Transcript Highlights:

• I am a practicing litigator, and I do employment litigation.
• I am a practicing litigator, and I do employment litigation.
• I have also seen how unfair practices threaten these gains.
• These practices drive down standards for everyone in the industry.
• I represent more than 6,000 clinically practicing PAs across the Commonwealth.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you know I practiced in this area of law for quite some time.
• , appraisal practices, and occupancy standards.
• discriminatory housing practices covered under Delaware's Fair Housing Act.
• As amended, the bill no longer singles out any particular industry or practice.
• Now, we can debate that technically, but in practicality that is how it worked out.

Summary: The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout. Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage. The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are several pending injury claims and, pursuant to subcommittee practices, the following injury
• Pursuant to subcommittee practices, the following property claims are being held over pending additional
• , the following injury claims practices, the following injury claims are<00:02:45.840> being<00
• And um I handled the exoneration claim with a couple of my colleagues in my private practice.
• And um I handled the exoneration claim with a couple of my colleagues in my private practice.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Joint House and Senate Subcommittee on Claims convened on April 30, first without quorum and then with quorum, at which point the committee corrected and approved the prior minutes. Members then reviewed several claims held over for informational purposes, including injury claims for Fraser, Larson, Schmidt, Stuart, and Washington, and property claims for Lidberg, Robecky, and Young, with no action taken on those items. The committee dismissed a claim by Ms. Prevally seeking reimbursement for funds liquidated from irrevocable trusts after hearing that the matter had already been litigated in court and that subcommittee rules bar claims for public assistance compensation. The panel then approved two exoneration claims: James Jovan Davis, whose murder conviction was vacated after postconviction proceedings and who settled for $250,000, and Clayton Douglas Groves, whose sexual-conduct convictions were vacated after evidence of prior false accusations was admitted and who settled for $350,000. Testimony from counsel for both claimants emphasized wrongful conviction, the length of incarceration, and negotiated settlement amounts, with members asking about the basis for the compensation and attorney-fee allocations. The final exoneration claim, Marvin Haynes, was also approved. The committee heard that Haynes was convicted as a teenager, later exonerated after new evidence showed false evidence and suggestive eyewitness identification, and that the state and claimant had reached a $4.5 million settlement. The committee then turned to Department of Corrections injury claims, denying Arnold Baker’s claim for lack of evidence of a compensable permanent injury, and approving Mark Carroll’s claim for a $4,570.40 award after he suffered a compensable ankle fracture while working. In property claims, the committee discussed Anthony Edwards’s claim for food, a JPay tablet, and shoes. After testimony from Department of Corrections counsel about property inventory procedures and the lack of a current replacement tablet program, members agreed to compensate Edwards $70 for the missing shoes, deny the food claim, and deny the tablet claim because the tablet had been returned and any malfunction was reported outside the department’s reporting window.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is not proportionate, and it's not practical.
• I’m an Arizona attorney who practices marijuana law, and I’m also the state director.
• And so while we appreciate that part, in practice, I don't think that really works.
• That one targeted Sharia only, and this one targets a broader set of religious practices.
• So those living in America who practice their religion have a First Amendment right to do so.

Bills: SB1004, SB1012, SB1100, SB1110, SB1170, SB1213, SB1317, SB1402, SB1413, SB1416, SB1476, SB1511, SB1573, SB1655, SB1656, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SCR1040

