Video & Transcript Research : 'devices'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPN-HHS Public Hearing 03-20-2026

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1573, which would create state enforcement authority over unauthorized e-cigarette products and related tobacco enforcement. Supporters including SHPDA, the Department of Health, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others said the bill would help protect youth from unauthorized vaping products, give the state tools to enforce an FDA-authorized product list, and add penalties and inspection authority. A committee member asked whether enforcement staff were available and what penalties would apply; the response was that existing tobacco investigators would take on the work, and the bill includes civil penalties, seizure authority, and possible license revocation referrals. The measure drew both support and opposition testimony, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1645, relating to liability for child welfare service providers. The Insurance Division said it was aware of the insurance-cost problem, had raised the issue with the NAIC, and was exploring a captive insurance option, while suggesting the legislature consider additional appropriations to DHS to cover higher contract costs. Supporters, including Parents and Children Together and Hawaii Insurance Council, argued the bill would help child welfare providers obtain insurance and continue critical services. Opponents, including the Hawaii Association for Justice, warned that removing joint and several liability could leave victims undercompensated and might not actually lower premiums. The insurance commissioner said other states have done tort reform in this area, but the committee was told it is not clear the bill would reduce insurance costs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1875, which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Hawaii and shield patients and providers from out-of-state legal actions. Support came from the Hawaii State Youth Commission, LGBTQ+ and public health groups, medical professionals, ACLU Hawaii, Planned Parenthood, and others, who said gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and important for patient privacy, provider stability, and continuity of care. Several witnesses asked for amendments to the bill’s definition language. Opposition testimony came from individuals and groups including Hawaii Christian Coalition, Leeward Republican Women’s Club, and others, who argued the bill could expose children to irreversible decisions and that more research is needed. The chair noted roughly 176 supporters and about 40 opponents testified. No final action or vote was reported in the excerpt.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Education Policy Committee Feb 26th, 2025

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • what we're looking to do with this is free our classrooms of unnecessary electronic communication devices
  • operating, or possessing a wireless... ...using, operating, or possessing a wireless communication device
  • This is not talking about your district's own devices; those are fully usable. We're...
  • The devices that have been purchased by the schools or school boards, whomever is making those purchases
  • The local Board of Education shall adopt the wireless communication device policy.
Bills: SB92, HB9, HB9
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Judiciary Feb 14th, 2026 at 04:37 pm

Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Communication devices are a powerful and important tool.
  • Communication devices are a powerful and important tool.
  • Every district really will select their own process for storing those devices.
  • The existing language is they may prohibit a student from using a device.
  • We shall adopt a policy regarding the use of devices in schools.
Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264