Transcript Highlights:

• . >> First up is Robert Harris, Executive Director for the Ethics Commission.
• My name is Robert Harris on behalf of the State Ethics Commission.
• Susan Roberts Emory for Green Party of Hawaii in support.
• My name is Robert >> Good morning. Aloha.
• Next is Susan Roberts, Emory, Green Party of Hawaii, in support.

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Singleton, of Chamber of Progress.
• Robert Singleton, Chamber of Progress, also respectfully opposed.
• Robert Boyk. in respectful opposition good morning Robert Boykin with TechNet in respectful opposition
• Robert Wicken, with TechNet, speaks in respectful opposition.
• Robert Boykin-Wa-Tecna, in respectful opposition.

Summary: The committee heard several AI- and consumer-protection-related bills, with extensive testimony from authors, supporters, and industry opponents. SB 53 by Senator Wiener would create transparency requirements for large AI developers, including disclosure of safety and security protocols, reporting of critical safety incidents, whistleblower protections, and the CalCompute public cloud. Supporters said it is a narrower, transparency-based follow-up to last year’s vetoed AI safety bill, while opponents argued it still relies too much on company size, could expose trade secrets, and should be narrowed further. The committee approved SB 53 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. SB 766 by Senator Allen would codify the FTC’s Cars Rule and create a three-day cooling-off period for certain used-car purchases, along with stronger disclosure rules on pricing, add-ons, and government affiliation claims. Supporters said it would save consumers money and time and help buyers avoid bad deals, while dealer and industry groups said amendments addressed many of their concerns. Several former opponents moved to neutral, and the committee passed SB 766 unanimously as amended to Appropriations. SB 7 by Senator McNerney would regulate automated decision-making systems in employment by requiring notice, human review for discipline and termination, and limits on predictive behavior analysis. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or overly automated workplace decisions, while employer and industry groups raised concerns about scope, notice burdens, and the predictive-analysis ban. The committee passed SB 7 to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote, with the roll held open. SB 833, also by Senator McNerney, would require human oversight of AI used in critical infrastructure, along with training and system assessments; it drew limited opposition focused on scope, and the committee passed it as amended to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote, also holding the roll open. Later, the committee took up SB 11, which would address AI-generated voice, image, and video cloning and deepfakes by clarifying likeness protections, requiring consumer warnings, and addressing misuse and evidence tampering. Supporters framed it as a targeted response to nonconsensual deepfakes, while industry groups said recent amendments improved the bill but still had concerns about penalties and warning language. The committee also heard SB 720, the Safer Streets Act, which would let cities opt into a revised red-light camera system that shifts from driver to owner liability, removes facial identification, makes violations civil rather than criminal, and directs revenue toward transportation safety projects; the author presented the bill, but the transcript ends before any final action on SB 720.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts Roberts Rodriguez Rodriguez Rodriguez Simpson Simpson Simpson Snyder Snyder Snyder Sullivan
• , Roberts, Roberts, Mullika, Mullika, Mullika, Pelton<00:57:00.000><c> R.
• Senator<01:03:42.960><c> Roberts.</c> Senator Roberts. Senator Roberts.
• </c><02:54:20.560><c> I</c> Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I Senator Roberts.
• </c> Senator<03:11:51.800><c> Roberts.</c> Senator Roberts. Senator Roberts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Roberts. House Bill 338, an act relating to forcible entry and detainer.
• </c><00:11:29.760><c> Representative</c><00:11:30.320><c> Roberts.</c> law enforcement.
• Representative Roberts. law enforcement. Representative Roberts.
• Representative<00:12:04.880><c> Roberts.
• House Bill 338, Representative Roberts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Overmiller: My name is Robert Overmiller, and you've done this twice today, so I'm going to support
• Robert Overmiller. Robert Overmiller: My name is Robert Overmiller. I'm not upset about the bill.

