Transcript Highlights:

• <03:45:09.520> pick<03:45:09.680> on<03:45:09.840> necessarily<03:45:10.239>
• <03:45:11.840> too<03:45:12.080> that<03:45:12.319> even<03:45:12.640> other<
• > where<03:45:15.359> it's<03:45:15.680> actually<03:45:15.920> harder<03:45
• But<03:45:21.680> there<03:45:21.920> are<03:45:22.239> laws<03:45:23.040> in
• <03:45:23.359> the<03:45:23.600> US<03:45:24.080> at<03:45:24.319> the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:45:12.800> uh<00:45:12.960> we<00:45:13.200> regulate<00:45:13.520>
• We'll need<00:45:27.920> to<00:45:28.079> make<00:45:28.160> a<00:45:28.400>
• :45:30.400> um<00:45:30.640> to<00:45:30.880> include<00:45:31.119> a<00:
• know,<00:45:33.839> this<00:45:34.160> patient<00:45:34.480> X<00:45:34.640>
• <00:45:40.000> So<00:45:40.160> it's<00:45:40.640> I<00:45:40.960> see

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 118, as amended, which contains several unrelated provisions with a modest fiscal note. Nathan White of the Department of Health and Human Services explained that section 1 would change the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible residents of private and county nursing homes from an adjustment every five years to an annual adjustment, increasing the state cost by about $50,000 per year. He also described section 2, a one-time appropriation of about $160,000 to make certain Hampstead employees whole for missed bonuses and lost leave during the state’s transition of the facility to Dartmouth management. White then outlined sections 3 through 5, which would create a dedicated fund for Hampstead lease revenue to cover the state’s contractual obligation to match Dartmouth capital improvements dollar-for-dollar up to $3 million. He said the state receives about $1.141 million in lease revenue in the first year, with a 3% annual escalator, and that the fund would hold lease revenue until needed for reimbursement. Members questioned how the matching arrangement would work, what happens if Dartmouth spends before the fund has enough money, and whether the state could refuse to match certain improvements. White said Dartmouth has final determination under the agreement if disputes arise, and that if the bill does not pass the state could face difficulty meeting the obligation without cutting services or finding other general funds. Several members also raised policy concerns about the personal needs allowance becoming an automatic cost driver. Brian Clark, attorney for the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, clarified that current law requires the allowance to be updated at least every five years, but the legislature could change it in an off year if it chose. He also explained that the allowance is money residents retain from their own income, such as Social Security, as part of Medicaid cost-of-care calculations, and that the department does not regulate how residents keep those funds. No vote was taken during the discussion, and the committee paused to correct the bill copy before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:45:22.640> these<00:45:23.040> days<00:45:23.119> to<00:45:23.359> have<
• us have<00:45:24.000> to<00:45:24.160> smile<00:45:25.119> and<00:45:25.280>
• > all<00:45:27.440> the<00:45:27.599> fear<00:45:27.839> we<00:45:28.000>
• Knowing<00:45:29.839> you<00:45:30.079> are<00:45:30.160> outside<00:45:30.480><
• <00:45:32.800> Our<00:45:33.200> schools<00:45:33.520> are<00:45:33.680>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3415, a bill aimed at limiting immigration enforcement activity at child care centers. House Research explained the DE1 amendment, which defined key terms and barred child care employees from consenting to civil immigration enforcement entry without a judicial warrant, while requiring officials to identify themselves and state their purpose; the amendment also clarified that it would not block officials administering child care programs. After brief debate, members adopted the DE1 amendment. The bill author, Representative Sensor Mura, said the measure was intended to address fear and disruption in child care settings caused by recent immigration enforcement activity and to keep those spaces safe for children and families. Supporters, including a pastor, a Children’s Defense Fund representative, parents, child care workers, and an ACLU policy counsel, testified that immigration enforcement near daycares has caused fear, staff absences, lockdowns, and emotional harm to children. They argued the bill would not stop lawful enforcement but would require warrants and basic identification before entry, protecting children from witnessing raids or arrests and giving providers clear rules. Several witnesses described specific incidents involving ICE activity near Spanish immersion daycares in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including staff members being detained, parents organizing safety watches, and children showing distress. Testimony emphasized that many affected children are U.S. citizens in immigrant families and that visible enforcement can create toxic stress and separation anxiety. No final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided beyond adoption of the DE1 amendment and continuation of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• we'll<00:45:05.119> be<00:45:05.200> able<00:45:05.359> to<00:45:05.520>
• <00:45:09.359> two<00:45:09.599> years<00:45:09.839> or<00:45:10.079> so<
• This<00:45:36.480> is<00:45:36.560> a<00:45:36.800> big<00:45:37.119> this
• ><00:45:37.280> is<00:45:37.359> an<00:45:37.520> uncommonly<00:45:38.079> big
• :45:45.119> I'm<00:45:45.359> grateful<00:45:45.599> for<00:45:45.839> your

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services met to review budget items carved out in the prior session budget, including long-term care surveyor contracts, funding for local health departments, and expansion of the central laboratory. The committee approved the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Health Care on long-term care certification surveys and complaint investigations. Officials said the $1 million annual appropriation for contracted survey work, along with salary increases and other resources, helped the state reduce its backlog. They reported that Kentucky completed 101 long-term care certification surveys in fiscal year 2024, up from 28 in fiscal year 2023, and had completed 186 surveys by July 7, 2025, with a goal of 40 to 50 more before the end of fiscal year 2025. Outstanding complaints fell from 1,565 at the end of fiscal year 2024 to 695 by July 7, 2025, and outstanding priority-one or immediate-jeopardy complaints were reduced to zero. Members asked about the definition of priority-one cases, survey timing, the number of facilities still overdue, vacancy rates, federal funding reliance, and the use of contract surveyors. Officials said priority-one cases involve serious harm or high risk of harm, that surveys are required within a 12- to 15.7-month window, and that the agency now has 40 contract surveyors and an outside team option. Several members praised the progress but warned that delays in surveys can endanger residents and urged continued funding and monitoring. The committee then began hearing from Mike Tuggle of the Department of Public Health on the Public Health Transformation Initiative, with Tuggle noting the legislation’s importance to public health financing. The transcript cuts off as he began his remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> they<00:45:00.200> want<00:45:00.400> us<00:45:00.559> to<00:45:
• 00:45:14.160> for<00:45:14.400> the<00:45:14.520> f-35s<00:45:15.400> the
• <00:45:20.720> Mr<00:45:21.119> chair<00:45:22.119> this<00:45:23.119> I<
• :45:40.200> very<00:45:40.680> happy<00:45:40.960> to<00:45:41.160> stand
• <00:45:43.520> with<00:45:43.720> my<00:45:43.960> Democrat<00:45:44.680> Co<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This request,<01:45:09.040> that<01:45:09.199> email<01:45:09.440> I<01:45:09.600
• Um, but<01:45:14.480> they<01:45:14.960> also<01:45:15.280> govern<01:45:15.679>
• :18.880> all<01:45:18.960> of<01:45:19.119> the<01:45:19.280> major<01:45
• ><01:45:31.600> just<01:45:31.840> they're<01:45:32.159> adding<01:45:32.600>
• > there<03:45:06.880> that<03:45:07.120> you<03:45:07.279> can<03:45:07.439>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > sure<00:45:16.640> what<00:45:17.440> it<00:45:17.760> is<00:45:18.079>
• <00:45:22.560> within<00:45:22.800> the<00:45:23.040> 30<00:45:23.280> days
• why that would<00:45:27.040> need<00:45:27.200> to<00:45:27.280> be<00:45:27.440
• If it's something<00:45:28.720> that<00:45:29.119> was<00:45:29.280> held<00:45:
• use<01:45:02.400> for<01:45:02.639> these<01:45:02.960> grants<01:45:03.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Administrative rulemaking is another area I know is of interest to many legislators, so, um, chapter
• 14 of Statute is worth taking a chapter 14 of Statute is worth taking a look<00:18:23.760> at
• 16c and those policy items uh of chapter 16c and those policy items uh historically<00:20:43.559>
• 13d but there are contained in chapter 13d but there are<00:34:27.000> open<00:34:27.200>
• requirements Beyond chapter requirements Beyond chapter 13d<00:34:43.800> the<00:34:43.960

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee met for an introductory, familiarization-only session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and House Fiscal Staff provided a budget overview for the committee’s elections-related jurisdiction. That overview covered the Office of the Secretary of State, including a requested $200,000 one-time general fund match to draw down additional federal HAVA funds released in 2024, and the presidential primary, which is an open statutory appropriation that reimburses state and local costs in even-numbered election years. It also reviewed the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board’s operations budget, the public subsidy program’s statutory and taxpayer checkoff funding, and the Voting Operations and Elections Resources account, which is funded at $3 million annually for local election-related costs. Members asked questions about the HAVA match, including whether the funds were tied to the most recent election cycle and what specific goals or security-related uses the Secretary of State’s request would support. Staff said they would need to research the details further and would share responses with the full committee. One member also raised broader concerns about non-state money entering elections and the need for clear guidance and oversight; staff said that area was beyond their expertise but could be researched further. The chair noted that the Secretary of State would appear at a future meeting and encouraged members to submit questions for shared follow-up. House Research then gave an overview of the committee’s government operations jurisdiction. Staff explained that the committee historically deals with structural and administrative issues such as agency organization, rulemaking, boards and commissions, state contracting, state IT services, emergency management, and state symbols and recognition days. They emphasized the committee’s role in maintaining consistency and compatibility across state government and in considering the balance between legislative authority and executive-branch discretion. Staff also noted overlap with State Government Finance for fiscal matters and said they would return for more detailed discussion if members wanted it. The final presentation introduced local government concepts. House Research outlined Minnesota’s local government structure, including counties, cities, towns, and special districts, and explained terms such as political subdivision, home rule charter, and Dillon’s rule. The presentation described local governments as creatures of the state, reviewed home rule charter and general welfare authority, and noted that local government powers are defined by statute unless otherwise provided. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, today is day 45 of the second Trump administration.
• Forgive me, in light of their client lists and the chaos and lawlessness that have already occurred 45
• The EPA chapter of Project 2025 has dedicated five pages to the Office of Air and Radiation, which you
• I was not involved in any sort of final review or determination. to what went into that chapter or any
• of the other chapters within Project 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 69, I prefer to call it House Bill 45 or House Bill 47, but House Bill 69 does one very simple
• I wish had received numbers either 45 or 47, but unfortunately, has the number it does. Very well.
• Please show that Representative Andrade's H.B. 69, parenthetically, 45 to 47 bill has been recorded favorably
• The district was established in 1965 by a circuit court decree under the provisions of Chapter 298, Florida
• This local bill simply codifies the district's charter under Chapter 298 and ensures that the district

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and voted on several local and statewide bills. HB 69, by Rep. Andrade, preempted local zoning and land-use authority to the state for presidential libraries; after an amendment clarifying the scope of preemption, it passed 13-2. HB 63, by Reps. Gerwig and Cassel, created a public-records exemption for city and county administrators and their deputies, citing threats and harassment against local administrators; it included a 10-year sunset and passed 15-0. HB 4045, by Rep. Alvarez, updated the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan, including extending the DROP period by three years; it passed 14-0 with a committee substitute. HB 4023, by Rep. Hunschofsky, tightened conflict-of-interest rules for officers and employees of the North Springs Improvement District after prior audit concerns; it passed 16-0. HB 4017, by Rep. Oliver, codified the Bermont Drainage District’s charter and corrected a statutory cross-reference via amendment; it passed 16-0 with committee substitute. HB 4009, by Rep. Kendall, renamed the St. Johns County regional airport to the St. Augustine Airport and passed 16-0. The committee also considered PCB IAS 25-01, by Vice Chair Griffiths, which would standardize county constitutional officers’ budget procedures and create an appeal process for clerks of court and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs; after testimony from the clerks and supervisors’ associations, it passed 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:45:05.200> to<00:45:05.240> use<00:45:05.520> Kirk<00:45:05.800> as<00
• <00:45:15.560> But<00:45:15.760> as<00:45:15.880> far<00:45:16.040> as
• <00:45:17.880> little<00:45:18.160> things<00:45:18.520> for<00:45:18.640>
• Um Um Um would<00:45:31.560> you<00:45:31.800> require<00:45:32.640> that<00:45:
• more<00:45:55.880> things<00:45:56.440> come<00:45:56.680> up<00:45:57.480>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses. The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care. Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Osama Mukaddem, a legislative director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California chapter
• I'm a legislative director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California chapter, and a proud
• Public employers must provide at least 45 days' written notice to recognized employee organizations before
• And look, a 45-day notification is not a big deal.
• And I think that 45 days before Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Terminator, came in, that would have helped

Summary: The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition. The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations. AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > is<01:45:03.760> a<01:45:03.920> lot<01:45:04.119> less<01:45:04.520> and
• > rules<01:45:06.320> and<01:45:06.520> regulations<01:45:07.040> that<01
• department<01:45:07.840> have<01:45:08.520> uh<01:45:08.679> have<01:45:08.840>
• :45:10.760> that<01:45:10.920> leaves<01:45:11.520> that<01:45:11.679> can
• <01:45:12.599> at<01:45:12.679> a<01:45:13.040> disadvantage<01:45:14.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks. a solution in search of a solution in search of but<00:45:58.520> sometimes<00:45:58.839
• > we<00:45:59.000> make<00:45:59.240> things<00:45:59.520> that<00:45:59.640
• There is an effective date, so we're going to keep the old chapter for partitions that started before
• Anything that starts after that date will be under the new chapter, so we'll have to keep the old chapter
• Anything that starts after that date will be under the new chapter, so we'll have to keep the old chapter

Bills: HF414, HF768, HF359

Keywords: data practices, filing fee, government transparency, complaints, public access, free speech, human rights, censorship, protected speech, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, real property, partition, eminent domain, transfer on death deeds, property rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to check with House counsel on this, but I believe PTs and OTs are housed in Chapter 112, and
• this only applies to Section 1, Chapter 111, the professionals in Section 1, Chapter 111.
• I don't think this would apply to them because they're housed in Chapter 112. Right.
• Brenda Anders Pring, who is from the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Dr.
• I am a pediatrician and I work in primary care, and I'm president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers. Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Print 8754, Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Chapter of the Laws of 2025.
• SENATE PRINT 8754 SENATOR KAVANAUGH, AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF 2025.
• Senate Print 8781 Weber, an act to amend the chapter of the laws of 2025.
• Senate Print 8812 Krueger, an act to amend the chapter of the laws of 2025.
• COUNTY, IT MAY BE 45 MINUTES OR AN HOUR DRIVE FOR A NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO REACH THAT POLLING PLACE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal. On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate. On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• > would<01:45:06.159> I<01:45:06.400> would<01:45:06.560> be<01:45:06.719
• :45:11.440> the<01:45:12.400> weather<01:45:12.719> conditions<01:45:13.199>
• > sure<01:45:13.840> that<01:45:14.000> we<01:45:14.239> could<01:45:14.480>
• Carrier Act<01:45:51.520> from<01:45:51.679> the<01:45:51.840> public<01:45:52.159
• nexus<02:45:06.560> for<02:45:06.720> the<02:45:06.880> tax<02:45:07.200

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The budget is now 45 days -- almost 45 days late.
• THE BUDGET IS NOW 45 DAYS -- ALMOST 45 DAYS LATE.
• On 5/14, remember chapter 5, verse 14. Be that light. Shine the light.
• Ayes 45, nays 13. >> The bill is passed.
• AYES 45, NAYs 13. >> THE BILL IS PASSED.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior journal, and processed several messages from the Assembly, including motions to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills for Assembly bills on the calendars. The chamber also reconsidered and restored Senate Print 1788, an act amending the Real Property Tax Law, to the third reading calendar. The Rules Committee reported Senate Print 10324, the state budget appropriations bill, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the message of necessity and laid the bill aside before taking it up on the controversial calendar as a budget extender. A lengthy debate followed on the budget extender, with Senator O’Mara and others criticizing the continued delay in finalizing the state budget, the lack of public details, and the absence of a schedule for joint budget committee meetings. Senator Serrano responded that the extender was necessary to keep state government operating while final budget negotiations continued, but could not provide specifics on policy items such as Tier 6 pension changes, New York City aid, local government support, or school aid. The extender was ultimately passed 56-2, with Senators Rhoads and Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted several previously adopted resolutions, including a memorial resolution for former Congressman Eliot Engel and a resolution marking the fourth anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting in Buffalo. The Buffalo resolution prompted extensive remarks from multiple senators about racism, gun violence, community trauma, and the need for policy responses; it was adopted with broad support. The chamber also passed a series of bills on the third reading calendar covering highway, municipal, environmental, banking, veterans, education, public health, and public service matters, with most passing overwhelmingly and a few drawing minority opposition. Notable floor debate occurred on a study bill regarding battery energy storage systems, where senators raised concerns about fire safety and siting; the bill passed 45-13. The Senate adjourned to reconvene on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1834, an act amending laws 2024, chapter 211, section 6, making capital outlay appropriations for
• SB 1835, an act amending section 5572, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, repealing section 5572,
• as under 5575, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, section 3, relating to commerce.
• Next bill, please: SB 1840, an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes,
• So when a hospital has Medicaid patients, they are reimbursed between 30 and 45...

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest recognitions, including a student honored for a national Mandarin speech contest, a Ms. Black Arizona candidate, and a Madison Elementary School reusable-tray pilot program. The body also recognized interns and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted committee reports recommending passage of a series of budget-related bills. The main legislative business centered on the 2026-27 budget package and related omnibus measures, including appropriations, budget implementation, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, K-12 education, state property, revenue/taxation, and transportation bills. Most of these measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, with repeated debate focused on the tax omnibus and the overall budget’s policy choices. Supporters argued the package provided affordability, tax relief, conformity with federal tax changes, reduced government spending, and reforms to entitlement and other programs; opponents argued it favored corporations and wealthy taxpayers, cut health care, food assistance, housing, tourism, wildfire response, and education, and would forfeit federal matching funds. Several members specifically criticized the failure to close the data center tax exemption and to raise sports betting taxes, while supporters defended those provisions as pro-business and pro-growth. There was also discussion of fund sweeps, including university research funds, housing trust funds, and other agency balances, with opponents saying the sweeps targeted encumbered or already-committed money. After debate, the Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and advanced the bills, and later took up House bills introduced and placed on third reading, with members explaining their votes on HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act, largely along party lines. At the end of the session, the Senate processed messages from the House requesting the return of SB 1160 and SB 1786 for reconsideration, and the Senate requested the House return HB 2415 for reconsideration. The chamber also introduced and placed several House budget bills on third reading, including HB 4138 through HB 4153, continuing the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mosley down while completing administrative paperwork at approximately 11:45. Ms.
• At 11:45, Ms. Mosley ran past the trooper and exited through the side door.
• Next up, we've got Anna Grace DePollo, Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association.
• DRI review under Chapter 380, which is the closest thing we've ever had to this, took months.
• DRI review under Chapter 380, which is the closest thing we've ever had to this, took months.

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.