Keywords: sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1170, which would impose enhanced sentencing for selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to minors when the sale contributes to the minor’s death, and would treat the offense as a dangerous crime against children if the victim is under 15. The sponsor and families of overdose victims urged passage as a way to hold dealers accountable, while ACLU/AACJ opposition argued the bill would sweep too broadly, remove judicial discretion, and increase prison terms for people with substance use disorders. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 5-2 vote. Members then considered Senate Bill 1012, which would change concealed-carry signage rules for Series 12 restaurants and limit liquor-license consequences in those settings. The sponsor and gun-rights groups said the bill was a narrow correction that would not expand carry rights or property rights, while liquor-industry opponents said it would override restaurant owners’ decisions about whether to allow firearms. The committee approved the bill 6-2. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1511, requiring proof of lawful presence for drivers using non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses in Arizona and allowing citations and possible impoundment when proof is not provided. The sponsor tied the bill to trucking safety and fatal crashes, while no outside speakers testified. The bill received a 6-2 do-pass recommendation. Later, the committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1100 creating a state registration/disclosure system for lobbyists representing foreign adversary principals, with Homeland Security supporting the measure and CAIR Arizona opposing it as overbroad; the amended bill passed 8-0. Additional bills were heard and recommended do pass, including SB 1004 on GPS monitoring for homeless sex offenders, SB 1213 denying probation to unlawfully present defendants and requiring ICE notification, SB 1402 requiring probationers on electronic monitoring to pay the fee, SB 1709 mandating revocation and consecutive prison terms for probation violations by adults convicted of dangerous crimes against children, SB 1413 removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death from moving violations, and SB 1416 updating missing-child notification and photo-distribution procedures. The committee also heard SB 1725, which would create a civil cause of action and petty offense for excessive marijuana smoke or odor drifting onto neighboring property; supporters, including a 13-year-old student and the sponsor, said it would protect neighbors and schoolchildren, while opponents argued existing trespass law is sufficient and the bill could conflict with medical marijuana protections. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1725, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:09.280> It<00:41:09.360> was wasn't the practice to do that.
• It was wasn't the practice to do that.
• Uh with it made good business practices.
• <00:52:55.600> Members,<00:52:55.920> any Information Practices.
• Members, any Information Practices. Members, any questions? questions? questions?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor met on February 19, 2026, and heard a series of bills largely focused on public employment, staffing, and professional licensing. Early measures included HB 2276 and HB 2472, both relating to Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund staff salaries, which were supported by trust fund representatives and received no opposition or questions. The committee also heard HB 1714 HD1 on housing, where the Hawaii Public Housing Authority testified with comments and the Deputy Attorney General raised concerns about the scope of autonomy, civil service, collective bargaining, and a possible separation-of-powers issue involving legislative approval of long-term contracts. The committee then considered several personnel and civil service bills. HB 2325 HD1, relating to civil service exempt positions at DLNR, drew support from DLNR and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, but HGEA opposed it and urged the department to seek other recruitment and retention solutions while keeping employees in civil service. HB 1541, relating to Department of Health positions, was supported by DOH on the grounds that the positions serve vulnerable populations and require specialized expertise, while HGEA opposed. HB 2140 HD1, relating to essential permanent positions, received support from OPSD, HGEA, and the Chamber of Commerce, with written comments from the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. HB 2315 HD1, relating to state employment benefits, was strongly supported by DOH, UPW, and HGEA as a recruitment and retention incentive; members questioned the pilot program, and DOH explained it would allow employees to cash out vacation leave earlier than current policy allows. The committee also heard HB 2295 on government contracting, with DOE support not present and IBEW 1186 in opposition. HB 1720, relating to professional engineers, drew strong support from the City and County of Honolulu’s planning department, which argued the bill would help with affordable housing review and only affect eligibility to sit for the licensure exam, but strong opposition from engineering industry and licensing board representatives, who warned it would lower licensing standards and harm reciprocity; members questioned both sides about plan review experience and licensure requirements. HB 2367, relating to employment earnings and pay transparency, received strong support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, the Commission on the Status of Women, and others, who said transparency helps small businesses and retention, while written opposition came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and NFIB. Finally, HB 1935, relating to personal information, drew comments from the Attorney General and the Campaign Spending Commission about implementation burdens and disclosure requirements, with UPW supporting the home-address redaction portion but opposing the broader disclosure process; additional written testimony was noted from OIP, the League of Women Voters, Public Press Law Center, HGEA, and DCCA.

