Transcript Highlights:

• > I<00:25:29.600> just<00:25:29.720> think<00:25:30.039> itl<00:25:30.520
• <00:25:35.840> seeing<00:25:36.279> none<00:25:36.520> that<00:25:36.799> for
• :40.159> number<00:25:41.159> and<00:25:41.440> it<00:25:41.559> may<00:25
• :44.320> is<00:25:44.480> an<00:25:44.799> exact<00:25:45.679> copy<00:25
• c><00:25:48.039> it's<00:25:48.399> 1492<00:25:49.399> that<00:25:49.600> this

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on several House bills and first took up HB 181, which would have made the state responsible for maintaining Opticon systems for fire and emergency on state roads. Members noted that a system already exists and that towns are generally responsible for maintenance once they choose a system, so the committee voted ITL/OTL-style recommendation by a unanimous 18-0 roll call and discussed placing it on the consent calendar. The committee then considered HB 7113, concerning mile markers along Route 112/Kancamagus Highway. Supporters argued the markers would improve safety and help locate stranded motorists in a rural area with poor cell service, while another member noted the bill’s language should be clarified to refer specifically to the Kancamagus and to DOT’s usual 0.2-mile spacing. The committee voted 18-0 to recommend OTP with a fiscal note, and because it was a money bill it would not go on the consent calendar. HB 300, directing DOT to seek proposals on the Conway Branch rail line and creating a rail study committee, was recommended ITL after members said the issue had already been studied and the corridor had already been designated for rail trail; that vote was unanimous and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. HB 375, allowing municipalities to designate sections of state and local highways for all-terrain vehicles, was also recommended ITL. Members said there is already a process for towns to authorize such use and expressed concern about a blanket approach and possible local conflicts; the motion passed unanimously and was sent to the consent calendar. HB 578, relating to a sound barrier along the F.E. Everett Turnpike, drew more discussion: some members said the project should go through the 10-year plan and environmental review process, while others cited local impacts and the need for some barrier or privacy protection. The committee ultimately voted 16-2 to recommend ITL, and it was not placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee took up HB 561, concerning transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities. Members voted to retain the bill, with supporters saying they wanted more information, including a site visit to Merrimack’s Continental Boulevard and further discussion of how state roads are handled in other towns. The retain motion passed unanimously 18-0, and members noted that retained bills do not go on a calendar. The chair then announced the committee’s next full meeting would be on February 24 at 10:30 a.m., with a briefing on the capital budget process and a meeting with the Secretary of the Treasury.

Transcript Highlights:

• number<00:25:03.039> is<00:25:03.279> what<00:25:03.440> we<00:25:03.679>
• <00:25:09.520> city,<00:25:10.559> this<00:25:10.960> Operation<00:25:11.440>
• c><00:25:22.799> providing<00:25:23.200> mutual<00:25:23.600> aid<00:25:24.240><
• Mental<00:25:27.919> health<00:25:28.240> impacts<00:25:28.720> are<00:25:28.960
• :25:30.720> yet<00:25:30.960> some<00:25:31.120> of<00:25:31.200> the<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just based on that, we were the 40B project. just based on that, we were, the 40B project failed and
• Second division: 25. Sufficient number of ayes and nays. I'm... Second division: 25.
• That amount would cap out at $25 million, so it can't go above $25 million.
• But instead of looking for $20 million, Instead of looking for $25 million, up to $25 million, I stand
• ..and Means talked about the projected consensus revenue figure and the projection and how much we went

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty. The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms. The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 4: 25 yes, 6 no.
• Senate file 4 25 I. Six. No. Senate file 4 25 I. Six. No.
• >> Hi.<01:25:44.719> I<01:25:45.120> Scheler. >> Hi. I Scheler.
• <01:48:31.679> 25.<01:48:32.320> No. Senate file 51. 6 I. 25. No.
• Senate file 51. 6 I. 25. No.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.039> a<00:25:01.279> year<00:25:01.440> ago<00:25:01.840> next<00:25:
• Sadly, the<00:25:24.000> driver<00:25:24.320> who<00:25:24.559> hit<00:25:24.799
• > him<00:25:25.039> is<00:25:25.279> still<00:25:25.520> on<00:25:25.679>
• > in<00:25:34.320> I64<00:25:35.120> in<00:25:35.279> Boyd<00:25:35.679><
• His<00:25:36.720> killer,<00:25:37.120> too,<00:25:37.440> remains<00:25:37.840>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we just have a forecast for 24-25, and we'll also get a forecast for 25-26, and we'll see if they
• So we just have a forecast for 24, 25, and we'll also get a forecast for 25, 26, and we'll see if they
• One of the projects also receives IDEA Part B funds.
• You will hear from representatives from both projects.
• We also collaborate with other IDEA-funded projects that are within our system, as well as federal projects

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process. The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data. The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is this<00:25:09.679> is<00:25:10.000> I<00:25:10.080> I<00:25:10.480><
• <00:25:13.039> is<00:25:13.200> is<00:25:13.279> is<00:25:14.159> not
• <00:25:24.120> So<00:25:25.120> this<00:25:25.440> in<00:25:25.679> my
• <00:25:43.360> So<00:25:44.320> looking<00:25:44.640> at<00:25:45.279> um
• So looking at um on<00:25:46.080> page<00:25:46.480> one<00:25:46.720> of<00:25:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes $25 million to establish a research and development deployment fund.
• Four, or no, it might be to page 25. I apologize, page 25, line 287.
• On line 333, you see a cash infusion into the water project.
• Fund that funds local road projects throughout The state, local government, and tribal projects.
• Many of these are initial pilot projects that they're starting.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:25:01.120> new<00:25:01.360> generation<00:25:01.919> of<00:25:02.159>
• <00:25:14.960> Um,<00:25:15.760> do<00:25:16.000> do<00:25:16.240> you
• <00:25:19.120> I<00:25:19.360> mean,<00:25:19.440> it's<00:25:19.600> so<
• I represent,<00:25:29.120> you<00:25:29.279> know,<00:25:29.360> I<00:25:29.520>
• <00:25:33.520> So<00:25:33.679> I<00:25:33.919> understand<00:25:34.240>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs briefly met and adjourned after noting that GM 574, a nomination on its agenda, had been withdrawn, leaving the committee with no business to consider. A separate joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Hawaiian Affairs then took up HCR 192, a resolution to convene a tourism and gaming working group. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Nation of Hawaii, and CARES, said the measure would allow Hawaiians to have a seat at the table, learn from Native nations with gaming experience, and make informed decisions about whether and how gaming should be approached. Some supporters emphasized that the working group was about research and self-determination, not immediate legalization, and suggested the state should focus on broader economic development options as well. Opponents, including the Honolulu prosecuting attorney and several community members and faith leaders, warned that gambling would increase addiction, crime, family breakdown, debt, and exploitation of low-income and vulnerable residents. They argued that online sports betting and other forms of gaming would be especially harmful, with some citing examples from other states and concerns about problem gambling, domestic violence, and illegal activity. Committee members questioned witnesses about the purpose of the working group and whether it could provide enough data to make an informed decision, while supporters and opponents alike acknowledged the need for Hawaiians to be involved in any future discussion. No vote or final action on HCR 192 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.600> whose<00:25:01.799> job<00:25:02.159> is<00:25:02.320> to<00:25:
• 25:09.360> sometimes<00:25:09.640> it's done<00:25:12.960> or<00:25:13.880> with
• :39.039> either<00:25:39.320> side<00:25:39.679> of<00:25:39.840> me<00:25
• hang<00:25:47.200> out<00:25:47.360> in<00:25:47.480> between<00:25:47.760><
• out<00:25:49.799> with<00:25:49.960> friends<00:25:50.200> and<00:25:50.399>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, uh, for fiscal year 25-26 biennium, there'll be, for fiscal year 25-26 biennium, there'll be
• The other thing is sometimes these funds were used to fund the whole project, 100% of the project.
• projects or consolidate all the leftover money into one bigger project.
• On the far right is what it looks like with the 70/25 or 75/25 that you've adopted in this particular
• Um, but again, this is a small project and I But again, this is a small project, and I think for some

