Transcript Highlights:

• Arts Fund.
• Uh, you created the Council on the Arts Fund? The Granite Patron of the Arts Fund.
• arts gets their money faster. arts gets their money faster.
• this this arts fund. this this arts fund.
• of the arts appreciates it. of the arts appreciates it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabling in for our 10:30 a.m. agenda for the Committee on Culture and Arts.
• This is our last committee hearing for the Committee on Culture and Arts this session.
• This is our last committee hearing for the Committee on Culture and Arts this session.
• <00:33:35.679> So<00:33:35.840> thank culture and arts this session.
• So thank culture and arts this session. So thank you<00:33:36.080> again.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• our shared cultural history and support the arts.
• The State Arts Board receives about its statutory 47 percent.
• Here in Minnesota, we know that arts aren't charity; they are a necessity.
• Arts and culture, I come from a district that benefits a lot from this.
• This is arts and culture. and our history of Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a quick shout-out, Art at the Capitol is coming up. Um, please keep your offices open.
• Please encourage your staff to stay for Art at the Capitol. It is on Friday, April 17th.
• We have some fashion things, art, food.
• But with Art at the Capitol, we also have the revival, our second year of the Art at the Capitol talent
• year of the Art at the Capitol<00:40:03.000> talent<00:40:03.680> show.

Bills: HR39, HCR43, HR178, HCR188, SB3144, SB3102, SB2053, SB3248, SB2256, SB3118, SB2245, SB2519, SB3055, SB2090, SB2765, SB2169, SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, HR63, HCR69

Keywords: pedestrian safety, crosswalks, traffic calming, school zone, Honolulu, community safety, raised crosswalks, traffic infrastructure, agritourism, agricultural tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA, working group, farm tourism, regenerative tourism, working lands, agricultural land use, county ordinances, permitting, farm bureau

Transcript Highlights:

• , arts education, and arts access, the preservation of Minnesota's history, and an explanation of how
• , arts education, and arts access, the preservation of Minnesota's history, and an explanation of how
• arts arts department,<03:25:06.960> people<03:25:07.279> come<03:25:07.520> every
• Uh the arts spent on the arts councils.
• arts with the arts to get through in the arts with the arts community,<03:55:11.920> it's<03:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hearing between Government Operations and our amazing friends at Transportation, Culture, and the Arts
• Okay, uh, the committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts chair's recommendation on SB 1092
• chair's recommendation on S SP 1092 Arts chair's recommendation on S SP 1092 is<00:15:15.000> to<
• This concludes the joint hearing of Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and Arts.
• <00:16:12.440> Mahal transportations culture and arts Mahal transportations culture and arts

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and the Arts committees considered three bills. SB 1092 would establish a transportation demand management program for state employees, including a parking cash-out option. Testimony was largely in support, including from state planning, energy, labor, and several individuals, while committee members raised concerns about whether the program was mandatory and whether there was a full implementation plan. The bill’s proponents said it was voluntary and intended to reduce long parking waitlists by incentivizing employees to opt out of parking. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1092 be passed with amendments, and the measure was adopted in both committees. SB 1093 would create a parking demand management program and require DAGS to transition state employees from monthly parking to daily-rate parking. Testimony included strong opposition from most individuals and several agencies, with one supporter. A committee question focused on the loss of pre-tax payroll deductions under a daily-rate system, and the Deputy Attorney General explained that the current monthly arrangement allows deductions from gross pay, which would not work the same way with daily payments. Given the opposition and concerns, the committees recommended deferral indefinitely. SB 1121 would establish a procurement preference, beginning in 2027, for construction companies with electric vehicles. Testimony included comments from DAGS, the Department of Transportation, and others, with opposition noted from DOT. Committee members questioned charging infrastructure and battery disposal for electric vehicles used in construction. After discussion, the committees concluded it was in the best interest to defer the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason it was called Signatures is he had collected literally signatures on pieces of art and other
• The reason it was called Signatures is he had collected literally signatures on pieces of art and other
• The reason it was called Signatures is he had collected literally signatures on pieces of art and other
• The reason it was called Signatures is he had collected literally signatures on pieces of art and other
• He had collected literally signatures on pieces of art and other items of very famous people, and it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My mom was an art teacher. My father-in-law is an artist.
• My mom was an art teacher. My father-in-law is an artist.
• <00:24:02.039> supplies<00:24:02.440> for in art supplies for in art supplies for children
• <00:24:29.799> Supply where artists and Art Supply where artists and Art Supply manufacturers
• K.L. and Woodbury Dental Arts scandal.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, adopt the words of the chair of the culture and arts committee and also brief comment.
• Um, adopt the words of the chair of the culture and arts committee and also brief comment.
• Um, adopt the words of the chair of the culture and arts committee and also brief comment.
• <01:46:02.320> So the culture and arts committee. So the culture and arts committee.
• of the chair of the culture and arts of the chair of the culture and arts committee<01:46:09.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A state-of-the-art<00:18:21.600> air<00:18:21.919> traffic<00:18:22.240> control
• state-of-the-art air traffic control state-of-the-art air traffic control facility<00:18:23.120>
• through murals, through expand our arts through murals, through dance,<01:25:59.360> through<
• I have the member giving testimony to my left, right here, who brought arts to Clues and continues to
• establish how it's important when we connect our arts with social services and child care, but this

