Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:02.399> uh<00:11:03.240> uh<00:11:03.440> Echo<00:11:03.839> Senator
• ><00:11:04.200> Rosen<00:11:04.560> wal's<00:11:05.120> I<00:11:05.279> I
• > the<00:11:05.959> bill<00:11:06.680> I<00:11:06.800> think<00:11:07.200
• :11:21.200> we<00:11:21.519> as<00:11:21.680> as<00:11:21.800> we<00:11:21.920
• 00:11:40.519> does<00:11:40.800> so<00:11:41.079> in<00:11:41.200> a<00:11

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:11:27.839> and<00:11:28.079> I<00:11:28.240> will<00:11:28.480> pause<
• /c><00:11:28.800> now<00:11:29.279> and<00:11:30.320> ask<00:11:30.720> Chief
• ><00:11:46.640> and<00:11:46.880> I<00:11:47.040> have<00:11:47.120> the
• of<00:11:47.920> serving<00:11:48.160> as<00:11:48.399> the<00:11:48.560>
• The seventh<00:11:51.839> judicial<00:11:52.320> district<00:11:52.959> is<00:11

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It strikes the final sentence of Chapter 272, Section 28.
• If a school employee is acting in good faith to educate, they have nothing to fear from Chapter 272.
• It has to do with Chapter 272. Let's look at the actual law.
• Other costs include $11 million for other snow-related expenses for MEMA and the National Guard.
• The clerk read the order: that the House adjourn today and adjourn to meet tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee. It then took up a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (H. 5393 / H. 5493), which Ways and Means reported at about $227.3 million for items including snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and technical changes related to lottery revenue and other outside sections. The bill was advanced through second and third reading and later passed to be engrossed after a roll call vote. The chamber also passed to engrossment a land transfer bill for the Town of Marion (H. 5388) and a Bolton alcohol licensing bill (S. 2628, as amended). The House also enacted two local bills: one further regulating special meetings of the Holyoke City Council and one amending the charter of the town of Reading. A major floor debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which was framed by supporters as a response to book challenges and censorship in public and school libraries. Supporters, including Representatives Garballey and Moran, argued the bill would protect librarians, require reporting of book challenges, preserve age-appropriate access to materials, and keep challenged books on shelves during review; opponents raised concerns about parental rights and local control. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including one that would have removed a criminal-law protection for librarians and educators, and another that would have shifted school review authority more directly to elected school committees. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and another narrowing who may initiate certain complaints to parents or guardians of a student in the school. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a large roll call vote. The House also debated and passed H. 5491 / S. 1646, implementing recommendations of the Walsh Kennedy Commission on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Supporters said the bill would require certification for hot work, strengthen penalties for repeated or reckless violations, and improve public notification and enforcement to prevent future tragedies; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously or near-unanimously after roll call. In addition, the chamber advanced a local land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path in Billerica and a bill concerning ownership and maintenance of culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook. The session included several recesses, quorum checks, and recognition of guests, including Danvers High School graduates, a former state representative, and WGBH representatives for Public Media Awareness Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:41.920> And<00:11:42.079> I<00:11:42.240> also<00:11:42.560> serve
• As a prime sponsor,<00:11:48.079> I'm<00:11:48.320> here<00:11:48.480> to<00:11:
• policies<01:11:13.120> are<01:11:13.280> those<01:11:13.520> that<01:11:
• Um,<01:11:21.440> this<01:11:21.679> is<01:11:21.760> a<01:11:22.159> proven<
• 01:11:30.320> any<01:11:30.480> of<01:11:30.480> the<01:11:30.640> other<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<01:11:36.239> first<01:11:36.480> ADU,<01:11:37.280> it's<01:11:37.600
• ><01:11:39.199> by<01:11:39.520> right,<01:11:40.239> but<01:11:40.560> a
• can<01:11:41.280> put<01:11:41.440> this<01:11:41.679> requirement<01:11:42.080
• <01:11:55.440> uh<01:11:55.600> because<01:11:55.920> they<01:11:56.159>
• <01:11:58.159> So,<01:11:58.560> I<01:11:58.719> I<01:11:59.120> did

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays.
• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays, Senate Bill 2349 is reported favorably.
• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays.
• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays, Senate Bill 1495 is favorably reported.
• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays, Senate Bill 2268 is favorably reported.

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill amending Chapter 445 of the Acts of 1960 to establish a Board of Election Commissioners
• An act amending Chapter 445 of the Acts of 1960 to establish a Board of...
• An act amending Chapter 445 of the Acts of 1960 to establish a Board of Election Commissioners in the
• Ordered that when the House adjourned today, it adjourn to meet Wednesday next at 11 a.m.
• The House stands adjourned to meet Wednesday next at 11 a.m. in formal session.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up a series of bills reported by the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, including measures on Brockton residency requirements for local offices, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, non-competition agreements, election administration in Salem, school nutrition, local election procedures in Longmeadow, Charlemont, Conway, and Concord, a senior property tax exemption for North Attleboro, Holyoke City Council special meetings, renter consumer rights, alcohol licensing in Southbridge and Raynham, and the Reading Home Rule Charter. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered the bills to a third reading, and then advanced them accordingly. The chamber then considered several engrossed bills for final action. House No. 4763, validating the results of Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election, was passed and, after a separate constitutional vote, its emergency preamble was adopted. The House also passed to be enacted bills concerning the Cuttyhunk Fire District, Otis Fire District funding for the Historical Society of Endicott and Cuttyhunk, and the Salem licensing board. Additional third-reading actions included House No. 4321, allowing the Dalton Fire District to continue employing interim fire chief Christopher Francis Chahat, which was ordered to a third reading, and House Nos. 4267 and 4582, directing the Boston Police and Fire Departments respectively to waive maximum age requirements for named individuals, both of which were passed to be engrossed. The House then adopted an order to meet the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned to that time in formal session, with a Democratic caucus announced for noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• participated in NORAD's scramble for the first military aircraft to the World Trade Center on September 11
• McKenna, or Sutton, moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Chapter 11 of the General
• Soter of Bellingham moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 11 and a half of
• Ordered that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to meet tomorrow at 11 a.m.
• The House stands adjourned to meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several routine matters, adopting resolutions recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival and congratulating Father Gerald Francis Finnegan, S.J., on his long ministry. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts State Police employee to go to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then moved to Senate Bill 2543, An Act Strengthening Health Care Protections in the Commonwealth, and adopted the Ways and Means amendment before sending the bill to third reading. Later, after the bill was released from third reading, the House considered it on final passage. Supporters described the measure as protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, patient data, providers, and Massachusetts residents from out-of-state interference, while also incorporating federal emergency care requirements. Amendment 4, which would have barred state funding for campaign ads discouraging pregnant women from using pregnancy resource centers, was rejected. Amendment 8, which would have broadened the bill to include refusals of care and other preventive care for adults and minors, was also rejected after opposition argued it could allow one parent to block care for a child. Amendment 6, as changed, narrowing certain data protections to abortion-related care, IVF, and gender-affirming care, was adopted. The House also adopted Amendment 7, clarifying that businesses handling information for payment, treatment, or health care operations would not violate the bill, and Amendment 9, directing the Commissioner of Public Health to convene a technical advisory group to review a section of the General Laws. After these amendments, the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 136-23. The House then observed a moment of silence for victims of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River and adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:29.440> Um<00:05:29.759> this just under a DBED um uh chapter.
• Um this just under a DBED um uh chapter.
• This is to have a of a speedy a task<00:10:59.920> force<00:11:00.240> focused<00:11:00.640
• > on<00:11:00.880> speedy<00:11:01.440> permitting task force focused on speedy
• permitting task force focused on speedy permitting and<00:11:02.480> regulatory And regulatory

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two concurrent resolutions. HCR 33 proposed asking the U.S. Postmaster General to relocate the Pearl City Post Office from Kamehameha Highway and Acacia Road to Navy property on the Pearl City Peninsula. Testifiers, including Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Verrett and resident Lena Ala Baiton, supported the move, citing severe congestion, narrow access, safety concerns, and the potential to improve traffic flow and support transit-oriented development. Members noted a similar Senate measure had already passed, and HCR 33 was recommended to pass unamended. The committee then considered HCR 157, which would establish a task force to simplify permitting for enhanced economic development and coordinate state and intergovernmental permitting processes. Testimony in support was submitted by representatives connected to DBED/HHFDC and others. In discussion, members questioned whether such a task force was necessary, what projects it would address, how often it would meet, whether it could include housing and local-level projects, and what the cost might be; the response was that the resolution would provide more structure, no similar project had been executed before, and costs were not yet known but could be addressed later. The committee ultimately recommended HCR 157 pass unamended, and the recommendation was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.959> proposed<00:11:13.279> amendment<00:11:13.839> coming<00:11:14.079>
• <00:11:14.720> So,<00:11:14.959> thank<00:11:15.120> you,<00:11:15.360> gentlemen
• >> Thank<00:11:15.839> you,<00:11:16.079> chairman,<00:11:16.399> members<
• Okay,<00:11:19.760> let's<00:11:20.079> move<00:11:20.399> to<00:11:20.959> uh
• uh [clears throat] Illinois<00:11:22.480> member<00:11:22.640> of<00:11:22.720> the<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Licensing and Occupations Committee met with a quorum and heard several licensing and regulatory bills. House Bill 565, presented by Rep. Myron Dossett with support from the Kentucky League of Cities and the Paducah Fire Department, would clarify and broaden the authority of “fire protection officials” so local fire officials, along with the state fire marshal, can enforce final orders and seek court enforcement locally. The sponsor described it as cleanup language to streamline fire code enforcement and improve efficiency. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then considered House Bill 776, a modernization of Kentucky’s Dental Practice Act, presented by Rep. Derek Lewis and Jeff Allen of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, with Rep. Chad Hall also speaking in support. The bill updates definitions and board authority, revises licensure and renewal provisions, clarifies supervision and training rules for hygienists and assistants, updates telehealth standards, and preserves dentists’ authority over diagnosis and treatment planning. Members also discussed a provision allowing the board to use excess licensing funds for a scholarship to attract dentists to Kentucky. After questions about Medicaid access and a promised amendment removing certain ownership-related provisions, the bill passed unanimously. House Bill 657, presented by Rep. Stephanie Deetsz and Michelle Sanborn of the Children’s Alliance, would give five licensing boards the statutory authority needed to obtain FBI fingerprinting/ORI numbers for interstate compact compliance. The boards named were counseling, speech-language pathology and audiology, occupational therapy, social work, and psychology. Supporters said the bill simply updates Kentucky law to match current FBI fingerprint language. It passed unanimously. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 273, presented by Rep. Mike Klein and the Kentucky Board of Barbering. A committee substitute was adopted first. The bill reduces barber training hours from 1,500 to 1,200, allows 10-hour school days, shortens out-of-state licensure experience requirements from three years to one year, and makes other cleanup changes, including moving board compensation to regulation. Supporters said it would reduce barriers to entry and help address workforce shortages. The amended bill passed unanimously, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2270, amending sections 11-251.01 and 11-1414, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to county
• Senate House Bill 2324, an act amending Title 37, Chapter 9, Article 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, by
• House Bill 2404, amending Title 36, Chapter 5, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• House Bill 2681, an act amending Section 11-356, A.R.S., relating to the county employee merit system
• House Bill 2875, amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8, A.R.S., by adding Section 9-500.54 relating

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed judicial branch guests for Judges Day, and recognized several visitors and proclamations, including 2026 Social Work Month. Members also received routine announcements and committee substitutions before moving into Committee of the Whole on multiple calendars. In Committee of the Whole, the House considered and advanced a large number of bills, often after committee and floor amendments. Notable measures included HB 2035 on kinship placement in child welfare; HB 2041 on keeping children from being removed from parents solely due to poverty; HB 2251 on licensed midwifery standards; HB 2429 on short-term rental regulation; HB 2444 on pharmacist-provided testing/treatment, which drew strong opposition from several members over safety, oversight, and cost concerns but still advanced; HB 2615 on court-appointed supervisors; HB 2726 on a sleep apnea device for AHCCCS/Access coverage, which drew concerns about vendor specificity and process; HB 2914 on protecting vulnerable adults in long-term care; HB 4018 on public safety; HB 2127 on an omnibus transportation/license plate measure; HB 2240 on tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans; HB 2344 and HB 2403 on appropriations-related matters; HB 2991 on social media and youth safety; HB 4070 on trafficking-related corporate penalties; and HB 4136 on unlawful entry involving vulnerable adults. Several sponsors described stakeholder negotiations and policy goals, while opponents raised concerns about safety, scope, costs, or process. The House then adopted Committee of the Whole reports and sent many bills to engrossing. In third reading, HB 2123 failed on a 24-28 vote after debate over gold and silver legal tender; HB 2270, HB 2324, HB 2404, HB 2557, HB 2574, HB 2594, HB 2611, HB 2681, HB 2697, and HB 2800 were among the bills voted on, with most passing. Members explained votes on several measures, including support for county authority changes, mental health services, patient records access, domestic violence address confidentiality, child welfare rights, and a bill tied to impaired-driving-related tragedy. The session ended with additional votes still underway on later third-reading bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Representative Gallagher of Bridgewater, honoring the Veterans Brotherhood VMC, Massachusetts chapter
• all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises upon the return of the license authorized in Chapter
• clerk will read the order: that when the House adjourned today, it adjourned to meet Monday next at 11
• The ayes have it, and the House stands adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session
• . 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and another honoring the Veterans Brotherhood VMC, Massachusetts chapter for its service to veterans. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for consideration, including measures on recall elections in Rutland, oversight of the Boston Finance Commission, manufactured housing payments in Attleboro, validation of Stow proceedings, public meeting notices in Uxbridge, firefighter appointment age limits in Westfield, and special police appointments in Norwood. These bills were read a second time and ordered to a third reading without objection. The House then took up several local bills on third reading and passed them to be engrossed, including bills concerning wastewater treatment in Sandwich, preliminary elections in Longmeadow, additional liquor licenses in Southbridge, and an additional liquor license in Salem. The chamber also welcomed guests of Representative Sylvia of Fall River, including election officials from Fall River and Freetown, and briefly recessed subject to the call of the Chair. The major statewide item was House No. 5350, an act modernizing the Commonwealth’s cannabis laws. Because it required a separate constitutional vote on the emergency preamble, members voted by division and the preamble was adopted by a 3-0 tally. The bill then passed to be enacted. The House adopted the order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recognizing the New York Chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
• RECOGNIZING THE NEW YORK CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS ALLIANCE.
• And so, as I mentioned earlier, here we are with Chapter 2.
• Ayes 49, nays 11. Resolution adopted. >> ANNOUNCE THE RESULT.
• AYES 49, NAYs 11. >> RESOLUTION AND ADOPTED.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, what<00:11:02.720> I'd<00:11:02.880> like<00:11:03.040> to<00:11:03.200>
• do<00:11:03.360> to<00:11:03.600> start<00:11:03.760> off,<00:11:04.000>
• :11:10.480> some<00:11:10.640> of<00:11:10.720> the<00:11:10.880> pitfalls.
• That's chapter law. That's chapter 141, That's chapter law.
• 11:22.719> as<01:11:22.960> I<01:11:23.120> said<01:11:23.280> it<01:11:23.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lines 1.4 and 1.5 delete sections 11 and 12.
• Um, and 1.5 delete sections 11 and 12.
• And the relationship between that provision in chapter 278 and the general requirements under chapter
• And the relationship between that provision in chapter 278 and the general requirements under chapter
• <00:59:37.040> unit got it wrong and it was an 11 unit got it wrong and it was an 11 unit

Bills: HF3676, HF2959, HF3233

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um<00:11:23.279> the<00:11:23.519> office<00:11:23.760> of<00:11:23.839
• <00:11:34.640> convicted<00:11:35.040> of<00:11:35.279> excessive<00:11:35.920><
• Um,<01:11:10.880> and<01:11:11.199> so<01:11:12.159> I<01:11:12.400> I'm<
• 01:11:12.800> just<01:11:13.040> wondering<01:11:14.080> why<01:11:14.400> we
• c> at<01:11:15.199> this<01:11:15.520> point<01:11:16.080> considering<01:11

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um as we have<00:11:29.600> in<00:11:29.760> the<00:11:29.920> past,<00:11:30.079
• coming<00:11:35.279> to<00:11:35.440> this<00:11:35.680> square<00:11:36.000>
• Historically,<00:11:50.480> we<00:11:50.720> haven't<00:11:50.880> tapped<00:11:
• me<00:11:55.760> and<00:11:55.920> she's<00:11:56.160> been<00:11:56.320>
• great work<00:11:57.600> in<00:11:57.839> times<00:11:58.160> of<00:11:59.040><

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, reading of the journal of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is dispensed with and approved
• Major Leader, motion on page 11.
• SB 1086, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1086, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• HB 221, Interstate 11 environmental engineering study. ATT.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized guests including the doctor of the day, visiting family members, and representatives from the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons demonstrating Stop the Bleed techniques. Members also acknowledged a St. Patrick’s Day visit by the Speaker of the Irish Parliament and adopted a proclamation honoring Irish heritage and the Arizona-Ireland relationship. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced several bills. SB 1046, relating to information technology, was amended and given a do-pass recommendation. SB 1066, concerning civil liability and fraudulent scientific research, was amended with a floor amendment limiting liability for certain researchers, universities, and registered drug manufacturers, then advanced. SB 1332, relating to light rail expansion participation, was amended after debate over transit policy and state versus local control, and also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1286, on veterinary prescriptions, was amended to adjust electronic prescribing timeframes for flea/tick and antimicrobial drugs and then advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1009 on school curriculum and AED training, SB 1086 on the Arizona health care cost and payment system, SB 1317 appropriating money to the Attorney General for a coordinated jail reentry program, SB 1580 appropriating money to the Department of Administration, SB 1582 funding school safety, SB 1709 on probation for dangerous crimes against children, SB 1550 appropriating money to the state treasurer, SB 1761 appropriating money to the University of Arizona, SB 1046, and SB 1286. Several members explained votes, including support for reentry programming and school safety, and opposition based on concerns about funding sources, judicial discretion, or program effectiveness. The House requested reconsideration of HB 4027 and HB 2444, and the Senate then recessed, received a list of bills for first reading and committee referral, announced committee meetings for the next day, and adjourned until March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

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• > limiting<00:11:43.040> the<00:11:43.360> way<00:11:43.519> we<00:11:43.760
• the<00:11:47.040> the<00:11:47.360> state<00:11:47.600> level<00:11:47.839
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• difficult<00:11:51.200> situation<00:11:51.600> for<00:11:51.839> us.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A new section of Chapter 30. Section 7.
• A new section of Chapter 30, Article 7, NMSA 1978, is enacted to read: B.
• Section 11. Severability.
• It does not remove Section 11.
• We'll see you Monday morning at 11.

Keywords: 996, all