Transcript Highlights:

• despite changes in board members and how the executive director communicates changes in board practice
• We have ended the practice of broad, unscoped subpoenas.
• We have entered the practice of broad unscoped subpoenas.
• , but we found evidence-based practices.
• quickly, and that we're not disrupting their practices.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard the January 2026 follow-up to the special audit of the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The auditor’s contractor reported that the board had implemented or was in the process of implementing most of the 28 recommendations from the 2024 audit, but three remained unimplemented: resolving complaints within 180 days and two open meeting law recommendations. The follow-up also identified new concerns about outdated or incomplete public disciplinary records and the lack of a complete public records request log and response procedures. Committee members pressed the board on open meeting compliance, complaint delays, transparency, and lobbying activities, while the executive director said the board had adopted new policies, added staff and investigators, created an intake committee, improved complaint prioritization, and was transitioning to a new licensing platform. She also said the board had ended broad subpoenas, improved conflict-of-interest tracking, and was working to formalize its practices in rule. The committee did not take a vote or other formal action in the transcript provided. The committee then received the Arizona school district financial risk analysis for January 2026. The Auditor General’s office reported that the number of highest-risk districts increased from two to nine, and districts approaching the highest-risk category increased from seven to nine. The presentation explained the financial risk measures used, common risk patterns among the highest-risk districts, and the district action plans posted on the report website. Tucson Unified School District was used as an example of a highest-risk district, and Scottsdale Unified as an approaching-highest-risk district. Members asked about declining enrollment, reserve balances, negative fund balances, and the use of capital monies for operations. Sierra Vista Unified School District then presented its response to being identified as financially at risk. The superintendent said she had recently taken over and was implementing a turnaround plan that included a school closure, staffing reductions through attrition, spending freezes, tighter purchase controls, a three-year sustainable spending plan, and efforts to stabilize enrollment through outreach, customer-service changes, and alternative program offerings. She also said the district was redirecting some capital assistance to operations, renegotiating contracts, and improving communication with families and staff. Committee members questioned the district about declining enrollment, instructional spending, school safety, academic performance, and whether the action plan adequately addressed those issues. No formal vote or action was taken on the school district item in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• at to see if there's anything that best practices that we could absorb at our agency.
• at to see if there's anything that best practices that we could absorb at our agency.
• at to see if there's anything that best practices that we could absorb at our agency.
• at to see if there's anything that best practices that we could absorb at our agency.
• at to see if there's anything that best practices that we could absorb at our agency.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture presented an overview of its budget, staffing, and major program areas, including protection services, marketing, and administration. Commissioners also highlighted concerns about federal funding uncertainty after a January letter suspending active and future USDA awards to the department. They said the issue affected about 13% of the agency’s budget, created confusion for farmers, and briefly disrupted poultry lab testing and HPAI-related work, though they later received assurances from USDA leadership that existing programs would continue processing. The department also described its anti-fraud efforts, including internal controls, a compliance coordinator, a grants administrator, review committees, site visits, and participation in the state’s Inspector General Coordinating Council. The committee then discussed several agriculture support programs. For dairy margin coverage, the department said Minnesota’s sign-up is open and supported a bill to extend assistance to farmers who began operations in 2023-2025 and were not covered under the earlier production-based formula. The renamed Farm to Food Security program, formerly LFPA, was described as a state-created local food purchasing effort funded at $700,000 per year. The down payment assistance grant for first-time farm buyers was also reviewed; the department said it has supported 112 farmers so far, with additional awards pending, but noted timing problems when purchase agreements fall through. Members asked whether priority should be given to applicants with signed purchase agreements, and the department said that was under consideration. The grain indemnity account update focused on the Hansen-Mueller facility failure and related claims. The department said the account holds about $10.7 million, has received 19 claims totaling $1.1 million, and that $842,000 of those claims were tied specifically to Minnesota transactions. It explained the difference by noting that some claims involved Minnesota farmers selling in North Dakota and Wisconsin, and that the indemnity account covers grains sold in Minnesota. The committee also heard updates on elk and wolf depredation payments, with the department projecting shortfalls in both funds and noting that payments are being delayed into later months. The agriculture response fund balance was said to be about $2.5 million. Finally, the Rural Finance Authority and the East Grand Forks potato facility were discussed. The RFA reported strong demand for low-interest loans, about $26 million remaining from the prior $50 million authorization, and a new $50 million bonding request in the governor’s proposal to avoid a funding gap. The department said the program has issued 3,951 loans totaling about $390.3 million with very low defaults. It also requested $1.38 million in bonding for building improvements at the East Grand Forks potato facility, which it said is the department’s only owned building and supports a significant potato industry. In response to a question from Rep. Bang, the commissioner said recent ICE activity had affected farms, processing plants, immigrant workers, and some rural food businesses, and that the department had relayed those concerns to the governor’s office and congressional delegation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The grant is to train health care providers on dementia care and best practices.
• The grant is to train health care providers on dementia care and best practices.
• The grant is to train health care providers on dementia care and best practices.
• This bill would prohibit that practice.
• This bill would prohibit that practice.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting covered a long series of bills, mostly in health, education, commerce, federalism, and government. In health, members discussed radiology technology updates (HB 2050), a tribal Medicaid waiver/drawdown measure with no state cost (HB 2177), an emergency medicine study committee (HB 2183), fetal death certificate and remains-transfer requirements (HB 2184), a physician assistant licensure compact (HB 2190), dementia care telemonitoring funding (HB 2202), SNAP error-rate reduction and fraud/eligibility oversight bills (HB 2206, HB 2442, HB 2797), child welfare protections like credit freezes and recorded interviews (HB 2321, HB 2322), and podiatric licensure compacts (HB 2438). Several of these were described as consent-calendar items, while HB 2206 and the SNAP-related measures drew discussion about fraud reduction, administrative burden, and work requirements. In commerce and finance, the committee heard bills on mobile food vendors and local permits (HB 2118), earned wage access services with fee caps and disclosure rules (HB 2309), CPA licensure changes (HB 2476), cash acceptance for retail purchases under $100 (HB 2555), drone delivery and unmanned aircraft guardrails (HB 2875), timeshare salesperson licensing (HB 2877), and a prohibition on state-mandated social credit scoring in lending decisions (HB 2903). The tax and retirement-related items included 529 plan conformity and Roth IRA transfer rules (HB 2477), annual tax conformity to the Internal Revenue Code (HB 2785), ASRS technical and disability-related changes (HB 2089, HB 2090, HB 2092), and a bill on employee health insurance definitions (HB 2089). The Arizona Commerce Authority bill (HB 2754) would add legislative members to the board and shift more control over trade offices and Arizona Competes Fund spending to the legislature. The education section focused heavily on school governance and finance. Bills included patriotic youth group presentations in schools (HB 2312), school board term limits (HB 2318), mandatory training for governing board members (HB 2379), independent municipal advisors for bond elections (HB 2320), restrictions on districts buying operating charter/private school sites to game enrollment formulas (HB 2376), conflict-of-interest limits for school facilities board architects and engineers (HB 2378), public meeting and travel transparency rules for districts (HB 2380), limits on long-term school property leases and reporting requirements (HB 2384), tighter bidding rules for school construction job orders using Building Renewal Grant funds (HB 2482), and a voluntary computer science proficiency seal (HB 2764). Sponsors repeatedly framed these as transparency, accountability, and anti-abuse measures, while some opposition centered on local flexibility, housing use, and existing training providers. In federalism and government, the committee heard bills to give counties more time to mail sample ballots (HB 2006), require courts to identify veterans at first appearance for possible veterans court referral (HB 2226), study veterans’ awareness of benefits (HB 2406), broaden military leave protections (HB 2663), require SAVE verification for voter registration and certain state services (HB 2806), require U.S.-sourced voting machine components by 2029 (HB 2901), affirm the Electoral College (HB 2902), and establish due process protections for justice of the peace courts against outside administrative action (HB 2976). Government committee items included a later deadline for library trustees’ annual reports (HB 2129), a two-year limit on certain adult protective services reports to the Attorney General (HB 2228), and an exemption for public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ spa rules (HB 2439). Several bills were reported as consent-calendar items, and a number of sponsors noted committee votes, fiscal neutrality, or favorable testimony in support of the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits the most dangerous practices, mechanical, chemical, and processes.
• It prohibits the most dangerous practices: mechanical, chemical, and prone restraint, or any restraint
• Each school will designate training staff and include these practices in their safety plan to promote
• Part of the bill talks about training and de-escalation practices in school.
• Sounds like you already have the votes practically on the committee. Okay.

Bills: HJR6, HJR7, HB120, HB60, HB151, HR1, HM13, SB40, SB104

Keywords: constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Best practices include an independent evaluator that's often done, well, it's solely done through contract
• make sure that the data that we have is available to our sister agencies and to push these best practices
• or the best practices.
• or the best practices.
• What it looks like in practice is, in advance of fire season, based on anticipated needs, the executive

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...and enthusiasts to exchange innovative ideas and explore best practices.
• Even to my law practice that has a bunch of old computers, I have to pay taxes on those, don't I?
• Even to my law practice that has a bunch of old computers, I have to pay taxes on those, don't I?
• Many of those recommendations align with the river authorities' best practices compiled by the Sunset
• We love scope of practice conversations. It's one of the things we do the most.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, recognized a Karnes County Day delegation and the Texas Association of Museums, received a governor’s message on Texas Diabetes Council appointments, and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 388 honoring the Texas Association of Museums, and adopted SRs 380, 382, and 387 by voice vote. Senator King was excused due to a family death, and the journal reading was dispensed with. The Senate then moved through a series of bills, most of them on expedited suspension of the regular order and three-day rule. Measures passed included SB 868 on Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funding for high-wildfire-risk areas; SB 264 exempting certain family motor-vehicle transfers from tax; SB 2112 on oyster mariculture penalties; SB 1484 on catfish labeling and marketing; SB 660 on bollards near hospital emergency rooms; SB 1809 creating offenses for gift card fraud; SB 32 and SJR 81 providing business personal property tax relief and a related constitutional amendment; SB 1267 modernizing boat titling and adding disclosure for hidden hull damage; SB 1470 allowing DPS data sharing for voter list maintenance; SB 2406 and SB 2407 implementing Sunset recommendations for the Sabine River Authority and Lower Neches Valley River Authority; SB 609 on school district compliance with legally required policies; SB 921 on ex parte Medicaid eligibility renewals; SB 2320 increasing DWI penalties; SB 1822 requiring disclosure and oversight of AI-based utilization review algorithms; SB 693 on notaries public and deed theft prevention; and SB 664 setting statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and related judicial officers. One of the most contested items was SB 779 on common law public nuisance claims, which drew extended debate over whether the bill would limit lawsuits against lawful, regulated activities and whether it would preserve private nuisance and other existing remedies. Despite objections, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment by a 17-12 vote, holding it there. Another debated measure was SB 1008 on state and local authority over the food service industry; after a perfecting amendment, it was passed to engrossment and then to final passage. Several bills were adopted or passed with near-unanimous support, while others, including SB 1267, SB 1470, SB 1822, and SB 2320, saw some opposition but still cleared the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• against private property as practices against private property as well<00:19:54.159> as<00:19
• <00:22:14.559> since<00:22:14.880> the link to alite burial practices since the link
• to alite burial practices since the Hawaii<00:22:15.600> Hawaiian<00:22:16.000> Kingdom
• <00:25:57.440> and<00:25:57.520> so preserve culture and practices and so preserve
• culture and practices and so all<00:25:57.840> things<00:25:58.039> being<00:25:58.440>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on Senate Bill 4, which would transfer stewardship of Mauna ʻAla from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Committee chairs opened the meeting with housekeeping and noted the hearing was live-streamed, with a two-minute limit for testimony. Director Don Chang of the Board of Land and Natural Resources said DLNR had been working with OHA and had agreed to transfer certain lands subject to due diligence, including Kahana Valley and a parcel in Waimānalo, but urged the committee to finalize those mutually agreed parcels before taking on something new. He also described the current arrangement at Mauna ʻAla as a collaborative one involving the state and the royal trusts, with the state handling routine maintenance and the trusts contributing to larger repairs and improvements on a project-by-project basis rather than through direct annual appropriations. Testimony was mixed. Supporters argued that OHA is better positioned to steward the site because of its cultural mission, Native Hawaiian governance, and ability to protect sacred places with greater cultural competency and accountability. Several speakers emphasized that Mauna ʻAla is not a state park and should be cared for by those with direct cultural ties and experience, and some cited OHA’s recent financial reforms and partnerships as reasons for confidence. Others, including representatives of the Daughters and Sons of the Hawaiian Warriors Makakoa, opposed the bill, citing concerns about OHA’s past financial management, transparency, and the need for more public information and testimony before any transfer. One testifier also argued the land transfer itself was unlawful and rooted in the history of the overthrow and annexation. Members and testifiers also discussed the historical role of the royal trusts and family caretakers at Mauna ʻAla, with one descendant describing a long family stewardship and supporting OHA only if amended language preserved checks and balances and protected iwi and burial grounds. Another speaker said the family recognized James Mayo as kahu of Mauna ʻAla and supported the bill because prior DLNR efforts had not sufficiently protected traditional and customary rights. The hearing ended after public testimony and committee questions, with no vote or final action taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• My bill, which is Senate File 730, makes our Data Practices Act statute clear that the Attorney General
• This will help prevent future waste, fraud, and abuse by ensuring that agencies are using best practices
• This will help prevent future waste, fraud, and abuse by ensuring that agencies are using best practices
• This will help prevent future waste, fraud, and abuse by ensuring that agencies are using best practices
• and it is across management practices and it is across state<00:24:43.000> agencies<00:24:44.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, you'd say this is this practices.
• <01:08:24.400> Um practice of law. Um practice of law.
• middle-le law firm who practices IP law. middle-le law firm who practices IP law.
• which is a highly specialized practice which is a highly specialized practice of<01:09:46.159>
• actually proceed with a not practical actually proceed with a not practical tibid.<01:29:44.880>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see this in practice.
• But I am a professor, a full professor of practice.
• But I am a professor, a full professor of 2566 practice.
• And that means what I do is most of the 2567 practice.
• But compliance with LCP is not only the law, it's best practice for industry.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held its first interim hearing on securing critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, with a focus on Texas’s electric grid and the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. The chair also highlighted Texas’s relatively low electricity prices and welcomed new committee members. ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), and the Attorney General’s office were invited to explain how the state screens market participants and grid equipment for ties to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and how the agencies respond to noncompliance. ERCOT testified that it has implemented the requirements of three related Senate bills by requiring attestations on corporate affiliations and on critical grid equipment and services. ERCOT said it has processed thousands of attestations, used additional requests for information and third-party verification tools such as Dun & Bradstreet, and terminated nonresponsive market participants. ERCOT also said it has not seen a case requiring direct Attorney General involvement, but it does refer matters to the PUC when needed. The PUC said it can investigate suspected violations and impose penalties of up to $1 million per violation per day, and that most investigations into late or missing attestations have been resolved through compliance, market exit, or removal by ERCOT. The Attorney General’s office said its role is currently limited to audits and court involvement, and that it lacks broad independent investigatory authority under the act. Members pressed the panel on whether the current system is too reliant on self-reporting and whether it adequately addresses indirect foreign influence, especially through supply chains for batteries, inverters, transformers, and other equipment with routable connectivity. ERCOT acknowledged that the current attestation process has gaps and said it plans to refine definitions of critical grid equipment and grid services, improve information requests, and continue stakeholder rulemaking. The panel also discussed possible legislative changes, including tying prohibitions to the Department of Defense Section 1260H list and the Texas Prohibited Technologies list, clarifying warranty and service access, and expanding the statute to cover grid services more directly. Several senators raised concerns about cost, reliability, and the extent to which foreign-sourced components remain embedded in Texas infrastructure, while others suggested incentives for domestic manufacturing and stronger verification tools, including possible work with national labs such as Sandia.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have open meeting laws, we have data practices laws, and those are meant to balance the public's right
• best practices. best practices.
• Renovation would typically be the most practical and cost-effective solution.
• Renovation would typically be the most practical and cost-effective solution.
• <01:52:04.600> and typically be the most practical and typically be the most practical and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that's good practice. It's not enforceable by law.
• practice by rule, but this is not um a practice by rule, but this is not um a clarifying<00:27:39.200
• practicable as determined by the court. practicable as determined by the court.
• <02:48:10.240> Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices
• > privately,<03:18:33.120> so course, I don't practice privately, so course, I don't practice

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we move forward with this bill now, not only is it dangerous scope of practice with the underlying
• I urge no for patient safety, for scope of practice, and also the fact that the reason they're looking
• If we move forward with this bill now, not only is it dangerous scope of practice with the underlying
• I urge no for patient safety for scope of practice and also the fact that the reason they're looking
• Some of the work that needs to be done, the accrediting, the looking at the practices, what's best for

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we move forward with this bill now, not only is it dangerous scope of practice with the underlying
• I urge no for patient safety, for scope of practice, and also the fact that the reason they're looking
• If we move forward with this bill now, not only is it dangerous scope of practice with the underlying
• I urge no for patient safety for scope of practice and also the fact that the reason they're looking
• Some of the work that needs to be done, the accrediting, the looking at the practices, what's best for

Summary: The House met in regular session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and personal privileges, including introductions of students and family members. The chamber also took up a motion to request the Senate return SB 1160 for reconsideration, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, members considered SB 1118, SB 1178, and SB 1419. SB 1118 received an appropriations committee amendment and a floor amendment related to balancing housing affordability with historic preservation, and was recommended do pass as amended. SB 1178, dealing with naturopathic medicine accreditation and scope issues, drew debate: supporters said it would protect patient access and provider supply by updating accreditation-related definitions, while opponents argued it expanded scope too far and sidestepped federal accreditation concerns; the bill was ultimately recommended do pass as amended. SB 1419, concerning solar energy devices and disclosure protections for residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial units, was also amended and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1497 was retained on the calendar. The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1242 and SB 1270. SB 1242, which allows audio and audio-visual technology for mental health evaluations or treatment hearings, was amended to modify the definition of a mental health treatment agency and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1270 also received a floor amendment and was recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole and additional Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossing SB 1118, SB 1178, SB 1419, SB 1242, and SB 1270, while retaining SB 1497. On third reading, the House passed SB 1162, SB 1274, SB 1426, SB 1552, and SB 1814. SB 1814, which establishes a substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight study committee, drew remarks in support of a study committee to address fraud, waste, abuse, and treatment reform. The House also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are looking at some potential changes in our time and leave practices that might help us do better
• We are looking at some potential changes in our time and leave practices that might help us do better
• workforce planning. ...and our time and leave practices that might help us do better workforce planning
• After our discussions yesterday that we had, I've gone back to try to look at the practices and where
• So I guess, I guess my statement is, let's use practical business common sense on this: the hours may

Keywords: 1204, all