Transcript Highlights:

• I think the answer to Representative Schultz's question is that paragraph that authorized the what I
• I think the answer to Representative Schultz's question is that paragraph that authorized the what I
• I think the answer to Representative Schultz's question is that paragraph that authorized the what I
• I think the answer to Representative Schultz's question is that paragraph that authorized the what I
• I think the answer to Representative Schultz's question is that paragraph that authorized the what I

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of annual housekeeping resolutions governing House operations and member/staff policies. The committee heard brief explanations from House Controller Pete Squa and HR Director Kelly Knight on each item, including the 2025 P1 service award policy, donated time policy, compensatory time and time card policy, interim/per diem classification, legal fees policy, staff photo/digital image fees, chaplain compensation, leadership compensation, member expense reimbursement, member stationery allocation, postage and digital constituent communications, member communication reimbursement, alcohol consumption policy, remote work policy, drug use policy, and the high school page/internship program reimbursement policy. Most resolutions were adopted without controversy, often with only minor clarifications or no changes from prior years. Notable changes included clarifying donated time limits, refining compensatory time language, updating leadership compensation positions to reflect the new organization, adding a Greater Minnesota mileage option in the member expense reimbursement policy, removing obsolete long-distance reimbursement language from member communication reimbursements, updating the alcohol policy location reference to the Centennial Office Building, and increasing high school page reimbursement from $10 to $15 per day. The committee also noted the House roster staff roster is on file with the controller as required by House Rule 8.20. Two items were set aside for further review: the P5 legal fees resolution was tabled after members raised questions about prior use of the policy and whether the language should be revised in light of past circumstances, and the R5 postage/digital constituent communications resolution was also tabled after Representative Schultz proposed allowing members to choose either 100% digital communications or a 70% digital/30% postage split. The R9 drug use policy was likewise tabled after Representative Engen asked whether changes in state marijuana law affected the policy. All other resolutions brought to a vote were approved and adopted, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:49.519> the program is created to authorize the program is created to authorize the
• program managers granted APA authority program managers granted APA authority to<00:10:28.000>
• <00:14:43.920> This<00:14:44.160> authority delegate that authority.
• This authority delegate that authority.
• This section authorizes the funds.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A county that authorizes small land subdivisions must provide written notice of the authorization to
• A county that authorizes small land subdivisions must provide written notice of the authorization to
• A city or town may only authorize a ballot measure authorizing a surveillance network after the body
• to deploy a surveillance network may not authorize a surveillance network.
• may not authorize a surveillance network.

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2062, HB2100, HB2118, HB2165, HB2258, HB2327, HB2397, HB2445, HB2460, HB2641, HB2745, HB2876, HB2917, HB4011, HB4049, HB4056, HB4087, HCR2013, HCR2016, HCR2040, HCR2044, HCR2048, HCR2056

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, Buffalo Soldiers, monument, commemoration, Arizona, public funding, Wesley Bolin Plaza, military history, historical memorial, small land subdivision, land use

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior meetings and then took up several measures, beginning with HCR 2013, which would proclaim June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month in Arizona. The resolution drew emotional testimony in support from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton, both of whom shared personal stories about living with spina bifida and argued for celebrating life and supporting people with disabilities. Senator Kennedy voted no, saying the resolution was symbolic and did not address practical supports such as paid family leave, health care, housing, and school meals. The committee ultimately gave HCR 2013 a due pass recommendation on a 4-1 vote, with two members not voting. The committee then advanced HB 2327, as amended, clarifying protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records and explicitly excluding voter registration records from the confidentiality provisions. Representative Hendricks said the bill was intended to fix problems created by earlier language protecting elected officials and first responders. The committee also passed HB 2258, which adds La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, with no opposition testimony. A longer debate followed on HB 2397, which expands HOA/condominium disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, including bylaws, declarations, plats, meeting minutes, and information about assessments and known defects. Representative Biasucci said the bill was about transparency for buyers, while the Arizona Association of Community Managers raised concerns about cost and the scope of the disclosure requirements; the Arizona Homeowners Coalition supported the bill but opposed an amendment that would require managers to be on site for capital projects. The committee adopted two Hoffman amendments and then gave HB 2397 a due pass as amended recommendation. The committee also passed HB 2015, which imposes penalties on state agencies that miss federal audit reporting deadlines, and HB 4049, which changes how the Attorney General represents DCS in cases alleging misconduct; both drew opposition over concerns about punitive penalties and existing conflict procedures. Later, the committee approved HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Love, and HB 2100, which allows counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, despite objections that it could weaken water-supply protections. The committee then passed HB 2460, as amended, preempting local ordinances that penalize businesses for abandoned or stolen movable property such as shopping carts; supporters argued cities were charging victims of theft, while cities and towns said the bill would undercut local nuisance enforcement and shift costs to taxpayers. Finally, the committee began hearing HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional referral recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, with Representative Cooper and supporters framing it as bodily autonomy and opponents warning it would weaken public health protections, especially in schools and during outbreaks.

Transcript Highlights:

• > from<00:38:43.480> Winona, I recognize the author from Winona, I recognize the author
• it permanent authority.
• <02:13:32.240> over And DCYF has used their authority over And DCYF has used their authority
• authority admin's authority to<02:59:58.360> more<02:59:58.560> narrowly<02:59:59.080>
• <03:00:13.680> of specifically removing the authority of specifically removing the authority

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why I authored the Farmer Equity Act in 2017.
• The author, for me, has been an innovator in this space.
• The Secretary has a lot of different authorities throughout the law.
• The Secretary has a lot of different authorities throughout the law.
• I just want to say, I appreciate the author for her work.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The California Senate Committee on Agriculture heard several bills focused on agricultural equity, seed regulation, conservation, and pest prevention. AB 52 by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry would codify two existing CDFA advisory committees created under the Farmer Equity Act: the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee. Supporters said the committees give socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers a permanent voice in policy and program development, while no opposition was presented. Members spoke favorably about the bill and its equity goals. AB 1848 by Assembly Member Ransom would raise seed law fees to fund CDFA seed enforcement, which supporters described as a consumer protection measure ensuring seeds are accurately labeled and free of contamination and noxious weeds. AB 1551 by Assembly Member Krell would add implementation of the “rice footprint” to the California Rice Commission’s priorities, tying rice acreage management to habitat conservation for waterfowl, shorebirds, salmon, and other species; the bill drew support from conservation groups and the rice industry. AB 2143 by Assembly Member Irwin would prohibit online marketplaces from facilitating the sale and shipment of noxious weeds into California, with supporters citing the spread of invasive species through e-commerce and the need to modernize enforcement. After discussion, the committee took formal action once a quorum was established. AB 2143 was moved first and passed 3-0, then the committee approved the consent calendar items and AB 52, AB 1848, and AB 1551. All bills were reported out of committee, with several initially held on call for absent members before final votes were recorded. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members have any questions for this author? No? I have one question for the author.
• Any members have any questions for this author? No? I have one question for the author.
• I thank the author for bringing this measure before us. Thank you very much.
• And so we're still waiting for authors from the Senate. From the Senate.
• Thank you to the author.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met as a subcommittee, then later established a quorum and heard several tax-related bills. Chair Gibson reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file for bills with revenue impacts over $150,000. SB 881 by Sen. McNerney would extend the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit through 2032 and the emergency food for families voluntary tax contribution through 2033; supporters from food banks, agricultural groups, local governments, and climate organizations said it would reduce food waste and help address food insecurity, with no opposition on the record. The bill was moved to suspense. SB 1406 by Sen. McNerney would target the so-called Montana tax loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; supporters said it would recover up to $20 million annually and improve enforcement, while an opposition group warned the shell-company language could affect legitimate small businesses and passive owners. That bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1349 by Sen. Gonzalez would direct the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major state tax expenditures and evaluate whether they are meeting their intended goals. Supporters, including the California Teachers Association, tax reform advocates, school employees, and local governments, argued that California’s roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures need more accountability, especially given the state’s budget pressures. The committee approved SB 1349 on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved two consent items, SB 1436 and SB 1437, on a due-pass motion. Later, SB 1249 by Sen. Richardson proposed a $3,000 tax deduction for seniors ages 86 to 90 through 2032, with supporters from LeadingAge California saying it would help older adults cope with rising costs; the bill was referred to suspense. SB 1151 by Sen. Cervantes would codify infant formula as a food product for sales tax exemption purposes; the author and supporters said it would protect families from uncertainty and preserve tax relief for an essential product. Members discussed the high cost of formula, and the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of the author, please move File Item 4, AB 1044, Macedo, to the inactive file.
• And I ask for the first roll to be open for co-authors. Thank you.
• I rise today as a proud co-author of ACR 91 and as a second-generation Portuguese American.
• Madam Majority Leader, do you wish to close or go straight to co-authors?
• Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing the League of Women Voters of San Francisco Youth Council, the Jane Center of Northern California, a departing UC Sacramento intern, and members of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association/Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The chamber then moved to the Daily File, where most items were passed and retained on file, and AB 1044 was moved to the inactive file at the author’s request. The main floor action was on ACR 91, authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which recognized June 2025 as Portuguese Heritage Month, June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and April 18 as the Day of the Azores. Supportive remarks highlighted the long history and contributions of Portuguese Americans in California, especially in agriculture, business, public service, and culture, and Assembly Member Macedo spoke as a co-author and second-generation Portuguese American. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. Macedo also shared Portuguese sweet bread with members, and Aguiar-Curry introduced Portuguese dignitaries and community leaders in the chamber. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Members honored Phil Jerizzo, Dr. Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr., and Elizabeth Starr, describing their public service, mentorship, community leadership, and family legacies. The Assembly then announced upcoming session dates and adjourned until Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each program is in the Texas Government Code, authorized by the legislature to serve our veterans.
• The chair lays out Senate Bill 1814 and recognizes its author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.
• The chair lays out SB 1818 and recognizes its author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.
• However, obtaining a letter in good standing from the issuing authority in the other states is often
• , so they can either receive their Texas license or a letter of authority to operate in Texas.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard a briefing from the Texas Veterans Commission on its major programs and outreach efforts. TVC described its claims assistance, health care advocacy, education oversight, employment services, entrepreneurship support, mental health and suicide prevention work, women veterans services, grant funding for nonprofits and local governments, and support for veteran treatment courts. The agency also highlighted its communications strategy, including media outreach, events, newsletters, social media, and the Texas Veterans State Benefits Booklet, and noted that less than 58% of veterans were aware of TVC in the latest needs assessment. A committee member asked about performance metrics, and TVC said each appropriation has associated measures and that it could provide recent results. The committee then took up Senate Bill 651, which would allow a county veterans service office in a large county to report either directly to commissioners court or to a designated county executive official. Senator West explained the bill as a cleanup of current practice, and Dallas County testified in support, saying the change would streamline internal management. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 897 would reduce the non-state matching requirement for the Texas Veterans and Family Alliance grant program in larger counties from 100 percent to 75 percent in the committee substitute, rather than the 50 percent reduction in the filed version. Supporters from MetroCare and Emergence Health Network said the lower match would help sustain and expand veteran mental health services, citing increased demand and program growth. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also adopted its rules. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1814, which would create an interagency database to collect and coordinate contact information for transitioning veterans so agencies could proactively connect them with services. Senator Hancock said the goal was to better use information already being collected, though he noted the bill had a significant fiscal note. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1818, which would create a temporary six-month licensing and certification process for military members and spouses assigned to Texas while they wait for letters of good standing from other states. VFW testified in support, emphasizing the importance of employment for military families. Both bills were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Nadeau offers the A1 amendment to get the bill in the shape that the author would like
• this bipartisan legislation and our other House authors, many of whom are in this room today.
• <00:05:18.440> this<00:05:18.560> bipartisan for authoring this bipartisan for authoring
• legislation and our other house authors legislation and our other house authors who<00:05:21.080
• Okay, seeing none, turning over to members' discussions/questions for the author.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The member has asked for the first roll to be open for co-authors.
• First is for co-authors, all members vote who desire to vote.
• Clerk will close the roll, there are 66 co-authors added.
• For an aye vote, and I would like to open the roll call for co-authors.
• Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• code in terms of level of service and making sure that the jurisdictions can demonstrate and have authority
• State agencies could be authorized and funded to audit local government administration and enforcement
• Another method, or another potential solution, would be to authorize citizen suits for violations of
• right, all the way up to what Pierce County was talking about, where they're actually giving the authority
• was talked I'm sorry Pierce County was talking about where they're actually you know giving the authority

Summary: The committee held a work session on local government issues, beginning with an update from the State Building Code Council on four legislatively mandated code amendments now in CR-102 rulemaking: temporary emergency shelters, reduced minimum dwelling unit size, multiplex housing up to three stories and six units, and single-exit apartment buildings up to six stories. Council staff also described a separate embodied-carbon appendix proposal that remains under public review, with testimony both supporting and opposing it. Members asked about the rationale for some of the code limits, including the restriction on connecting multiplex buildings. The committee then heard a panel on annexations from MRSC, Pierce County, and the Association of Washington Cities. Witnesses reviewed annexation methods, including petition, election, and interlocal agreement approaches, and said larger annexations are increasingly using interlocal agreements because they can address infrastructure, revenue sharing, and public process concerns. They described barriers such as inconsistent local standards, the cost of infrastructure, referendum risk, census requirements, and the difficulty of persuading residents and local officials to support annexation. Members asked about the five-year restriction on residential zoning changes in one annexation method and whether a hearing examiner could reduce political pressure on local decision-makers. A second panel discussed subdivision reform. The Master Builders Association urged raising the short-plat threshold within urban growth areas to 30 lots as a simpler first step, citing permitting delays and added housing costs. The City of Spokane described implementation problems with recent housing laws, including uncertainty about how to review plats under HB 1110, lot-splitting administration, and added notice requirements for unit lot subdivisions. AWC said there was broad agreement that subdivision decisions should be more administrative, but public hearings remained a point of disagreement. The committee also heard from FutureWise, the Washington State Association of Counties, and Lewis County on county development regulation and enforcement, with witnesses emphasizing underfunded code enforcement, inconsistent standards between counties and cities, and the need for better coordination, incentives, and possibly stronger enforcement tools. No votes were taken; the chair said the committee would continue working on possible solutions in future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• authority to direct other relevant state agencies.
• Oversight authority by defining and empowering a lead organization and assuming the authority to oversee
• They've typically targeted or appointed some sort of authority, a committee, a group.
• They've typically targeted or appointed like some sort of authority, a committee, a group.
• Yeah, we might not call the person an authority figure.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• this committee, please ask your members to make their way to Labor and Employment, as well as any authors
• who will be presenting bills. to Labor and Employment, as well as any authors who will be presenting
• That is a gap we have both the authority and the responsibility to close.
• By aligning state provisions with federal WIOA requirements, authorizing a unified subgrant structure
• And just want to thank you for that, and would love to be a co-author. Appreciate it.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on worker safety, wages, workforce training, and retirement savings. AB 2137 (Chen) would strengthen safety rules and certification for artificial stone fabrication shops to reduce silica exposure; AB 2499 (Gibson) would require Cal/OSHA to develop heat-illness protections for incarcerated workers and staff in correctional facilities; AB 2300 (Arambula) would streamline the disbursement of state and federal workforce funds; AB 2646 (Krell) would establish a minimum wage floor for certain agricultural workers; AB 2227 (Connolly) would tighten licensing and bond requirements for farm labor contractors and add default-judgment procedures for wage claims; AB 1869 (Haney) would create a reporting process for alleged REIT interference in hotel operations; AB 2650 (Pellerin) would expand CalSavers with emergency savings accounts and other updates; AB 2634 (Zbur) would prioritize labor-management partnerships in High Road Training Partnership grants; and AB 1888 would require skilled-and-trained workforce and prevailing wage standards for work under the Safe Home Grant Program. AB 1534 (Irwin) would create California’s approval process for short-term Pell-eligible workforce programs. The committee also took up several consent items, including AB 1904, AB 1980, AB 2550, AB 2078, and AB 2682. Most bills were described as aligning state programs with federal law or improving worker protections and program quality, while opponents generally raised concerns about costs, administrative burden, regulatory uncertainty, or reduced oversight. Testimony was largely split along labor and industry lines. Supporters included labor unions, legal aid groups, workforce boards, and affected workers or family members, who emphasized heat illness, wage theft, silica exposure, poor prison conditions, and the need for higher-quality training and retirement access. Opponents on several bills, especially those affecting agriculture, REITs, and workforce administration, argued the measures would increase costs, create uncertainty, or duplicate existing law. On AB 2227, committee members engaged in extended discussion about Labor Commissioner delays and whether the bill’s default-judgment and bond provisions would meaningfully help workers. On AB 1869, members and witnesses debated whether the bill created new standards or simply improved enforcement of existing REIT rules. The committee voted to pass all of the measures heard, generally with motions to do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations. Several bills were held open for absent members during the meeting, and later add-on roll calls recorded additional ayes, moving the bills out of committee. The meeting concluded after the consent calendar was approved and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The initial force was limited to a superintendent, 14 patrolmen, one authorized for each county, and
• I believe that it's so important that one has authority, that the authority that they possess.
• That one has authority, that the authority that they possess is identified and respected.
• Diminish the authority that one has that actually is the rightful owner of those things.
• Taking the authority away risks leaving communities like Benson powerless until the damage is already

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the journal, and several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, Arizona State Troopers Day participants, the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and a Delta Sigma Theta delegation. A Senate proclamation was read recognizing the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association for its work serving people with communication disorders. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and later third-reading votes on a large number of House bills, with several members offering floor explanations on controversial measures. Among the bills considered in Committee of the Whole were HB 2133 on sexual material and synthetic depictions, HB 2167 relating to the Attorney General, HB 2600 on school clubs and parental consent, HB 255 on brackish groundwater recovery, HB 2787 on Mexican wolf reintroduction cooperation, HB 2795 on small modular reactor zoning, HB 2985 on state land water allocations, and HB 2003 on driver instruction permits. HB 2133 was amended, including a floor amendment adding exemptions for parody, comedy, artistic expression, and criticism, and the committee recommended it do pass as amended. HB 2787 and HB 2985 advanced after divided votes, while HB 2795 failed in the later floor vote. HB 2003 was amended to add a delayed effective date of December 1, 2026 and advanced out of committee. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2013, 2031, 2102, 2103, 2117, 2226, 2262, 2278, 2378, 2584, 2693, 2270, 2370, 2665, 2666, 2876, 487, 2003, 255, 2133, 2167, 2600, 2787, 2811, and 2985, with several votes split largely along party lines. HB 2795 was defeated. Debate focused heavily on water policy, public safety, school parental consent, speech and sexual-material regulation, local control over zoning, and the Attorney General’s authority. The Senate also agreed to a free conference committee for HB 2874 and appointed Senators Finchem, Bolick, and Ortiz, then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill passed me. amendment titled Reporting Prior Authorizations Claims and D.
• to the finance authority.
• to the finance authority.
• This requires these districts to apply to the finance authority and petition for these districts.
• The House Public Safety Committee titled it "Sheriff, Exclusive Authority, Auxiliary."

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And members on our side of the aisle, I would recommend a yes vote on the amendment to allow the author
• to have the bill in the form that the author would like the bill.
• We appreciate the provision in the bill to repeal the sunset on the new payment withholding authority
• for state agencies withholding authority for state agencies that<00:10:09.839> was<00:10:09.920
• strengthen and make this authority strengthen and make this authority permanent<00:10:16.320>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of the right one, does not specifically, I think, expressly grant Office of Consumer Protection authority
• Office of Consumer Protection authority to enforce.
• Grant Express authority to ocp to Grant Express authority to ocp to enforce<00:27:09.000> would
• okay um thank you thank you Authority okay um thank you thank you chair<00:27:22.360> MERS<00
• <00:37:38.400> submitted the Hawaii tourism Authority submitted the Hawaii tourism Authority

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism, Housing, and Economic Development and Technology began with House Bill 604, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2026 and direct the revenue to the Hawaiian Homes General Loan Fund. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a source of consistent funding, while the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed it, warning that Hawaii already has very high tourism taxes and that further increases could hurt visitors, workers, and the broader economy. The committees later voted to pass HB 604 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date; the vote was adopted, with one member noted as having reservations in the housing committee vote and one no vote in that committee. The committees then heard House Bill 973, which would require transient accommodations brokers and others to display all resort fees, taxes, and government-imposed charges upfront in advertised prices and would establish penalties. The Office of Consumer Protection expressed concerns about the bill’s intent requirement and noted a forthcoming federal FTC rule on junk fees; the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the measure as promoting transparency and uniformity, and a public witness also supported price transparency while questioning the size of the penalties. After questions about federal rescission of the FTC rule and enforcement authority, the committees voted to pass HB 973 with amendments as an HD1, including removal of the intent requirement and technical changes, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. House Bill 594, relating to hotel service disruptions, would require hotel keepers to give notice of disruptions to guests and third-party vendors and allow damages. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to add a purpose section and savings clause to address First Amendment and contract clause issues, and Unite Here Local 5 supported the bill, saying guests are not always notified of disruptions and that the measure would improve transparency; the union agreed with the legal amendments. The committees voted to pass HB 594 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date, adopting the recommendation. The final measures were House Bill 448 and House Bill 449, both related to technology enablement and economic development for small businesses, including tourism-related businesses. HTDC strongly supported both bills but emphasized that technology should be targeted to the actual problem and coordinated with sister agencies rather than applied broadly; the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce also supported HB 448, and HB 449 received support from HTDC and HFIA. The committees adopted amendments to HB 448, including moving a $250,000 appropriation to the committee report, and to HB 449, including deleting duplicative language tied to HB 448 and moving a $500,000 appropriation to the committee report; both bills were passed as HD1s with deferred dates, and the hearing adjourned after the votes were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• > that She authored this legislation that She authored this legislation that started<00:14:17.279
• is the author of the A4 amendment. is the author of the A4 amendment.
• author of the bill yield for a question? author of the bill yield for a question?
• We heard the author say direct motans.
• <01:45:28.719> Seeing then the author of the bill? Seeing then the author of the bill?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and roll call, confirmed a quorum, and then moved through routine business including first reading and referral of Senate File 5019 to the Health and Human Services Committee, along with referral of Senate resolutions 73 to 75 to Rules and Administration. Senator Westrom’s motion to withdraw Senate File 3893 from Finance, give it a second reading, and place it on general orders was adopted. The chamber then took up House File 3556, which renames Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden Program as the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. Senator Hoffman presented the bill as a tribute to Speaker Melissa Hortman’s role in creating and advancing community solar in Minnesota, with Senator Marty and others supporting the recognition. The bill was read a third time and passed on final passage by a vote of 59-7, with the title agreed to. Senate File 1251 followed, a bipartisan bill to remove the June 2026 sunset on crossbow use during archery season and make the allowance permanent. Senator Pa and supporters cited a DNR study showing no negative impact on deer or turkey populations and argued the change would improve participation among women, youth, and older hunters. An A3 technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 67-0. The Senate then considered Senate File 3868, a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota due to fraud concerns. The author and supporters described widespread scams targeting seniors and others, citing losses in Minnesota and national fraud data. An A2 amendment requiring lawful-presence verification for foreign remittance transfers was ruled not germane, and the chair’s ruling was upheld on a 34-33 appeal. Debate then began on an A3 amendment related to cash transfers through airports, with members arguing over germaneness and the scope of the fraud-prevention bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• House author House author uh<01:35:46.240> not<01:35:46.600> being<01:35:46.840>
• <01:36:13.680> was<01:36:13.880> not the House author was not the House author was
• And I have spoken to the Senate author myself, who does not disagree with this process.
• Senate author. Senate author.
• And I have spoken to the Senate author And I have spoken to the Senate author myself,<01:40:49.320

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority. Welcome. Thank you. Authority. Welcome. Thank you.
• This measure authorizes the parking.
• Oh, have authority to to wave fees? Yes.
• <01:12:51.679> the applicable restaurant authorizing the applicable restaurant authorizing
• to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

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.