Transcript Highlights:

• First bill on the agenda is Senate File 3552, Senator Kunes.
• Senator<00:14:02.480> Dibble. Senator Dibble. Senator Dibble.
• Senators Dibble and Senator Weber Senators Dibble and Senator Weber regarding<00:17:40.559> these
• Thank you, Senator Rest. Moving on to Senate File 3597. Thank you so much. Senator Rest.
• Senator<00:41:17.599> Rest. Senator Rest. Senator Rest.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as the senator stated, we're 48th in the country for school counselors to student ratio.
• The bill, as it is presented now, which we are thankful to Representative Berg and Senator P for coauthoring

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Legislators and school counselors discussed a bill aimed at strengthening school counseling services in Minnesota. Supporters said the proposal would clarify counselors’ roles in state policy, require at least one school counselor in every school, and ensure counselors spend 80% of their time in direct services to students rather than being assigned to duties like hall monitoring or substitute teaching. The bill was described as building on prior efforts to expand student mental health supports after COVID and responding to Minnesota’s low student-to-counselor ratio, which speakers said ranks 48th nationally. Several counselors testified about the pressures facing students and schools, especially in communities affected by ICE enforcement and broader trauma. A St. Paul counselor described students displaced by enforcement actions, a child whose father was detained, and schools serving as food distribution centers. Another counselor from Minneapolis said students were experiencing chronic stress, fear, and difficulty focusing on school, with staff organizing mutual aid, delivering supplies, and helping students continue learning from home. Speakers said these conditions are statewide and that counselors are providing trauma support, family crisis navigation, and basic needs assistance. In response to questions, a Minnesota School Counselor Association advocate said the bill is intended to give counselors a clearer state framework and support their professional training and responsibilities. No vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Senator Wagner, I have some resolutions from Rules.
• Secretary Reed received the resolution from Rules. >> From the Committee on Rules, Senate Joint Resolution
• Secretary, receive the SJR. >> Senate Joint Resolution 61, by Senator Singleton, mourning the death of
• :13:44.720> 61<00:13:45.120> by Senate Joint Resolution number 61 by Senate Joint Resolution
• President. >> Oh, let me let him read this in real quick. >> Senate Joint Resolution 62, by Senator Allen

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Senator Gonzalez, the committee chair, and I'm joined today by Senator Stec, who is our incredible
• The next bill is Senate Bill 3699, not by yours truly, but by Senator Sanders: Senate Bill 3699, an act
• The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 5609 by Senator Salazar: Senate Bill 5609, an act to amend
• The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 6954A by Senator Gounardes: Senate Bill 6954A, an act
• The next bill is Senate Bill 6955A by Senator Gounardes: Senate Bill 6955A, an act to amend the General

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Internet Technology Committee met on February 25 at 12:10 with Senator Gonzalez chairing and Senator Stec as ranking member. The committee considered a series of bills focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biometric surveillance, and related technology issues, including measures to create a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, require notices for generative AI systems, direct a state agency telework report, require multi-factor authentication for governmental entities, establish a Secure Our Data Act, study facial recognition technology, restrict biometric surveillance by law enforcement, and increase transparency for synthetic content and AI training data. Most bills were moved and reported out of committee, with several sent to the floor and others referred onward to the Finance Committee, Codes Committee, or reported without recommendation or with opposition noted. SB 933, SB 934A, SB 936A, SB 3699, SB 6954A, SB 6955A, SB 7263, and SB 9051 were reported to the floor; SB 1139, SB 1961A, and SB 9051 were sent to Finance; and SB 5609 was sent to Codes. Votes varied by bill, with some receiving no opposition and others drawing one or more nays or without-recommendation votes. Senator Gonzalez also briefly highlighted SB 9051, which would prohibit AI chatbots from using features considered unsafe for minors, describing it as a response to concerns about harm from companion bots and chatbot interactions with children. The chair noted work with the Attorney General’s office and Common Sense Media and said the bill was intended to promote regulation and accountability for companies deploying such systems. The meeting concluded with thanks to the ranking member and staff, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh Senate Bill 2249 relating to bribery. uh Senate Bill 2249 relating to bribery.