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got your outdoor heritage fund, your arts and culture fund, clean water fund, parks and trails
• So my favorite aspect of Legacy is definitely the arts and cultural heritage portion of it.
• Mary Davis from the House Research Department, and I cover the arts and cultural heritage fund.
• /c><00:12:45.639> uh<00:12:45.839> uh<00:12:46.000> culture arts and crafts arts
• and uh uh culture arts and crafts arts and uh uh culture rather<00:12:47.800> arts<00:12:48.040

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He's the City of Sacramento's arts manager which means he does all of the art in public places projects
• Our internationally recognized art in public places program was established in 1977 and we hire many
• Murals are art available to everyone.
• My work includes creating original art on walls, murals that are not only a vital source of income, but
• Walter on behalf of California Arts Advocates, proud co-sponsor of the bill. Thank you. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shared cultural history and support arts.
• <00:01:54.240> and trails, and to preserve our arts and trails, and to preserve our arts and
• The state arts board receives arts.
• cultural The arts and culture cultural The arts and culture cultural institutions<00:14:34.399>
• section of the bill of arts and culture. section of the bill of arts and culture.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're convening the joint committees on transportation, culture and the arts, energy, and intergovernmental
• We're reconvening the joint committees on transportation, culture and the arts, energy and environmental
• , Vice Chair, for the vote with amendments for the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts
• committee on transportation and culture<00:02:29.360> and<00:02:29.599> the<00:02:29.760> arts
• <00:02:30.080> chair's culture and the arts chair's culture and the arts chair's recommendation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation, Culture and the Arts, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Intergovernmental Affairs met on HCR 205, a resolution urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize and expedite planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoy Bridge. Written testimony in support was submitted by Holly Crawford, Maddox Suchia, and Joe Ritter, and no one appeared to testify orally. After a brief recess to wait for quorum, the committees reconvened and discussed a technical amendment. The amendment would add language directing that a certified copy of the measure be sent to the director of the Maui County Department of Public Works, to align with the county’s jurisdiction over roads and transportation infrastructure. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee voted to pass HCR 205 with amendments, with members voting aye and the measure adopted. The Energy and Environmental Affairs / Intergovernmental Affairs committee then took up the same recommendation and also voted to pass the resolution with amendments, with the recommendation adopted. The committees then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I also share my friends' concerns over here about fine arts funding.
• And not every kid wants to play sports, and a lot of kids prefer music and band and the fine arts.
• We're close, but I agree that we need to figure out a way to take care of the fine arts. Go ahead.
• We're close, but I agree that we need to figure out a way to take care of the fine arts.
• We're close, but I agree that we need to figure out a way to take care of the fine arts.

