Transcript Highlights:

• I move for the approval of the House Journal for the third day, January 12, 2026, and I ask for a roll
• gentleman from Green County has moved for the approval of the House Journal for the third day, Monday, January
• 12, 2026, and asks for a roll call vote.
• As we recently celebrated National Law Enforcement Day on January 9, I think it's wholly appropriate

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:23.040> efforts<01:12:23.360> that<01:12:23.480> they<01:12:23.640> need<
• /c><01:12:23.880> as<01:12:24.040> well.
• :30.520> would<01:12:30.680> also<01:12:30.960> depend<01:12:31.400> upon
• > in<01:12:53.680> a<01:12:53.760> home<01:12:54.360> without<01:12:54.720
• And<01:12:58.400> and<01:12:58.480> I<01:12:58.560> think<01:12:58.840> these

Bills: HF3665, HF3002, HF4217, HF4125, HF4174

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• :07.040> uh<00:12:07.120> for<00:12:07.360> the<00:12:07.519> workers<00:
• 12:07.760> of<00:12:08.000> Minnesota<00:12:08.800> you work uh for the workers
• > the<00:12:09.279> snowpaw<00:12:09.839> drivers<00:12:10.320> to<00:12:
• :12.160> and<00:12:12.480> police<00:12:12.720> and<00:12:12.959> fire<00
• <00:12:19.839> and<00:12:20.480> uh<00:12:20.880> actually<00:12:21.200>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the reading of the journal of Monday, January 26, 2026 is dispensed with and approved
• On January 20th, Noel Campbell was involved in a motorcycle accident on I-10.
• in Arizona, signed the 27th day of January, 2020.
• I move that the Senate stand adjourned until Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
• I move that the Senate stand adjourned until Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 1.15 p.m.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 30 members present. The body approved the previous journal and then paused for several memorial and guest recognitions, including a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, who died in a motorcycle accident. The chamber also welcomed visiting school district leaders, Grand Canyon University Government and History Club students, and Food Bank Day at the Capitol participants. Members then adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with remarks emphasizing the history of the Holocaust, the rise in antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance. A guest shared a personal family story about escaping Germany in 1938. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week, highlighting Arizona’s public, charter, private, homeschool, and microschool options and urging members to engage with schools in their districts. The Senate received numerous governor communications and introduced a long list of first- and second-reading bills covering topics such as education, water, energy, public safety, elections, health care, taxes, housing, and border issues. The chamber also received House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the late Congressman Raul Grijalva; it was adopted unanimously, and the Senate observed a moment of silence. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and adjournment until Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly chamber Sacramento, Thursday, January 16th, 2025, the assembly met at 7 AM.
• First, since the fires broke out on January 7th, SMC has consistently worked.
• Session schedule is The bill as follows, Tuesday, January 28th, check-in session.
• Wednesday, January 29th, check-in session. Thursday, January 30th, floor session at 9 AM.
• Rogers seconds that this house stands adjourned until Thursday, January 30th at 9 AM.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move that the Marquez Amendment, dated January 26, 2026, at 5:21 p.m., be adopted.
• Chairman, I move that the Gillette Amendment, dated January 26, 2026, at 10:16 a.m., be adopted.
• Chair, I move that the Marquez amendment dated January 26, 2026 at 521 p.m. be adopted.
• Chair, I move that the Marquez Amendment dated January 27th, 2026, at 9:39 a.m. be adopted.
• The Marquez Amendment dated January 27, 2026, at 9:39 a.m. be adopted.

Bills: HB2006, HB2165, HB2245, HB2348, HB2806, HB2901, HB2902, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state general fund money in FY 2027 for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs projects including wireless networking at training centers, a reimbursement program for service members without government computers, lodging and kind for service members, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for the appropriations, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which restricted certain networking equipment for national security reasons, removed the reimbursement program, revised the lodging language, and tied some funding intentions to compliance, passed. After extensive testimony from the sponsor and several Army Reserve and National Guard witnesses about lack of Wi-Fi, inadequate lodging, safety concerns from long drives, and poor HVAC at joint facilities, the committee approved HB 2348 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HCR 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and let voters decide. County officials and election advocates opposed it, arguing that vote centers and early voting provide flexibility, are more cost-effective in many counties, and are necessary where geography, staffing, and facility availability make precinct voting difficult. After debate over local control, voter choice, and the practicality of precincting, the committee gave HCR 2016 a 4-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military members, National Guard members, and reserve-unit members, with alternative ID options. Arizona State Parks testified in neutral, saying it supports veterans but is concerned about revenue losses; it estimated that even a modest share of veteran visits could reduce revenue by about $1.8 million annually. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by constituent requests and was meant to help veterans enjoy outdoor recreation and therapeutic opportunities. The committee then approved HB 2165 as amended on a vote of 4-0, with some members absent or not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But off the top of my head, among the 12 states that are similar that have passed similar legislation
• But off the top of my head, among the 12 states that are similar to... ample detail on that but off the
• This legislation aligns Massachusetts with 12 other states, including California, Maryland, and New York
• So we have 12 at our store because I think we're one of the bigger stores.
• He said there is a spider web of different town rules—January 2000 here, January 2002 there, January

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors. Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR. Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be approximately a $10 to $12 million increase in totality.
• And I do realize $10 to $12 million is a lot more.
• So like the 10/25, I'm understanding you're saying it's an extra $10 million to $12 million estimate
• A written update from each was provided to staff as of January 1st and is included in the agenda.
• Hearing none, we will file the January 1st monthly written updates.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. It approved without objection an Insurance Department amendment implementing Act 261’s holding company system requirements, two State Board of Election Commissioners rules on poll watchers/provisional voting and certified election monitors, and a Treasurer of State rule removing DEI-related membership requirements to comply with Act 938. The committee also held over for a month a Department of Education request related to excluding a rule from reporting requirements so it could be discussed further with the Department of Commerce. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from rulemaking for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said federal CMS guidance created comparability and other issues for the Medicaid-related dental and diagnostic lab provisions, making it difficult to implement the acts as written by their effective dates. DHS outlined possible paths, including broader adult dental coverage, waivers, or splitting the dental rate increase from the special-needs cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s approach, arguing Act 1025 is workable, that the pediatric rate increase should move forward separately, and that DHS should continue pursuing the law rather than stop rulemaking. Committee members questioned both sides extensively about CMS correspondence, waiver timelines, fiscal impact, and whether the acts could be severed. After testimony from DHS, the Dental Association, and a public commenter, the committee adopted a motion not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025, meaning DHS must continue the normal rulemaking/reporting process. The committee then accepted the Division of Higher Education’s report, which recommended repealing three of its 32 rules and keeping the remaining 29 in effect. It also received routine written updates on older and newer rulemaking items and filed the monthly updates without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's about a 12% reduction.
• Those are the big challenges we're going to work on this year, the next 12 months.
• They're still working on February and January reviews. So there's always a lag.
• And by the way, renewals are going from 12 months to 6 months at the same time in January.
• But it will not be everyone on January 1.

Summary: The meeting focused on Arkansas’s workforce development reorganization and a set of federal waiver requests intended to consolidate and streamline the state’s WIOA system. Commerce officials said the department has already centralized shared services, split the old workforce agency into reemployment and Arkansas Workforce Connections, and submitted a combined WIOA/Perkins state plan. They described nine waiver requests, including replacing local workforce boards with a single statewide board, creating one planning and accountability structure, allowing more flexible movement of funds across regions, easing the “last-dollar” requirement for training and supportive services, reducing required youth program elements, and allowing affiliate sites instead of mandatory comprehensive centers. Officials said the goal is to reduce administrative costs and redirect more money to training, supportive services, and employer-driven programs. Legislators raised concerns about rural representation, local employer relationships, and whether local offices would close. Commerce officials said local offices would remain open, some current staff could be rehired, and regional business councils would preserve local employer input. They said the current system is fragmented and expensive, with roughly $14 million in federal workforce funds flowing through local boards but only about $1.9 million spent on training and supportive services last year; they argued the reorganization could raise training spending to about $6 million to $7 million annually. Questions also addressed board composition, performance accountability, and how funds could be shifted between regions when needs change. The State Board of Workforce Development had approved the waiver package 11-3 before it was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. Members also discussed workforce access for people with disabilities, child care and transportation supports, and the role of Arkansas Launch, apprenticeships, and career and technical education. Officials said vocational rehabilitation now has better access to the state job board and that referrals and data-sharing with DHS and other partners still need improvement. Several legislators emphasized the need for training to align more closely with employer demand, especially in manufacturing, technology, health care, and rural areas. The committee also heard a brief overview of Workforce Pell, with staff explaining that the new federal short-term Pell option has narrow eligibility rules and may not fit many existing programs, including some CDL and CNA programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think our first hearing of this committee, my severe disappointment in the January draft that we are
• Through this program, SANDAG has awarded over $12 billion in REAP 2.0 funding to local jurisdictions
• was proposed to us from the Governor's January 10th budget.
• So all the more reason that if this was submitted at the, you know, mid-January, we'd already have that
• We will go to issue number 12. But we did both of those together. All right. Thank you. Well done.

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill very simply changes the date on an in-state testing requirement from January 1, 2026, to May
• However, on November 12, 2025, the federal government successfully spearheaded an effort to decimate
• The original statute required the testing of those products be done right here in Minnesota as of January
• So, House File 3615 changes that effective date to that in-state requirement again from January 1st to
• again from January 1st to May<00:02:52.000> 31st<00:02:52.400> of<00:02:52.640> next

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Trampling<01:12:15.199> on<01:12:15.360> the<01:12:15.520> rights<01:12:15.679><
• You<01:12:17.040> know,<01:12:17.199> there's<01:12:17.440> the<01:12:17.679>
• US<01:12:26.239> citizens,<01:12:27.120> non-<01:12:27.440> US<01:12:27.760>
• <01:12:49.440> this<01:12:49.679> bill<01:12:49.920> in<01:12:50.159> this
• This<02:12:02.800> bill<02:12:03.119> has<02:12:03.440> broad<02:12:03.840>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 20, 2026 journal, and then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, and Senate Bill 25, concerning land survey monumentation, were both adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out as amended and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The chamber also briefly recognized the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and welcomed a visiting family member of a sergeant during moments of personal privilege. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5, which creates a state court remedy for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement. Senators Weissman and Gonzalez supported the bill, arguing it is meant to protect constitutional rights and provide a civil remedy when those rights are violated. Senator Gonzalez urged a strong vote in favor, while Senator Weissman explained the bill’s scope and later supported amendments as technical or clarifying changes. Two amendments to SB 5 were debated at length and both were defeated. Amendment L004, offered by Senator Baisley, would have required that a violation be done “knowingly and intentionally”; supporters argued it would add fairness and guard against frivolous claims, while opponents said it would raise the burden for injured people and was unnecessary because the bill already concerns federal constitutional rights. Amendment L005, offered by Senator Lon, would have barred claims where the plaintiff provoked the conduct; supporters said it would protect self-defense and limit abuse of the bill, while opponents called it victim-blaming and said it would undermine accountability. Both amendments failed on voice votes, and debate on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> No,<01:08:36.960> 12. >> No, 12. >> No, 12.
• >> I<02:12:28.840> think<02:12:29.080> the<02:12:29.200> form<02:12:30.360
• c> need<02:12:34.040> is<02:12:34.120> them<02:12:34.400> to<02:12:34.520>
• Makes<02:12:39.360> that<02:12:39.840> form<02:12:40.200> obsolete<02:12:40.600>
• So<02:12:43.000> why<02:12:43.120> don't<02:12:43.240> we<02:12:43.360> just<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began as a Committee of Conference on House Bill 194, but the discussion quickly centered on whether to remove an attached bill, 504, because of concerns about a possible fee or tax and a House rule issue. Members debated the procedural posture of the bill, whether the House version had been non-concurred, and whether the conference committee could still resolve the issue by adopting the House amendment or reconsidering the non-concur. The exchange became tense, with one side warning that failing to pass the measure could jeopardize a linked rural health transformation grant worth about $20 million. The committee ultimately recessed without resolving the 194/504 dispute and planned to return the next day. The committee then opened conference on House Bill 609, which dealt with use-of-force/self-defense language and restraint/seclusion authority in health care settings. On the self-defense portion, House members argued strongly for restoring vehicle language, saying people should be able to defend themselves in a car the same way they can in a home, especially in carjacking or assault situations where no weapon is displayed. Senate members expressed concern about expanding deadly-force protections too broadly and suggested narrowing the language to focus on imminent harm to the person, not property, while also questioning where the provision should be placed in statute. The second major topic in HB 609 was who may order restraint or seclusion in clinical settings. House members argued that physicians are not always immediately available, especially in hospitals and emergency settings, and that APRNs and physician associates should be able to act in crises if properly trained and credentialed. Senate members raised concerns about scope of practice and asked whether the language implied patient consent was required; the Senate side explained that consent language was intended to address capacity and informed decision-making, not to require voluntary consent to restraint. The discussion ended with the sides still apart, though the Senate floated a compromise allowing physician associates to order restraint when no doctor is physically on the premises, while not yet extending that authority to APRNs. The committee took a short break to continue negotiations on the firearm/self-defense piece.