Committee: House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce

Summary: The committee met with roll call attendance and took up two bills. First was Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which would allow the Division of Small Business to add state funding to existing federal small business programs, including the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. There was brief public support from one in-person commenter, no virtual comment, and the committee voted to release the bill, though it did not yet have enough signatures for immediate release and was left open for absent members to sign. The second item was Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, a women’s health insurance mandate requiring coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause diagnostic and treatment services, including FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and related care. Representative Smith presented the bill as a response to gaps in menopause care and insurance coverage, and Department of Insurance witness Kennedy Cook explained the religious exemption as applying to certain religious employers and blanket health policies. Committee members asked about the scope of that exemption, and some expressed concern about religious carveouts, while others praised the bill as important women’s health legislation. During public comment, one speaker supported the bill but warned that expanding mandatory health benefits can raise insurance costs. The Department of Insurance then testified in support, saying the bill would align Delaware with other states, many insurers already comply, and the department did not expect a meaningful premium impact. The committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 from committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Smitherman, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Stutts, Mr.
• Roberts. Mr. Roberts, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Smitherman, Mr. Stewart, Mr.
• [Applause] I'm Senator Dan Roberts, and I would echo I'm Senator Dan Roberts, and I would echo those
• President, I move that Robert D.
• Robert Jenkins III is confirmed. 24 ayes, zero nays. Robert Jenkins III is confirmed.

Bills: SCR 22 , SB 53 , SB 204 , SB 266 , SB 268 , SB 291 , SB 292 , SB 296 , SB 304 , SB 305 , SB 413 , SB 447 , SB 455 , SB 462 , SB 493 , SB 504 , SB 519 , SB 522 , SB 532 , SB 541 , SB 667 , SB 670 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 687 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 765 , SB 783 , SB 827 , SB 850 , SB 860 , SB 888 , SB 897 , SB 901 , SB 927 , SB 955 , SB 963 , SB 984 , SB 989 , SB 993 , SB 996 , SB 1023 , SB 1033 , SB 1058 , SB 1062 , SB 1101 , SB 1119 , SB 1172 , SB 1173 , SB 1215 , SB 1220 , SB 1227 , SB 1228 , SB 1229 , SB 1238 , SB 1239 , SB 1245 , SB 1248 , SB 1254 , SB 1259 , SB 1273 , SB 1277 , SB 1302 , SB 1332 , SB 1341 , SB 1346 , SB 1350 , SB 1352 , SB 1353 , SB 1355 , SB 1358 , SB 1370 , SB 1371 , SB 1378 , SB 1403 , SB 1404 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SB 1448 , SB 1450 , SB 1464 , SB 1493 , SB 1494 , SB 1537 , SB 1566 , SB 1569 , SB 1589 , SB 1598 , SB 1644 , SB 1709 , SB 1719 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1772 , SB 1810 , SB 1841 , SB 1895 , SB 1930 , SB 2039 , SB 2289 , SB 2312 , SCR 1 , SCR 6 , SCR 27 , SCR 32 , SB 2232 , SJR 4 , SJR 27 , SJR 40 , SB 22 , SB 33 , SB 36 , SB 37 , SB 38 , SB 95 , SB 209 , SB 249 , SB 311 , SB 365 , SB 605 , SB 618 , SB 619 , SB 732 , SB 745 , SB 760 , SB 762 , SB 779 , SB 783 , SB 785 , SB 819 , SB 871 , SB 883 , SB 1057 , SB 1059 , SB 1067 , SB 1080 , SB 1171 , SB 1210 , SB 1255 , SB 1265 , SB 1271 , SB 1313 , SB 1314 , SB 1316 , SB 1318 , SB 1320 , SB 1332 , SB 1365 , SB 1426 , SB 1470 , SB 1494 , SB 1541 , SB 1559 , SB 1567 , SB 1592 , SB 1596 , SB 1598 , SB 1677 , SB 1706 , SB 1750 , SB 1758 , SB 1786 , SB 1791 , SB 1810 , SB 1818 , SB 1841 , SB 1851 , SB 1871 , SB 1967 , SB 2024 , SB 2077 , SB 2148 , SB 2321 , SB 2365 , SB 2420 , SB 2425 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 4 , SJR 40 , SJR 27 , SJR 39 , SCR 22 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 37 , SCR 1 , SCR 27 , SCR 32 , SCR 42 , SCR 6 , SB 779 , SB 1470 , SB 765 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 888 , SB 687 , SB 847 , SB 1248 , SB 504 , SB 305 , SB 296 , SB 284 , SB 304 , SB 1023 , SB 204 , SB 670 , SB 850 , SB 854 , SB 413 , SB 1346 , SB 1033 , SB 1220 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 447 , SB 1119 , SB 1505 , SB 1215 , SB 1302 , SB 583 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 1172 , SB 955 , SB 957 , SB 541 , SB 266 , SB 1415 , SB 53 , SB 1352 , SB 785 , SB 1450 , SB 1502 , SB 1566 , SB 1062 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 1404 , SB 1448 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1355 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1596 , SB 1403 , SB 667 , SB 1059 , SB 1567 , SB 310 , SB 311 , SB 505 , SB 1210 , SB 264 , SB 1358 , SB 1364 , SB 1569 , SB 1376 , SB 1228 , SB 519 , SB 1350 , SB 462 , SB 827 , SB 1585 , SB 1273 , SB 927 , SB 1227 , SB 1229 , SB 1353 , SB 1464 , SB 1709 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1772 , SB 1841 , SB 2016 , SB 1173 , SB 1163 , SB 996 , SB 1370 , SB 1101 , SB 860 , SB 993 , SB 1537 , SB 1332 , SB 963 , SB 493 , SB 984 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 455 , SB 522 , SB 1057 , SB 1239 , SB 1254 , SB 1255 , SB 1259 , SB 1341 , SB 1877 , SB 1277 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 268 , SB 1589 , SB 397 , SB 1058 , SB 1930 , SB 532 , SB 508 , SB 292 , SB 291 , SB 901 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 1494 , SB 964 , SB 1378 , SB 2312 , SB 1719 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 1245 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 1882 , SB 618 , SB 38 , SB 393 , SB 1371 , SB 1365 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 2039 , SB 1919 , SB 1895 , SB 1598 , SB 1493 , SB 1810 , SB 1791 , SB 1706 , SB 1644 , SB 1238 , SB 783 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 897 , SB 1080 , SB 745 , SB 826 , SB 989 , SB 1320 , SB 1437 , SB 2289 , SB 1171 , SB 1079 , SB 1243 , SB 1504 , SB 1851 , SB 1879 , SB 2237 , SB 1257 , SB 2034 , SB 1522 , SB 883 , SB 249 , SB 1318 , SB 1151 , SB 596 , SB 1191 , SB 226 , SB 570 , SB 870 , SB 991 , SB 60 , SB 365 , SB 1067 , SB 1786 , SB 326 , SB 1401 , SB 1592 , SB 1728 , SB 1265 , SB 586 , SB 529 , SB 217 , SB 209 , SB 1923 , SB 1559 , SB 1839 , SB 387 , SB 1874 , SB 1872 , SB 1873 , SB 1921 , SB 1883 , SB 1677 , SB 95 , SB 1620 , SB 1838 , SB 2024 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 2166 , SB 871 , SB 510 , SB 33 , SB 2420 , SB 1860 , SB 1541 , SB 1316 , SB 1314 , SB 1313 , SB 1426 , SB 1398 , SB 1869 , SB 1750 , SB 1871 , SB 36 , SB 855 , SB 1233 , SB 760 , SB 2425 , SB 2037 , SB 1758 , SB 1759 , SB 2365 , SB 1924 , SB 762 , SB 1271 , SB 1818 , SB 605 , SB 1405 , SB 1762 , SB 1968 , SB 1977 , SB 2077 , SB 2148 , SB 2321 , SB 1967 , SB 1662 , SB 1663 , SB 2124 , SB 2204 , SB 1855 , SB 863 , SB 37 , SB 2232 , SB 819 , SB 2078 , SB 2252 , SB 1962 , SB 2253 , SB 825 , SB 1577 , SB 1184 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1901 , SB 1030 , SB 2368 , SB 1963 , SB 1960 , SB 1643 , SB 1625 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 231 , SB 2411 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 2231 , SB 1490 , SB 530 , SB 34 , SB 1261 , SB 552 , SB 1099 , SB 1646 , SB 2180 , SB 1804 , SB 1937 , SB 1936 , SB 2569 , SB 1372 , SB 1208 , SB 1124 , SB 1506 , SB 1806 , SB 1868 , SB 2361 , SB 2314 , SB 769 , SB 1409 , SB 2122 , SB 434 , SB 1214 , SB 1951 , SB 2183 , SB 2046 , SB 1667 , SB 1870 , SB 1727 , SB 2405 , SB 2127 , SB 1975 , SB 1760 , SB 1734 , SB 1335 , SB 2066 , SB 2129 , SB 2246 , SB 2439 , SJR 4 , SJR 40 , SB 36 , SB 249 , SB 311 , SB 365 , SB 745 , SB 785 , SB 871 , SB 1057 , SB 1067 , SB 1171 , SB 1255 , SB 1265 , SB 1271 , SB 1313 , SB 1316 , SB 1318 , SB 1365 , SB 1426 , SB 1559 , SB 1592 , SB 1677 , SB 1706 , SB 1786 , SB 1871 , SB 1967 , SB 2148 , SB 38 , SB 95 , SB 760 , SB 883 , SB 1059 , SB 1210 , SR 384 , SR 385 , SR 389 , SB 38 , SB 95 , SB 760 , SB 779 , SB 883 , SB 1059 , SB 1210 , SB 1470 , SCR 1 , SCR 6 , SCR 22 , SCR 27 , SCR 32 , SB 53 , SB 204 , SB 266 , SB 268 , SB 291 , SB 292 , SB 296 , SB 304 , SB 305 , SB 413 , SB 447 , SB 455 , SB 462 , SB 493 , SB 504 , SB 519 , SB 522 , SB 532 , SB 541 , SB 667 , SB 670 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 687 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 765 , SB 783 , SB 827 , SB 850 , SB 860 , SB 888 , SB 897 , SB 901 , SB 927 , SB 955 , SB 963 , SB 984 , SB 989 , SB 993 , SB 996 , SB 1023 , SB 1033 , SB 1058 , SB 1062 , SB 1101 , SB 1119 , SB 1172 , SB 1173 , SB 1215 , SB 1220 , SB 1227 , SB 1228 , SB 1229 , SB 1238 , SB 1239 , SB 1245 , SB 1248 , SB 1254 , SB 1259 , SB 1273 , SB 1277 , SB 1302 , SB 1332 , SB 1341 , SB 1346 , SB 1350 , SB 1352 , SB 1353 , SB 1355 , SB 1358 , SB 1370 , SB 1371 , SB 1378 , SB 1403 , SB 1404 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SB 1448 , SB 1450 , SB 1464 , SB 1493 , SB 1494 , SB 1537 , SB 1566 , SB 1569 , SB 1589 , SB 1598 , SB 1644 , SB 1709 , SB 1719 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1841 , SB 1895 , SB 1930 , SB 2039 , SB 2232 , SB 2289 , SB 2312 , SB 1772 , SB 1810 , SB 1540 , SB 2660 , SB 1540 , SB 2660

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Roberts. >> Senator Stewart. >> Senator Bell? Here. All right. Senate Bill 223.
• , Senator Coleman, Senator Coleman-Madison, Senator Elliott, Senator Kelley, Senator Orr, Senator Roberts
• ,<00:21:48.080><c> Senator</c><00:21:48.480><c> Stewart,</c> Roberts, Senator Stewart, Roberts, Senator
• Hi, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:23:54.640><c> Roberts.
• </c><00:23:55.200><c> Hi,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Roberts. Hi, &gt;&gt; Senator Roberts.

Bills: SB223 , SB271 , SB223 , SB271

Committee: Senate State Governmental Affairs

Keywords: expungement, nonviolent felony, criminal record, restoration of rights, human trafficking, SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelly Roberts answer that question?
• I'm Kelly Roberts. So I am a policy analyst with, sorry, I'm Kelly Roberts.
• Roberts. Are they currently billing insurance companies for these services?
• Roberts and her group have done some estimates, and it could be up to as much as $114,000 year one as
• Roberts answer that. Sorry, Representative Grego.

Bills: HB3287 , HB2947 , HB3784 , HB3901 , HB4275

Committee: House Public Health

Summary: The Public Health Committee met for its first session and laid over House Bills 3884 and 4410. The committee then heard and advanced several bills. HB 3287 would require hospitals to post discreet notices in areas like X-ray, CAT scan, MRI, or bathrooms telling victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or human trafficking how to alert staff and ensuring they are not discharged before appropriate reporting occurs; members discussed whether to include a phone number, and the bill passed 5-0. HB 2947 would allow clinics to bill Medicaid for services provided by master’s-level mental health interns working under supervision in accredited programs, with supporters saying it could help address rural workforce shortages; questions focused on supervision, liability, whether it would be limited to Medicaid, fiscal impact, and how many interns might participate, and it passed 5-0. The committee also considered HB 3784, as amended by a PCS, which would let permanent makeup artists come out from under physician oversight after three years of experience, while preserving supervision if they use prescription medications such as topical anesthetics; after clarification about the PCS, it passed 5-0. HB 3901 would create a psychological autopsy position in the Department of Health to review suicides and overdoses through voluntary family interviews and records review to improve prevention efforts; members raised questions about cost, whether the work should be housed elsewhere, the pilot nature of the proposal, and what data are currently collected, and it passed 5-0. Finally, HB 4275 would allow case managers and peer support specialists to be employed by cities and counties while keeping their certification, and it also passed 5-0. The meeting ended with adjournment and a notice that the committee would meet again the following Wednesday morning at 9:00.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Roberts. Thank you very much.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Roberts, thank you.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you very much. Mr.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two commendatory resolutions honoring the Plimpton Historical Society’s Deborah Sampson Day recognition and Megan’s Light’s Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month observance, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committee. The chamber also briefly recognized Diane Talk of the South Shore Regional Emergency Communication Center on her retirement after 30 years of dispatch service. Later, the Senate passed two local bills to enactment: House No. 4006, authorizing Dartmouth to grant an additional all-alcoholic beverages license, and House No. 473, relating to the charter of Westwood. The main business was the Senate Ways and Means presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget, totaling about $63.3 billion. The chair described the budget as balanced, with no new taxes or tax cuts, based on a consensus revenue estimate of $986 million in growth over FY26 (2.4%), and including about $15.8 billion in federal financial participation and roughly $2.7 billion from the Fair Share surtax. The budget emphasized record local aid, including $1.376 billion in unrestricted general government aid, $7.66 billion for Chapter 70 education aid, increased minimum school aid, higher regional school transportation reimbursement, rural aid, and the revival of the Foundation Budget Review Commission. It also highlighted major investments in MassEducate free community college, food security, housing, and support for vulnerable residents. Members then engaged in extended colloquy on the budget’s major cost drivers and policy choices. Questions focused on debt service, pension and OPEB liabilities, MassHealth caseload and rising per-enrollee costs, child care funding, and program integrity in DTA and other benefit programs. The chair said debt service would be about $2.67 billion, pension payments would be $5.1 billion, OPEB would receive a $150 million payment, and MassHealth enrollment was projected at about 2 million with costs driven by acuity and medical inflation. He also said the budget includes no collective bargaining agreements and no state tax changes. Senators supporting the budget praised its investments in education, local aid, homelessness prevention, public health, libraries, and housing, while minority leaders and others stressed the need for fiscal discipline, transparency, and further work on affordability and municipal support. The Senate also received a House message on House No. 5316, which the House had nonconcurred in, and a conference committee was appointed on the disagreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Roberts. Thank you.
• Senator Roberts. Thank you very much. Mr.
• Senator Roberts. I thank you, gentlemen.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Benton, Senator Benton, Senator Benton, Senator Rich, Senator Rich, Senator Rich, Senator Roberts
• Rich Rich Rich Roberts Rodriguez Rodriguez Rodriguez Simpson Senator Snyder, Senator Sullivan, Senator
• , Roberts, Roberts, Exum, Exum, Exum, Roberts<00:55:24.560><c> again,</c> Wright, Wright, Wright, Kirkmyer
• Both sponsors: Senators Judah, Kipp, Snyder, Lindstedt, Roberts, Dougherty, and Benavidez.
• Roberts. Please add the President. General orders, second reading of bills.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, suspended Rule 1B to allow a non-senator to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a special guest introduction before approving the March 2, 2026 journal. The chamber then received committee reports and messages from the House and revisor, including action on several bills and appointments, and briefly moved out of order for personal privileges recognizing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the challenges facing that community amid budget pressures. The Senate adopted House Joint Resolution 1018, designating State Highway 86 through Elbert County as the Plains to Pines Scenic Corridor, after lengthy remarks describing the route, local communities, and scenic and historic features. The resolution passed 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate also passed the consent-calendar bills on third reading: SB 59, SB 50, SB 51, SB 110, SB 61, and SB 26, with several senators recording no votes on SB 59, SB 50, and SB 51. SB 21, concerning the clean fleet enterprise and replacement of high-emitting trucks and fleets, also passed 33-2. The Senate confirmed governor’s appointments to the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors on the consent calendar, including Lisa Augustin, Carolyn Glover, Megan Letham, George Keriannac, and Lisa Boyer, all by a 35-0 vote. It also laid over general orders, second reading of bills, until March 4, 2026. The meeting ended with announcements about committee meetings, Read Across America Week, and a Colorado Optometrist Association reception, followed by a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m., which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Liston, Marchman, Mullica, Pelton, Pelton B, Pelton R, Rich, Roberts.
• Roberts, Rodriguez, Simpson, Snyder, Sullivan, Wallace, Weissman. Zamora Wilson, Ball. Mr.
• <00:33:01.400><c> and</c><00:33:01.480><c> Representatives</c><00:33:02.000><c> Basley,</c> Roberts and
• Senator Roberts: Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator<00:51:28.840><c> Roberts.</c> Senator Roberts. Senator Roberts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Watson. Robert Watson. Is he standing outside maybe? With Texas IMPACT.
• Back to Robert Watson, wasn't that the name? Robert Watson, yes, sir. Come on up.
• The chair calls Robert Watson. Robert Watson. Okay, we'll come back to it.
• The chair calls Robert Watson.
• My name is Robert Watson, appearing on behalf of Texas Impact.

Bills: HB259 , HB 1128 , HB1337 , HB1506 , HB1794 , HB2215 , HB2470 , HB2771 , HB2882 , HB2993 , HB3053 , HB3428 , HB3669 , HB3789 , HB3924 , HB4201 , HB4675 , HB259

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety, Texas law, short-barrel, law enforcement, election judges, concealed handgun, polling places

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Roberts. >> Representative Warren. >> Representative Marcus. >> Here. >> Representative Gray.
• Senator Roberts. >> All right. First bill on the calendar today is Senate Bill 197.
• Senator Roberts. >> Mr. Chairman. Good morning, distinguished members. Good morning.
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:08:58.320><c> you,</c><00:08:58.560><c> Senator</c><00:08:58.800><c> Roberts,</c><00
• :08:59.120><c> for</c><00:08:59.200><c> bringing</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you, Senator Roberts, for bringing

Bills: SB197 , SB84 , SB197 , SB84

Committee: House Health

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, SB84, agricultural nonprofit, farm bureau, nonprofit agricultural organization, health benefits, member benefits, family coverage, health insurance exemption, insurance regulation, Title 27, Alabama insurance code, risk transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Beck is for the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging, is waving in support.
• Also, Robert Beck, Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Is there any debate?"
• Robert Beck is for the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging, is waving in support.
• Also, Robert Beck, Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Is there any debate?"
• First, we will call Robert Astellos. I've said this many times, Senator. Thank you.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced several bills and confirmations. SB 1016, on medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities, was amended to remove automatic enrollment and to improve information sharing between AHCA and DCF; supporters said the bill codifies an existing program that helps developmentally disabled adults work without losing Medicaid coverage, and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1002, on temporary custody of minor children, was amended to focus on substance abuse as a pathway for court intervention when parental drug abuse creates ongoing risk to a child, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1594, on veteran benefit payments for minor clients in foster care, would ensure military benefits accessed for foster youth are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare rather than used as reimbursement to agencies; it passed favorably without amendment. The committee also considered SB 1630 on aging and disability services, a broad modernization bill covering long-term care screening, emergency continuity of care, area agency oversight, Alzheimer’s services, home care, and guardianship reforms. Two amendments were adopted, including one on competitive procurement and another allowing area agencies on aging to directly provide core services during emergencies with department approval. Supporters emphasized caregiver navigation, dementia training, and service continuity, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1030 on substance abuse services/recovery residences was taken up with a substitute amendment that narrowed transfer definitions, required faster licensure action for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident medical records; stakeholders said further work was needed, but the committee still reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard the nomination of Robert Astellos to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He outlined priorities including reducing the pre-enrollment list, improving transparency and family involvement, strengthening customer service, and streamlining agency processes. Several disability and provider organizations appeared in support, and the committee voted to recommend his confirmation. The committee then recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10 by a single favorable vote, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Don Roberts is not only our staff director, but she's former general counsel of the Florida Senate.
• Roberts, you are recognized.
• Roberts, you are recognized.
• Roberts, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Roberts, she'll share them with all the members of the committee, and we'll see how we proceed from that

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections convened, established a quorum, and members introduced themselves and the committee staff. Chair Gaetz outlined the committee’s jurisdiction over election law, ethics law, executive appointments, and related confirmations, and described the committee’s process for handling gubernatorial nominations and member concerns about nominees. The committee then received a briefing from the Florida Commission on Ethics on its 2025 legislative priorities and on implementation of Senate Bill 7014 from the prior year. The commission recommended three changes: expanding the definition of “relative” in the gift law to include current and former foster parents and foster children; authorizing salary withholding to help collect civil penalties and restitution; and adding whistleblower-like protections for people who file ethics complaints. Commission staff also explained how SB 7014 changed complaint processing by requiring allegations to be based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay information and by imposing new deadlines for legal sufficiency review, investigations, and advocates’ recommendations. They said the commission has adapted its intake and review process and is currently meeting the new timelines, though the tighter deadlines may create staffing and scheduling challenges. Commission counsel also provided an update on two active lawsuits. One challenges the constitutional in-office lobbying ban, and the other challenges the requirement that elected municipal officers and mayors file Form 6 financial disclosure forms. The committee discussed the impact of the new complaint standards, the possibility of litigation if deadlines are missed, and whether local ethics boards are implementing SB 7014 similarly. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and asked for written legislative recommendations and proposed statutory language. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, do we have Robert Muscali? Yes, Robert Muscali is here. Can you hear me? Okay.
• Okay, do we have Robert Muscali? Yes, Robert Muscali is here. Can you hear me? Okay.
• Robert Muscali is here. Can you hear me?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing with opening remarks from House Chair Jack Patrick Lewis and Senate Chair Becker-Rouche, who reviewed livestream and testimony procedures and noted the three-minute limit. The committee then heard testimony on several local and policy bills. Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia spoke in support of a Boston home rule petition to expand accountability and oversight, describing it as a way to improve city government and public trust. Falmouth Select Board Chair Robert Muscali testified in support of H.5107 and related bills, emphasizing the urgency of changing the town clerk from elected to appointed before upcoming elections and noting the need for experienced administration. The Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA representatives testified in support of H.4849, a late-filed bill tied to animal control and the implementation of Ollie’s Law. They said the bill would update outdated kennel and dog licensing provisions, allow alternative identification methods instead of requiring tags in kennels, improve reporting and enforcement to MDAR, and strengthen the Massachusetts Animal Fund by allowing partial owner contributions and directing certain fines into the fund. They also said the changes would help address a long waitlist for low-cost spay and neuter services and reduce municipal costs associated with unaltered animals. Committee members asked about the reported three-to-one municipal return on spay/neuter spending and about whether the bill would affect regional animal control arrangements; witnesses said it would not. The committee also heard testimony on H.4887, a Plymouth home rule petition authorizing a special revenue account for land acquisition. Plymouth officials said the measure would give the town a tool to purchase land for open space, recreation, town buildings, affordable housing, and other public uses, supporting the town’s master planning efforts. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing. After confirming there were no additional witnesses, the chairs closed the public hearing and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, do we have Robert Muscali? Yes, Robert Muscali is here. Can you hear me?
• Okay, do we have Robert Muscali? Yes, Robert Muscali is here. Can you hear me? Okay.
• Robert Muscali is here. Can you hear me?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing with opening remarks from House Chair Jack Patrick Lewis and Senate Chair Becker-Rouche, who outlined hearing procedures, livestreaming, three-minute testimony limits, and written testimony instructions. Members present were noted, and the committee proceeded to hear testimony on several municipal and local governance bills. Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia testified in support of a home rule petition for Boston, describing it as a way to strengthen accountability, improve city government performance, and complement the work of the Inspector General rather than duplicate it. Robert Muscali, chair of the Falmouth Select Board, supported H. 5107 and related bills, explaining that Falmouth seeks to change its town clerk from elected to appointed status so the town can quickly fill the position before upcoming elections and ensure smooth administration. He emphasized the urgency created by the expected retirement of the current clerk and the town’s large voter base. The Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA representatives testified in support of H. 4849, a late-file bill addressing animal control and kennel regulation issues. They said the bill would update implementation of Ollie’s Law, improve reporting and enforcement, allow alternative identification for dogs in kennels instead of collars and tags, and strengthen the Massachusetts Animal Fund by permitting partial owner contributions and dedicating certain fines to the fund. Committee members asked about the claimed three-to-one return on spay/neuter spending and whether the bill would affect regional animal control arrangements; witnesses said it would not. Representatives from Plymouth then supported H. 4887, which would authorize a special revenue account to help the town acquire land for public uses such as open space, recreation, town buildings, and affordable housing. After no further testimony, the committee closed the hearing and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, anyway, that being said, we're gonna start out with Representative Roberts, HJr1074.
• air', by removing the comma and inserting 'in lieu thereof the word or amendment' by Representative Roberts
• Um, Representative Roberts, I I appreciate the opportunity to visit with you ahead of the committee and
• will be debate we're gonna do one minute per side Representative Fugate first then uhpresentative roberts
• Go out there and tell Representative Roberts how to do it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, will Do.

Bills: HJR1074 , HB3501 , HJR1070

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: Oklahoma veterans lottery, veterans trust fund, constitutional amendment, lottery proceeds, veterans services, military families, veteran assistance, emergency relief, indigent veteran funerals, veterans outreach, service organizations, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Guard, Air National Guard, Purple Heart, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma Veterans Council

Transcript Highlights:

• and the President. 14 brothers and sisters led by Brother Jalati here, but what President Roberts and
• And that's what I know of the leaders of the firefighters, Vince Wells, Dave Jalati, and Dale Roberts
• We're joined by Daryl Roberts, the incoming president who just happens to be from the fine community
• In the back of the chamber, I am pleased to welcome some of our firefighters: Daryl Roberts, President
• Daryl Roberts, President, California Professional Firefighters; Dave Jalati, President, L.A.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.