Transcript Highlights:

• Driscoll Jr. No. William J. Driscoll Jr. Peter J. Durant? No. Lydia Edwards. Yes. James B.
• Driscoll Jr. Adam Gomez. Yes. Paul. Adam Gomez. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny.

Summary: The Senate first took up several local bills and resolutions. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate No. 1831, providing line-of-duty death benefits for the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy of Rutland, and passed to be engrossed House bills concerning police officer age requirements in Haverhill, Newton, and Stoneham, including exemptions for named individuals and a local age-waiver measure. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and for the Italian Consulate in Boston on Italian National Day. The Senate then considered House No. 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in the Senate’s amendment and appointed conferees. On motion, the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also referred a House petition on a temporary liquor-license/public-consumption pilot to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology after suspending Joint Rule 12. A major floor debate centered on Senate No. 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide records in the clarified scope while preserving constitutional objections to broader requests; opponents argued the Senate should comply more fully and seek the court’s guidance earlier. After a roll call, the resolution was adopted 33-6. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William F. “Bill” Howard of Beverly and adjourned until the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Driscoll Jr. No. William J. Driscoll Jr. Peter J. Durant? No. Lydia Edwards. Yes. James B.
• Driscoll Jr. Adam Gomez. Yes. Paul. Adam Gomez. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hallmark, Hallmark, Hallmark, James Hallmark.
• substitute adds provisions relating to the presumption of service by certain judicial officers under the JRS
• of Texas Plan 2. that's known as JRS 2.
• Last session I authored a bill to reform the JRS 2 pension plan to make it actuary overly sound.

Bills: SB260 , SB263 , SB293 , SJR18

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• James Raymond in support. Alfred Hagen in opposition. Katherine Wheeler in opposition.
• Yes, I am, Chair. >> Hello. >> Uh, Michael Goloyo Jr., president of Private Work Hawaii.
• </c><00:15:47.680><c> James</c><00:15:48.000><c> Raymond</c><00:15:48.399><c> in</c><00:15:48.639><c>
• James Raymond in support. in support. James Raymond in support.
• Uh, Michael Goloyo Jr., president Hello.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The HHS committee met in Room 224 and announced the hearing was being streamed live, with a one-minute limit on testimony. The chair explained that written testimony had already been reviewed and that speakers should either add new comments or stand on their written testimony. The committee first heard SB 2211, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including DHS, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the importance of maintaining SNAP-related food assistance and emergency food delivery, while Catholic Charities raised a question about whether the bill’s language would also reach food banks serving food-insecure households that are not on SNAP. No opposition was heard and the bill was moved on without questions from members. The committee then heard SB 2025, which would exempt actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses from jury duty. Testimony was broadly supportive from nursing and health organizations, including the Hawaii American Nurses Association, the Hawaii affiliate of the College of Nurse Midwives, the Hawaii State Board of Nursing, and others. One witness from Kaiser Permanente requested an amendment to include physician assistants, and a committee member asked the Board of Nursing to review that request. The bill otherwise drew no opposition and no further member questions. SB 2038, relating to medication labeling, drew the most extended discussion. The measure would change labeling requirements for certain abortion medications, and testimony was split between supporters who framed it as a privacy and access issue and opponents who raised patient safety, ethics, and transparency concerns. The Department of Health supported the intent but requested an amendment to allow quicker access to private information during investigations without a subpoena. The Board of Pharmacy said it supported the written comments but noted operational challenges and possible cost impacts, while Kaiser said compliance would likely require manual workarounds and could slow pharmacy processes. The chair and members questioned whether patients could simply remove labels themselves, but witnesses said there could still be safety and access issues if the patient is not the one receiving the prescription. The committee then moved on to SB 2050, relating to chiropractic, which received support from the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, with no substantive opposition noted. The hearing later turned to SB 201, relating to insurance, which appeared to be a new mandated-benefit measure tied to infertility/IVF coverage. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission provided comments, while Hawaii Family Forum opposed the bill, arguing it went beyond medical infertility and raised ethical and public policy concerns. Kaiser and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans both asked for a study or audit, saying the measure could create new insurance mandates and increase costs for residents and employers. Private Work Hawaii strongly supported the bill as an equity issue. The committee noted there was no quorum for decision-making and deferred action on the measure to a later hearing, then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The devotional today will be led by Representative James Buar of Fairfield.
• JRS. 47 is a joint resolution relating to weekend adjournment on April 3, 2026.
• </c> Whereas on April 16th, 1956, James F. Whereas on April 16th, 1956, James F.
• And whereas<00:11:10.480><c> James</c><00:11:10.880><c> McNeel</c><00:11:11.519><c> brought</c><00:11
• :12.560><c> pertinent</c> whereas James McNeel brought pertinent whereas James McNeel brought pertinent

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair calls Bruce James. Thank you.
• The chair calls Troy Jones, Jr. The record shows you are Troy Jones, Jr.
• The Chair calls Troy Jones Jr. Once again, Mr.
• The Chair calls Troy Jones Jr. Welcome back, Mr. Jones.
• The record shows that you are Troy Jones Jr.

Bills: HB246 , HB796 , HB 1056 , HB1544 , HB1846 , HB2001 , HB2618 , HB2625 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3069 , HB3114 , HB3157 , HB3228 , HJR98 , HB246

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephen Bales, Jr., a fifth-generation Buckeye farmer and Arizona agriculture business leader, serving
• Stephen Bales, Jr., a fifth-generation Buckeye farmer and Arizona agriculture business leader, serving
• James E. Blackman. Mr. Blackman is a 26-year Air Force veteran.
• And Lupe Jr., my big boy. Yeah, miho, you've made Daddy proud. You keep up and reach for the start.
• Abraham James.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Michael Cobb Jr. [clears throat] Okay.
• Uh, Michael Cobb Jr. [clears throat] Okay.
• Uh, Michael Cobb Jr. [clears throat] Okay.
• Um, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, James Barrows or representative, in support.
• Jr. Island Energy Services, Albert G. Jr. Sense Communication with comments. Emo Alliance.

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And those who have... we have James Wallace in opposition. Are you present?
• James Wallace, are you present? Okay, seeing none, moving on.
• Wallace in opposition are you James Wallace in opposition are you present<00:03:50.239><c> okay</c><
• </c><00:05:22.160><c> Wallace</c><00:05:22.600><c> are</c><00:05:22.759><c> you</c> opposition James
• ><00:09:01.839><c> I</c><00:09:01.920><c> am</c><00:09:02.040><c> the</c><00:09:02.160><c> vice</c> Jr

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a long calendar of health-related measures, beginning with SB 297, a proposed constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom. Supporters included medical, labor, and advocacy groups, while opponents, including Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Christian Coalition, argued the term “reproductive freedom” was too vague and could be misunderstood. Testimony on SB 350, a similar constitutional amendment protecting contraception, also drew strong support from medical and advocacy groups and opposition from religious organizations; one witness said the measure was especially important to protect reproductive care and contraception. Several bills focused on health system administration and public health. SB 1438 on home care agencies, SB 1439 on nuisances, SB 1441 on transferring the AAHU regional health care system to the Department of Health, SB 1442 on children’s mental health services, SB 1443 on the Department of Health, SB 1444 on general excise tax, and SB 1445 on youth mental health all received mostly supportive testimony from state agencies and community organizations. On SB 1445, the Hawaii State LGBTQ Commission asked that LGBTQI+ and Native Hawaiian youth be specifically considered in mental health services. SB 1450, creating an intensive mobile team pilot for houseless individuals with serious brain disorders, drew support from state agencies and providers; a street medicine advocate said the pilot could help address sustainability, insurance, and service delivery on the streets. The committee also heard testimony on access and workforce measures, including SB 1596 on nursing, SB 1565 on acupuncture, SB 1564 on Medicaid, SB 1418 for an emergency DHS appropriation, SB 1417 on crimes against protective services workers, SB 1411 on Medicaid third-party liability, SB 1399 on a family resilience pilot program, SB 1398 on trauma-informed care, SB 1281 on telehealth, and SB 1279 on telepharmacy. Most of these measures drew broad support from agencies, provider groups, and advocacy organizations. On SB 1281, HMSA opposed the bill as written, warning about audio-only telehealth and federal rule changes, while other health groups supported it as important for rural, kupuna, and disabled residents. On SB 1417, a Honolulu Police Department captain supported stronger protections for DHS workers but could not provide complaint data and said he would follow up later. The hearing ended with the chair noting quorum and asking whether the committee was ready for decision making; no votes or final actions were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is also survived by siblings Patricia Amir, James Higgins, Anne Marie Hardy, Thomas Higgins Jr., Elizabeth

Transcript Highlights:

• Misullo, Jr. The records of this office, Senate District 11, Senator Ralph E.
• Musillo, Jr., given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Florida at Tallahassee, the Capitol
• Attorney General James Uthmeier. Yep, former senator, there you guys, still standing.

Summary: The Senate convened for opening day of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. The chamber then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Ralph E. Misullo, Jr. of District 11, and welcomed a number of special guests, including statewide elected officials, Supreme Court justices, and former Senate leaders and members. The Senate adopted SCR 1466, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session to receive a message from the Governor, and waived rules to immediately transmit the resolution to the House. The Rules Chair also moved that the Secretary notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to begin the 2026 regular session. No substantive legislation was debated; the session was largely ceremonial and organizational. In remarks, the Senate President reflected on the role of the Senate, the need for balance, deliberation, and checks and balances, and highlighted priorities such as rural Florida, citrus recovery, farmers feeding Florida, rural health care, affordability, low taxes, property tax relief, and fiscal restraint. He also emphasized faith, service, and cooperation. At the end of the session, Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be considered the next day, and the Senate adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with committee meetings and other business to follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massullo, Jr. The records of this office, Senate District 11, Senator Ralph E.
• Massullo, Jr., given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Florida at Tallahassee, the Capitol
• Attorney General James Uthmeier. Yep, former senator, there you guys, still standing.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by children in the chamber, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. Newly elected Senator Ralph Massullo was certified and sworn into office by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, and several current and former state officials and senators were recognized in the chamber. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1466 to convene in joint session with the House to receive the Governor’s message, waived the rules to immediately certify the resolution to the House, and notified the House and Governor that the Senate was ready to proceed with the 2026 regular session. In remarks, Senate leadership and the President discussed priorities including rural Florida, agriculture, citrus recovery, food insecurity, affordability, tax relief, balanced budgets, and the importance of deliberation and checks and balances. The President also highlighted recent and planned initiatives such as the Farmers Feeding Florida program, rural health care investment, and property tax relief, while emphasizing faith, service, and cooperation in the chamber. Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be taken up the following day. The session concluded with a benediction by Senator Massullo and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting, with the Senate set to meet later in joint session with the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massullo, Jr. The records of this office, Senate District 11, Senator Ralph E.
• Massullo, Jr., given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Florida at Tallahassee, the Capitol
• Attorney General James Uthmeier. Yep, former senator, there you guys, still standing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Driscoll Jr. No. William J. Driscoll Jr. Peter J. Durant? No. Lydia Edwards. Yes. James B.
• Driscoll Jr. Adam Gomez. Yes. Paul. Adam Gomez. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny.

Summary: The Senate took up several local and special bills on third reading and final passage. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate 1831, a Rutland bill providing killed-in-the-line-of-duty benefits for Joanne Saundi as the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy, and also passed to be engrossed two Haverhill bills exempting Nick Santos and Anthony Morales from the maximum age requirement for police officer appointments. The chamber then enacted bills concerning police age requirements in Newton and Stonem, sending them to the Governor. It also adopted two congratulatory resolutions, including one for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and another recognizing the Italian Consulate in Boston and Italian National Day. The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition from Rep. Carol Fiola to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, proposing a temporary pilot to let municipalities extend liquor-license hours and allow public consumption in designated districts during summer 2026. The chamber also addressed House 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in a Senate amendment; the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee, naming Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor. A major floor debate centered on Senate 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide documents in four clarified categories—budgets, audits, balance-forward transactions, and monetary settlement agreements—while preserving constitutional separation-of-powers objections to broader requests. Opponents argued the Senate should have sought the court’s guidance earlier and that the documents should be produced without further delay. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote, 33-6. The Senate then adjourned in memory of William F. Howard of Beverly and set its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Larry Downs Jr. Plumbing LLC—because fecal matters. All right. Larry Downs Jr.
• Downs Jr. Plumbing LLC. I'm a fourth-generation business owner.
• Next up, we have Larry Downs Jr. speaking against.
• Larry Downs Jr., Plumbing, LLC, because fickle matters.
• Larry Downs Jr. Plumbing, LLC, because fickle matters.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor. The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have David Diaz speaking against, and on deck Joe Simmons Jr. speaking against.
• We have Mark Kendall speaking for, followed by Lori Cox, Marley Pence, and James Engel, please.
• My name is James Engel.
• My name is James Stoner, and I'm a math teacher.
• James looked like Swali speaking against. James, are you here? Thank you. Ruth Santiago.