• Senator Chang I.<00:56:54.559> Senator<00:56:54.880> Sanuro I. Senator Sanuro I.
• c> recommendation If not, Senator Chang's recommendation If not, Senator Chang's recommendation Senate
• If not, uh Senator<01:11:42.000> Chang, Senator Chang, Senator Chang, >> recommendation<
• If not, Senator Chain. If not, Senator Chain.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, Senator Walsick, Senator Helming, Senator Jackson, Senator May, Senator Brisbane, Senator Brisport
• , Senator Salazar, and Senator Rivera.
• Senator May, Senator Brisport, Senator Salazar, and Senator Rivera.
• Second from Senator Helming and Senator Clear as well, backing up Senator Helming.
• I've got a motion from Senator May, second by Senator Helming and Senator Rivera.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development Committee met on February 25 and took up a series of housing-related bills, many of which had previously passed the Senate or been reported by the committee in prior sessions. Measures advanced included bills on NYCHA utility accountability, a small rental housing development initiative, uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors, protections for dependent children named in eviction papers, expansion of veterans’ housing preferences, inclusion of illegal conversions in the definition of harassment, repeal of obsolete rent formula language, inspection of major capital improvement rent increases and rent stabilization extensions, a community land trust acquisition fund, and an affordable independent senior housing assistance program. Most were reported to finance, Codes, or the floor, typically with some minority negative or “without recommendation” votes noted. The committee then returned to Senate Bill 6718B, sponsored by Senator Jackson, which would eliminate certain surcharges landlords may charge when tenants install appliances in rent-regulated housing. A guest speaker, Mr. Umberto Lopez, argued the bill would further squeeze landlords, especially small property owners, and warned that rising costs and regulation could lead to more units being taken off the market or “warehoused.” Committee members asked about the bill’s practical effect, including whether tenants could install appliances only with landlord approval and how current surcharge amounts are calculated for air conditioners, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. The chair explained that the bill would remove the ability to charge those existing fees, which are intended to cover wear and tear and utility-related costs. After the discussion, the committee voted to report S6718B, with minority negative votes recorded. The chair also noted an upcoming housing budget hearing later that day and repeatedly emphasized time limits during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The resolution calendar is adopted. >> Now let's take up Resolution 1633 by Senator Webb.
• Senate Resolution No. 1558, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton: Mourning the death of Margaret D.
• > Secretary will read. >> Resolution 1637, Senator Mayer, concurrent resolution of Senate and Assembly
• >> >> RESOLUTION 1637 SENATOR MAYER CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF SENATE AND ASSEMBLY PROVIDING
• Thank you, Senator Mayer. Senator Stavisky on the resolution. Mr. President, on the resolution.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us today are Senator Baskin and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and we have voting sheets from
• Okay, moved by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, seconded by Senator Baskin. All those in favor? Aye.
• Okay, motion made by Senator Baskin, seconded by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. All those in favor?
• Thank you, Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, for moving, and then seconded by Senator Baskin.
• Okay, motion made by Senator Baskin, seconded by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Women’s Issues Committee met on February 25, 2026, with a quorum present and Senators Baskin and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick participating. The committee considered six bills focused on women’s health, maternal care, and lactation access. These included S.520 on ovarian cancer survivor screening rights, S.1305A on hospital care for mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node dissection patients, S.6232 to make permanent a prenatal and postpartum informational mobile app currently being piloted by the governor, S.7048 on review of projects affecting maternal service availability, S.7731 on insurance coverage for a hospitalized birth parent’s inter-hospital transport to accompany an infant, and S.8542 to create a directory webpage for lactation accommodations in state-owned and state-leased buildings. Members generally expressed support for the measures, with brief discussion on the prenatal/postpartum app bill noting it had been operating as a pilot and would be made permanent. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick also shared a personal comment in support of the infant transport coverage bill, describing the difficulty that would arise if a newborn needed NICU transport while the parent remained at another hospital. The chair emphasized the importance of the bills for birthing people and maternal health access. All six bills were approved by motion and vote. S.520 and S.6232 were advanced to finance, while S.1305A, S.7048, S.7731, and S.8542 were reported to first reading. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here with Senator Fahy and Senator Oberacker.
• First bill: Senate 593 by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law in relation
• Moved by Senator Fahy, seconded by Senator Borrello. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
• Moved by Senator Oberacker, seconded by Senator Fahy. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
• From Senator Borrello, seconded by Senator Fahy. All those in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met and first took up five bills. It reported S.593 (land used in agricultural production), S.879A (the Garden Protection Act), S.3277 (transfer-on-death beneficiaries for farming implements), and S.4754 (creating an Office of Urban Agriculture). S.1529A, the Carbon Farming Act, was moved to the Finance Committee. The committee briefly discussed S.4754, with Senator Borrello asking about its status and members noting strong support for urban agriculture and food-system resilience; the bill was then reported to Finance by voice vote. The committee then heard from Julie Suarez, Associate Dean for Land Grant Affairs at Cornell CALS, who described Cornell’s role in research, extension, and public service across New York agriculture. She highlighted Cornell’s economic impact, growth in FFA participation including new urban chapters, dairy investment, and the potential of the maple industry, while emphasizing the need for continued agricultural science funding to address climate change, invasive species, and market challenges. She also pointed members to Cornell programs supporting food entrepreneurs, soil health, small farms, veterans entering agriculture, and community integrated pest management. Members asked questions about tick increases, with Suarez attributing them to deer, rodents, climate change, and invasive species, and said Cornell’s community IPM program offers landscaping and prevention guidance. She also explained Cornell’s land-grant and contract-college structure, including its statutory mission and state support. The meeting ended after members expressed interest in further outreach and informational sessions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Salazar.
• Motion to move a bill by Senator Harckham, seconded by Senator Murray.
• Motion to move the bill by Senator Harckham, seconded by Senator Murray.
• Motion to move the bill by Senator Harckham, seconded by Senator Murray.
• Motion to move the bill by Senator Murray, seconded by Senator Harckham and Senator Bailey.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, chaired by Senator Salazar, met with Senators Harckham, Murray, and Bailey present, and considered 10 bills related to correctional policy, reentry, victim services, and public health in facilities. Measures discussed included educational access for incarcerated individuals, a phone call before transfer, expanded substance abuse programming for non-English speakers, commissary/canteen issues, a reentry pilot program, SNAP screening before release, discharge planning for wrongfully convicted individuals, public water testing transparency in correctional facilities, evidentiary standards in disciplinary hearings, and notification to victims about the address confidentiality program. The committee also corrected the record on one bill title during the meeting, clarifying that S. 1645 was actually a human trafficking assistance priority bill. Members generally expressed support for the bills, with brief comments highlighting the importance of reentry services, public health, and victim protections. Senator Harckham spoke in support of the water testing bill, citing PFAS and other contaminants, and Senator Murray praised the address confidentiality program bill. Most bills were moved by motion and seconded without substantive debate. All bills were reported out of committee, with several specifically reported to Finance. Senator Murray cast negative votes on some measures, while the rest were approved by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to welcome Senator Bynoe, Senator Myrie, Senator Weber, and there's a lot else going on.
• The first bill is Senate Bill 363A by Senator Janaris.
• The second bill is Senate Bill 926 by Senator Kavanaugh.
• The third bill is Senate Bill 1280B. The third bill is Senate Bill 1280B by Senator Kruger.
• The sixth bill is Senate Bill 2517 by Senator ? .

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection met for its second meeting of 2026, with Chair Rachel May noting National Consumer Protection Week and mentioning upcoming consumer fraud outreach and new online fraud-reporting tools from the Attorney General. The committee considered eight bills focused on consumer issues, including junk fees, arbitration transparency, gas stove labeling, retailer biometric tracking notices, credit monitoring services, and youth sports recording rights. Several bills were advanced with little or no opposition. S.363A on clear and conspicuous pricing for mandatory junk fees was reported to first reading. S.926 on arbitration organizations drew support for its transparency goals, but Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick raised concerns about confidentiality and a private right of action; it was still moved forward. S.1280B on gas stove health-risk labeling also advanced despite opposition from Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Weber. S.2539A, requiring retailers to warn customers about electronic tracking and biometric data collection, was supported by Senator Myrie, who described it as a notice-only measure. The committee also advanced S.3078 on credit monitoring services and S.2517, though the transcript of the discussion on S.2517 was largely garbled. Chair May’s S.8666, which would prevent youth sports operators from barring parents from taking in-person photos or recordings of their children, prompted concerns from Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick about privacy, liability, and recordings by other parents; the chair responded that the bill includes limits for safety, court orders, privacy protections, and restricted areas. The meeting concluded after the bills were moved and voted on, with several reported to first reading or to another committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yes, Senator Matthews. >> Yes, Senator Matthews.
• Senator Grun, you're coming from. Senator Grun, >> Senator<00:19:38.640> Grunhagen.
• >> Senator Grunhagen. >> Senator Grunhagen.
• >> I do know that, Senator. >> I do know that, Senator.
• Senator Grunhagen. Senator Mchuan. Senator Grunhagen.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because Senator Nelson is next. >> All right, Senator Jasinski and then Senator Nelson. >> Sorry, Senator
• Uh Senator uh Senator Jazinski. >> Uh thank you, Madam Chair and thank you Senator Nelson.
• Uh thank Senator uh Senator Jazinski.
• Senator Senator Jazinski? Senator Senator Jazinski?
• Senator Nelson. >> Okay. Senator Nelson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:20:48.720> Edi, >> Senator Edi, >> Senator Edi, >> thank
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<00:21:50.320> you<00:21:50.480
• if<00:43:13.280> you way to govern. and Senator Man, if you way to govern. and Senator Man
• So anyway, thanks. >> Senator Mann >> Senator Mann >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<01:46:38.960> you,<01:46:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Putnam.
• Senator Dibble said he could speculate, and Senator Drazkowski joked that Senator Drazkowski speculates
• Senator Dibble said he could speculate, and Senator Drazkowski joked that Senator Drazkowski speculates
• Um Senator<01:32:49.360> Tuscowski. Senator Tuscowski. Senator Tuscowski.
• Um Senator Dibble. quorum. Um Senator Dibble.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Senator Kunesh's Senate File 3611 and Senator Mann's Senate File 3803.
• Balden. >> I. >> Senator Coleman. >> I. >> Senator Duckworth. >> Senator Hoschild. >> I. >> Senator
• Senate File 3611. Senate File 3611.
• > Senator<01:42:34.880> Kunish's Like Senate File 3611, Senator Kunish's Like Senate File
• Coleman, no. >> Senator Duckworth. >> Senator Hauschild. >> Senator Kunesh-Podein, I. >> Senator Mann

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:57:52.079> Pot. Senator Pot. Senator Pot.
• Senator<01:26:03.600> Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator Pha.
• What' you say, Senator<01:34:03.679> M? Senator M? Senator M?
• >> uh, Senator Nelson. >> uh, Senator Nelson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:14:10.000> Gerson, >> Senator Gerson, >> Senator Gerson, >&
• >> Senator<00:15:20.000> Dames. >> Senator Dames. >> Senator Dames.
• Senator Westerm, >> Thank you, Senator.
• >> Senator<01:23:25.760> Kunish. >> Senator Kunish. >> Senator Kunish.
• Senator >> Thank you, Senator Wester.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support of Senate File 3684. support of Senate File 3684.
• Members, any senator? Senator Clark?
• >> Senator Clark. >> Senator Clark.
• Senator Holstrom. >> All right. Senator Holstrom.
• >> Senator<01:52:02.239> Kunes. >> Senator Kunes. >> Senator Kunes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all