Transcript Highlights:

• Studies also suggest that lobbyists tend to retain and, in some cases, increase their influence because
• But in many cases, the staff currently serving in those roles have been in place well before term limits
• I have some printed copies of my slideshow that I'm just going to pass down the sides here in case you
• because, yes, I mean, there is a trend, you know, that more turnover is happening, and that in some cases
• That is linked at the bottom in case you want to view that in greater detail as well.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard an update from Garty Consulting on the interim study of legislative term limits. The consultants outlined their research plan and preliminary themes, including loss of institutional knowledge, shifts in power toward executive agencies and lobbyists, reduced long-term policy capacity, faster leadership turnover, and recruitment/support challenges. They also described possible recommendation categories ranging from constitutional and statutory changes to procedural and cultural adjustments. Committee members asked about how other states repealed term limits, how the public survey would address perceptions of term limits, and how stakeholder focus groups would be selected. The committee also heard a presentation from NCSL on term limits in other states, including examples from Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, with discussion of training programs, staffing changes, annual-session debates, bill limits, and impacts on decorum and leadership continuity. Several members requested follow-up data on part-time versus full-time legislatures, taxpayer costs, and nonpartisan staff devoted to oversight. The committee then considered revisions to the legislature’s workplace harassment policy and related forms. Legislative Council explained changes that clarified the definition of harassment, added captions for readability, extended several deadlines, allowed informal resolution before a review panel is appointed, clarified the role of Legislative Council in intake and documentation, and updated confidentiality/open-records language. Members, especially Senator Hogan, said the revisions better formalize the role of counsel and provide a less intimidating path for resolving complaints. The committee adopted the revised policy and forms by roll call vote. Finally, the committee approved a motion to enter executive session at 1:00 p.m. to review the results of a capital threat assessment and discuss legislator security, citing the applicable open-meetings exemptions. Members were instructed to limit discussion to the stated purpose and not take final action until returning to open session.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the case of the data centers evaluation, we will look at the location of the data centers and, to
• In the case of the data centers evaluation, we will look at the location of the data centers and, to
• In the case of the data centers evaluation, we will look at the location of the data centers and, to
• In that case, we did work with the individual businesses that benefited from the tax preference, and
• To give you a parallel from 2025, we evaluated the disabled veteran adapted housing grants, where we

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would work in parallel with DBED and not disrupt what HSO is doing with the neighbor islands outside
• If the committee wanted DBED involved, they would work in parallel with DBED and would not disrupt what

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was hoping to draw some parallels because I'm curious about what a recovered species looks like, and

Bills: SB1075, SB1144, SB1280

Keywords: foreign ownership, land sales, review commission, national security, property rights, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, Mexican gray wolf, Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolf puppies, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Arizona Game and Fish Department, endangered species, wolf reintroduction, wolf translocation, cross-fostering, wildlife management

Summary: The Committee on Land and Agriculture heard two bills, SB 1075 and SB 1280, with public testimony limited and several speakers appearing on each measure. SB 1075 would create a Foreign Entity Review Commission and prohibit the conveyance, sale, lease, or sublease of state land to hostile foreign entities without commission approval. Supporters said it was needed to protect land near critical infrastructure and military sites, while opponents argued it created unnecessary bureaucracy and duplicated existing safeguards. The committee voted 5-4 to give SB 1075 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up SB 1280, which would bar the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting Mexican gray wolf pups into the state or using public funds or resources for that purpose. Supporters said the bill would stop state involvement in importing wolves and argued the population had already reached sufficient numbers. Opponents, including representatives from Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter and Humane World for Animals, said the measure would undermine science-based recovery efforts, reduce genetic diversity, and harm a still-endangered species. Members debated the wolf population, recovery goals, and whether the bill would affect federal conservation efforts. After testimony and member discussion, the committee voted 4-3, with one absent, to give SB 1280 a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Creating a parallel regulatory system lowers the guardrails for the protection of patients and the integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• NEXT UP IS A RATE INCREASE FOR TARGETED CASE MANAGEMENT. IT IS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1.
• THAT WAS CATEGORY SIX BUT I THINK SIX AND SEVEN THERE'S A LOT OF PARALLEL.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:26.000> prosecution state and county criminal prosecution state and county criminal
• If criminal activity is identified, the investigations division would pursue criminal charges.
• If criminal activity is identified, the If criminal activity is identified, the investigations<00:48:
• noticed that there was a lower case noticed that there was a lower case dismissal<01:04:41.119><
• There was a Supreme Court case I think a couple months ago.

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• Have sign language interpretation, court cases in one example.
• would they be eligible then in the state to sign a governor’s press conference, to sign in a court case
• rules as the case may be to<00:40:13.760> to<00:40:14.079> formalize<00:40:14.560>
• > senator's<02:09:47.599> comment, >> One parallel to the senator's comment, >
• > One parallel to the senator's comment, um<02:09:49.760> the<02:09:50.239> facility

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from its May 29 meeting and then received an informational update from the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing about the state’s ASL interpreter pipeline. Representative Woods and Associate Commissioner Ann Landry explained that the American Sign Language program at UNH Manchester, the nation’s first fully accredited program, is facing viability concerns because high tuition has left only two of a potential 20 students committed so far. They warned that if enrollment does not recover, the program could face a teachout and eventually be lost, which they said would be detrimental because many state services and legal proceedings require qualified interpreters. Members discussed possible alternatives, including whether community colleges could help, and asked for follow-up research and contact information for UNH officials. The committee also heard that interpreter demand across DHHS continues to rise and that the department must ensure compliance with civil rights and service-access requirements. The committee then turned to Medicaid policy changes tied to Senate Bill 134 and a new federal interim final rule on Medicaid community engagement, or work, requirements. DHHS officials Olivia May and Ann Landry explained that the state law and federal rule align in many areas, but the committee still needed to decide how to implement several remaining policy choices. The department recommended adopting all four short-term hardship exceptions because the federal rule requires states to take them all or none: inpatient or institutional care, federally declared emergencies, high-unemployment areas, and extensive out-of-state travel for serious medical care. Members generally supported the exceptions but raised concerns about how they would be defined and applied, especially the emergency and medical-travel categories. Several legislators asked for more clarity on terms like “extensively” and “serious or complex medical care,” and DHHS said the federal rule does not rigidly define them, though the state could refine implementation through rulemaking if authorized. The department also said the emergency exception would apply only to federally declared emergencies, not state declarations, and would be tied to the emergency event itself. No final vote on the Medicaid policy was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion indicated the committee was reviewing the remaining decisions needed to implement Senate Bill 134 under the new federal framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearings officer heard our case.
• case case prepared<00:18:26.160> the<00:18:26.400> road<00:18:26.640> toll<00:18
• Um in the history benefit in this case.
• Um in parallel for for many many years.
• point out that, you know, here's a case point out that, you know, here's a case where<02:08:26.400

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we are trying to use is the medical definition for the heart presumption because of differing court cases
• If that's the case, if the local government needs to get, whether it's engineers or others, to be able
• If that's the case, if the local government needs to get, whether it's engineers or others, to be able
• Who's a special interest in this case? Special interest? I'm contemplating voting on a bill today.
• But this legislation ignores the long-standing laws and effectively creates a new parallel system to

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 330, by Sen. Bradley, clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, including allowing a prior physical exam to count if a transferring officer is not given a new one; an amendment declaring the act an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. SB 594, by Sen. Burton, would make mobile home residents eligible for local housing assistance programs such as SHIP for lot rent and home repairs; it received supportive testimony from manufactured-home advocates and passed favorably. SB 840, by Sen. DeSigley, revised hurricane-related land-use restrictions from prior legislation by shortening the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles, ending certain temporary limits on June 30, 2026, and exempting some water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; it passed favorably after supportive comments from local-government interests and members noting the need to fix unintended consequences of prior law. The committee also approved SB 526, by Sen. Grawe, which addresses no-damages-for-delay clauses in public construction contracts, creates a uniform commercial permit application, requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adds mitigation to statewide product approval categories. County representatives testified with concerns about the contracting language, unfunded mandates, and fee reductions, but the bill passed favorably. SB 504, by Sen. Burgess, creates a statewide framework for code inspector body camera use, and SB 506, its linked public-records bill, exempts certain sensitive content from disclosure; both passed favorably with support from the sponsor and no opposition in committee. The most heavily debated measure was SB 354, by Chair McLean, which creates a “blue ribbon project” framework for very large developments that trade state preemption over local land-use regulation for reserving at least 60% of the land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses. The bill drew significant testimony from environmental groups, counties, smart-growth advocates, and local residents who argued it could weaken local control, reduce public review, and allow sprawl or inadequate infrastructure planning; supporters argued it could help address housing needs and preserve large amounts of land. The committee adopted two amendments clarifying reserve-area easements and requiring certain easements to be granted without charge, and the committee then reported the bill favorably, with some senators noting they supported it in concept but wanted further changes before later stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, that is not the case.
• In many cases they are. And unfortunately this has been the case and it's well documented.
• So in the case of people, again, we go through with the ARTES program.
• So I do have one question, and it just parallels everything that I've already said.
• It usually is not, and it certainly is the case here.

Keywords: national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security

Summary: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I go to a branch, I connect with people, and I can see individuals, in some cases, continuing to
• work in the shop or the field, and in some cases taking on new career interests.
• Our project, which is the construction of a new roadway that parallels Trunk Highway 53, is also around

Bills: HF2418, HF1666, HF232, HF344, HF402, HF431, HF468, HF547, HF583, HF1476, HF1711, HF2787, HF2788, HF3207

Keywords: capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:32.640> justice of the criminal justice of the criminal justice system<00:41:35.280
• reach than DCF does the the criminal reach than DCF does the the criminal justice<00:41:50.160><
• protection resp response other cases protection resp response other cases that<01:42:24.719>
• Is SP 23 a criminal law? Yes.
• <01:47:14.280> law things is it s sp23 is a criminal law things is it s sp23 is a criminal

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been a number of cases recently where some counties on the mainland have issued warrants, but
• <00:18:57.960> where we have a few extradition cases where we have a few extradition cases
• <00:19:10.480> recently there's been a number of cases recently there's been a number of cases
• into the criminal justice system and<00:34:18.520> specifically<00:34:19.000> the<00:34
• In fact, that is not the case.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My question to you is, why is that the case?
• In some cases, they are. Probably, if you look... it's completely anecdotal.
• think the main thing is it's just making sure that they're ready, that they've got some funding in case
• So in case the shingles are disrupted, water doesn't get into the home.
• Rollback in some cases when people would want to go more or feeling like they'll be trapped in a loser

Bills: HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And in many cases, many, many cases, the wonderful people of the state of Texas have agreed to do so
• If that's not the case, I just know that that's happened.
• The other is a case management system.
• And I know I will when looking at these cases.
• Typically, all the parties to the case in the first phase of a rate case are just trying to get that

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs. Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers. The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in this particular case, there's no question this is not coming out of the general fund.
• I would argue that in this particular case, this source of funding is exactly what was wanted up front
• That's not the case today.
• So that track is going to run parallel to this bill if it passes.
• Is that also the case? Senator Bergman. Mr. President, Senator, yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's got... it runs parallel with our main street and with the added traffic, the wear on almost all
• It runs parallel with our main street, and with the added traffic, the wear on almost all of our roads
• c><00:30:05.760> got<00:30:06.080> it's<00:30:06.399> runs<00:30:06.720> parallel
• It's got it's runs parallel curb left.
• It's got it's runs parallel with<00:30:07.440> our<00:30:07.679> main<00:30:07.919>

Bills: HF1569, HF460, HF850, HF707, HF798, HF852, HF366, HF365, HF836, HF866, HF885, HF959, HF1196, HF1788, HF1349, HF2272, HF2652, HF1251, HF607

Keywords: transportation, bond issuance, capital investment, infrastructure, road improvements, HF460, Sibley County, Highway 21, County State-Aid Highway, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, transportation grant, infrastructure improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, stormwater, public works, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• While oversight and reform are sometimes necessary, and in this case very much so, broad condemnation
• necessary<00:18:08.240> and<00:18:08.480> in<00:18:08.640> this<00:18:08.799> case
• 00:18:09.200> very<00:18:09.520> much<00:18:09.679> so, necessary and in this case
• very much so, necessary and in this case very much so, broaden<00:18:11.120> connundation<00:
• think it's premature until the investigations are completed and we know the actual facts in the two cases

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In an increasing number of cases, the weight into the silent war is too much to bear.
• Unfortunately, that's not the case.
• So there was a really good a case just recently in 2021. It was Texas versus Department of Defense.
• Whether that's the Army or Air National Guard or the assets, that is not going to be the case, especially
• I saw numerous parallel circumstances and consequences. of rapid mobilization that both the Reserve and

Bills: HB39, HB227, HB930, HB 1078, HB39, HB227

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration