Transcript Highlights:

• . and we follow those bylaws and rules.
• A couple highlights: Last year, we processed 170 rule changes.
• They are the people that work on the 175 rule changes...
• They also review the rules that go out.
• after comments on those rules, and then promulgates them.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gablee of Arlington moved suspension of the rules.
• Owens of Watertown moved suspension of the rules.
• Owens of Watertown moved suspension of the rules.
• The Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, report recommending
• Rule 7A is suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted a series of resolutions, including memorial square dedications in Stoneham, congratulations to IBEW Local 103 on its 125th anniversary, and a commendation recognizing Massachusetts School Administrators Association in honor of National Principals Month. It also adopted orders extending committee reporting deadlines for several Public Health and Public Safety and Homeland Security matters, and concurred in a joint rule suspension to allow consideration of a sick leave bank petition for a Chief Medical Examiner’s Office employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then placed several bills on the calendar, and the House suspended Rule 7A to take them up. Those bills included measures on firefighter employment and retirement in Quincy, Bedford, and Lancaster; designation of Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties; a bill on obstructed views while driving; a disability pension for Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff Brian McPherson; and a cemetery matter in Norton. All were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and adopted amendments to charter bills for Cambridge and Medford, and later concurred in a Senate amendment to the Somerville charter bill. On final action, the House passed to be enacted the Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville charter bills. It also enacted sick leave bank legislation for Gregory Baker of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Akita Jandara Patel of the Department of Corrections. Additional third-reading bills, including the Acton Memorial Library bill, an Air Library bill, and the John C. Murphy sick leave bank bill, were passed to be engrossed. The session included a moment of silence for the September 11 attacks and a special adjournment in memory of former Representative Robert F. Donovan before adjourning to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman: ...under Rule 4, Section 12 of the House Procedure.
• And we know that the House also has a right to enforce rules and create consequences.
• The House rule explicitly tied there being a quorum to a daily roll. call.
• House Rule 5 Section 3D and House Rule 5 Section 4 specify that a member is only liable for the member's
• Cole: And they cannot lawfully be assessed against members under Rule 5.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we start, I have to say some ground rules.
• internally internally with<00:50:20.240> with<00:50:20.440> more with with more with with
• <00:51:00.920> Because internally? What would you need? Because internally?
• This is in the HRS as well as the Hawaii administrative rules.
• Tech amendments if needed. rule making process so the public can rule making process so the public can

Bills: SB2613, SB2543, SB2398, SB2046, SB2800, SB2818, SB2973, SB2367, SB2907, SB3067, SB3053, SB2944, SB2074, SB2596

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise. Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system. The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• for international doctors to come<00:20:32.000> in.
• medical graduates or international physicians.
• is in charge of those rules.
• . those rules.
• We can do that internally and analysis.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just wanted to call out the fact that the Food and Drug Administration just recently promulgated a rule
• , international bodies, public health<00:07:47.599> organizations<00:07:48.319> like<00
• <00:08:10.240> and recently promulgated a rule and recently promulgated a rule and indicated
• scientific body the the international scientific body the joint<00:12:22.639> FAO<00:12:23.600
• You provide rules and guidelines for your kids because you want to keep them out of trouble, right?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar. Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar. The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• it violates the Clark decision from the United States District Court in 2003, in which Judge Ezra ruled
• This has been ruled as cruel and unusual punishment by both the state Supreme Court and the U.S.
• “This has been ruled as cruel and unusual punishment by both the state Supreme Court and the U.S.
• This provides more guidelines for the suspension of rules and record requests, as well as reasserting
• and and record suspension of of rules and and record requests<02:29:55.760> as<02:29:55.880><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• peers are not lacking international peers are not lacking education<00:03:33.959> regarding<00
• need to know about Japanese internment need to know about Japanese internment camps<00:31:52.320
• These little children in her story, and she was one of them, was a child that grew up under Mao's rule
• Statewide rules can sometimes be ineffective, and that we can work on that.
• Statewide rules can sometimes be ineffective, and that we can work on that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• disperse billions of dollars issue rules disperse billions of dollars issue rules and<00:11:27.959
• II of the Rules of the U.S.
• <06:08:56.520> at rules because of an influx of rules at rules because of an influx of rules
• <06:10:05.360> Rules<06:10:06.160> by Congress to debate agency rules Rules by Congress
• or uh cfbb rule then go ahead and rule or uh cfbb rule then go ahead and introduce introduce introduce