Bills: S0042 , S0688 , S0762 , S1168 , S1296 , S1298 , S1300 , S1318 , S1332 , S1376 , S1548 , S1570 , S1574 , S1632 , S1634 , S1750

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, in person, we're going to have a panel of James DeCoulis and Mark Harding. And Mark Harding?
• Her daughters Eleanor Jr. and Sheila, her sons Lansing, Pocknet, and Charles, and just this past January
• We've lost my grandmother, Eleanor; her daughters Eleanor Jr. and Sheila; her sons Lansing, Pocknet,
• My name is James DeCoulis. I'm a civil engineer. I represented the Wampanoag tribe of Aquinnah.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

Summary: The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development held a hearing on October 21, opening with a moment of silence for former committee chair Senator Edward Kennedy. Chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey then heard testimony on several bills related to tourism funding, arts infrastructure, public art, Native heritage, and a choreographer laureate. A major focus was legislation to require earlier distribution of regional tourism council grants from the Tourism Trust Fund, with testimony from regional tourism leaders from North of Boston, Metro West, Cape Cod, and Senator Joan Lovely. Witnesses said delayed grant allocations make it difficult to plan fall, winter, and shoulder-season marketing, and they argued that an October 1 or September 1 deadline would help preserve tourism’s economic impact without increasing appropriations. They cited tourism’s role in jobs, tax revenue, and regional economic development, especially for smaller and less prominent tourism regions. The committee also heard strong support for the Creative Space Act and the PLACE Act, which would help municipalities preserve affordable creative workspace and create a public art funding mechanism tied to state construction projects. Testimony from MassCreative, MAPC, arts organizations, muralists, and local arts leaders emphasized loss of workspace, displacement of artists, and the economic and community benefits of public art. Additional testimony supported bills to protect Native American heritage by preventing the sale of funerary and sacred objects in public or nonprofit collections, and a bill to establish a first-in-the-nation choreographer laureate of the Commonwealth. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trevino Jr., Jim Wells County Judge, and I'm here in support of HB 3080.
• CHRIS RODGERS, JR.: Proceed.
• A pair of witnesses, the Chair calls James Monks.
• Members, my name is James Monks.

Bills: HB1589 , HB2208 , HB2297 , HB2560 , HB2725 , HB3080 , HB4417 , HB4473 , HB4520 , HB4662 , HB4888 , HB4905 , HB4906

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• by his wife, Stephanie; his sister, Joanne; his three children, Stephen, Lori De Grande, and Larry Jr
• I rise today to adjourn in memory of James J.
• James proudly served in the United States Air Force for 24 years.
• James proudly served in the United States Air Force for 24 years and retired as a master sergeant.
• James was known for his sense of humor, his love of gardening, his craftsmanship, and his love of that

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled several procedural matters, including referral of AB 686 to Rules, approval of motions to advance Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures and adopt authors’ amendments, and requests to move AB 28 and AB 2539 to the inactive file. The chamber also confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Maggie Hallahan to the Bodina Waterways Commission and Kansasaki to the Building Standards Commission. On the floor, members took up two resolutions focused on public awareness and policy messaging. SCR 181 designated June 10 as Family Justice Center Day and highlighted the work of Family Justice Centers serving survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking; it passed 36-0. SR 112 declared June 14-20 as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week to encourage awareness, family health-history sharing, and early screening; it also passed unanimously. SJR 18, a resolution opposing the Citizens United decision and calling for limits on corporate influence and dark money in elections, generated extended debate over campaign finance, transparency, unions, nonprofits, and corporate political spending before passing 28-8. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 35-0 vote. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including Larry Mazzola, Sr., Steve Zaley, and James J. McClain, Sr., followed by announcements that the Senate would recess and reconvene on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.