam pie, if you would pardon
- the expression. ...fingers in the dam pie, if you would pardon the expression.
- support some legislation that throws money at a problem, but is really just pissing it down the drain, pardon
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, attendance, and a series of recesses and caucus calls. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Larry Horn of the Michigan Senate Police Department and later honored departing staff members Macy Maine, Maddie Cutler, and Julia Schmidt. Senator Geiss delivered a statement marking the 62nd anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, emphasizing its legacy and the need to protect and strengthen civil rights protections.
The Senate received House messages on Senate Bills 870 and 878, with SB 878 sent to conference. It also introduced several new measures, including Senate Joint Resolution L and Senate Bills 1085 through 1091, plus House Bills 4833, 5152, 5153, and 5727, referring them to the appropriate committees. The chamber discharged multiple committees from further consideration of bills and suspended rules several times to move legislation onto the General Orders calendar and to allow committee meetings during session.
On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 4072 and Senate Bills 792, 793, 1013, and 947. SB 1013, dealing with the Insurance Code and price optimization, included a failed Tice amendment and passed 34-3. SB 947, concerning dam safety under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, drew supportive remarks from Senator McMorrow and a strong no-vote explanation from Senator McBroom before passing 22-15. The Senate also adopted a McMorrow substitute for SB 947 and later considered a large group of bills in Committee of the Whole, reporting many with amendments and others without amendment for third reading. The session ended with the Senate adjourning until Friday, July 3rd at 12:15 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, pardon me. Ayes 56, noes 0. The motion, the motion. Oh, pardon me, Ayes 56, noes 0.
- Pardon me, Assembly Member. The clerk will read before your remarks.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode.
On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A pardon from this president. A pardon from this president.
- A pardon from this president. A pardon from this president.
- A pardon from this president. A pardon from this president.
- A pardon from this president. A pardon from this president.
- A pardon from this president.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources, February 12, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Pardon me. Representative Banks. >> I. Representative Davis. >> I.
- >> Pardon<00:20:37.309>
[clears throat] <00:20:37.600>me. - >> Pardon [clears throat] me. >> Pardon [clears throat] me.
- Pardon? >> I think she moved it. Yeah, we've moved and seconded. Yeah, we're good.
- Chairman, I don't have the... >> Pardon.
Keywords:
groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Pardon me, these papers are sticking together.
- Pardon<00:03:37.040>
me, <00:03:37.280>these <00:03:37.519>papers <00:03:37.840 - >
are <00:03:38.000>sticking Pardon me, these papers are sticking Pardon me, these papers
Summary:
The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused.
The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft.
Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language.
Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.