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.480> as<00:25:00.720> well<00:25:01.200> in<00:25:01.520> terms<00:25
• ><00:25:05.679> is<00:25:05.840> developing<00:25:06.320> up<00:25:06.559> to
• c><00:25:17.039> we<00:25:17.200> want<00:25:17.360> to<00:25:17.520> do<
• <00:25:20.159> up<00:25:20.720> all<00:25:20.960> of<00:25:21.120> these<
• Um,<00:25:22.960> Andrew<00:25:23.440> already<00:25:23.760> spoke<00:25:24.159>

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:

• <00:25:23.039> documents<00:25:23.840> already<00:25:24.159> have<00:25:24.399><
• <00:25:33.840> another<00:25:34.240> objection<00:25:35.200> adding<00:25:35.520
• F and uh rephrasing<00:25:46.559> in<00:25:46.760> terms<00:25:47.159> of<00:25:
• > paid<00:25:51.600> by<00:25:51.760> the<00:25:51.840> unit<00:25:52.120
• > court<00:25:53.720> or<00:25:53.880> an<00:25:54.039> arbitrator<00:25:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees. The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns. HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The California Workplace Outreach Project, formerly known as the COVID-19 Workplace Outreach Project,
• So whether or not it's the COVID Worker Outreach Project or the California Worker Outreach Project.
• And has used that funding in 24-25 for a different project than it was originally authorized for.
• In this portfolio, there are reportable projects and there are non-reportable projects.
• However, there are a few low-risk projects that have been delegated back to the project.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:25:07.440> Richard,<00:25:08.240> could<00:25:08.480> you<00:25:08.640
• <00:25:49.679> with<00:25:49.919> our<00:25:50.159> sunshine<00:25:50.720>
• >> Jessica<01:25:06.000> would<01:25:06.159> you<01:25:06.320> like<01:25:
• those individuals<01:25:41.120> who<01:25:41.360> would<01:25:41.679> want<01:25
• <01:25:51.280> I<01:25:51.520> think<01:25:51.600> that<01:25:51.760> there's

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :47.600> to<00:25:47.760> joint<00:25:48.080> rule<00:25:48.480> 141B<00:
• <00:25:52.159> working<00:25:52.480> day<00:25:52.720> after<00:25:53.120> second
• >> Thank<00:25:58.000> you,<00:25:58.240> Mr.<00:25:58.559> President.
• The same project with do the project. The same project with water<00:42:20.160> development.
• and would be<01:25:02.080> happy<01:25:02.239> to<01:25:02.400> answer<01:25:02.639

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What are those projected contract services?
• I'm looking at slide page 25. I want to also echo my...
• This is 150 projects across 34 agencies for a total of $68.2 million.
• These projects, as of last month, which is about halfway through the project timeline, were 85% encumbered
• Five pilot projects with...

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:05.200> Alt<00:25:05.520> wind<00:25:05.760> up<00:25:06.480> 12
• <00:25:09.520> And<00:25:09.760> that's<00:25:10.080> after<00:25:10.960>
• 25:22.159> our<00:25:22.320> innovative<00:25:22.799> economy,<00:25:23.520>
• :25:40.080> go<00:25:40.320> even<00:25:40.640> deeper<00:25:41.200> into
• . project. project.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > know<00:25:22.320> your<00:25:22.559> group's<00:25:23.200> um<00:25:23.440
• <00:25:32.960> And<00:25:33.120> so<00:25:33.200> we<00:25:33.360> had
• project. How long the project was? project. How long the project was?
• <01:25:39.280> in<01:25:39.520> theformational<01:25:40.560> briefing<01:25:41.840
• Chair's recommendation<01:25:49.840> is<01:25:50.080> to<01:25:50.320> pass<01:25

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorized certain projects.
• All institutions did bring forward, except for one, a project.
• Because we use fall 25, spring 26, and summer 26 budgets.
• and academic year 26 instead of academic year 24 and 25.
• Right now, the numbers are based on the 2023–25 biennium.

Keywords: 908, all