Video & Transcript Research : 'Association of Zoos and Aquariums'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:23:57.120> and production of of bofuels and such. and production of of bofuels and such
  • > of<00:50:45.280> being this size and this scope of being this size and this scope of
  • And you know, a lot of types of things.
  • > of maximum of $400 per bin and a maximum of maximum of $400 per bin and a maximum of $2,400<
  • :14:06.400> and becomes the talk of a coffee shop and becomes the talk of a coffee shop and local
Bills: HF2103, HF4508
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • co-owner of Hemker Park and Zoo: Hi, I am Joan Hemker, the founder and co-owner of Hemker Park and Zoo
  • > of hamker park and zoo and I am here of hamker park and zoo and I am here today<01:03:39.440> to
  • Zoo and Aquarium Association and participates in American Zoo and Aquarium Association species survival
  • Zoo and Aquarium Association and participates in American Zoo and Aquarium Association species survival
  • accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and participates in American Zoo and Aquarium
Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Boards Association, that runs our training and technical services portion of the Center for School Safety
  • Boards Association, that runs our training and technical services portion of the Center for School Safety
  • I'm Jim Flynn, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, and I'm joined
  • and kind of where of those cooperatives and kind of where they're<01:56:47.199> placed<01:56:
  • Um, and and as being types of services.
Summary: The committee opened its sixth meeting of the 2025 Interim Joint Committee on Education, confirmed a quorum, recorded attendance votes, and approved the minutes. Chair Lewis reminded presenters to keep remarks brief because of the full agenda and limited time. The first presentation was from United Way of Southern Kentucky, with Anne Puckett, Craig Browning, and Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton introducing a regional early childhood initiative. The presenters argued that kindergarten readiness and early childhood support are critical to later academic and life outcomes. They cited research and statistics about brain development in the first five years, the effects of unprepared kindergarten entry, and links between low literacy, school discipline, dropout rates, and incarceration. They said their region’s readiness scores fell during COVID and after a tornado, and that the most effective response was in-home parent education to help families support children from birth to age five. They described the model as voluntary, community-based, and not requiring new buildings, and said similar programs have been successful in Missouri. The group said it had already raised more than $1 million in private donations and committed three years of funding for four additional staff, expanding service in Allen, Logan, and Warren counties. They requested $600,000 per year for the next two-year budget cycle to add 12 more educators, serve about 360 families and 660 additional children, and build evidence for a possible statewide model. Members generally expressed support for the concept, with Representative Tipton and Representative Jackson discussing a prior home-based preschool pilot and the importance of starting early. Representative Calloway questioned whether increased family chaos and government involvement justified the approach; presenters responded that the program uses community educators, not a government-run organization, and is aimed at helping overwhelmed families. Representative Stalker asked about eligibility and early intervention, and presenters said the program serves children from birth to age five and can help identify needs early enough to connect families with services such as First Steps.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CAA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Culture & Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • > measure and we stand in support of this measure and we stand in support of this measure and<
  • of<00:18:18.320> the uh, Vice Chair Kong, and members of the uh, Vice Chair Kong, and members
  • I'm Randy Wong, president and CEO of Hawaii Youth Symphony, and we stand in full support of this measure
  • University of Hawaii at Monoa and Serco University of Hawaii at Monoa and Serco Pacific.<00:24:23.039
  • I'm happy to answer questions. and members of the committee. Uh, my and members of the committee.
Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • and kind of all surviving past COVID. and kind of all surviving past COVID.
  • Hawaii Food Industry Association in opposition. >> Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, and members of
  • Hawaii Food Industry Association in opposition. >> Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, and members of
  • Hawaii Food Industry Association in opposition. >> Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, and members of
  • both condominium unit owners and the associations, which are made up of condominium unit owners.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/17/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • with conservation and preservation and protection of all of the species that the Game and Fish Department
  • Chair and members, Senate Bill 1082 requires operators of petting zoos, animal encounter exhibits, and
  • was published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and the CDC.
  • was published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and the CDC.
  • Out of the thousands of kids that go through these petting zoos and experience the livestock, and I can
Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee first considered two nominations. Jessica Manuel was introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, where testimony emphasized her science background and experience working with agencies and stakeholders. Members asked about wolf management and her qualifications, and the committee voted 8-0 to recommend her confirmation. Stephen Williams was then introduced for the Arizona Livestock Loss Board, with discussion focused on his livestock and State Land Department experience and how the board handles wolf-related livestock losses. The committee also voted 8-0 to recommend his confirmation. The committee then took up several bills. SB 1785, which would codify ADWR’s one-mile safe-harbor policy for recovery wells near groundwater storage facilities, passed 5-3 after ADWR said it largely reflected current practice but requested clarifying language. SB 1082, requiring sanitation measures and signage for petting zoos and similar animal encounter exhibits, drew strong testimony from a parent advocate describing severe E. coli/HUS cases and opposition from fair/agriculture representatives who argued the bill was too broad and unnecessary; after amendment, it failed 4-4. SB 1336, extending the State Land Department and creating a temporary oversight committee with a broad amendment on lease holdovers, notice periods, and committee membership, passed 6-2 after significant debate over the committee’s composition and scope. Later, SB 1200, which would require ADWR to revisit certain Phoenix AMA assured water supply applications using older groundwater models, passed 5-3 despite opposition from CAP and ADWR over added replenishment obligations and concerns about relying on outdated models. SB 1335, requiring the Arizona Water Banking Authority to post its annual report online, passed 7-1. SB 1559, creating rural groundwater management work groups in each basin to report to ADWR, passed 5-3 after supporters said it would improve basin-level coordination and opponents argued it created new bureaucracy without enforcement tools. SB 1761, appropriating $47.7 million to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Experiment Station, passed 7-1 amid broad support but some concern about funding levels. Finally, SCM 1007, urging Congress to divest and improve the San Carlos Irrigation Project electric system, passed unanimously.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, they are a region comprised of nine condominium associations and a Kulana parcel.
  • > associations<00:20:21.200> and<00:20:21.360> a of nine condominium associations
  • and a of nine condominium associations and a Kulana<00:20:22.000> parcel.
  • The Hawaiian Civic Clubs Association consists of 67 clubs nationwide, over 3,000 members, and the association
  • and a member of the board of resident and a member of the board of water<01:43:15.520> supply
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 2nd, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • advocacy, policy, and the law to improve the lives of Texans, and we're in support of HB1576.
  • The Texas Fair Plan Association pays premium and maintenance taxes to the Texas Department of Insurance
  • Okay, we show you Jennifer Collie from the Texas Association of Life... ...and Health Insurers.
  • that is being proposed, and a reasonable presentation of the acknowledged risks and complications associated
  • Depression and thoughts of suicide.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 2nd, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is John Summers, and I'm a representative with the Texas Association of Builders.
  • I'm Amy Granberry and behalf of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and our 700 plus members
  • Part of it is due to the concentration of... of risk and the risk of storms.
  • You don't have all of the interest and carrying charges associated with debt financing, which, you know
  • the Texas coast about windstorm insurance, mismanagement of the Windstorm Insurance Association, and
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 25th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Katina Voellinger, and I'm here on behalf of Ground Game Texas and myself.
  • On top of that, this bill creates a lot of barriers while wasting time and money.
  • to out-of-state manufacturers and distributors, providers, and within a matter of minutes after submitting
  • And that is what is happening right now to the tune of 20,000 to 30,000 a year, and these are all out-of-state
  • , manufacturers, and anyone in that chain of distribution.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 25th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so anyone who's in that chain of delivery and receipt and provision of the abortion drugs to the
  • And of course, the words that we associate with things and the rhetoric that we use.
  • My name is Corey Peterson and I testify on behalf of myself, and I am in favor of HB5510.
  • Of Medicine's definitions of Mifeprestone and all of its medical understandings and papers, I pulled
  • I'm a strategic policy associate for Texas Values Action and I'm in favor of HB 229.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee is part of the review of the Department of Education's facility evaluation instrument and
  • the service and dedication of current educators.
  • of student achievement and readiness.
  • And on one of the bills that one of the students did, it was to ban the sale of energy drinks in public
  • and not the access of?”
Bills: SB293, SB279, SB293, SB279
Summary: The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill. The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers. House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Education Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Smith and I. Yes, and the Early Childhood Council are all members of this.
  • And while I was the head of the Office of Women's Advancement and Advocacy, we pulled data that schools
  • I ran National Girls and Women's Sports Day, and we considered a gap of 3.5% a problem.
  • And so when we had about half of schools with gaps of 6%, and some with gaps of upwards of 15%, that
  • in the success and well-being of Delaware students.
Bills: SB293, SB279
Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the June 10 minutes and then heard House Bill 447, which would create a framework for voluntary child care cost-sharing partnerships among the state, employers, community sponsors, and families. Supporters said the bill is meant to help make child care more affordable and support workforce participation by using the existing Interagency Resource Management Committee to coordinate planning and funding. Committee discussion focused on how the tri-share model would work, who would participate, and whether it would reach lower-income families; no public comment was offered on the bill. The committee then took up House Bill 300, as amended, which would establish a statewide Title IX coordinator within the Department of Education to provide training, technical assistance, data collection, and oversight for interscholastic athletics in grades 6 through 12. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the position would help schools comply with Title IX, improve consistency, and make athletic participation and spending data more transparent; opponents or skeptics questioned whether a new DOE position was needed and whether districts were already meeting their obligations. The sponsor and witnesses responded that existing federal data are delayed and incomplete, that some Delaware schools have participation gaps, and that a state-level coordinator would provide needed support and accountability. Public comment on HB 300 included testimony from the Delaware State Education Association, the Delaware Association of School Administrators, the Delaware School Sports Network, and the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, all generally supporting the bill or its goals. DASA noted it remained neutral but appreciated changes made in House Amendment 1 to reduce reporting burden. After public comment, the chair asked members to sign the bill release forms for the two bills heard, and the committee adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • c> and Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Labor and Industry and across<00:03:42.400
  • of Labor and Industry and the Department of Labor and Industry and I<00:06:39.680> oversee<00
  • And part of the intent of the right?
  • of<01:21:20.880> course center of bioiming and um of course center of bioiming and um of course
  • /c> and and then the schools and all of this and and then the schools and all of this is<01:26:18.080
Bills: HF4862, HF4598
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • number of you all about this project and number of you all about this project and its<00:10:19.200
  • and I know a lot of a lot of my and I know a lot of a lot of my constituents<00:20:16.160> also
  • 00:41:02.079> those Um and then we sort of put all of those Um and then we sort of put all of
  • And so, it it was a lot of work.
  • if you have any. the low the lowest of the the floor and the low the lowest of the the floor and and
Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects. The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers. The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • For that reason, 90% of my time and effort and that of the department is devoted to doing everything
  • , the principal gives them a bag of chips and a Coke and sends them back.
  • I know some of these 13- and 14-year-old kids. They're 13 and 14 going on 40.
  • And so there's a whole variety of benefits and educational opportunities.
  • B-1598 on behalf of the association.
Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne focused on school safety, academic improvement, career and technical education, ESA oversight, and teacher pay. Horne argued that students cannot learn without safe schools and urged more funding for school police officers, citing threats and violent incidents. He also highlighted Project Momentum, tutoring, attendance, classroom phone restrictions, the Student Industry Partnership, expanded ESA participation, and his call to use Proposition 123 land trust funds for direct teacher raises. In response to a question, he said the department is using AI tools, residency checks, and investigators to reduce ESA fraud and abuse. The committee then considered SB 1074, which would require written certification from a principal or administrator before a student removed for discipline could return to class. Horne and the sponsor said the bill would support teachers and hold administrators accountable, while opponents from the Arizona Education Association argued it was redundant, could undermine administrator judgment and FERPA-protected information, and would not address the root causes of classroom disruption. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1327, as amended by a strike-everything amendment requiring Arizona public universities to adopt and report on research security policies to protect against foreign adversary threats and preserve federal funding eligibility. Support came from the sponsor, State Armor, and the Arizona Board of Regents, and the amended bill passed 5-2. Members next approved SB 1475, which bars students convicted of, or admitting to, certain serious offenses from participating in school-sponsored interscholastic activities, with some discussion about rehabilitation, school discretion, and whether a readmittance process should exist. Supporters said the measure was needed for accountability and uniformity after a particularly egregious case; opponents warned it could remove an important rehabilitative outlet. The bill passed 4-3. The committee then advanced SB 1582 and SB 1583, both related to school safety interoperability funding and technical corrections; SB 1582 passed 4-2, and SB 1583, as amended, passed 4-2. Finally, SB 1598, which appropriates $500,000 for school and community gardens, passed unanimously 5-0 after testimony that gardens serve as hands-on learning spaces and supportive environments for students.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • scale and complexity of these cases.
  • Your affirmation shows that you're Patty Henry on behalf of the County and District Clerks Association
  • And so this bill has a lot of great things in terms of the—I love the modernization of The bill has a
  • His affirmation was Benjamin Wolf, testifying on behalf of the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs and
  • But the prison I was in my head, because of the power and control wheel and the cycle of abuse and just
Bills: HB115
Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence reconvened with a quorum present and announced it would likely not vote that night because of confusion over the bill list; members were told a definitive list would be circulated the next morning and a formal meeting would be scheduled later. The chair then heard a series of bills, generally taking testimony and leaving each pending without action. House Bill 1847 would set maximum caseload standards for private attorneys handling indigent criminal appointments through the Texas Indigent Defense Commission; House Bill 2417 would expand compensation eligibility for some wrongfully imprisoned people; House Bill 2813 would require earlier and more specific victim notice of scheduled court proceedings; and House Bill 2309 would expand state and local authority in certain civil asset forfeiture cases involving human trafficking, health care fraud, and organized crime. Each bill was laid out by its author or a member, with no opposition witnesses registered, and each was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 4733, which would require sealing records for people acquitted of charges when they were not convicted on the related allegation; House Bill 2328, which would modernize expunction service by encouraging electronic notice, setting a standardized fee when electronic service is unavailable, extending clerk retention of expunction orders, and preserving certain mental health commitment orders; and House Bill 115, which would revise Texas’s “junk science” post-conviction writ law by providing counsel, changing the relief standard, requiring written decisions, and easing procedural barriers. Testimony on HB 2328 was mixed: county clerks supported the bill as a cost-saving modernization, while legal advocates warned that permanent retention of expunction orders could undermine true expunction and create privacy risks. HB 115 drew support from innocence and defense organizations, with some concern about a provision affecting subsequent writs. All were left pending after testimony. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2046, which would allow affirmative family-violence findings for any Penal Code offense rather than only Title V offenses; testimony from a Dallas County prosecutor and a committee member emphasized that family violence can involve arson, burglary, fraud, and other non-Title V conduct, and the bill was left pending. House Bill 1765 would tighten restrictions on no-knock warrants by requiring higher-level approval, judicial review, and identifiable officers; members discussed the dangers highlighted by the Harding Street raid and similar incidents, and the bill was also left pending. The meeting ended with the chair noting that some bills had been removed from the agenda at the author’s request and that members should be prepared to finalize the vote list the next day.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • exam and that years of experience have exam and that years of experience have to<00:11:11.800>
  • Here to testify in support of HB 1984 in person and on behalf of myself and my company, because this
  • of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs development
  • Vice Chair and Chair, committee members, Sinclair Bowman of the White Pilots Association, Harbor Pilots
  • just pull and fix all of this at once. just pull and fix all of this at once.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.