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trustees stand strong 665 International trustees stand strong support<00:30:17.080> testimony
• commercials as well as International commercials as well as feature<00:32:24.720> films<00:32
• What’s the general rule of thumb for taxing online sports betting?
• What’s the general rule of thumb for taxing online sports betting?
• What’s the general rule of thumb for taxing online sports betting?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 6 of rule 20.
• 6 of rule 20.
• 6 of rule 20.
• being in the affirmative rules. being in the affirmative rules.
• The rules are suspended. affirmative. The rules are suspended.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Rule 7 or any other rules to the contrary, the House bill relative to teacher preparation and
• Reports recommend that Joint Rule 12 be suspended with reference thereto.
• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred several Senate petitions, reports recommend that Joint Rule
• The ayes have it, and the rule is suspended.
• The question now comes on the suspension of Joint Rule 12. The rule is suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring Anna Karaz on her 100th birthday. It then took up and passed several local bills, including a measure authorizing bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for the town of Randolph. The sponsor spoke in support, describing the bill as a home rule petition intended to improve access, civic participation, and voter turnout for Randolph’s growing Haitian Creole-speaking population. The bill was read a third time and passed to be engrossed. The Senate also passed a bill authorizing the Milford Select Board to appoint a highway surveyor. It received a Ways and Means report on House No. 4683, relative to teacher preparation and student literacy, recommending amendment by substitution of the text in Senate document No. 2924; the chamber suspended the rules to consider the order forthwith and adopted it. The Senate further suspended rules to process several Senate petitions and local matters, and then enacted bills amending the Provincetown charter, establishing the appointed town clerk position in Avon, and authorizing Westwood to reissue and grant certain alcohol licenses. Later, the Senate referred a House petition concerning retirement benefits for Valeria Dorazio to the Committee on Public Service after suspending Joint Rule 12. It then adopted an amendment substituting a new draft for a Plymouth bill, changing it to validate and confirm certain acts and proceedings of Plymouth officials, and passed the bill to be engrossed. The session also included remarks congratulating Sweet Paws Rescue on its 15th anniversary and upcoming facility move, followed by a motion to adjourn in memory of Gerard W. Moynihan, which was adopted after a moment of silence. The Senate adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Cecilia Doucette, the director of Massachusetts for Safe Technology and the international
• I work with Safe Tech International. In most jurisdictions, smart meters become an issue.
• Also, the 2021 court ruling in the U.S., questioning the adequacy of FCC exposure guidelines, has been
• In Brussels and Wallonia, the Constitutional Court ruled, In Brussels and Wallonia, the Constitutional
• Court ruled that a radiation-free meter must be available for people with EHS.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett. Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• the study and next steps, and identifying some of those policy goals so that we can coordinate internally
• And we've talked a little bit internally.
• that, although I cannot give you the legal briefing today, I believe that the IRS regulations and rules
• But I don't believe that's allowed under IRS rules. Okay. Under IRS rules, okay.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and we're taking up first tab 5 Senator Burton, you're recognized for present CS for SB 754, on International
• My is very early for my voice to wake of Senate Bill 750, for deals with International Baccalaureate
• And additionally, it has international assessments of Florida virtual school services, students outside
• teach the history of America or that institution to accurately without acknowledging the fundamental rule

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR MARCH SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO EMPLOY AN INTERNAL AUDITOR WHILE MAINTAINING THE REQUIREMENT
• ONE AREA THAT WE SEE THAT DOES NEED SOME IMPROVEMENT IN OUR OPINION IS THE INTERNAL AUDITOR FUNCTION.
• WE DO UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE INTERNAL AUDITOR FUNCTION AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL HOWEVER
• THOSE BILLS COME UP WITH RULES AND RIGHT NOW I'VE GOT A 3 AND A HALF INCH THICK EDUCATION CODE THAT SITS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The PRB also reviewed most of its administrative rules resulting in a major overhaul. of minimum educational
• Over the last six years, the agency has successfully built a new internal database, online data center
• One is- CFO, my chief of internal operations, and she's made some suggestions about we can clean up some
• I am a policy intern at the National Association of Social Workers Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of that comes from international immigration, actually all of it in most years comes from international
• added to the state due to international added to the state due to international migration<00:13:
• <00:14:40.360> immigration seen even more International immigration seen even more International
• I’m going to throw a question earlier about the international migration to the state.
• The final draft rules were posted, and we received public comments late last year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House rules. >> Recognizing the majority leader. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker. >> You're welcome.
• House rules. >> Recognizing the majority leader. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker. >> You're welcome.
• House rules. rules. rules.
• In all the years that I've been here on the House floor, I've never made an announcement for an intern
• First and last because I rarely ever have interns.

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• to effectively carry out such responsibilities. ...oversight or constitutional safeguards that the rule
• I'm a social work intern. I work at a community-based hospice.
• You follow all the right rules, and you're still apprehended.
• Jacqueline McJunkin, testifying on behalf of Amnesty International and self against the bill.
• They are among the brightest, most brilliant, and courageous international students I've ever met.

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors