Transcript Highlights:

• First on our list is Miss Kim Lewis. If you could come forward, Miss Lewis.
• > Lewis if you could come forward uh Miss Lewis if you could come forward uh Miss Lewis uh<00:
• Any questions for Miss Lewis? Representative Schultz, thank you, Mr. Chair, and Miss Lewis.
• Thank you, Miss Fold.
• Thank you, Miss Evenson.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 16 and January 21 minutes. Members then heard testimony focused on the impact of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and the proposed paid family and medical leave program on Minnesota school districts, with the chair framing the hearing as an opportunity to hear from major employers and school leaders about costs and operational effects. Kimberly Lewis, speaking for the Minnesota School Boards Association and related school administrator groups, said districts generally already provide generous, locally negotiated sick leave and had initially adapted to ESST by separating vacation, sick time, and ESST into different buckets. She argued that a 2024 law effectively converted previously bargained sick leave into ESST, which she said undermines contracts, creates large unfunded costs, and may raise constitutional contract-clause concerns. Lewis cited large accumulated leave banks in some districts, increased sick leave use, and estimated significant costs from paid leave, including a reported $2.5 million impact for one large district. She urged flexibility such as prorating ESST for midyear hires and part-time staff and exempting coaches, short-term substitutes, and similar employees from ESST. Superintendent Anarie Fuco of St. Michael-Albertville said her district expects about $400,000 in added fiscal 2026 costs from ESST and paid leave, plus indirect costs from substitute coverage and increased absenteeism. She said schools already have generous bargaining agreements, but the new laws reduce verification and require districts to track leave for temporary staff, creating what she described as a need for “substitutes for our substitutes.” Fuco said the district would face more than $211,000 in direct payroll costs from paid leave alone and asked for flexibility or exceptions for districts already offering comparable benefits. Members asked follow-up questions about how substitute teachers accrue leave and how many districts may be cutting budgets; Lewis and Fuco said many districts are making cuts and that substitute and staffing burdens are growing. A third testifier began by Zoom, but the transcript cuts off before her full testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chambliss, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr. Gavan, Mr.
• Chine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr. Gavan, Mr. Gudger, Mr.
• :26:51.279> Coleman >> Miss Coleman >> Miss Coleman >> Miss<00:26:53.200>
• Elliott >> Miss<00:26:59.760> Figures >> Miss Figures >> Miss Figures >>
• Wagner, Miss<00:27:53.840> Weaver, Miss Weaver, Miss Weaver, >> Mr.<00:27:56.320> Williams

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Miss Thank you, Senator Friends.
• <01:03:42.400> I<01:03:42.640> can Miss Wilson or Miss Lancheski?
• I can Miss Wilson or Miss Lancheski?
• you, Miss Lancheski, for catching that. you, Miss Lancheski, for catching that.
• Um for personally run them down.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• General uh in person. Mr. Tom, welcome. General uh in person. Mr. Tom, welcome.
• Miss Brady, welcome. Please Prisons. Miss Brady, welcome. Please proceed. proceed. proceed.
• Thank you very much, Miss Marcato.
• Thank you, Miss Ibara.
• Thank you, Miss Ibara. Next having me. Thank you, Miss Ibara.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many days have kids missed? Have they missed it multiple years in a row?
• How many days have kids missed? Have they missed it multiple years in a row?
• I’m sure that I missed people.
• I’m sure that I missed people.
• I’m sure that I missed people.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If we are not fully addressing that talent, we as an economy are missing out.
• This bill is very personal to me.
• This bill is very personal to me. This bill is very personal to me.
• Missing appointments means missing signs of dangerous, potentially fatal complications and diagnoses.
• Many of us know how quickly a healthy pregnancy can change, and missing an appointment could mean missing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• be able to speak in his own personal be able to speak in his own personal experience<00:15:37.839
• Code 920 identifies sexual assault as any person who commits a sexual act upon another person without
• the consent of the other person.
• Miss Miss Schwartz<00:41:52.960> any<00:41:53.200> questions<00:41:53.480> or<00
• bringing this bill forward again miss bringing this bill forward again miss Heen<00:57:49.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• U I rise for a personal privilege as well just to speak on GM70. Please proceed. Thank you, Mr.
• U I rise for a personal privilege as well just to speak on GM70. Please proceed. Thank you, Mr.
• U I rise for a personal privilege as well just to speak on GM70. Please proceed. Thank you, Mr.
• U I rise for a personal privilege as well just to speak on GM70. Please proceed. Thank you, Mr.
• Cao Palelejo in North Kona, Miss Cao Palelejo in North Kona, Miss Springer<00:05:17.919> has<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it by a point, they might miss it by two points.
• They might miss it by a point. They might miss it by two points.
• He would miss his, his, his... He would miss his, at the time, the FCAT.
• He would miss his, at the time was the F-CAT.
• This is very personal for me as well.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:11.440> identifiers for the uh to use a personal identifiers for the uh to use a personal
• all come up. um like I go to you, Miss all come up. um like I go to you, Miss Rogers,<00:39:36.160
• definition provided for personal definition provided for personal identifiers<01:05:52.799> and
• <01:07:38.480> The including personal identifiers. The including personal identifiers.
• feel like this this um personal feel like this this um personal information<01:24:41.679> is<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a fascinating group, and I do miss them all.
• So it was good to know him, and I miss him. I miss him a lot.
• And so, Darcy, we will miss that humility. And so, Darcy, we will miss that humility.
• Same person.
• You will be missed. It is, I will say that both... ...on behalf of the Senate, you will be missed.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Summary: The Senate first came to order after repeated quorum calls, then devoted a long portion of the meeting to farewell remarks for Senator Darcy Jech. Jech reflected on his 12 years in the chamber, his rural district, campaign experiences, major events during his tenure, and the importance of relationships, compromise, and service. Numerous senators followed with personal tributes, praising his steadiness, humility, faith, work on devotions and the Rural Caucus, and his reputation as a thoughtful, respectful colleague and family man. After the farewell segment, the Senate moved to executive nominations. The chamber unanimously confirmed Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Clayton Bullard as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health, and Clayton Bullard as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The Senate then approved a slate of Tier 2 nominations, including appointments to the Home Inspector Examiners Committee, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology board, the State Fire Marshal Commission, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, the Forensic Review Board, the Oklahoma State Credit Union, the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee, and the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. No debate or opposition was recorded on the nominations, and the votes were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor. After announcements, the Senate agreed to recess and then adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll miss you as a friend, and I'll miss those conversations that we've had.
• That you will be missed.
• But I'm going to miss you. Class of '22. Leader Harris. Personal privilege. Granted.
• So I will miss you.
• Just a personal comment.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and Miss Bailey.
• But, uh, Miss Bailey and Mr.
• But, uh, Miss Bailey and Mr.
• But, uh, Miss Bailey and Mr.
• Thank you, Miss Sommerfeld.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh and what uh was missed officers.
• Thank you, Miss Rapaport.
• Thank you, Miss Rapaport.
• Thank you, Miss Rapaport.
• um to the testifier Miss Gernander. um to the testifier Miss Gernander.

Bills: HF2233, HF1524, HF1893, HF1396, HF2456, HF2959, HF2300, HF2412, HF3022, HF2825, HF1862, HF1373, HF1039, HF3070

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, so Miss Freeman is Oh, okay.
• Uh, Miss Freeman. >> Um, thank you, Madam Chair.
• did miss that physical version of it. did miss that physical version of it.
• Uh, thank you, Miss Freeman. And >> Yes. Uh, thank you, Miss Freeman.
• if if um Miss Freeman could maybe if if um Miss Freeman could maybe comment<00:19:51.760> on<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, thank you for the correction, Miss Stephanie. Miss James, correction.
• Um, Miss James. Correction. Stephanie. Um, Miss James. Correction.
• Thank you, Miss James.
• Thank you, Miss James.
• Thank you, Miss James.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Fix, sorry, I apologize.
• Absolutely, Miss Fix.
• I'm having memories here, Senator Abeler. miss fix sorry I apologize um no it just miss fix sorry I apologize
• <01:01:52.480> is those dollars or the the person is those dollars or the the person is evicted
• I missed a couple things, so hopefully this isn't repeating, but...

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I know you've got an arm person and you've got a home, Miss Messerly, did you guys want to know off
• >> Miss<00:47:12.240> Mr. >> Miss Mr. >> Miss Mr.
• >> Miss S? Yes.
• It means missed shifts, missed medications, missed meals.
• It missed med medications, missed meals.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to take a point of personal privilege and be a little bit selfish here.
• She exemplifies everything that Miss Arkansas should be, and we can all be proud to have her as our Miss
• Whereas Kennedy Holland won the title of Miss Arkansas while competing as Miss Metro 2025 and was Miss
• It's utilized by the Miss Arkansas organization all year long.
• I'm looking forward to the next month and a half of my year as Miss Arkansas.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:02.159> receiving this regulates persons receiving this regulates persons receiving
• Miss Peterson, I'm sorry, is that a delay? Do we have Miss Wisner? Okay, Mr.
• Go ahead. sorry is that a delay is do we have Miss sorry is that a delay is do we have Miss [Music] [
• <02:29:15.680> Miss system oversight commission Miss Miss system oversight commission Miss
• know if one person has it one person know if one person has it one person doesn't<02:34:11.200><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.