Transcript Highlights:

• > law,<00:12:53.839> not<00:12:54.000> the<00:12:54.240> rule.
• Anything<00:12:57.760> else?
• <00:12:58.560> I<00:12:58.800> didn't<00:12:58.800> entertain<00:12:59.200><
• What I I effective January 1st, 2026.
• statutoily what went into effect January statutoily what went into effect January 1st.<00:44:29.760

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee convened after briefly waiting for a quorum, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and then moved through several agency rule items. The Department of Transportation’s outdoor advertising rule filing was approved after staff noted the department had addressed substantive comments, though the rules had been expired since 2021 and the agency said it had been operating under statute. Members asked about a denied digital sign proposal, and DOT said that decision was based on statute rather than the rule. The Department of Safety’s administrative license suspension item was postponed with a waiver so the agency could submit conditional approval materials and resolve issues between its forms and rules. The Board of Architects item was conditionally approved, with the condition that the board later approve updated incorporation-by-reference materials at its April 3 meeting or the matter would return as a preliminary objection. The Department of Agriculture’s expired rules prompted extended discussion. Staff and committee members questioned why the department was seeking to adopt rules that had been expired for many years and whether the statutes already provided enough authority to operate without them. Agriculture officials said they were working through a broader modernization effort, focusing on statutes that use mandatory language and updating outdated rules to match current practices, federal standards, and current products such as apples, cider, eggs, and other agricultural commodities. They said the rules before the committee were part of that effort and recommended approval, but members remained concerned about whether some rules were unnecessary. The committee ultimately granted a waiver and postponed the agriculture item for one month so staff could review the underlying statutes and determine whether rulemaking is actually required. Under other business, the committee took up an emergency Department of Safety rule to update DMV forms to reflect statutory fee changes enacted in the 2025 budget. DMV officials said the new fees were already in effect, but the corresponding forms still showed old amounts, causing confusion for customers and elected officials who were fielding complaints. They argued the forms needed immediate updating because the affected forms are widely used, and they said the department had already tried to treat the changes as editorial before being told full rulemaking was required. The department emphasized it was trying to follow the process while avoiding continued use of incorrect fee forms, and asked the committee to allow the emergency rule to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• in<00:12:43.200> section<00:12:43.839> 28<00:12:44.720> and<00:12:44.959
• Senator<00:12:48.880> Seabberger,<00:12:49.519> Senate<00:12:49.839> File<00:12:
• , Senate File 2420 is found<00:12:51.760> in<00:12:52.000> section<00:12:52.480> 29<
• /c><00:12:53.440> requires<00:12:54.000> insurers<00:12:54.639> to found in section
• :55.519> copy<00:12:55.760> of<00:12:56.000> an<00:12:56.440> insurer's deliver

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:34.000> and<00:12:34.160> cultural<00:12:34.560> resources<00:12:35.760><
• and with me<00:12:36.480> is<00:12:36.720> Jayce<00:12:37.120> Worth<00:12:37.440
• Park<00:12:40.160> which<00:12:40.399> is<00:12:40.560> home<00:12:40.800><
• <00:12:44.639> Uh<00:12:44.959> first<00:12:45.360> we<00:12:45.760> are<
• <00:12:56.240> This<00:12:56.560> is<00:12:57.120> part<00:12:57.440> of<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee met at 9:00 a.m. and first approved the September 29 minutes. The committee then considered University System of New Hampshire Capital Project 260001, a $70 million request involving two residence hall renovation projects at UNH. UNH officials said the work is needed to address aging 1970-era buildings, including heating, plumbing, and other deferred maintenance, and to improve student recruitment, retention, and living conditions. Members asked about the construction timeline, which was estimated at about four years, and about enrollment decline, which was estimated at roughly 15% over 10 years. The committee approved the project after discussion, with members noting the buildings’ age and need for repair. The committee next heard Capital Project 26003 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for Cannon Mountain. Commissioner Sarah Stewart and staff described an $893,000 tranche, part of a larger effort to address deferred maintenance at the mountain, including guest facilities, lift infrastructure, a passenger ramp for scenic chairlift use, snowmaking improvements, a line replacement, a pump rebuild, and operations equipment. Members asked about the $6 million bonding limit established in 1999, and the department said it appears insufficient and may need updating in the future. The committee approved the Cannon Mountain request. The department also provided an informational update on the Cannon Mountain aerial tramway. Officials said a structural engineering firm is analyzing towers, terminals, and footings, with the goal of confirming the existing infrastructure can support a new tram system and refining bid specifications. They said the work is on track, with an updated cost estimate expected in January and a bid targeted for May. Members asked about the limited number of manufacturers capable of doing the work and whether the project could be delayed; the department said it is in active discussions with the likely bidders and pre-qualifying them. The meeting ended with brief discussion of informational reports, including a question about apparent delays in some New Hampshire Veterans Home projects, which staff said they would follow up on, and the committee adjourned with the next meeting set for March 16 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.760> by<00:12:02.079> the<00:12:02.240> end<00:12:02.399> of<00:12:02.560
• > the<00:12:02.800> year<00:12:03.760> on<00:12:04.480> what report by the
• end of the year on what report by the end of the year on what our<00:12:05.040> rate<00:12:05.440
• > setting<00:12:05.839> methodology<00:12:07.120> should<00:12:07.440> be.
• LSRs by Thursday, January 29th at 4 PM. LSRs by Thursday, January 29th at 4 PM.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through<00:12:20.639> the<00:12:20.880> hiring<00:12:21.279> of<00:12:21.519
• > at<00:12:47.839> the<00:12:48.000> paid<00:12:48.240> job<00:12:48.480>
• I'm<00:12:53.279> not<00:12:53.440> I'm<00:12:53.680> not<00:12:53.760>
• > that<00:12:54.480> would<00:12:54.880> that's<00:12:55.040> going<00:12
• The the<00:12:56.240> clarity<00:12:56.880> in<00:12:57.200> the<00:12:57.360>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You<00:12:10.240> know<00:12:10.320> what<00:12:10.440> I<00:12:10.480> mean?
• 00:12:24.600> can<00:12:24.760> follow<00:12:25.040> up<00:12:25.160> with
• ><00:12:25.320> you<00:12:25.440> on<00:12:25.560> the<00:12:25.640> specific
• <00:12:40.320> uh<00:12:40.400> requesting<00:12:40.920> to<00:12:41.000> be<
• removed<00:12:41.880> from<00:12:42.040> the<00:12:42.120> working<00:12:42.440

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The differential was not added to her base pay from January 2018 through May 2025.
• I did not know that this deed even existed until January of 2025.
• I did not know until my uncle died in January of 2025 and my cousin gave me the deed to the land.
• I mean, the statute of limitations expired on this almost 12 years ago.
• There was a hearing on all pending motions on January 23, 2023.

Summary: The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items. The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement. The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.