Bills: HB2

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee met to consider HB 2, the major school finance bill, with the chair explaining that the committee substitute would provide about $8 billion in new public education funding. The bill was described as including permanent teacher compensation increases, expanded teacher incentive allotment funding, support for early literacy and numeracy, teacher certification and residency pathways, special education funding, career and technical education, school safety dollars, and facilities support for charter schools. The committee adopted the committee substitute without objection after roll was called and a quorum was present. Members questioned the bill’s structure, especially the balance between across-the-board teacher pay and the teacher incentive allotment, the treatment of uncertified teachers, and differences in requirements between traditional public schools and charter schools. Senator Menendez and Senator West raised concerns about equity, charter-school parity, facilities funding, inflation, and whether the bill should include more support for fine arts and extracurricular programs. The chair responded that the bill was designed to direct most new money to traditional public schools while also preserving flexibility and that charter-school and public-school alignment would need further work. Invited witnesses Dr. Imelda De La Rosa and Val Acri testified in support of the bill, emphasizing that the Teacher Incentive Allotment helps recruit and retain teachers in rural districts and supports mentorship and certification pathways. Public witnesses also supported the bill but urged more funding for fine arts, local flexibility, and full restoration of House-proposed funding levels. Dr. Josh Jones supported year-long teacher residencies, Dr. Philip Morgan asked for more local control and restoration of fine arts funding, Rich Saina supported the bill but warned about hold-harmless reductions, and Dr. Greg Poole supported the bill while asking for flexibility for high-performing districts that already pay high salaries. After the invited testimony and some public testimony, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair so members could attend the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Donna Lupardo, chairs our Agriculture Committee; Assembly Member Ron Kim, who chairs Tourism, Parks, Arts
• As the chair of the Assembly Tourism Committee, I have the responsibility of overseeing parks, arts,
• As the chair of the Assembly Tourism Committee, I have the responsibility of overseeing parks, arts,
• AS THE CHAIR OF THE ASSEMBLY TOURISM COMMITTEE I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OVERSEEING THE PARKS, ARTS
• And invest in our arts institutions and creative workforce, including the tax credits for Broadway and

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Conference Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Housing opened budget negotiations for the 2026-2027 enacted budget, with Senate and Assembly leaders outlining their one-house proposals and committee members giving brief remarks. The discussion covered environment, agriculture, housing, parks, and energy, with repeated emphasis on affordability, climate resilience, and support for rural and urban communities. Senate and Assembly chairs described the process and noted the agencies present, while minority members criticized the overall size of the budgets and urged more attention to housing affordability, building stakeholders, and energy costs. On the environment and energy side, the Senate highlighted proposals for $138 million in additional clean water infrastructure funding, a $75 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund, $95 million in restored parks capital, $200 million for the Energy Affordability Program, and $1 billion for Sustainable Futures 2.0, including a proposed revival of the NY STUN program. The Assembly said it increased the EPF to $500 million, raised clean water infrastructure funding to $800 million, and included targeted amounts for cities, rural housing-related water projects, Cornell Ag Tech, and the Center for Sustainable Materials Management. Democrats argued that high utility bills are driven by natural gas costs rather than clean energy, while Senate and Assembly Republicans said the CLCPA and other energy mandates are increasing costs and should be reconsidered. Agriculture remarks focused on research, farm support, and resilience. Senator Hinchey described funding for Cornell’s COWS program, Farm to School amendments, $7 million for farm worker housing, and a new $20 million Farm Weather Resiliency Grant Program. Chair Lupardo said the Assembly added $16 million over the Governor’s proposal for educational research and outreach, restored support for beginning and disadvantaged farmers, and backed dairy, livestock, hemp fiber, and natural fibers initiatives, while also accepting $30 million in farmer tariff relief if guidelines are set. Minority Assembly Member Tague supported dairy infrastructure funding but criticized the farm labor overtime phase-down and the CLCPA’s impacts on farms. Housing discussion centered on major capital and assistance programs. The Assembly proposed $200 million more for the Housing Access Voucher Program, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama and NYCHA, $50 million for down payment assistance, $4 million for fair housing testing, land banks, and $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program. The Senate outlined similar priorities, including $500 million for NYCHA, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama preservation, $250 million total for HAVP, and additional funding for mixed-income rental development, vacant rentals, senior housing, and block-by-block infill. Chair Rosenthal said rent stabilization was not being changed in the budget, while Republican members argued that affordability requires lower taxes, lower utility costs, and fewer regulatory burdens. No votes were taken; the meeting was an opening round of budget negotiations and ended with closing remarks from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• Auburn has a very unique and thriving arts community of all sorts in Placer County and really stands
• With the Auburn Symphony, April Maynard, Auburn Arts Commission, Susan Dupree, Auburn Arts Commission
• Symphony Under the Sky and Trissa Swardlow, who’s with the Placer Arts Tour as well.
• It gave us art, it gave us music, it gave us poetry, and a language of resistance that still empowers
• It gave us art, it gave us music, it gave us poetry, and a language of resistance that still empowers

Summary: The Assembly met on July 17, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through a long ceremonial and floor session. The chamber recognized the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows, the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and the 2025 Assembly Fellows, and also heard guest introductions honoring Brad Webb of Legislative Counsel, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, the new UC President J.B. Milliken, the Rohnert Park 11-and-under Cal Ripken All-Star team, and arts leaders from Auburn. The Assembly also took up several procedural motions, including removing some bills from the consent calendar and noting absences. On the floor, members adopted ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, with broad support and 66 co-authors, and later adopted H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month, with 65 co-authors. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of State Highway Route 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and H.R. 50 proclaiming November 25, 2025, as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, with members emphasizing survivor support and prevention. In each case, authors and supporters highlighted the cultural, historical, or public-safety significance of the measures. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments on several bills, including AB 359 on the Political Reform Act, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices and penalizing sellers, AB 1286 on public employment transparency, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AJR 14, urging federal attention to the impact of tariffs on California ports, passed 44-1 after debate over trade policy and port jobs. AJR 17, calling for modernization of immigration law and a pathway to lawful status for long-term undocumented residents, passed 47-7 after extensive debate focused on immigrant families, the economy, and federal enforcement actions. The Assembly also adopted the resolutions by voice vote where required and recorded the roll-call results for the joint resolutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marshall County, extend repeal or on and raise annual amount of authority to contribute to Balia Area Arts
• . >> So this is simply we do this a year over year, allowing $7,500 to be given to the Bahyia Area Arts
• <00:05:29.119> I'm<00:05:29.440> happy the Bahyia area arts council.
• I'm happy the Bahyia area arts council.
• Carter. for the funds to the Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of local and private bills, mostly extending repealer dates or authorizing small local taxes and contributions. These included measures for the City of Laurel, City of Clinton, City of Moss Point, and City of Hattiesburg to continue hotel/motel or restaurant taxes for tourism, parks, and recreation; a Marshall County bill allowing a $7,500 annual contribution to the Bahyia Area Arts Council; a Jackson County bill extending a $5,000 contribution to Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education; a City of Philadelphia bill authorizing a one-time $10,000 contribution to Philadelphia Transit; and a Dotto County bill allowing golf carts and low-speed vehicles on certain public roads. The chamber also approved a Jackson County bill revising the powers and duties of the county fair board. Most of these local bills were passed by voice vote and then by the morning roll call, with no questions raised. The Senate also took up several conference-related matters and House amendments. On Senate Bill 2676, the Proxy Advance of Transparency Act, the Senate voted not to concur and to invite conference. On Senate Bill 2882, dealing with homestead exemption eligibility, members discussed a House amendment clarifying that property owners who deed property but reserve a life estate do not have to reapply for homestead exemption; the Senate concurred and sent the bill to the governor. Additional items later in the calendar included nonconcurrence and conference invitations on bills involving a rural hospital pilot program, dependent care tax credits, health reimbursement arrangement tax credits, state park land lease tax treatment, rural hospital contributions, electronic payment processing fees, storm-related utility revenue bonds, agriculture and logging sales tax exemptions, and revisions to the Pregnancy Resource Act. Near the end of the calendar, senators chose to pass and retain several remaining items rather than take final action, and leadership noted the need to move bills off the calendar in the next session. The Senate then moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a bipartisan social event, and several members requested that the journal reflect adjournment in memory of named individuals. The chamber ultimately agreed to recess until later that day or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is why the committee prioritized healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution
• 40.080> the And that is why the committee prioritized healthcare, human services, education, the arts
• services, prioritized healthcare, human services, education,<00:03:32.239> the<00:03:32.480> arts
• ,<00:03:32.799> and<00:03:33.040> food education, the arts, and food education, the
• arts, and food distribution. distribution. distribution.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million for nonprofit and community organizations facing uncertainty, especially amid federal funding disruptions. Speakers thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leadership, and legislative staff for helping craft the measure and review more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million in requests. They noted the funding was intended as a safety net for organizations serving at-risk populations and those that had lost federal support, with priority given to healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution. The co-chair then presented the recommended award list, describing it as aimed at programs with broad reach and high impact. The list included a large number of nonprofits and community providers across the state, such as food banks, health centers, youth and family services, domestic violence and legal aid organizations, cultural and educational groups, and hospitals. Several of the larger awards mentioned included Hui Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, West Hawaii Community Health Center, The Food Basket, and multiple Maui and Oahu service organizations. After the full list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the committee adopted the list of nonprofit awards as read. The briefing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you again for making Art at the Capitol so special.
• ><00:24:37.720> at<00:24:37.800> the<00:24:37.880> Capitol opportunity to host Art
• at the Capitol opportunity to host Art at the Capitol as<00:24:39.080> well<00:24:39.280>
• Thank you again for making<00:24:58.440> Art<00:24:58.560> at<00:24:58.640> the<
• making Art at the Capitol so special. making Art at the Capitol so special.

Bills: SCR21, SCR75, SCR50, SCR149, SCR47, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170

Keywords: healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion