Transcript Highlights:

• :26.079> is<00:11:26.360> very<00:11:26.680> clear<00:11:27.160> in<00:11
• <00:11:32.760> or<00:11:32.959> deprived<00:11:33.399> of<00:11:33.519> his
• c> the<00:11:38.279> law<00:11:39.279> exiled<00:11:39.680> or<00:11:39.839>
• > of<00:11:43.480> his<00:11:43.639> peers<00:11:44.200> or<00:11:44.440>
• <00:11:53.000> was<00:11:53.279> moved<00:11:53.880> out<00:11:54.040> of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses. The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:11:28.480> underscores<00:11:29.279> why<00:11:30.000> robust<00:11:30.640
• When<00:11:51.120> meetings<00:11:51.519> are<00:11:51.760> optional,<00:11:52.560
• During<00:11:55.120> that<00:11:55.440> year,<00:11:55.760> without<00:11:56.160
• .<01:11:03.600> Again,<01:11:04.080> I<01:11:04.320> think<01:11:04.400> that
• :11:34.800> speak<01:11:35.120> on<01:11:35.360> this<01:11:35.600> bill?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:47.600> All<00:11:47.760> those<00:11:47.920> in<00:11:48.079> favor
• <01:11:55.760> And<01:11:55.840> then<01:11:56.000> I<01:11:56.080> have<
• 11:02.719> jump<02:11:02.960> up<02:11:03.119> and<02:11:03.599> uh<02:11
• uh say uh border<02:11:05.199> control<02:11:05.679> be<02:11:06.159> uh<02:11:
• not<02:11:09.679> from<02:11:10.960> uh<02:11:11.199> account<02:11:11.599>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any<00:11:40.720> further<00:11:41.120> discussion<00:11:41.519> on<00:11:41.760
• <00:11:44.959> All<00:11:45.120> in<00:11:45.279> favor?
• <00:11:51.839> But<00:11:52.000> you<00:11:52.160> didn't<00:11:52.320> see
• > 23<01:11:15.440> um<01:11:15.600> would<01:11:15.840> be<01:11:16.080><
• what's happening<01:11:35.199> in<01:11:35.440> the<01:11:36.000> private<01:11:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes. Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex. The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained. Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• of this is<01:11:03.080> how<01:11:03.240> much<01:11:03.480> this<01:11:03.640
• <01:11:06.560> housing<01:11:07.320> some<01:11:07.520> of<01:11:07.560>
• > housing<01:11:08.600> to<01:11:08.800> to<01:11:08.920> build<01:11:09.200
• :11:14.440> I<01:11:14.520> want<01:11:14.680> to<01:11:14.720> make<01:11
• <01:11:24.080> case<01:11:25.040> that<01:11:25.720> based<01:11:26.000>

Bills: HF495, HF4321, HF3902, HF4161, HF3755

Keywords: day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, HF4321, dependent care assistance programs, gross income exclusion, federal conformity, Internal Revenue Code, individual income tax, Minnesota tax law, tax conformity, child care assistance, employer-provided dependent care, taxable income, state income tax, retroactive tax change, family care benefits, housing tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• > we<00:11:30.079> have<00:11:30.640> um<00:11:31.440> discussed<00:11:31.920
• <00:11:36.640> that<00:11:36.959> have<00:11:37.279> come<00:11:37.440> up
• 00:11:42.880> regarding<00:11:44.320> what<00:11:45.760> regarding<00:11:46.240>
• <00:11:48.880> So<00:11:49.040> I<00:11:49.279> hopefully<00:11:49.600> we
• <00:11:57.279> So<00:11:57.600> does<00:11:57.839> anybody<00:11:58.240>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:04.640> and<01:11:05.760> you<01:11:05.920> know,<01:11:06.000> he uh
• <01:11:07.199> He<01:11:07.520> didn't<01:11:07.679> have<01:11:07.760> a
• <01:11:13.840> And<01:11:14.320> as<01:11:14.640> we<01:11:14.800> went
• You can go<01:11:41.360> get<01:11:41.520> one<01:11:41.679> if<01:11:41.840>
• And<01:11:45.440> that<01:11:45.920> ultimately<01:11:46.320> he<01:11:46.480>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate came to order, a quorum was established, and the chamber proceeded through routine business on the February 19, 2026 agenda. Several newly introduced Senate files were given first reading and referred to committees, including SF 3658 to Health and Human Services, SF 3665 to Judiciary and Public Safety, and SF 3687 to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development. Senate resolutions 54 through 57 were referred to Rules and Administration. The body then adopted several resolutions. Senate Resolution 58, which updates the mileage resolution to add the chamber’s three newest members, passed 60-2. Senate Resolution 59, the annual postage resolution setting each member’s postal budget at $1,170 and additional amounts for the majority and minority leaders, was adopted 56-8. Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, setting session deadlines for March 27 and April 17, was also adopted after Senator Howe questioned why the first two deadlines were on the same date and Majority Leader Murphy said the schedule matched recent sessions to expedite work. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Helen Marjorie Spade Levy on her 104th birthday and recognizing her World War II service as a Rosie the Riveter and her long community involvement. The chamber then moved into tributes for the late Senator Bruce Anderson, with multiple senators describing his military service, faith, veteran advocacy, committee work, and personal kindness. Senators Lucero, Grunhagen, Howe, Pappas, Lang, Putnam, and others shared memories of his leadership and character, and the presiding officer noted that members could later sing in his honor after the remarks concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:11:18.560> serves<00:11:18.959> as<00:11:19.120> a<00:11:19.360> statewide
• working to protect and advance<00:11:24.399> people<00:11:24.640> with<00:11:24.880>
• And whereas<00:11:26.640> the<00:11:26.880> federal<00:11:27.440> Americans<00:11
• And whereas<00:11:43.200> in<00:11:43.680> Olmstead<00:11:44.399> versus<00:11:44.880
• LC 527US 581<00:11:48.800> 1999,<00:11:50.000> the<00:11:50.240> US<00:11:50.560

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue. The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber. On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:11:02.160> we<00:11:02.399> might<00:11:02.560> have<00:11:02.640> Tom
• Uh<00:11:07.600> good<00:11:07.839> afternoon,<00:11:08.240> chair,<00:11:08.560
• Thank you, Tom.<00:11:18.640> Is<00:11:18.880> there<00:11:19.040> anyone<00:11:
• <00:11:24.079> Uh<00:11:24.480> Scott<00:11:24.800> Sue,<00:11:25.200> since
• c><00:11:26.640> ask<00:11:26.880> you<00:11:27.040> to<00:11:27.519> uh<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:11:03.680> the<00:11:03.839> ones<00:11:04.079> that<00:11:04.240
• <00:11:08.480> But<00:11:08.640> we<00:11:08.800> don't<00:11:08.959> go<
• But we don't go into<00:11:09.440> depth<00:11:09.680> as<00:11:10.240> um<00:11
• :10.399> DBED<00:11:10.880> may<00:11:11.120> but<00:11:11.360> we<00:11:
• <00:11:12.880> come<00:11:13.040> up<00:11:13.120> with<00:11:13.279> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations. The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments. HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will<00:11:23.519> say<00:11:23.760> that<00:11:24.000> I<00:11:24.160> do<
• /c><00:11:24.399> know<00:11:24.480> that<00:11:24.720> the<00:11:25.600> uh<
• c><00:11:29.519> would<00:11:29.760> ask<00:11:30.079> that<00:11:30.560> uh<
• :11:33.440> Chair<00:11:33.839> Noir,<00:11:34.480> who's<00:11:34.800> also<
• been aware<00:11:35.440> of<00:11:35.519> the<00:11:35.680> issue<00:11:36.399>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of the<00:11:02.320> committee<00:11:03.079> also<00:11:03.440> have<00:11:03.600
• 11:05.120> is<00:11:05.320> correct<00:11:06.040> so<00:11:06.240> we're<
• 00:11:12.079> are<00:11:12.240> eight<00:11:12.519> it<00:11:12.639> are<
• <00:11:13.880> institutions<00:11:14.880> and<00:11:15.040> we<00:11:15.279>
• /c><00:11:22.040> kctcs<00:11:23.040> would<00:11:23.399> have<00:11:23.959>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 276, which would revise the membership of the performance-based funding work group for postsecondary education. Representative Tipton explained that the committee substitute changes the group so the CPE president chairs it as a nonvoting member, all nine university and KCTCS presidents serve as nonvoting advisory members, and the voting members are three House members, three Senate members, the state budget director, and one gubernatorial appointee. He said the goal was to reduce deadlock among institutions and allow legislators to deliberate before meetings. Some members raised concerns that the change shifts influence away from the universities and toward the legislature, but Tipton said he had not heard pushback from the presidents. The committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 276 with an expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached; several members voted yes, while Representative Roarx voted no and Representative Stalker passed. The committee then considered House Bill 711, another bill sponsored by Representative Baker and presented by Representative Tipton. Tipton said the measure is a cleanup bill for postsecondary statutes, repealing outdated provisions for groups that have not met in years, including the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education, the STEM Initiative Task Force, and local P-16 councils, and removing obsolete language about one-time board appointments. It also strikes the statutory definition of remedial education because Kentucky public postsecondary institutions no longer offer remedial classes, instead using transitional courses with wraparound support that count for credit. A question was raised about whether Senate confirmation requirements for some appointees had been removed in the committee substitute, and Tipton confirmed they had. The committee then passed HB 711 with an expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. After the bills, the committee reviewed administrative regulations from the Council on Postsecondary Education. CPE Senior Vice President and General Counsel Travis Pahl explained that the regulations update the performance funding model for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to reflect changes made by Senate Bill 191, including a Community Needs Index that reallocates part of an equity adjustment based on regional poverty, unemployment, and labor participation across the 16 colleges. Members were told the committee could ask questions, propose amendments, or find the regulations deficient, but no further action was taken. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• students.<00:11:05.440> I<00:11:05.680> mentor<00:11:06.079> them,<00:11:06.399
• <00:11:08.560> Uh,<00:11:09.200> also<00:11:09.920> president<00:11:10.240><
• c><00:11:16.240> and<00:11:16.480> we've<00:11:16.720> hired<00:11:16.959> a<
• <00:11:17.360> over<00:11:17.600> 400<00:11:18.399> uh,<00:11:18.560> engineers
• from the<00:11:19.360> University<00:11:19.600> of<00:11:19.760> South<00:11:20.079

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:16.959> So<00:11:17.200> that<00:11:17.440> was<00:11:17.600> one<
• <00:11:18.720> when<00:11:18.959> we<00:11:19.040> had<00:11:19.200> the<
• > on<00:11:19.680> the<00:11:19.839> bill<00:11:20.399> and<00:11:20.640>
• <00:11:22.240> to<00:11:22.399> move<00:11:23.200> ought<00:11:23.360> to
• <00:11:27.120> We<00:11:27.279> have<00:11:27.360> a<00:11:27.519> second

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh I believe<00:11:04.320> we're<00:11:04.560> working<00:11:04.800> on<00:11
• <00:11:07.519> So<00:11:07.920> anyway,<00:11:08.720> thanks<00:11:09.040>
• c> him<00:11:10.399> a<00:11:10.560> warm<00:11:10.800> welcome.
• Let's give<00:11:36.720> her<00:11:36.880> a<00:11:37.120> warm<00:11:37.680>
• :11:46.720> us<00:11:46.880> today.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 22 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Dr. Danny Irvin, and led the pledge of allegiance. Routine business followed, including unanimous consent to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber also recognized several guests, including family members of senators, Dr. Diana Osbrook of the University of Mississippi, recovery day guests, Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sam Purcell and staff, leaders from the Mississippi Trucking Association’s Lead MTA program, and students from Presbyterian Day School. A major item was Senate Resolution 10, commemorating the bicentennial of Mississippi College in Clinton. Mississippi College President Dr. Blake Thompson addressed the Senate, describing the school’s 200-year history, its church affiliations, and its planned name change to Mississippi Christian University. He also highlighted the school’s partnership with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and introduced the Choctaw Eagle mascot, Tuska. Senators praised the institution’s contributions to the state and its alumni in public office. On the calendar, several measures were taken up and passed over or retained, including Senate Bill 2017 on repealing obsolete commissions, Senate Bill 2259, a government efficiency/structure measure, child care facility licensing legislation, and a Mississippi Board of Pharmacy bill. Senator England was added as a co-author to Senate Bill 2017. The Senate also noted campaign finance report deadlines and remembered Senator Butler’s brother, Percy L. Butler, in memory. The meeting ended with extensive announcements about committee and subcommittee meetings, but the dominant procedural action was a weather-related recess resolution. After warnings of possible severe travel conditions on Monday and Tuesday, the Senate adopted a motion to recess until 5:00 p.m. that day, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 4:00 p.m. Monday unless weather conditions require reconvening Tuesday or Wednesday instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:48.720> very<00:11:48.959> much.
• And<00:11:49.680> I<00:11:49.839> would<00:11:50.000> welcome<00:11:50.320> an
• > uh<00:11:52.320> come<00:11:52.560> take<00:11:52.720> a<00:11:52.880><
• Um whether it's<00:11:56.000> during<00:11:56.320> session<00:11:56.560> or<00:11
• want<00:11:58.079> to<00:11:58.320> do<00:11:58.560> that,<00:11:58.800>

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, January 14, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: Amtrak officials Todd Stenis and Jeff Mann briefed the committee on Amtrak service in Mississippi, with a focus on the new Mardi Gras state-supported route on the Gulf Coast. They reviewed Amtrak’s national structure, including the distinction between long-distance and state-supported service under PRIIA section 209, and noted that Mississippi is served by the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, and the new Mardi Gras service. They said the Mardi Gras began service on August 18 and operates four trains a day between New Orleans and Mobile with Mississippi stops, supported by Mississippi, Louisiana, and Mobile. The officials reported strong early performance for Mardi Gras, saying ridership had already exceeded 60,000 by the end of December against a 71,000 first-year projection, with about 435 passengers per day and a 64% average load factor. They also cited 86% on-time performance, a 94% customer satisfaction index, and average fares of $27 in coach and $66 in business class. They said the service is benefiting from strong demand, good coordination with host railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern, and planned capital improvements totaling more than $200 million that they said should reduce trip times by 30 to 40 minutes. Committee members responded positively, with Senator Williams praising the train experience and another senator noting personal use of the Mardi Gras service. The presenters invited members to ride the train and described it as a state investment paying off across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. After the Amtrak presentation, the committee returned to business and took up one bill, 2019, which would delete the sunset on the provision directing the first $80 million of lottery proceeds to the state highway fund. Senator Blackmon asked for clarification, the chairman confirmed the bill would make the road funding provision permanent, and the committee approved the title and reported the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:08.720> that<00:11:08.880> you<00:11:09.120> question<00:11:09.600>
• c> to<00:11:29.560> 100,000<00:11:30.160> to<00:11:30.360> set<00:11:30.560>
• implemented<00:11:31.440> in<00:11:31.560> the<00:11:31.720> first<00:11:32.120
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• > not<00:11:50.200> confident<00:11:50.720> that<00:11:50.880> the<00:11:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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• > it's<00:11:43.440> not<00:11:44.079> um<00:11:44.320> a<00:11:44.640>
• <00:11:50.079> Thank<00:11:50.240> you<00:11:50.320> for<00:11:50.480> that
• So<00:11:51.040> when<00:11:51.279> you<00:11:51.440> say<00:11:51.600> that<
• <00:11:56.640> so<00:11:56.800> when<00:11:57.040> somebody<00:11:57.279> is<
• when you<00:11:58.880> that<00:11:59.120> you<00:11:59.279> are<00:11:59.360>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3901 was heard in committee and amended with the A26 amendment, which the author described as cleanup language clarifying confidential data and other wording changes. The bill concerns the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson’s access to records in the Social Services Information System (SSIS) so it can investigate foster care decisions more effectively and in a timely way. Representative Johnson said the issue stems from outdated technology and interagency barriers that make it difficult to share information needed to serve foster youth and families. Misty Coons, the foster youth ombudsperson, testified that the office has struggled to obtain records from DCYF, with delays growing longer and some requests remaining unfilled. She said direct SSIS access would reduce burdens on agency staff and improve investigations, while privacy concerns could be handled through training or interagency agreements. Rebecca St. George, assistant commissioner for DCYF, acknowledged the delays but said the department is understaffed and working on software improvements; she argued that broad direct access would risk exposing privileged and protected information and could conflict with state and federal privacy laws. She also noted concerns from tribal nations about access to tribal data without request and approval. Members discussed the mechanics of data requests, redaction, and whether the bill raised data practices issues. The chair noted that a referral to Judiciary and Civil Law was automatic under chapter 13. Representative Johnson closed by emphasizing that the goal was to better serve children and foster families and said he had received a letter from White Earth Reservation expressing reservations. The committee then approved re-referral of House File 3901, as amended, to the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Law.

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• :11:40.959> Senate<00:11:41.279> draft<00:11:41.639> 1 resolutions number three
• > Senate<00:11:43.959> draft<00:11:44.279> 1<00:11:44.760> 6<00:11:45.839>
• 78 Senate draft<00:11:47.480> 1<00:11:47.959> 120<00:11:48.600> Senate<00:11:48.959
• > 1<00:11:53.399> 142<00:11:53.880> Senate<00:11:54.200> draft<00:11:54.560>
• 1 239 Senate<00:11:56.279> draft<00:11:56.600> 1<00:11:57.360> and<00:11:57.560

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 24 members present and one excused, approved the previous day’s Journal, and heard several introductions. Senator Hashimoto welcomed a visiting Kukui Fellowship Program cohort from Maui, and Senator Chang delivered a tribute honoring the late University of Hawaii Professor Daniel W. Kwak, highlighting his scholarship in Asian studies, his teaching career, and the journalism fellowship and China seminar he founded. A late introduction also recognized retired UH communications professor Gerald Kato for his work in journalism policy. The chamber then processed messages and communications, including Governor’s nominations to boards and commissions, House communications returning Senate bills, and a Judiciary communication transmitting the nomination of Sonia H. Toma to the Family Court of the Second Circuit. The Senate adopted Standing Committee Reports Nos. 1369 and 1370, agreed to disagree with House amendments to Senate Bill 108, and received notice that conferees would be named later. House concurrent resolutions transmitted from the House were referred to committee. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 994, HD1, relating to promoting pornography to minors, and House Bill 1175, relating to tax appeal procedures, both by unanimous consent with 24 ayes and no reservations. The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for a list of Senate concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions so they could meet an upcoming deadline. The President thanked staff for the job fair and noted its value for employees whose service would end at adjournment. The Senate then adjourned until 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31st.

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• <01:11:06.080> You're<01:11:06.239> saying<01:11:06.480> we<01:11:06.640>
• I<01:11:10.960> think<01:11:11.040> we're<01:11:11.280> in<01:11:11.440> a
• > um<01:11:14.800> both<01:11:15.120> Senator<01:11:15.520> Hassan<01:11:
• :11:23.679> and<01:11:24.000> it's<01:11:24.239> been<01:11:24.400> that

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.