Transcript Highlights:

• But I think that if the Senate suspends their rules and puts in a joint resolution, that would be better
• But I think that if the Senate suspends their rules and puts in a joint resolution, that would be better
• But I think that if the Senate suspends their rules and puts in a joint resolution, that would be better
• But I think that if the Senate suspends their rules and puts in a joint resolution, that would be better
• Secondly, to work on a joint resolution between the House and the Senate to come up with some wording

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> CHAIR SENATOR MCCLAIN. HERE. >> VICE CHAIR SENATOR FINE >> HERE. >> SENATOR JONES.
• HERE. >> SENATOR LEEK >> HERE >> SENATOR PASSIDOMO. >> HERE. >> SENATOR PIZZO >> SENATOR SHARIEF.
• SENATOR PIZZO. SENATOR SHARIEF. SENATOR TRUMBULL. VICE CHAIR FINE. SENATOR MCCLAIN. >> YES.
• SENATOR SHARIEF. >> YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL. >> SENATOR FINE. SENATOR MCCLAIN. >> YES.
• SENATE BILL, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 748 IS A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PUT BEFORE THE VOTERS AN EXTENSION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Division 2: 17.
• Division 2: 17.
• The Senate order relative to the proposed joint rules for the Senate and House of Representatives for
• The proposed joint rules for the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 legislative session
• When our auditor appeared before a joint committee of the House and the Senate last March, she said,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The chamber adopted a further amendment offered by Rep. Michael Witts of Boston, then concurred with the Senate as amended after a roll call vote of 128-23. The House then moved to the orders of the day and considered the proposed permanent joint rules for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2026 / Senate No. 18), with Rep. Moran of Brighton presenting the package as a set of transparency and process reforms, including joint committee procedures, a 60-day reporting deadline, public posting of summaries and testimony, and revised formal session timing. A series of minority amendments offered largely by Rep. Jones of North Reading and others were debated and repeatedly rejected, including proposals to require roll call votes for post-July 31 formal business, require two weeks’ notice for such sessions, publish State Auditor audits on the legislative website, require SJC advisory opinions on constitutional disputes, extend poll windows to two hours, require advance notice of electronic polls, and lengthen amendment filing deadlines. Supporters argued these changes would improve transparency, accountability, and member access; opponents said they would slow the legislative process and reduce flexibility. Most of these amendments failed on roll call votes by margins of 128-23 or similar, while a technical amendment from Rep. Galvin was adopted. The House then adopted the joint rules package by roll call, 128-23. The chamber also adopted the House rules package for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2024) after debate led by Rep. Galvin of Canton, who emphasized modernization, online transparency, in-person participation, and an outside audit and EEO officer. Additional minority amendments on committee reporting, timing of formal business, and poll procedures were debated and defeated, while one technical amendment was adopted. The House later returned to the issue of legislative audits, rejecting an amendment to require House audits by the State Auditor after a lengthy debate over Question 1, separation of powers, and the scope of the auditor’s authority. The session ended with a memorial tribute to former Rep. Carol Doherty and an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate... Mr.
• Senate Bill 1278 passed the House unanimously and the Senate unanimously.
• correct answer—right, 2 plus 2 equals 5.
• After all, 2 plus 2, we asked them to come up with Representative Anchía: 2 plus 2, and we expect them
• for Senate Bill 11 all joint authors and co-authors for House Bill 252.

Bills: HB8, HB12, SB 3, HJR1, SB 11, SB 16, SB 14

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Joint Resolution 4 urges the federal government to rescind the National Institutes of Health funding
• Senate Joint Resolution 4 calls on the federal government to reaffirm its commitment and to help, heart
• Um, so Senate Joint Resolution 4 calls on federal government to reaffirm its commitment and to help,
• Senate Joint Resolution 4 calls on the federal government to reaffirm its commitment to health, education
• Senator, I just want to thank the Senator as well.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• This requires a joint resolution before anyone can be appointed to basically be the person who intervenes
• There has to be a joint resolution.
• So this requires a joint resolution before anyone can be appointed to basically be the person who intervenes
• There has to be a joint resolution.
• There has to be a joint resolution.

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:49.480> hi<00:21:50.480> Senator Senator decoy I Senator rhods hi Senator Senator
• Senator DeCorte votes aye. Senator Rhodes votes aye. Senator Awa votes no.
• Senator rhods I Senator a Senator rhods I Senator a no<01:04:09.680> chair<01:04:10.000> you
• > Senator<01:23:23.440> alwa<01:23:24.159> I Senator rhods I Senator alwa I Senator
• > rhods votes I Senator decoit hi Senator rhods votes I Senator decoit hi Senator rhods Senator<01

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Assembly Joint Resolution 17, calling on our federal representatives to take action and pass
• House Resolution 466 and Senate Bill 4668 to provide immigrants a pathway to permanent residency.
• Senator Wahab has moved. Oh, I'm sorry, Senator Niello.
• Stern, aye. 11 to 2. Thank you. Stern, aye. 11 to 2. 11 to 2, bills out.
• Stern, aye. 11 to 2. 11 to 2. Thank you. Stern, aye. 11 to 2. 11 to 2, bill is out.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bills and joint resolutions on second reading, assignment and reassignment of bills and resolutions,
• bills and resolutions, conference committee reports, and joint committee.
• They are our state's only Joint Commission certified stroke center.
• Declare the vote. 92 to 2, nay. Received a majority vote.
• The Senate received 23 votes of those elected to and constant in the House.

Bills: HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bernard? Senator Gates? Senator Leake? Here. Senator Polsky? Yes, Senator? Here.
• Senator Polsky. Senator Smith. Here. Senator Yarborough. Senator Graal. Representative Connerley.
• JAPAC is a joint legislative committee of the House and Senate, created by Joint Rule 4.5.
• JAPAC is a joint legislative committee of the House and Senate, created by Joint Rule 4.6 of the Florida
• That being said, JAPSI is not a House committee or a Senate committee, and as such, Rule 4.3 of the joint

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met for its first meeting of the year, with roll call and member introductions followed by an orientation on the committee’s role in reviewing agency rulemaking. Staff explained that JAPAC/JAPSI oversees whether agency rules stay within statutory authority, reviews proposed and existing rules under Chapter 120, and can recommend objections when rules enlarge, modify, or contravene enabling statutes. The committee also adopted its biennial rules of procedure by motion and roll-call vote. The main substantive item was staff’s recommended objections to 32 existing Agency for Health Care Administration rules. Staff said the common issue was a sunset provision added to rules, which they argued is not authorized by Chapter 120 because rules may be amended or repealed only through formal rulemaking, not allowed to expire automatically. Staff noted the sunset language could create confusion and affect interrelated rules, and recommended formal objections. The chair reported that he and the vice chair had met with the agency, which agreed to work on compliance and amend the language. No public testimony was offered. After brief committee discussion, including questions about timing, the chair said the agency would return with a compliance proposal at the next scheduled meeting, likely in February. The committee deferred further action on the 32 recommended objections until that meeting, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 23 is adopted.
• Next, we will take up agenda item Senate Resolution 26, Senate Resolution 26 by Senator Petty to congratulate
• Next, we will take up Senate Resolution 27, Senate Resolution 27 by Senator Petty, to recognize the Elkins
• Senate Memorial Resolution 4 by Senator Davis et al.
• Senate Resolution 30. Senate Memorial Resolution 4. Calendar.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we have a joint resolution to take up at this time, JRS 46, a joint resolution relating
• The question is, shall the Senate adopt the resolution on its part? Are you ready for the question?
• > at We have a joint resolution to take up at We have a joint resolution to take up at this<00
• <00:11:33.960> resolution this time, JRS 46, a joint resolution this time, JRS 46, a joint
• is, shall the Senate adopt the resolution<00:12:02.680> on<00:12:02.800> its<00:12:03.000

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fukunaga? Aye. Senator Dela Cruz? Excused. Senator Dort?
• Senator Fukunaga? Aye. Senator Rose? Excused. Senator To?
• This is a joint committee hearing with our friends from the Senate Committee on Economic Development
• > Richards ey Senator Melby yes Senator Richards ey Senator Melby yes Senator Richards Senator<00
• > sh Senator Kim I Senator AWA it's excuse sh Senator Kim I Senator AWA it's excuse sh your<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Aguariiore moves, and Ms.
• Messages from the Senate: there are none.
• I rise as a proud joint author of AB 1406.
• The resolution is adopted.
• And Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, 65-0.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up a long third-reading file with several guest introductions and ceremonial resolutions. Early floor action included AB 713, allowing undocumented students equal access to campus jobs at UC, CSU, and community colleges, and AB 1049, streamlining California Food Assistance Program applications for low-income immigrant families; both passed. The body also defeated an amendment to AB 1421, a bill to begin studying a statewide mileage-based road user charge, before passing the measure. AB 1171, modernizing part-time community college faculty health insurance access, also passed with strong support. The Assembly then approved a series of policy bills on animals, domestic violence, telehealth for autism services, forestry, false lien filings, tianeptine restrictions, housing, common interest development fee transparency, prison sexual abuse accountability, PBM reporting, foster youth benefits protections, illegal dumping and abandoned RV removal, condo financing/liquidated damages, public contracting, pension-related study language, climate resiliency research funding, and a disposable vape reduction measure. Most passed with broad margins; AB 762 on vapor inhalation devices drew the most debate, with supporters emphasizing landfill fires and public health and opponents warning about revenue losses and illicit-market growth, but it still passed. AB 1406 on condo development financing drew extensive discussion about housing affordability and consumer protections before passing. The chamber also adopted three resolutions: ACR 120 declaring January 2026 Positive Parenting Awareness Month, ACR 121 designating January 2026 National Mentoring Month, and ACR 122 designating Anesthesiologist Week. Later, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments on AB 1485, extending welfare-tax exemption treatment to federally recognized tribes holding land for conservation, and adopted the consent calendar, which included several additional bills and SCR 6. The session ended with adjournment until February 2, 2016, after which several members recorded vote changes from the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• , >> Senator Blackmon, >> Senator Blackwell, >> Senator Blount, >> Senator Boyd, >> Senator Brumfield
• > Senator DeBar, >> Senator DeLano, >> Senator Dri, >> Senator England, >> Senator Fillingane, >> Senator
• Senate Resolution Number 25, a resolution commending and congratulating the Lamar School Raiders football
• will be cancelled today, scheduled for Monday at 2:00 p.m. >> Senator Suber, at Senator Brian's desk
• at 3:00 and 2:10. >> Senator Blackwell, announcement. >> Please proceed. >> Medicaid will meet today

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 29 January, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, invocation, and pledge, then quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guest introductions followed, including members of the Junior League of Jackson, the Mississippi Dental Association and Dental Hygiene Association for oral health day, school counselors and college admission counselors, and other visitors. Senators also recognized individual guests such as a dentist from Newton and a constituent from Senatobia. The chamber then took up two resolutions in block: Senate Bill 2766 designating the Friday before Memorial Day as Buddy Poppy Day in Mississippi, and Senate Resolution 25 commending the Lamar School Raiders football team and Head Coach Jacob Lan for winning the MHSAA 4A Division 3 state championship. The Lamar Raiders were present on the floor, and Coach Lan addressed the Senate after the resolution was read. Both measures were adopted by voice vote, with roll call final passage requested and granted without objection. The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 21, which calls a joint session for the Governor’s State of the State address. A strike-all amendment was adopted to move the event date and location because of weather, shifting it to the second floor rotunda rather than outside or in the House chamber. The Senate then moved through a series of pass-and-retain actions and announcements, including committee meeting notices and cancellations, campaign finance report reminders, and several adjournment-in-memory requests. The body recessed until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> and then we'll go back we'll recess at 2 and then we'll go back we'll recess at 2 o'clock<00:03:03.959
• /c><00:55:13.079> against majority each time voted 13-2 against majority each time voted 13-2
• the deadlines the house and the Senate the deadlines the house and the Senate set<01:06:37.480><
• And the Senate, it's usually held in the Senate President's office because they're closer to the end
• In fact, I testified in the Senate last term, and the then-new Senate President indicated at the time

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 8 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 10 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 16 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 20 by
• Joint Budget; Senate Bill 23 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 30 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 36 by Joint
• Budget; Senate Bill 43 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 58 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 63 by Joint Budget
• ; Senate Bill 67 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 68 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 73 by Joint Budget; and
• Senate Bill 58 by Joint Budget, Senate Bill 63 by Joint Budget, Senate Bill 67 by Joint Budget, Senate

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I listened to some of the Senate last night and heard a senator say that what this body and the Senate
• Now you want to jump back to Senate. >> I'm asking about Senate districts. >> I didn't draw Senate districts
• The Senate draws a Senate plan in conjunction with the Senators and the members of Congress get together
• Now you want to jump back to Senate. >> I'm asking about Senate districts. >> I didn't draw Senate districts
• The Senate draws a Senate plan in conjunction with the Senators, and the members of Congress get together

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, if the Senate will do the Rocco, Senator Boren, Senator Coleman, Senator Gallagher, Senator Rader
• , Senator Howard, 5 present.
• Senator Rader had a question. Senator Borene, I'll come back to you. Davellard did on the Strobel.
• Senator Boren, Senator Coleman, Senator Gallagher, Senator Rader, Senator Howard. O, ayes one, nay.
• Senator Boren, Senator Coleman, Senator Gallagher, Senator Rader, Senator Howard. O, ayes one, nay.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I Senator Kino I Senator kuha I Senator I Senator Kino I Senator kuha I Senator flla<00:10:57.680>
• > is Senator K col is excuse Senator flla is Senator K col is excuse Senator flla is excused<00:24
• Senator Hara, excused. Senator Mori and Senator Fevella excused.
• > rhods<01:11:39.040> hi v i Senator decoit hi Senator rhods hi v i Senator decoit hi Senator
• Senator Deco hi Senator rhods Senator Deco hi Senator rhods Senator<01:18:09.800> you<01:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.